Luxe Life Blog • Archive for January 2012

January 31, 2012 • 9:57 p.m.

Star Surveillance: Matt Goss, Lil Jon, ‘Absinthe,’ ‘Le Reve,’ ‘Fantasy’

Caesars Palace headliner Matt Goss joined Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner and Senior VP of International Marketing Jon Jaggers for the colorful lion dance parade Saturday heralding the Year of the Dragon as part of the casino resort’s Chinese New Year celebration. Cast and crew of the Wynn water spectacular “Le Reve — the Dream” celebrated their 3,000th performance at Surrender in sister property the Encore. The group posed for photographs with a three-tier, “Le Reve”-themed cake. Also at Surrender: ... Read more...

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January 31, 2012 • 5:06 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Has ‘Fear Factor’ gone too far with donkey challenge?

We start off with WICKED WHISPERS & RACY RUMORS! A Las Vegas couple, Joe and Andrea, who met in one of our Strip nightclubs and are now dating steadily, find themselves in the middle of a major “Fear Factor” controversy. The duo reappeared unexpectedly Monday night as contestants in an unplanned, repeat episode of the Jan. 2 broadcast. Deja vu? No — it was a last-minute decision by the highest corporate chairman in the network’s entertainment decision to pull the ... Read more...

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January 31, 2012 • 1:27 p.m.

Photos: Scott Disick, Chmerkovskiy brothers, Christina Milian at 1 OAK

By Don Chareunsy The official grand-opening weekend of 1 OAK Las Vegas at the Mirage wrapped up Saturday night with the star-studded I Love New York party led by resident DJs from New York, including DJ Jesse Marco on the decks. VIP guests included Scott Disick, Chris Evans, Michelle Trachtenberg, Mehcad Brooks, Christina Milian, Nick Simmons and Paris and Nicky Hilton returning for a second night of partying after Friday night’s event with, among others, Katy Perry, Balthazar Getty and ... Read more...

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January 31, 2012 • 11:32 a.m.

Sports legends film TV special at Palms, sign N9NE Steakhouse door

Star chef Barry S. Dakake is used to having Hollywood and sports stars in his N9NE Steakhouse at the Palms, but not on the scale of this past weekend. “There’s never been a night like this in the 11 years we have been open,” he told me shortly after serving dinner to more than a dozen sports legends. Then he walked me back into his kitchen office to show off his third and newest “Shakedown Door,” and sure enough there ... Read more...

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January 30, 2012 • 10:01 p.m.

Brady who? Manning who? Hard Rock is Lingerie Bowl IX party central

Forget Indianapolis this Super Bowl Sunday because the action will be right here in Las Vegas with MTV2’s live coverage of Lingerie Bowl IX from Orleans Arena. The official party destination off the gridiron, however, is the Hard Rock Hotel as fans root for defending champion L.A. Temptation and the Philadelphia Passion, who meet in the big game once again. The Temptation won last year in a 26-25 nail-biter. Add in the fact that it coincides with the start of ... Read more...

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January 30, 2012 • 6:27 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Celine Dion’s wardrobe malfunction; ‘Hangover 3’

Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion raised eyebrows with her shockingly short gold Pierre Balmain dress at the weekend Jamaica Jazz Festival baring more than just her thighs, and she was forced to change into silver leggings and a white blazer later in the performance. She blamed the high stage and low seating rather than the French designer’s scissor for the surprise look up her legs! However, fans raved about how great she and her glamorous gams looked. Celine has confirmed ... Read more...

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January 30, 2012 • 3:34 p.m.

Las Vegas Sin’s season ends with loss to defending champions L.A.

The debut season of the Las Vegas Sin in the Lingerie Football League ended Sunday afternoon in the Western Conference Championships when the defending champion Los Angeles Temptation won the WCC for a record-setting third consecutive year, 27-18, in Ontario, Calif. Right out of the first scrimmage, Melissa Margulies of the Temptation scored a 35-yard touchdown to give L.A. an 8-0 advantage that demoralized our hometown gridiron girls and from which they never recovered. The Sin’s Carrie Walters and Nikki ... Read more...

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January 30, 2012 • 1:57 p.m.

Wolfgang Puck receives James Beard’s Lifetime Achievement Award

The James Beard Foundation announced today that Las Vegas restaurateur and celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck, hailed for his contributions to the culinary industry, has been named the recipient of its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award. Wolf will be honored at the Foundation Awards, which recognizes food and beverage industry professionals, at New York City’s Lincoln Center on May 7. For the first time, the foundation will announce the final nominees for all award categories during a press brunch at the Venetian ... Read more...

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January 30, 2012 • 10:54 a.m.

Photos: Eva Longoria at top of dance card at Nevada Ballet gala

By John Katsilometes Nevada Ballet Theatre reaches high for its Woman of the Year honorees. Paula Abdul, at the height of her “American Idol” fame (and during the filming of her short-lived Bravo reality TV series “Hey Paula”), was the 2007 honoree. Dance icon Twyla Tharp was honored in 2008, followed by Bette Midler (during her headlining run at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace) in 2009, Flamingo headliner Marie Osmond in 2010 and Priscilla Presley last year. This has been ... Read more...

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January 29, 2012 • 5:17 p.m.

Photos: Dr. Carlisle Cullen parties at Chateau, Sugar Factory at the Paris

By Don Chareunsy Actor Peter Facinelli, Dr. Fitch Cooper in “Nurse Jackie” and Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the blockbuster “Twilight” series, enjoyed a boys weekend in Las Vegas that included hosting at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens in the Paris on Saturday night. Looking dapper in a gray suit, Facinelli walked the red carpet and posed for photographs with fans before making his way upstairs to the nightspot. Facinelli, in town with childhood friends, spoke on the red carpet about the ... Read more...

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January 29, 2012 • 4:48 p.m.

Photos: Bow Wow parties at Rain in the Palms

By Don Chareunsy Actor and rapper Bow Wow, dressed ultra casual for a nightclub in tan clam diggers, performed a few of his songs, including his new hit “Sweat,” at Rain in the Palms on Friday night, and Ciroc Coconut, Patron and Coronas were his beverages of choice throughout the evening — hopefully not mixed together. Also spotted at Rain: San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers with a group of friends at a VIP table near the dance floor. Rogers ... Read more...

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January 29, 2012 • 4:33 p.m.

Photos: Birthday boys Kid Rock at Tao and J Cole at Lavo

By Don Chareunsy Rocker Kid Rock, fresh from performing his sold-out concert at House of Blues in Mandalay Bay on Saturday night (his show there Friday night also was sold out), hosted an after-concert party at Tao in the Venetian that also served as a birthday celebration. The Detroit rock star took over a section of VIP tables and enjoyed Jim Beam and Miller Lite with a large group of friends that included fellow recording artist Uncle Kracker and nightlife ... Read more...

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January 28, 2012 • 3:37 p.m.

Photos: Katy Perry, Paris Hilton, Chris Evans at 1 OAK grand opening

By Don Chareunsy The official Friday-night grand-opening party for 1 OAK at the Mirage was a star-studded affair, with Katy Perry, Markus Molinari, Paris and Nicky Hilton, David Arquette and girlfriend Christina McLarty, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty and Rosetta Getty, Scott Disick minus baby mama Kourtney Kardashian, Chris Evans, Christina Milian, Shenae Grimes, Michelle Trachtenberg and more partying at the new hotspot. Perry co-hosted the GiveLove charity event with J. Molinari Jewelry designers Markus Molinari and Jason Arasheben during the ... Read more...

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January 28, 2012 • 1:28 p.m.

Photos: Holly Madison, Laura Croft, Frank Marino at Buca di Beppo

By Don Chareunsy Talk about sauce-y and sassy! Holly Madison (“Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood), Laura Croft (Night School 4 Girls at Excalibur), Flamingo headliner magician Nathan Burton and Frank Marino (“Divas Las Vegas” at Imperial Palace) were immortalized — in marinara sauce — at Buca di Beppo’s new location in the Excalibur on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012. Each of the Strip celebrities took part in the Buca di Beppo marinara handprint ceremony. After creating her own handprint, Madison also immortalized ... Read more...

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January 28, 2012 • 11:32 a.m.

Photos: Social Distortion rocks the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel

By Don Chareunsy Fullerton, Calif., punk rock band Social Distortion performed a sold-out concert at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel on Friday night, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was up close and personal to frontman Mike Ness (vocals, guitars), David Hidalgo Jr. (drums), Jonny Wickersham (guitars) and Brent Harding (bass) for his rock star photo gallery. Please check back later for Las Vegas Sun A&E writer Andrea Domanick’s report from the concert. It’s funny to think that only ... Read more...

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January 27, 2012 • 1:33 p.m.

Photos: Las Vegas Sin (4-0) face defending champs L.A. Temptation

By Jim Wallin, LFL360.com The battle lines are drawn, and an explosive matchup awaits fans as the Las Vegas Sin and Los Angeles Temptation clash for the second time in two months at 1 p.m. Sunday at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. (the game airs live on MTV2) for the right to represent the Western Conference in Lingerie Bowl IX on Super Bowl Sunday at the Orleans Arena. L.A. TEMPTATION The defending two-time champion L.A. Temptation enter their ... Read more...

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January 27, 2012 • 12:07 p.m.

Miss Nevada USA Pageant contestants are ‘drop dead gorgeous’

As Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman ends her reign Sunday, she says the 24 women competing for her title and crown are “the best group of any pageant. … I’m glad I’m not competing against them this time around,” she told me. “They are drop dead gorgeous. All tall at 5-foot-11, all ethnicities, and in fact every guy’s dream girl will be on that stage.” Sarah will co-host the preliminary swimsuit and evening gown pageant Sunday at 3 p.m. with ... Read more...

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January 27, 2012 • 10:36 a.m.

Photos: Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte attend ‘Luck’ screening at Mandalay

By Don Chareunsy HBO hosted an advance screening of its new original series “Luck” at Mandalay Bay Theater on Thursday night, and the show’s stars in attendance included Dustin Hoffman and his wife Lisa Gottsegen, Nick Nolte (sporting a unique tan/light yellow raincoat, a fedora and a beard), Dennis Farina, Jill Hennessy and Richard Kind. “Luck,” from director Michael Mann and “Deadwood” creator David Milch, is a behind-the-track look at the world of horse racing — the owners, the gamblers ... Read more...

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January 27, 2012 • 2:16 a.m.

Celebrity preview: Katy Perry, Kid Rock, Brad Paisley, Miss Nevada USA

Newly single pop princess Katy Perry leads an all-star party parade this weekend as she celebrates the new 1 OAK’s official grand opening at the Mirage. Country music expands its roots in Las Vegas as Nashville Unplugged features a second night in a second casino, plus it’s a preview of April’s 47th Academy of Country Music Awards (the nominations were announced Thursday morning) in April with Brad Paisley and opening acts The Band Perry and “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery ... Read more...

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January 26, 2012 • 3:36 p.m.

Eva Longoria to be honored as Woman of the Year by Nevada Ballet

It’s one of the most glittering and glamorous social events of the Las Vegas calendar. In fact, it’s been hailed as the creme de la creme of the Las Vegas parties. Gorgeous gowns and sparkling jewelry at Nevada Ballet Theater’s 28th Annual Black and White Ball will match elegance and excitement Saturday with “Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria in the spotlight. There are added showbiz elements to this year’s celebration at Aria and Crystals at MGM’s CityCenter, with actress and ... Read more...

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January 26, 2012 • 2:33 p.m.

Bieber fever! Madame Tussauds unveils pop superstar’s wax figure

By Andrea Domanick Bieber fever hit the Strip on Wednesday afternoon when Madame Tussauds at the Venetian unveiled its latest work of wax. The replica of teen pop sensation Justin Bieber will be on display at the museum through March 4, when it will be returned to its home at Madame Tussauds New York. Attendees, largely of the tween girl demographic, posed with and blew kisses at the wax figure, which sports a Will.i.am black vest, Balenciaga pants and Bieber’s ... Read more...

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January 26, 2012 • 11:27 a.m.

The pizza president: Where Obama stayed, what he ate while in Las Vegas

By Don Chareunsy President Obama, who arrived in Las Vegas late Wednesday afternoon and was greeted by Mayor Carolyn Goodman at McCarran Airport, stayed at the Element Hotel in Summerlin on Wednesday night. The president ordered 12 pizzas and cannolis from Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria & Bar for his staff and himself. Dom DeMarco’s is a new restaurant that opened last month in Summerlin by pizza maker Dom DeMarco of the award-winning Di Fara’s in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to serving ... Read more...

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January 26, 2012 • 9:28 a.m.

ACM announces award nominations and 10-year CBS contract

CBS, ahead of Reba McEntire’s announcement this morning of this year’s ACM Awards nominees, has extended its broadcast contract for 10 years. Dick Clark Productions will produce the annual April broadcasts and the next-day, taped specials from MGM Grand Garden Arena through 2021. Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney and Lady Antebellum lead the nominations for female, male and group artists, respectively, for this year’s star-studded 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 1, from MGM Grand Garden Arena ... Read more...

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January 25, 2012 • 9:59 p.m.

Human Nature embarks on first U.S. tour in March

By Don Chareunsy Australian pop vocal quartet and Imperial Palace headliners Human Nature are hitting the road in March for their first U.S. tour a few weeks after their new album, “The Motown Record,” is released March 6. The first date of “Human Nature: The Motown Show Presented by Smokey Robinson” for brothers Michael and Andrew Tierney, Toby Allen and Phil Burton is March 24 at Detroit’s Fisher Theater. “The Motown Record” features the group’s versions of “Baby I Need ... Read more...

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January 25, 2012 • 5:50 p.m.

Photos: Patriots vs. Giants a Super Bowl rematch 4 years in the making

By Don Chareunsy It’s a rematch four years in the making. On Sunday, Feb. 5, the AFC champion New England Patriots face the NFC champion New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI (46) in Indianapolis, and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be looking to avenge his loss at the hands of Eli Manning and his Giants. Let’s take a quick walk back in time. It was Super Bowl XLII (42) at the University of Phoenix in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. ... Read more...

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January 25, 2012 • 3:27 p.m.

Photos: Anthrax, Testament and Sebastian Bach rock Las Vegas

By Don Chareunsy Blast-from-the-past rockers rocked Las Vegas over the weekend. Anthrax, with singer Joey Belladonna and guitarist Scott Ian, headlined at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay, and Scott Harrison was on duty for a photo gallery. Harrison also shot Worship Music Tour opening act Testament, with singer Chuck Billy, drummer Gene “The Atomic Clock” Hoglan, guitarist Alex Skolnick and guitarist Eric Peterson and his Flying V guitar. Death Angel also was part of the heavy-metal lineup. The ... Read more...

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January 25, 2012 • 1:38 p.m.

Oscars celebration in Las Vegas to honor legendary Shirley Jones

By Eryn Gingrich Oscar winner Shirley Jones will be honored by Variety, the Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada, at Oscar Night Las Vegas. Officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Oscar Night Las Vegas is Feb. 25-26, celebrates the 84th Academy Awards and benefits Variety, which is dedicated to providing services for children with special needs. Jones, who won the 1961 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for “Elmer Gantry,” and her actor, comedian and theatrical agent ... Read more...

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January 25, 2012 • 11:56 a.m.

Tickets go on sale today for ACM Awards at MGM Grand on April 1

This year’s 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be a triple-punch, star-studded affair, and the first night’s double-header April 1 is no joke. Tickets for the festivities go on sale today, and award nominations will be announced Thursday morning. Vegas DeLuxe has an advance rundown of the dual awards show to be hosted for the second consecutive year by Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton at MGM Grand Garden Arena and the Zac Brown Band at Mandalay Bay Events ... Read more...

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January 24, 2012 • 11:59 p.m.

Photos: Cold beer on a Friday night with Zac Brown Band at Mandalay

By Don Chareunsy When it comes right down to it, country stars the Zac Brown Band are a jam band. And last Friday night at Mandalay Bay Events Center, they were a jam band who rocked the stage and pleased more than 9,000 fans. Forget that they’re one of country’s most popular acts. Forget that they’ve won awards. Forget that they’ve performed for the troops. The Zac Brown Band are amazing musicians, and their skills were on full display. Zac ... Read more...

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January 24, 2012 • 6:04 p.m.

Garth Brooks to receive $1 million in lawsuit against Oklahoma hospital

Country music superstar Garth Brooks, who returns to his headliner residency at Encore Theater in the Wynn this weekend, has won his lawsuit tonight against a Tulsa, Okla., hospital that refused to name a wing there after his late mother when he donated $500,000. Check back for more details as they become available. Updated at 7:45 p.m.: Here’s the story from the Associated Press: CLAREMORE, Okla. — An Oklahoma hospital in Garth Brooks’ hometown must pay $1 million to the ... Read more...

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January 24, 2012 • 3:37 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: ‘America’s Got Talent’ casting ISO Las Vegas acts

NBC’s hit “America’s Got Talent” is returning to Las Vegas in early February in search of new performers. The talent and casting scouts hope to audition as many as 30 acts at the invitation-only producer’s showcase. Past “AGT” judges have included Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel, and radio king Howard Stern is joining this new season with Hilary Duff as it moves from Hollywood to New York. Regular Las Vegas visitors Nick Cannon and Jerry Springer have hosted Las Vegas ... Read more...

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January 24, 2012 • 1:36 p.m.

Miss America: Ratings success, next year’s pageant, response to critics

When the live Las Vegas broadcast of the 2012 Miss America Pageant crowning two weeks ago came in with its best TV ratings in 8 years, pageant officials were ecstatic: “It’s nothing short of a miracle,” Miss America Organization Chairman Sam Haskell told me. But despite ABC’s big numbers and demographics, there was instant criticism from several pageant fans concerning “the squirm factor” — the moment one of three ousted contestants would be “saved” by a very visible onstage show ... Read more...

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January 24, 2012 • 11:36 a.m.

Studio 54 at MGM Grand to transform into restaurant, nightclub

As Studio 54 at MGM Grand prepares to close after a decade-long run, entertainment and hotel executives this morning confirmed our earlier Vegas DeLuxe stories of the new fine dining and luxury nightlife concept that will open there in December. An Abu Dhabi property-investment company, Tasameem, is partnered in the new venture, the second Middle East group to be involved in Strip nightclub ventures. As we previously reported, Angel Management Group, which also runs Wet Republic at MGM Grand (and ... Read more...

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January 23, 2012 • 5:58 p.m.

Tito Ortiz celebrates 37th birthday with Jenna Jameson at XS

By Don Chareunsy UFC stud Tito Ortiz celebrated his 37th birthday with baby mama Jenna Jameson by his side at XS in Steve Wynn’s Encore on Sunday night. While preparing for the celebration, Ortiz tweeted, “Getting ready, this is going to be the best night of my life.” The on-again-off-again-on-again couple, who are the parents of twins Jesse Jameson and Journey Jette, arrived at the hotspot after midnight and were seated at a private table overlooking the dance floor. Ortiz ... Read more...

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January 23, 2012 • 4:33 p.m.

Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure opens at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

By Eryn Gingrich Legendary NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett has launched his full-throttle experience with the grand opening of Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with ride-and-drive opportunities and a once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding along as he puts the company’s new fleet of NASCAR-style racecars through their paces. After 14 years of providing individual and corporate customers with what golfer Phil Mickelson called “the greatest thrill on Earth” on many NASCAR tracks in the U.S., Dale Jarrett Racing ... Read more...

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January 23, 2012 • 3:59 p.m.

Photos: Porn stars’ fantasies include Brangelina and David Duchovny

By John Katsilometes Where would the AVN Awards be held if it were not in Las Vegas? Dave Attell considered the possibilities. “There are no other cities. None,” Attell said during the red carpet walk leading into Saturday night’s presentation at the befittingly named Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel. “We tried Salt Lake City. We tried Islamabad, Pakistan. No takers. It’s Vegas! Attell was fired up about the renewal, for a second season, of his Showtime series “Dave’s Old ... Read more...

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January 23, 2012 • 2:37 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Chinese New Year at Palazzo and Caesars Palace

The Year of the Dragon — 2012 — is a time for big projects and innovative ideas, offers great social and financial success and brings happiness and success to good and honest people. The Palazzo at 1 p.m. today unleashed its good-luck, fire-breathing, 128-foot dragon with a ceremonial dragon dance, a parade, music, an eye-painting ceremony and firecrackers. (Update: A photo gallery from the ceremony was added at 6:30 p.m.) The 8,000-pound, handcrafted and suspended dragon, spanning the entire Waterfall ... Read more...

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January 23, 2012 • 12:34 p.m.

Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina celebrates 2nd anniversary

After two years of not being able to drive 55, Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina will celebrate its birthday with a weeklong party. Starting today through Sunday, the popular Mexican restaurant and bar at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops is offering guests food and drink specials, entertainment and prizes, including an autographed guitar from Sammy himself. In celebration of turning 2, guests can enjoy Cabo Wabo’s “3Ts” special — two tacos, a Tecate and a shot of Cabo Wabo Tequila ... Read more...

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January 23, 2012 • 11:05 a.m.

Exclusive photo: Roy Horn rides horseback for rehabilitation program

Here’s the first photo of Magicians of the Impossible Siegfried & Roy riding their new horses, which have become an integral part of Roy Horn’s physical rehabilitation program — and Roy is certainly proving that he is the master of the impossible! As Vegas DeLuxe reported exclusively, Roy purchased the horses El Commodore and Mi Corazon as a Christmas gift for the two illusionists. Roy made a promise that he would reach one hour of riding to assist his recovery ... Read more...

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January 23, 2012 • 12:01 a.m.

Photos: Celine Dion celebrates Chinese New Year, Octavius Tower

By Don Chareunsy Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion hosted the grand-opening ceremony of the Octavius Tower in conjunction with Chinese New Year on Sunday night at Caesars Palace, officially ringing in the Year of the Dragon. During the private ceremony, Dion participated in the customary lion dance, bringing good fortune to Caesars’ sixth hotel tower and wishing happiness and prosperity for the New Year. “I am pleased to celebrate the opening of the luxurious Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace and ... Read more...

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January 22, 2012 • 11:33 p.m.

Photos: 2012 AVN Award winner Jesse Jane hosts after-party at Pure

By Don Chareunsy Adult-film star Jesse Jane hosted her second Diosa Tequila soiree in three days, this time at Pure in Caesars Palace on Saturday night after the 2012 AVN Awards at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. The popular blonde bombshell had another reason to celebrate alongside her blossoming tequila line — her win for Best Supporting Actress for the Digital Playground film “Fighters.” Shortly after midnight, Jane was welcomed by hundreds of fan upon her arrival at ... Read more...

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January 22, 2012 • 10:46 p.m.

Photos: Official Brazzers Party at Tao; Ronnie the Limo Driver at Lavo

By Don Chareunsy Ronnie Mund, widely known as Ronnie the Limo Driver from “The Howard Stern Show” and Howard TV, played host at Lavo in the Palazzo. After dinning at the Italian eatery, Mund made his way upstairs to the boutique nightclub to host a Las Vegas version of his “Hot Chick of the Week” contest, and Dirty Marie of Playboy Radio accompanied him. Women competed in a dance-off for the honor, and Tracy Patrick of California was declared the ... Read more...

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January 22, 2012 • 10:00 p.m.

Photos: ‘Cougar Town’ cast hosts viewing party and Q&A at Moon

By Don Chareunsy The cast of ABC’s “Cougar Town” hosted a viewing party at Moon in the Palms on Saturday, and fans were treated to two episodes of the sitcom, plus a Q&A with the cast after the episodes. “Cougar Town” cast members at Moon: Courteney Cox, Christa Miller, Brian Van Holt, Ian Gomez, Josh Hopkins and Bob Clendenin. After the viewing party, the cast dined at nearby Nove Italiano, where Cox met Executive Chef Geno Bernardo, posed for a ... Read more...

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January 22, 2012 • 5:59 p.m.

Photos: ‘Bachelor,’ ‘Bachelorette, ‘Bachelor Pad’ reunion at 1 OAK

By Don Chareunsy It was a private cast-reunion party for ABC’s “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor Pad” on Saturday night at the new 1 OAK in the Mirage ahead of “Glee” actress Naya Rivera’s belated 25th birthday party. “Bachelorette” Ashley Hebert, her fiance J.P. Rosenbaum, “Bachelorette” Ali Fedotowsky and former “Bachelorette” and “Bachelor Pad” contestants Kasey Kahl, Erica Rose and Krisily Kennedy were among the cast who mixed and mingled and showed off their moves on the dance floor. ... Read more...

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January 22, 2012 • 5:08 p.m.

Photos: Bree Olson plays AVN Awards after-party hostess at Gallery

By Don Chareunsy After serving as co-host of the 2012 AVN Awards alongside Sunny Leone at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel, Playboy cover girl, adult-entertainment superstar and former Charlie Sheen goddess Bree Olson celebrated with an after-party at Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood on Saturday night. The blonde-bombshell 25-year-old Indiana native arrived with a large group at the nightclub in a short, strapless red dress, tall black pumps and her hair pulled up in loose curls. Olson, in ... Read more...

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January 22, 2012 • 3:10 p.m.

Photos: Naya Rivera celebrates her 25th birthday at 1 OAK

By Don Chareunsy “Glee” actress Naya Rivera celebrated her belated 25th birthday at the new 1 OAK at the Mirage on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 (her birthday is Jan. 12), and she was accompanied by her mother Yolanda Rivera and her brother Mychal Rivera. Arriving shortly after midnight, Rivera, family and friends, including her “Glee” co-star Dianna Agron, partied at a VIP table near the DJ booth and enjoyed rose champagne. They danced the night away to a DJ set ... Read more...

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January 22, 2012 • 1:34 p.m.

Photos: Wyclef Jean performs his hits at the Bank in the Bellagio

By Don Chareunsy Amid competition from the porn stars of the 2012 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo and the ladies of the Lingerie Football League’s Las Vegas Sin and Green Bay Chill, Wyclef Jean performed at the Bank in the Bellagio on Saturday night. Back in the U.S. after a recent trip to his homeland of Haiti for the second anniversary of the earthquake, Wyclef let loose at the nightspot taking shots with friends and mingling with fans before his performance. ... Read more...

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January 22, 2012 • 11:31 a.m.

Photos: Las Vegas Sin knocks the wind out of Green Bay Chill, 30-0

By Don Chareunsy The Lingerie Football League’s Las Vegas Sin is having an exceptional first season: The ladies have knocked off defending champions the Los Angeles Temptation, and they remain undefeated, punctuating their dominance with a 30-0 freeze-out of the Green Bay Chill on Saturday night at Orleans Arena. Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue shot this fabulous photo gallery (admittedly, this journalist blushed a few times clicking through the photographs) and provided Vegas DeLuxe with a few details. Quarterback Nikki Johnson ... Read more...

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January 21, 2012 • 3:56 p.m.

Photos: Jenna Haze hosts at Chateau, Sunny Leone at Crazy Horse III

By Don Chareunsy Adult-film superstar Jenna Haze hosted her 2012 AVN/AEE party Friday night at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris, and contributing photographer Edison Graff was onsite for the tough assignment. Meantime, Sunny Leone, the raven-haired co-host of tonight’s 2012 AVN Awards at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel alongside Bree Olson, was the ultimate hostess for Vivid Vodka’s Official 2012 AVN After-Party on Wed., Jan. 18, 2012, at Crazy Horse III (an after-party three days before ... Read more...

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January 21, 2012 • 2:32 p.m.

The weather forecast at LAX in Luxor? Very Stormy (Daniels)

By Don Chareunsy Adult entertainment star Stormy Daniels hosted her 2012 AVN/AEE party Friday night at LAX in the Luxor. After her midnight arrival, Daniels, in a shimmering blue one-shoulder dress with matching stilettos, made her way to a VIP booth to join her group of 10. The blond bombshell got on the mic to welcome the crowd at LAX: “Get ready to party and drink tonight!” she said as her fans cheered. Celebrating her AVN nominations, the seductive starlet ... Read more...

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January 21, 2012 • 12:55 p.m.

Photos: Cobra Starship rocks 1 OAK; fans include Jessica Alba, Haylie Duff

By Don Chareunsy Cobra Starship, with heartthrob frontman Gabe Saporta, rocked the new 1 OAK at the Mirage on Friday night, and actresses Jessica Alba and Haylie Duff (in town for a Chanel event) were among the late-night revelers. The evening also served as a birthday celebration for Cobra Starship’s Victoria Asher. Saporta, Vicky-T and bandmates Alex Suarez, Ryland Blackinton and Nate Novarro hit the stage about 1:45 a.m. for their set that included “Good Girls Go Bad” (alas, no ... Read more...

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January 20, 2012 • 2:27 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Star parade continues at ‘O’ with Jennifer Lopez

By Don Chareunsy Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio continues to attract A-list celebrities from the world of Hollywood and sports, as singer, actress, entrepreneur and “American Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez attended the hit production and posed with cast members. Lopez seems to be fan of Cirque productions, as she and now-ex-husband Marc Anthony attended the Beatles’ Love at the Mirage during New Year’s Eve weekend more than a year ago. As Vegas DeLuxe reported yesterday, Denver Broncos quarterback ... Read more...

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January 20, 2012 • 12:52 p.m.

Photos: Jesse Jane hosts Diosa Tequila party at Planet Hollywood

By Don Chareunsy In case you’ve been living under a rock or have been passed out since Wednesday, the 2012 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo is in town at the Hard Rock Hotel, and one of the industry’s most popular stars, Jesse Jane, hosted a party at gay enclave Krave at Planet Hollywood on Thursday night to promote her tequila Diosa. Jane, who Mr. Vegas DeLuxe Robin Leach interviewed last year during the AVN/AEE (she talked about her double life as ... Read more...

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January 20, 2012 • 3:22 a.m.

Celebrity preview: Porn stars, Lingerie Football, Zac Brown Band, Wyclef

The bare-all, shock-all, ribald and risque 2012 AVN Awards with comedian Dave Chappelle and hosts Bree Olson, whose candid interview was posted Wednesday, and Sunny Leone take center stage at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. On Wednesday, we posted a Royal Robin Rundown of the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo parties throughout the Strip and beyond. But it’s not all about Best Sex Scene, Best Fantasy and Best New Starlet. Las Vegas has other attractions, and the girls of ... Read more...

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January 19, 2012 • 8:55 p.m.

Oscar Goodman, Part 2: Ex-mayor talks city of Las Vegas and his legacy

In Wednesday’s Part 1 of my exclusive one-on-one interview with Oscar Goodman, the former mayor of Las Vegas talked about his new Plaza restaurant, marrying couples as a minister, the renaissance of downtown and what he would do to people who object to the term “broads.” Today, Oscar ruminates about Las Vegas once again and his legacy. Robin Leach: Tell me a little history. Why did Las Vegas divide into two, the city downtown and then the Strip in Clark ... Read more...

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January 19, 2012 • 3:55 p.m.

Tim Tebow watches ‘O’ at Bellagio with brother, friends

What’s an NFL quarterback to do now that his season is over? Go to Disneyland? No! Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow — maybe you’ve heard of him — attended Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. The popular and headline-making quarterback — in jeans, a black sweater and a knit cap — posed backstage with “O” cast members after the 10 p.m. performance. Tim commended the cast on an incredible show. This was Tim’s first ... Read more...

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January 19, 2012 • 2:54 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Vince Neil, Chuck Liddell in Super Bowl commercial

By Don Chareunsy Kia announced this week that it is airing a “man’s dream” commercial during Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 featuring Las Vegas resident and Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil, retired MMA legend Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell and supermodel Adriana Lima flanked by an Optima racing around a track. USA Today reports that the 60-second spot will debut in movie theaters Feb. 3. Fifteen-second teaser ads also will air before the Feb. 5. Kia will use Twitter and ... Read more...

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January 19, 2012 • 11:38 a.m.

Photos: Romance is alive and well at the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo

Hidden among the porn festival and sexpo with its bursting bras, stripper stilettos and flesh fantasies is a girl on a unique mission. “I’m the girl who wants girls to watch the porn,” romance writer Jacky St. James told me. “I’m really a mainstream girl with a pornographic mind.” Jacky has set out to bring romance to the XXX-rated movie industry, and her “Roman Series” for New Sensations is making a splash. Her debut film “Dear Abby” has picked up ... Read more...

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January 18, 2012 • 11:53 p.m.

Oscar Goodman, Part 1: Ex-mayor talks speakeasy, nuptials, Downtown

Dining with the former mayor of Las Vegas, the honorable Oscar Goodman, is a fabulous and extraordinary experience, especially when it’s an exclusive one-on-one conversation. While I’m awaiting his arrival at his new Oscar’s Steakhouse in the Plaza, I ponder the menu. Should I order Fat Herbie’s tuna, Crazy Phil’s soup or Vinnie’s bisque? Perhaps the Spilotro-styled skirt steak? Should l have a drink of Goodman’s Legacy — 40 years and still going strong — or maybe the No-Bama — ... Read more...

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January 18, 2012 • 5:25 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: ‘Magic and Mayhem,’ Mob Museum nuptials, Justin Bieber

Master illusionist Michael Turco (“America’s Got Talent”) and Lacey Schwimmer (“Dancing With the Stars”) have teamed up on “Magic and Mayhem,” a mashup production that debuts Feb. 16 at Saxe Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops. The show is described as a fusion of illusions and audience interaction combined with the stylings of choreographer Lacey, who grew up in Las Vegas. “The time was right for me to make the leap to Las Vegas, and Saxe Theater is the ... Read more...

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January 18, 2012 • 3:01 p.m.

Porn goddess, first-time AVN host Bree Olson quitting adult-film world

Surprisingly, maybe even shockingly, adult-film actress Bree Olson is treating Saturday night’s AVN Awards as her swan song to the porn industry. The former Charlie Sheen “goddess” who partied with him at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens in the Paris says it will be her adult-career farewell after 220 flicks — and her way of saying thank you to her fellow actors, actresses and filmmakers. The 25-year-old former Penthouse Pet started in porn in November 2006 and became a contract starlet ... Read more...

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January 18, 2012 • 12:59 p.m.

Miss America Pageant leaving Las Vegas? ‘Not so,’ top exec says

Internet and Twitter reports Tuesday night by a former Las Vegas TV personality that said the Miss America Pageant would not be held here in Las Vegas next year were labeled as “totally untrue” this morning by the organization’s top executives. The broadcaster cited her “reliable, impeccable sources” stating that the pageant would be held next year in Mississippi. “Not so,” Miss America Organization Chairman Sam Haskell told me today. “Totally untrue. We have another year on our Vegas contracts. ... Read more...

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January 18, 2012 • 12:52 a.m.

2012 AVN: It’s time to party with porn stars in Vegas, baby

The four-day festival of flesh, eye-popping pulchritude and shocking, sky-high short skirts and stilettos known as the AVN/Adult Entertainment Expo returns to town today and kicks off with the wanton women of Wicked. Jessica Drake, Kaylani Lei, Stormy Daniels and Alektra Blue will be on near-naked display in their lingerie nightclub outfits at Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood for tonight’s first party. This morning, it’s like any other business for convention delegates, with leading attorneys at seminars dealing with everything ... Read more...

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January 17, 2012 • 3:02 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: 500 requests rejected to cover 2012 AVN Awards

2012 AVN/Adult Entertainment Expo officials have acknowledged that this year’s trade show and 29th annual awards at the Hard Rock Hotel are an overcrowding concern. In fact, Vegas DeLuxe learned that more than 500 requests from media to cover the red carpet and awards at the Joint on Saturday were rejected. “We just had to cut it when it got too much,” one of the publicity people said. “We turned down over 500 media outlets requesting access, so for those ... Read more...

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January 17, 2012 • 2:02 p.m.

Photos: Bellagio debuts spectacular 2012 Chinese New Year display

By Don Chareunsy The colorful and spectacular Chinese New Year — Year of the Dragon — exhibit officially opens Thursday at the Bellagio and is on display through March 4 (Chinese New Year begins Monday). The mythical dragon symbolizes power and good fortune, and Feng Shui, attracting positive life energy, balance and harmony, guides the exhibit. The exhibit’s centerpiece is two animated, 25-foot blue dragons coiled around a cylinder of water representing the Year of the Water Dragon. The dragons ... Read more...

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January 17, 2012 • 11:57 a.m.

Photos and video: Dita Von Teese sizzles, shakes, strips at Hyde

Striptease queen Dita Von Teese stands only 5-foot-5, but the powerful porcelain princess packs a provocative punch when she’s undressing for fans who bow to her as the International Queen of Burlesque. At the new Hyde Bellagio, the bombshell brunette ruled with a sultry midnight performance set against the dancing Bellagio Fountains. Talk about champagne wishes! She popped the cork on a magnum once she’d peeled down to just pasties and a G-string after shedding her waist cincher, stockings, corset, ... Read more...

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January 16, 2012 • 11:33 p.m.

Photos: Miss America hosts, judges salute military widows; 3 birthdays

2012 Miss America Pageant host Chris Harrison of “The Bachelor” celebrated his wife Gwen’s birthday right after Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler was crowned the new Miss America on Saturday night at Planet Hollywood. The couple took over a bungalow at Surrender Nightclub in Steve Wynn’s Encore, and Chris was kept busy posing for photographs with fans. Surrender resident DJ Calvin Harris was back behind the wheels of steel after his tour with pop superstar Rihanna. He also was celebrating his ... Read more...

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January 16, 2012 • 10:01 p.m.

2012 Miss America Laura Kaeppeler and an official Super Bowl football

New Miss America Laura Kaeppeler of Kenosha, Wisc., is on her way to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, and NFL officials sent the first of the official footballs to her for this Tom Donoghue photo. Laura will host the 21st annual food fundraiser Taste of the NFL as one of her first duties in her new reign (bummer about her Green Bay Packers on Sunday, as the defending Super Bowl champions were upset by the New York ... Read more...

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January 16, 2012 • 5:51 p.m.

Gordon Ramsay: ‘Timing is right for Gordon Ramsay Steakhouse’ in L.V.

The Paris’ official confirmation Friday that controversial Chef Gordon Ramsay had finally landed on the Strip confirmed our stories dating back to December 2010, but also a decade-long series of rumors of his restaurants opening in Las Vegas. Shortly after the long-expected announcement that we posted Friday, I talked with the globetrotting TV star widely known for his Fox hit “Hell’s Kitchen.” Robin Leach: Congratulations on the news about the new Paris steakhouse and the others to come, but why ... Read more...

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January 16, 2012 • 3:57 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Miss Nevada USA Pageant kicks off for Jan. 29 contest

No sooner does the 2012 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood leave town than we start preparing for the June arrival of the 2012 Miss USA Pageant contestants, and that excitement begins here in Las Vegas on Jan. 29 at the Palms with the Miss Nevada USA contest. Tickets are on sale now. Miss USA 1994 Shanna Moakler has taken on the role of creative director with our local pageant and tells me that 30 to 40 ladies will be ... Read more...

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January 16, 2012 • 2:06 p.m.

Photos: Celine Dion helps raise $1 million for children’s sickle-cell work

Superstar singer Celine Dion enlisted the help of her fellow Caesars Entertainment headliners in a $1 million bid for her children’s sickle-cell-research benefit concert “Play Without Pain” on Sunday night to jump start close-to-the-cure clinical trials. Husband and manager Rene Angelil and Celine welcomed 150 of the well-heeled donors and the amazing doctors of Children’s Hospital Boston backstage at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace for a meet-and-greet and photo session. The couple then donated the entire proceeds of her special ... Read more...

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January 16, 2012 • 11:58 a.m.

Photos: Tropic Beauty winner named at MGM; L.V. model wins contract

Fans of the female form packed MGM Grand’s Studio 54 for the Tropic Beauty World Finals on Saturday night, and 6-foot-tall Venezuelan bombshell Ligia Hernandez stole the spotlight as the winner. Las Vegas model Dessie Mitcheson, who won for Best Smile, also triumphed on in landing the “Face of MGM” contract for sporting event appearances and special promotions throughout 2012. Kristina Carroll of Calgary, Alberta, and Kimberly Fattorini of Long Beach, Calif., were voted Most Photogenic. More than 80 sizzling ... Read more...

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January 15, 2012 • 5:01 p.m.

Wilhelmina models dine at Fix, party at the Bank in the Bellagio

By Don Chareunsy Wilhelmina Modeling Agency models partied in the Entertainment Capital of the World over the weekend, and one of their stops was the Bank in the Bellagio on Friday night. Thirty top Wilhelmina models, including Gabriel Aubrey, Sara McNeilly and Anna Zanovello, plus Wilhelmina President Sean Patterson, a regular guest star on Tyra Banks’ “America’s Next Top Model” on the CW, and style expert Robert Verdi started the night with dinner and drinks at nearby Fix. Post-dinner, it ... Read more...

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January 15, 2012 • 4:19 p.m.

Photos: Adam Levine moves like Jagger at new 1 OAK at the Mirage

By Don Chareunsy Adam Levine, heartthrob frontman of Maroon 5 and coach on NBC’s “The Voice”, showed off his moves like Jagger and his sexy, soulful voice and self at the new 1 OAK at the Mirage on Friday night. Levine and friends began their night at dinner at nearby Stack, and the group included Javier Colon, Levine’s protege and Season 1 winner of “The Voice.” The group made their way to 1 OAK shortly after midnight. At 1 OAK, ... Read more...

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January 15, 2012 • 12:37 p.m.

2012 Miss America photos: Emotional story, ‘America’s Choice,’ big ratings

It was riveting, roller-coaster-ride television packed with suspense and surprises. ABC officials even went so far as to say “the best Miss America Pageant yet,” and overnight ratings released this morning showed that the walloping Tim Tebow and his Denver Broncos suffered at the hands of record-setting Tom Brady and his New England Patriots answered ABC and Miss America execs’ prayers that TV viewers would turn away from the trouncing and watch Miss America. “I have tears in my eyes,” ... Read more...

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January 14, 2012 • 5:43 p.m.

Live blog: And the new Miss America crowned at Planet Hollywood is …

SPOILER ALERT: The 2012 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood is live on the East Coast and tape delayed on the West Coast, or Pacific Time. Leave now if you want to watch the telecast without knowing the winner at 9 p.m. PT. It’s been a memorable stay for the 53 2012 Miss America Pageant contestants since their arrival Jan. 5 at Planet Hollywood and leading up to tonight’s competition at the Theater for the Performing Arts airing on ABC. ... Read more...

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January 14, 2012 • 12:03 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Dita Von Teese, Steve Wynn and ‘Undercover Boss’

Bombshell burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese has no qualms tonight about facing the 2012 Miss America Pageant princesses, the Wilhelmina models and the international Tropic Beauty contestants, all of whom are on parade when she performs an intimate midnight striptease at the new Hyde Bellagio. Dita laughed, telling me: “I’m a woman of experience, and not one of them has a waist as tiny or tight as mine in a cinch! I’ll pull out all the stops for a raucous, ... Read more...

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January 14, 2012 • 9:44 a.m.

Photos: Tropic Beauty models kick off contest at MGM Grand’s Tabu

The Tropic Beauty models pageant began Friday night at Tabu Ultra Lounge in MGM Grand with 80 stunning and sexy swimsuit contestants from more than a dozen countries in contention, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty for the tough assignment. The parade of hopefuls was trimmed down from the field of 80 to 30, and the 30 compete in the finals at nearby Studio 54 tonight — 1 hour after the rival 2012 Miss America Pageant ends at ... Read more...

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January 14, 2012 • 8:51 a.m.

Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi work their magic on Strip film set

By Andrea Domanick It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s … Steve Carell? The actor/comedian of “The Office” fame was spotted hovering above the Strip on Wednesday in an enormous Perspex plastic box as part of a scene for his upcoming comedy “Burt Wonderstone.” Carrell was joined in the intimidating feat by co-star Steve Buscemi, both of whom showed no signs of trepidation as they were photographed laughing and smiling their way through the stunt. The film, due out next ... Read more...

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January 14, 2012 • 6:25 a.m.

Three-time host Chris Harrison: ‘Miss America can beat Tim Tebow’

Editor’s Note: The 2012 Miss America Pageant live blog begins at 6 p.m. today from Planet Hollywood. “The Bachelor” host Chris Harrison, “Dancing With the Stars” co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet and Miss America Pageant officials believe that tonight’s telecast will crush the competitive football draw of the Denver Broncos vs. the New England Patriots. “It’s a huge game, but Miss America can beat Tim Tebow,” Chris declared (jokingly?!). The pageant at Planet Hollywood’s Theater for the Performing Arts and airing on ... Read more...

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January 13, 2012 • 5:01 p.m.

Tiesto gets CES crowd moving at XS to launch ‘In the Booth’

By Andrea Domanick 2012 CES attendees let their hair down — or at least unleashed a few awkward dance moves — Wednesday night at Encore’s XS with a private DJ set from Tiesto. The evening celebrated the launch of the Dutch DJ/producer’s digital series “In the Booth” and marked the first-ever concert to be streamed live on Twitter. Co-produced by Tiesto and digital entertainment company Believe Entertainment Group, “In the Booth” incorporates technology from anchor sponsors HP and Intel to ... Read more...

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January 13, 2012 • 12:34 p.m.

2012 Miss America photos: Hawaii, New York win; Ballas vs. Jenner

It was a full day and night of heart-tugging, tear-jerking emotions and awards at the 2012 Miss America Pageant — and Mark Ballas and Kris Jenner wound up in a fun battle for a surprise Judge of the Year talent contest. There wasn’t a dry eye in Planet Hollywood’s Theater for the Performing Arts as 2011 Miss America Teresa Scanlan revealed that she had pulled 53 diamonds from her crown and turned them into pendants as a gift for each ... Read more...

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January 13, 2012 • 10:28 a.m.

Hollywood, sports stars to honor Muhammad Ali in L.V. on Feb. 18

An all-star lineup of Hollywood and sports stars will serve as entertainers and presenters at the Las Vegas salute to Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday Feb. 18 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The event, to be recorded for ABC broadcast Feb. 25, is the 16th Annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala, which raises funds to support the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. In its bid to knock out memory disorders, Keep Memory Alive is celebrating the ... Read more...

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January 13, 2012 • 9:06 a.m.

Confirmed! Gordon Ramsay to open first L.V. restaurant at the Paris

Our earlier Vegas DeLuxe exclusives posted as far back as December 2010 were confirmed this morning with the official announcement that Chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsay will open Gordon Ramsay Steak, his first Las Vegas restaurant, this spring. Permits have been issued, and construction is underway for a planned opening in 90 days at the Paris, and its entrance is expected to start on the casino floor with a Eurotunnel-designed passageway. When “Hell’s Kitchen” stars up again on Fox ... Read more...

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January 13, 2012 • 12:49 a.m.

Celebrity preview: Girl power of Miss America, Wilhelmina, Tropic Beauty

It’s all about the fairer sex this weekend in Las Vegas, and that’s even before the adult world porn princesses invade shortly for AVN/Adult Entertainment Expo and men quake and quiver at their sight. To quote new baby mama Beyonce, “Who run the world? Girls!” It’s a weekend of wonder women, from the 2012 Miss America Pageant princesses at Planet Hollywood to superstar Celine Dion, from the willowy Wilhelmina models to Karina Smirnoff of “Dancing With the Stars. From the ... Read more...

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January 12, 2012 • 5:58 p.m.

2012 CES photos: Bieber, Snooki, LL Cool J, 50 Cent peddle products

By Don Chareunsy It’s been quite a week at the 2012 edition of the global Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and while the spotlight has shined brightly on the latest technology, gadgets and innovations, celebrities have shared the star-studded limelight, too. CES is the world’s largest gathering for consumer technology innovation, and some 3,100 companies showcased more than 20,000 products to an estimated 140,000 visitors. Thanks to Scott Harrison, who shot nearly all of these photographs ... Read more...

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January 12, 2012 • 11:32 a.m.

2012 Miss America judges: ‘Hot’ changes for next year’s pageant

Even though Miss America officials and the ABC production team have promised surprise new elements for Saturday’s live pageant broadcast, it looks as if this year’s judges will bring about new changes for next year, too. “Dancing With the Stars” pro champion Mark Ballas and “Good Morning America’s” Lara Spencer want the pageant to become “even more modern,” and “The Bachelor” producer Mike Fleiss goes as far as saying “super sexy and hot.” Miss America chief Sam Haskell said at ... Read more...

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January 12, 2012 • 9:57 a.m.

2012 Miss America photos: Miss Texas, Oklahoma lasso victories

It was down to the wire for the three 2012 Miss America Pageant contestants battling one other to pass the $40,000 target of raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the organization’s main cause. As the cutoff ended with their trip to Las Vegas for Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape, Miss Louisiana Hope Anderson and Miss Mississippi Mary Roark, only $59 separated the three beauties, and all three had surpassed $40,000. “How do you tell two of the three girls who ... Read more...

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January 11, 2012 • 5:08 p.m.

Strip Scribbles exclusive: Zak Bagans’ debut CD includes ghosts, spirits

“Ghost Adventures” host Zak Bagans is creating a never-before-heard music industry project based on his experiences with spirits. The Las Vegas producer and lead investigator is now filming Season 6 of the hit Travel Channel series, which airs in the spring. First, though, Zak has joined Lords of Acid founder Praga Khan on a new electronic music album. It will feature voices from spirits that Zak has encountered and recorded on his series set as vocals in their musical collaboration. ... Read more...

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January 11, 2012 • 11:55 a.m.

Miss Nevada Alana Lee: Miss America Pageant ‘a phenomenal experience’

As the 91st Miss America Pageant competition hits the halfway mark to Saturday night’s ABC telecast from Planet Hollywood, our Miss Nevada Alana Lee says “she’s feeling good” — but it’s much more hectic and busier than she expected. In an interview this morning, Alana told me: “I thought this was going to be easy peasy, but in fact in high heels all day long, it’s killing me! I’m sleeping only 4 to 5 hours a night. Before I can ... Read more...

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January 11, 2012 • 10:56 a.m.

2012 Miss America photos: Utah, Wisconsin win first night; judges

For the first time in Miss America Pageant history, all seven judges were pulled onstage during the first night of preliminary pageant competition — and put through the same tortures that face the 53 contestants: the runway poise, the posture and personality presentation and the grueling unknown question! But this was all a hilarious, unscripted, unrehearsed and unknown segment that 1994 Miss New Jersey Dena Blizzard orchestrated, and everybody reveled in it, even the judges who received a standing ovation ... Read more...

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January 10, 2012 • 10:51 p.m.

Phantom’ closing at the Venetian on Sept. 2: ‘We’ve had a triumphant run’

By John Katsilometes The Phantom is vanishing, this time for good. “Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular,” one of Las Vegas’ finest and most lavish production shows over the past five years, is closing Sept. 2. The show’s company was told tonight in a meeting with BASE Entertainment co-Chief Executive Officer Scott Zeiger at the Venetian, where the show opened in June 2006. The show’s lead was resigned that the decision was purely business. “I’ll tell you, there was talk ... Read more...

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January 10, 2012 • 3:35 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Criss Angel wants Mexican ticket scam to vanish

“Mindfreak” magician Criss Angel and Cirque du Soleil officials have issued warnings to South of the Border fans not to purchase tickets for falsely advertised shows. Criss told me: “We are permanently based at the Luxor here in Las Vegas performing ‘Believe’ five nights a week. We are not performing in any other cities internationally or even in the U.S. “Recent announcements about the show performing in Mexico are totally inaccurate. Potential ticket buyers, sponsors or anybody else is forewarned ... Read more...

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January 10, 2012 • 1:33 p.m.

Photos: ‘Crazy Girls’ at Riviera marks 25 years — butt with new look

The iconic and now-legendary “butt” bronze sculpture of the gorgeous “Crazy Girls” outside the Riviera will remain, but to celebrate the show’s 25th year, new ”butt”-posed photographs of the eight topless temptresses will be used in the 2012 marketing campaign on posters and promotions. Since the butt bronze has been on the Strip, tourists and locals have rubbed the sculpture for good luck before playing in the casino hotel. Photographs of the butt image have gone around the world, and ... Read more...

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January 10, 2012 • 11:31 a.m.

Manny Pacquiao to sing at Ali’s 70th birthday bash in L.V.?

Las Vegas resident and Top Rank boxing promoter Bob Arum says that he is hoping Manny Pacquiao can attend the 70th birthday celebration of Muhammad Ali at MGM Grand on Feb. 18. Our downtown Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is using its annual Keep Memory Alive gala over President’s Day weekend to honor Muhammad, who is battling Parkinson’s disease. The brain center, a leading researcher of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, is hosting a dinner in honor of Muhammad, ... Read more...

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January 9, 2012 • 10:19 p.m.

Photos: Nelly shakes his tailfeather at Sugar Factory and Chateau

“I hope that 2012 is better than 2011 for everybody here tonight,” rapper and actor Nelly said to an excited crowd at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris. “Happy New Year!” With his seventh album set for release this year, Nelly has a lot to celebrate and shared his enthusiasm with revelers. He hit the DJ booth and kicked off his set with older hits including “Shake Ya Tailfeather” and “Ride Wit Me,” which he performed with City Spud. ... Read more...

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January 9, 2012 • 8:56 p.m.

Amazing and inspiring Class of 2012 Miss America Pageant contestants

2011 Miss South Carolina Bree Boyce, 22, lost 112 pounds after her doctor handed her a handicap-parking sticker and told her that she would die if she continued binging as she hit 234 pounds. My interview with her and the amazing story is below. 2011 Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley, 20, suffered facial injuries, a concussion and a fractured jaw when high school bullies who felt she was “too pretty” and wanted “to make her look ugly” beat her up. ... Read more...

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January 9, 2012 • 4:36 p.m.

Photos: Apl.De.Ap at Tao and Jennifer Love Hewitt at Lavo

Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt celebrated her boyfriend Jarod Einsohn’s 28th birthday with dinner at Lavo in the Palazzo. The “Eagle Eye” actor and Jennifer were joined by friends at the Italian eatery. The group enjoyed favorites including the Kobe meatball and margherita pizza and sipped Saggio specialty cocktails. They finished off dinner with a birthday cake before heading up to the boutique nightclub, where they took over a VIP table and danced all night to the sounds of DJ C*LA. ... Read more...

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January 9, 2012 • 2:37 p.m.

2012 Miss America photos: Simon, rehearsals, orientation, ‘Phantom’

To fans, friends, family and observers, it all looks like a fun weekend on the town for the 2012 Miss America Pageant contestants in Las Vegas: a fashion show, an Italian restaurant outing, a visit to “Iron Chef” Kerry Simon’s restaurant Simon at Palms Place and a backstage meet-and-greet with the cast of “Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian after watching the musical starring Anthony Crivello, Kristi Holden and Andrew Ragone. But behind-the-scenes, the competition is difficult ... Read more...

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January 9, 2012 • 12:01 p.m.

2012 Miss America photos: Fashion Show and Buca di Beppo

It’s the perfect example of brains and beauty! This year, the 2012 Miss America Pageant princesses are wearing today’s modern styles, and that means higher heels and shorter skirts that are sequined and sassy. “But they are still classy,” said one of the retail fashion consultants for Express who worked with the contestants at the weekend Fashion Show runway presentation. “Our fashion show proves they can still be brainy and beautiful. It’s definitely a hotter look than in previous years, ... Read more...

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January 8, 2012 • 5:31 p.m.

Photos: Jordin Sparks celebrates 22nd birthday at Tropicana’s new RPM

Season 6 “American Idol” winner and Grammy Award-nominated and multiplatinum-selling singer Jordin Sparks celebrated her 22nd birthday with family, including her mother Jodi Sparks, and friends at the new RPM Nightclub at the Tropicana on Saturday night. Jordin wore an animal-print dress by Karina Grimaldi and danced at her table and on the dance floor before trying her hand at blackjack in RPM’s elite gaming lounge. She was presented with a birthday cake by Freed’s Bakery and enjoyed a weekend ... Read more...

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January 8, 2012 • 4:03 p.m.

Star Surveillance: Drake, Avicii, Taye Diggs, Gabrielle Giffords, ‘Gigolos’

The first week of the New Year is over, and celebrities continue to frolic in the platinum playground that is Las Vegas. Drake, who performed at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel on New Year’s Day, dined with friends at Lavo in the Palazzo while in town. A table away, Margot Robbie from ABC’s “Pan Am” wrapped up her first visit to Las Vegas with girlfriends enjoying cocktails and the Italian eatery’s Kobe meatballs. Marquee Dayclub and Nightclub at ... Read more...

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January 8, 2012 • 2:08 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Elvis’ birthday, Tropic Beauty, Travie McCoy, Vegas Magic

The 77th birthday of Elvis Presley would’ve been celebrated today, so for seven nights, the new 35 Steaks + Martinis at the Hard Rock Hotel is going all-out Elvis. Matt Baldoni will entertain with the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s hits, a one-of-a-kind Elvis outfit will be on display at the restaurant, and a free dessert in honor of his 1956 hit “Just Because” will be served combining his favorite sweets: brioche banana bread pudding with peanut butter mousse and ... Read more...

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January 8, 2012 • 10:58 a.m.

2012 CES: Celebrity list includes Bieber, Snooki, 50 Cent, Overeem

Hollywood stars, music icons, sports legends and A-list entertainers make up the superstar appeal as they arrive en masse for this week’s 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show to showcase and promote products and technologies shaping consumer technology for today and the future. Justin Bieber will even unveil an entertainment robot! The 2012 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, is underway Monday through Friday across Las Vegas. CES is owned and produced by the Consumer Electronic Association, the trade ... Read more...

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January 7, 2012 • 11:40 a.m.

Rick Faugno brings his one-man show to the Lounge at the Palms

By John Katsilometes Fleet afoot and strong in voice, Rick Faugno continues to tap into Las Vegas. The former “Jersey Boys” cast member who gained notoriety for his spot-on portrayal of Frankie Valli is set to perform his one-man show at the Lounge at the Palms on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. The show launches Jan. 17, and tickets go on sale Tuesday at noon at the hotel box office. The new Palms show is to be titled, simply, “Rick Faugno.” ... Read more...

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January 7, 2012 • 11:01 a.m.

Photos: Pitbull’s 31st birthday with Tony Romo, Ryan Cabrera at 1OAK

Chart-topping superstar Pitbull roared into the new 1OAK at the Mirage shortly after midnight Friday to celebrate his 31st birthday early (the big day is Jan. 15) and perform for partygoers, among them singer Ryan Cabrera, former MLB star Jose Canseco, actor Michael Pena and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Shortly before 2 a.m., Cuba-born Pitbull, birth name Armando Christian Perez, hit the stage, which the nightclub constructed for his performance. Pitbull entertained the crowd with a high-energy performance of ... Read more...

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January 6, 2012 • 3:47 p.m.

Caesars Palace’s Octavius Tower is a top-notch Strip stay-cation

I checked out the new boutique Octavius Tower, Caesars Palace’s “hotel within a hotel,” during New Year’s Eve weekend before this week’s official opening. It’s a 23-story, 668-suite technological wonder of premium luxury. Octavius is part of an $860 million expansion that includes the new Nobu restaurant and hotel being transformed from one of the older towers at Caesars later this year. Octavius Tower is the sixth at Caesars and takes the total room count to just under 4,000. It ... Read more...

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January 6, 2012 • 2:14 p.m.

Roy Horn’s recovery therapy progress; Criss Angel warns of scam

Shortly before Christmas, I reported that injured illusionist Roy Horn had purchased two horses for magic partner Siegfried Fischbacher and him so that they could ride together and help in his recovery therapy. I am now delighted to report that Roy has accomplished his goal of being able to ride for an hour each day. Thursday night at the opening of Vegas Magic Theater in the Gold Coast, Siegfried told me, “Roy is doing so well. He hit the 1-hour ... Read more...

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January 6, 2012 • 1:04 p.m.

2012 Miss America photos: IHOP breakfast, Quality of Life finalists

The first standout 2012 Miss America Pageant contestants in the Quality of Life Awards have been announced and might be the early ones to watch. But all 53 hopefuls put rivalry aside this morning to compete for best pancake-making skills at the annual IHOP pancake breakfast. This time it wasn’t about vocal skills, but kitchen abilities. Not a battle — but batter! Instead of twirling a baton high, it was about the perfect pancake flying high from the pan. Contributing ... Read more...

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January 6, 2012 • 11:08 a.m.

Celebrity preview: Birthdays for Elvis, Jordin Sparks and Pitbull

It’s all about birthday celebrations this weekend, and there’s no bigger party than those scheduled around what would have been Elvis Presley’s 77th on Monday. The King of Rock ’n’ Roll is still the most beloved Las Vegas entertainer of all time, and the spirit of the legendary performer will be remembered this weekend and into next week. So put on your blue suede shoes and join the numerous artists and shows paying tribute. The big attraction is Cirque du ... Read more...

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January 6, 2012 • 1:38 a.m.

2011 Miss America Teresa Scanlan offers advice to 53 contestants

By Teresa Scanlan Even though I turn over my crown to a new winner in nine days, I will always be Miss America 2011 — but now my life changes again when I leave Las Vegas after the 2012 Miss America Pageant. First, I will head to Denver for a couple of months to start some exciting projects with the composer of the “Whitewater Chopped Sticks” piece that I played in the talent portion a year ago. I’ll continue with ... Read more...

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January 5, 2012 • 5:25 p.m.

Photos: Miss America contestants welcomed at Planet Hollywood

For the first time in seven years of traveling to Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas for the annual Miss America Pageant, every contestant arrived safely and on time, and not one piece of baggage was lost. At this afternoon’s arrival and welcome ceremony, families, fans and friends received the first look at all 53 of the contestants, with Miss Virgin Islands Camila Daniels the youngest at 18 and several at age 24, the age cutoff. Our Miss Nevada Alana Lee, ... Read more...

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January 5, 2012 • 3:01 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: From Flamingo Las Vegas to Shanghai for Nathan Burton

Magician Nathan Burton is taking a five-day, jet-set round trip from his headliner show at the Flamingo to appear on the live finale of “China’s Got Talent” in Shanghai. He is the only American invited to be a special guest performer on the Season 3 wrap-up. Season 2’s finale guest performer was Susan Boyle. The British-owned Chinese entertainment reality TV show is on Dragon TV and is hosted by Cheng Lei. This is Nathan’s first time performing in China; he ... Read more...

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January 5, 2012 • 1:05 p.m.

Playboy Comedy Lounge at the Palms closes — what’s next?

Vegas DeLuxe has officially confirmed that after a 2-year run, the Playboy Comedy Lounge at the Palms has closed. Comedian Dov Davidoff from E! Entertainment’s “Chelsea Lately” was the final headliner during the New Year’s Eve weekend. “The lounge was built for rotating acts,” I was reliably told. “There will be new shows.” That new entertainment format will allow the Palms to book a wider selection of performers. The updated schedule is being worked on and will be announced soon. ... Read more...

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January 5, 2012 • 11:33 a.m.

2012 Miss America Pageant hopefuls arriving to new-look, live telecast

Barring last-minute flight delays, all 53 Miss America Pageant princesses will be checked into Planet Hollywood by 3 p.m. today, assigned their roommates and then start 10 intense days of competition. The first 2012 hopefuls arrived Wednesday. Today at 4 p.m., there is the official welcoming ceremony MC’d by “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood and “Holly’s World” star Josh Strickland and former Mayor Oscar Goodman; an advance story of joy and heartbreak among the contestants was posted yesterday. My “game face ... Read more...

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January 4, 2012 • 5:30 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: MTV to air Lingerie Bowl at Orleans during Super Bowl

MTV and the Lingerie Football League have agreed to air the annual Super Bowl Sunday telecast of Lingerie Bowl 9 in Las Vegas. The game is Feb. 5 at Orleans Arena and will be broadcast to 45 countries; the Super Bowl is in Indianapolis. With a 3-0 record, our Las Vegas Sin has qualified for a berth in the Western Conference playoffs. They walloped Chicago Bliss 32-20; defeated Seattle Mist 28-24; and in an upset beat top-ranked defending champions L.A. ... Read more...

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January 4, 2012 • 3:55 p.m.

Heartbreak and joy as 2012 Miss America Pageant hopefuls arrive

Heart-rending emotions serve as the backdrop for Thursday’s arrival of the 53 contestants of the 91st annual Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood. Las Vegas schoolteacher Stan Jerlicki will be among the proudest grandparents sitting in on next week’s preliminary contests, and 1974 Miss America Rebecca King Dreman, who is battling cancer, hopes that she’ll be at the ABC telecast on Saturday, Jan. 14, to see if her daughter, Diana, will follow in Mom’s footsteps. Former Mayor Oscar Goodman, now ... Read more...

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January 4, 2012 • 2:12 p.m.

To this Miss America, the year has been about others — not about me’

For the seventh consecutive year in Las Vegas, 53 of America’s most talented, intelligent and beautiful women arrive at Planet Hollywood on Thursday to kick off a week of preliminary competitions that will culminate in the 91st Annual Miss America Pageant airing on ABC on Saturday, Jan. 14. “The Bachelor’s” Chris Harrison and “Dancing With the Stars’ ” Brooke Burke-Charvet return as co-hosts. The 2012 judges are Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner, “DWTS” pro dancer Mark Ballas, actress Teri Polo, “Bachelor” ... Read more...

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January 4, 2012 • 11:31 a.m.

Photos: Minus 5 Ice Bar honors reality TV star Laura Croft

Minus 5 Ice Bar, the “coolest” bar in Las Vegas, continued its celebrity cocktail program by honoring party girl Laura Croft, the face of Night School 4 Girls at the Excalibur and star of “Holly’s World,” with her own signature cocktail. The Hypnotic-School Girl features a blend of Hypnotic Harmonie, Skyy passion fruit-infused vodka and white cranberry juice served in a glass made of ice. Other celebrity cocktails include Holly Madison’s Holly Mad-ICE-on, Carrot Top’s Heat Miser and Human Nature’s ... Read more...

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January 3, 2012 • 11:58 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Mary J. Blige hosts premiere of RPM Nightclub

By Don Chareunsy Singer Mary J. Blige not only celebrated New Year’s Eve at the Tropicana on Saturday night, but the nine-time Grammy Award winner also commemorated the opening of RPM Nightclub, the former space of Club Nikki. The “Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul,” looking beautiful in a white dress, counted down to the New Year with the crowd before launching into her hits “Real Love” and the No. 1 smash “Family Affair.” DJs Dan, Christopher Lawrence and Donald Glaude kept the ... Read more...

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January 3, 2012 • 10:58 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Fergie, Josh Duhamel, Kanye, Bruno Mars, LMFAO

Kanye West joined party hostess Fergie to celebrate the premiere of the highly anticipated 1OAK at the Mirage on New Year’s Eve. After much speculation surrounding his Twitter campaign to DJ on Saturday night, Kanye took the stage and thrilled partygoers with a 3-hour set. Dubbing himself YeezyWorldPeace, Kanye mixed tracks for Fergie, her handsome actor husband Josh Duhamel and the crowd to usher in a new era of the 1OAK brand with 1OAK co-founders Richie Akiva and Scott Sartiano. ... Read more...

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January 3, 2012 • 10:01 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian at Chateau

“Keeping Up With the Kardashians” couple and parents-to-be (for a second time) Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian hosted the New Year’s Eve celebration at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris on Saturday night. The stunning couple led partygoers in the countdown as other celebrity guests, including guest DJs Joel Madden and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte and Ronnie Ortiz-Magro of MTV’s “Jersey Shore”, counted along. Kourtney and Scott greeted the New Year in a flurry of embraces and kisses ... Read more...

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January 3, 2012 • 6:22 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Pamela Anderson hosts Studio 54’s final Dec. 31

Blonde bombshell Pamela Anderson hosted the New Year’s Eve celebration at Studio 54 at MGM Grand on Saturday night, with the Playboy Playmate and “Baywatch” icon dressed in a skin-tight, head-turning nude dress paired with sky-high Christian Louboutin heels. Squeezing her pro surfer boyfriend Jon Rose, Pamela posed for pictures in front of the venue before going inside to celebrate the final NYE bash at the legendary venue. Studio 54 closes its doors Feb. 5 after a 14-year run on ... Read more...

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January 3, 2012 • 4:02 p.m.

Strip Scribbles: Sahara to reopen ‘sooner than later,’ Nazarian says

Hotel mogul Sam Nazarian has revealed that he will make over the shuttered Sahara hotel casino he bought on the Strip and will reopen it “sooner than later.” At a preview of his new Hyde Bellagio last week, Sam said that the Sahara will get a complete redo and be rebranded as SLS Vegas — tied in with his sprawling hospitality and entertainment empire SBE of real estate, restaurants, clubs and hotels stretching from L.A. headquarters to Miami. Sam told ... Read more...

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January 3, 2012 • 2:05 p.m.

Stevie Wonder at Cosmopolitan: a NYE show of surprises, classic hits

By Brjden Crewe Who does Stevie Wonder think he is? Sure, he’s won 22 Grammy Awards and has more than 30 Top 10 singles in his 50-year recording career, but to believe that Wonder would and could surprise a crowd after all these years would be a stretch. We know his songs, and we’ve seen him perform, but what Wonder had in store Saturday night was a surprise if you were expecting a typical cruise-through-the-hits version of his show. Wonder ... Read more...

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January 3, 2012 • 11:59 a.m.

Photos: Deadmau5 Day, birthday and residency kickoff at XS

To say 2012 is off to a great start for electronic dance music phenomenon Deadmau5 might be an understatement, as the artist headed to the Strip for a trifecta of celebrations on Monday night: his birthday, the kickoff of his 2012 residency at XS in Steve Wynn’s Encore and Mayor Carolyn Goodman officially proclaiming Jan. 2, 2012, “Deadmau5 Day” in Las Vegas. Deadmau5, aka Joel Zimmerman, arrived at the nightspot just before midnight, and the XS staff took over the ... Read more...

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January 2, 2012 • 11:57 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: DJ Kaskade, Overeem, Mayweather Jr. at Marquee

Turntable whiz DJ Kaskade, aka America’s 2011 Best DJ, is believed to have set a new U.S. record with his marathon 12-hour(!) New Year’s Eve and Day session behind the wheels of steel. Kaskade brought in the New Year at Marquee in the Cosmopolitan and just before midnight led the club in the countdown, displayed on the hotspot’s 40-foot LED screen, and then shouted to the crowd, “Who is going to go 12 hours with me? Come on!” Kaskade then ... Read more...

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January 2, 2012 • 11:04 p.m.

Photos: Good Charlotte, Nicole Richie, The Situation party at Chateau

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, with a new, stunning brunette girlfriend on his arm, and rockers Good Charlotte kicked off New Year’s Eve weekend Friday night at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris with reality TV star fashionista Nicole Richie, NBA legend “Dr. J” Julius Erving and singer Brandy. “My New Year’s resolution is to take it easy and relax more,” said the “Jersey Shore” hunk, but that resolution was quickly placed on hold as he went all-out welcoming 2012. ... Read more...

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January 2, 2012 • 10:32 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Will.I.Am’s party at Surrender includes Kobe Bryant’s ex

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant’s newly separated wife Vanessa Lane Bryant brought her girlfriends to Las Vegas to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Surrender Nightclub at Steve Wynn’s Encore, where Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas hosted and performed a DJ set into the early hours of the first day of 2012. Renowned for his party anthems, Will.I.Am helped revelers ring in the New Year with a countdown and then hit the wheels of steel to play hit after ... Read more...

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January 2, 2012 • 9:58 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: B.o.B. rings in 2012 with performance at LAX

Grammy Award-winning hip-hop star B.o.B hosted a New Year’s Eve bash at LAX in the Luxor on Saturday night. The singer-songwriter arrived with an entourage of 10 and carrying his red guitar held high in the air for excited fans. They went wild when B.o.B took out his cell phone and videotaped the cheering fans to document his New Year’s Eve party. B.o.B. invited several female admirers to join him at his table where he posed for pictures and danced ... Read more...

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January 2, 2012 • 8:05 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: John Legend, Chrissy Tiegen, Snooki at the Palms

Singer John Legend and his fiancee model Chrissy Tiegen rang in 2012 at Moon Nightclub at the Palms on Saturday night, with the couple showing off her stunning engagement ring — the newly engaged pair toasted with a kiss at midnight at Moon. Before Moon, John performed a concert at the Pearl in the Palms. Before the 2011 NYE night festivities, “Jersey Shore” fan favorite Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, sporting red streaks in her normally brunette hair, posed for photographs on ... Read more...

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January 2, 2012 • 6:46 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Holly Madison at Gallery; Laura Croft at Crazy Horse III

“Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood and “Holly’s World” blonde bombshell star Holly Madison rang in 2012 at Planet Hollywood on Saturday night. Holly, dressed in a glittering gold gown, had a busy holiday season, with appearances in Nevada Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the Paris and Winter in Venice at the Venetian. Holly also is reportedly dating Grammy Award nominee Skrillex — they hung out together in Las Vegas last month. Meantime, Holly’s feisty brunette bombshell cohort Laura Croft hosted the New ... Read more...

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January 2, 2012 • 5:07 p.m.

Photos: Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Nate Diaz party at Gallery

“Jersey Shore” star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and new UFC 141 champion Nate Diaz kicked off 2011 New Year’s Eve weekend celebrations with a party at Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood on Friday night that ran well into Saturday morning’s early hours. Our spywitness reported: “Fans were all abuzz as the reality TV star muscleman led his group of friends through crowds of admirers to his VIP section. The group sipped on Grey Goose cocktails and danced to a high-energy club mix ... Read more...

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January 2, 2012 • 3:02 p.m.

Photos: Drake takes care of business at the Joint on New Year’s Day

By Brjden Crewe Hip-hop sensation Drake performed to a sell-out crowd Sunday night at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel, where the lights from hundreds of cameras and cell phones lit the venue in anticipation of arguably the hottest MC in music today. Drake, who dropped his sophomore LP “Take Care” in November, begins a global tour to promote the record, but the MC/actor decided to kick off 2012 here with a New Year’s Day show before hitting the ... Read more...

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January 1, 2012 • 5:37 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Chris Brown with girlfriend Karrueche Tran at Pure

Hip-hop singer Chris Brown rang in 2012 at Pure in Caesars Palace on Saturday night, arriving to a large crowd of screaming and cheering fans — I was there but wasn’t screaming! Chris looked mighty stylish in New Year’s Eve attire, sporting a sleek black suit, a skinny tie and A-list sunglasses. He smiled ear-to-ear and turned heads while posing for pictures as admirers chanted, “I love you, Chris!” The 22-year-old introduced his extra-large entourage on the red carpet to ... Read more...

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January 1, 2012 • 5:06 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Rob Kardashian counts down at Tryst with 50 ladies

Reality TV star turned fashion designer and future lawyer Rob Kardashian counted down to 2012 at Tryst in the Wynn on Saturday night and wins the 2011 New Year’s Eve Award for Best Dressed Man in a black tuxedo and bow tie. Rob walked the red carpet, then took over the stage for the official countdown to midnight as DJ Dave Fogg manned the decks. Rob flew solo, not sharing the final moment with one special lady, but rather 50 ... Read more...

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January 1, 2012 • 3:53 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Kim Kardashian still believes in love, hosts at Tao

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian still believes in love despite the bust-up of her 75-day marriage to New Jersey Nets player Kris Humphries, but as she hosted her New Year’s Eve party at Tao in the Venetian on Saturday night, she revealed that she learned a lot about herself in 2011. “In the end, you have to trust your gut,” she said bluntly, summing up the end of the brief union. Kim hosted for the second consecutive year at Tao, ... Read more...

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January 1, 2012 • 1:07 p.m.

2011 NYE photos: Hyde Bellagio’s star-studded debut, $100 balloons

With $100 bills inside gold balloons for the midnight New Year’s drop and models preening and parading in see-through cellophane dresses, Hyde Bellagio entered 2012 with a celebrity-studded grand opening party. Revelers were dressed to impress in black-tie attire to ring in the New Year with the sounds of DJ Devin Lucien and DJ Eric D-Lux overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. A proud Sam Nazarian, founder and CEO of SBE Hospitality Group, said, “Tonight is an amazing night because … SBE ... Read more...

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Celebrity preview: Woods, Bieber, Swift, Prince, Madonna and Kid Rock

May 17, 2013 • 9:15 a.m.

It’s one of the fiercest and most competitive entertainment weekends Las Vegas has ever seen, even with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and their country ...

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Strip Scribbles: L.V. chefs set for ‘Top Chef Masters’; Wet ’n’ Wild contest

May 16, 2013 • 5:02 p.m.

Two Las Vegas chefs and possibly a third will be seen in the next edition of “Top Chef Masters” this summer on Bravo. RM Seafood champion Rick ...

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Photo: Michael Phelps and David Guetta at Encore Beach Cl

Star Surveillance: Phelps, Zeta-Jones, Damon, Avicii, DeLoach, Roday and Gruffudd

Twenty-two-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps stayed on in Las Vegas after Labor Day Weekend to continue partying at Tuesday night’s Lost ...

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Photo: Murray Sawchuck's 100th show at the Tropicana on M

Strip Scribbles: From ‘America’s Got Talent’ to the Palazzo for local acts?

“America’s Got Talent” judges have been tough on Las Vegas acts, as the top-rated NBC series edges closer to next week’s finals. But there’s a silver ...

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