DONNY AND MARIE TO HEADLINE ON THE STRIP? March 12th, 2008 Speculation soared early this afternoon that Donny and Marie Osmond, barring any last-minute hiccups, will sign a headliner contract with Don Marrandino, president of the Flamingo.

 

 

 

It is believed they will sign a 20-week or half-year deal with the resort-casino along the lines of their rotating rivals Bette Midler, Elton John and Cher, directly across the street at Caesars Palace.

 

Singer Tony Braxton just had her contract renewed with the Flamingo through the end of August, so the brother and sister Osmonds are looking “for an end-of-the- year” premiere. It’s hoped that Tony will remain in the headliner rotation.

 

Reliable sources tell me that the other Osmonds, who recently played The Orleans, won’t be able to join Donny and Marie because of their contractual commitments to their theater in Branson, Missouri. I was also told that Donny and Marie will mount a lavish big-budget production for their long-term resident engagement.

 

LUXE LIFE will continue to monitor this developing story and will report the deal when finalized shortly.

 

 

SUPER-SECURITY FOR KEVIN SPACEY’S WORLD PREMIERE OF 21 March 12th, 2008 Top security will be in place for tonight’s world premiere screening of Kevin Spacey’s new 21 movie at Planet Hollywood Resort.

 

 

Executives at Columbia Pictures have issued stern warnings about illegal video pirating as the film doesn’t fully open until March 28. In fact, they’ve even ordered all guests be monitored for unauthorized recordings. Everybody attending has been warned that there will be surveillance and physical searches by security personnel, and that anybody being caught with recording devices and telephones with recording capability will be denied admission, and any attempt to record will cause the device to be confiscated, immediate removal from the theater and would-be pirates will be immediately reported to Vegas police officers on duty there. Each guest, including the stars, will be required to show a valid photo id also for entrance!

 

“They simply want to stop any bootleg copies being sent here in America or overseas. They will do everything to prevent the movie being pirated,” I was told.

 

Acclaimed actor Kevin Spacey leads his all-star cast of Laurence Fishburne, Kate Bosworth and Jim Sturgess for the world premiere screening of the new 21 movie.

 

 

 

 

Scenes for the story of how a math-class of MIT computer students took our Vegas casinos for millions were shot in and around Vegas, including at the new Planet Hollywood Resort where tonight’s red carpet gala will be held.

 

 

 

 

 

After the premiere, all the stars, director Robert Luketic and all the producers will attend a party at the new Privé nightclub. The top-line security will be in effect because Vegas gets a two-week jump on the rest of the country. A special ShoWest Ensemble award will be presented to Kevin Spacey’s accomplished cast tomorrow night at the ongoing ShoWest movie exhibitor’s convention closing ceremonies at the Bally’s/Paris resort casinos.

 

 

 

NOW BENJI HAS A MATCHING RING WITH PARIS March 12th, 2008 The five-week whirlwind romance between Paris Hilton and tattooed Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden heats up yet again. After their long weekend in Vegas, as we reported on Monday (click here for our exclusive interview and photos), he is now also wearing a PH initialed diamond ring on the 4th finger of his left hand to match the BM initialed ring she is wearing on her same digit.

 

 

 

Paris brought Benji to Vegas to celebrate his 29th birthday, and the trip included a private four-hour fun-time on the rides under the Big Top at Circus Circus. A friend of Paris’ confirmed our Luxe Life story about the twosome falling completely in love: “They are simply and honestly idyllically happy with each other and she’s finally found somebody very real and comfortable to be with, even if they are just hanging out at home together being normal.”

 

Yesterday back in LA the couple went on an afternoon shopping spree before celebrating his actual birthday last night.

 

ON-SCREEN OFF-SCREEN LOVEMATES HEIDI & SPENCER STORM THE STRIP March 12th, 2008 If the hills in Hollywood went quiet it’s because MTV’s favorite dating couple, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt from The Hills were partying on the Strip.

 

 

 

 

Proving that their on-screen romance is as real off-screen they cuddled closer thant his, holding hands over a side-by-side dinner in a large comfy booth at Company American Bistro in the Luxor. They started out with matzoh ball soup and oysters on the half shell continuing with scallops, steak and lobster. Afterwards the love- mates hit the new LAX nightclub settling in a VIP table next to the DJ booth sipping on Patron and Grey Goose cocktails. Heidi mingled with as many fans as possible to take photos and even invited some up to join her table. Spencer also took Heidi onto the packed floor where they danced with their friends until the early hours. Also in LAX was actor Danny Masterson and DJ Vice.

 

 

 

Nodding approval and partying along with the music were boxing champion “Iron” Mike Tyson and comedic actor Damon Wayans, who stopped in after their evening up on the outdoor patio overlooking the Strip at Pure nightclub. It was actually Tyson’s second consecutive night at Pure, where he socialized until the pre-dawn hours. Nearby were members of country pop group Rascal Flatts relaxing after their earlier concert. Also at Pure was UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Rampage Jackson, who got four of his friends to pose for our fisticuffs photo!

 

 

At sister restaurant Dick’s Last Resort in the Excalibur, mixed martial artists Heath Herring and Mike Whitehead beefed up at the wild spot on Texas-style rib eye and slabs of sloppy ribs.

 

 

MISS AMERICA RETURNS HOME FOR FIRST TIME SINCE VEGAS CROWNING March 12th, 2008 In mid-January the new Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund picked up her crown at the Planet Hollywood Resort and jumped on a plane immediately to New York. Now for the first time in nearly eight-weeks she’s won her first free time on the busy schedule to get back home to Michigan—and the 2007 State Titleholders gave her a weeklong royal homecoming.

 

 

Kirsten even arrived at the via horse-drawn carriage with a crowd of about 800 fans to welcome Kirsten home and see her perform. Several of her 2008 Planet Hollywood Miss America Pageant sisters were also in attendance, including Miss Virginia Hannah Kiefer, Miss Texas Molly Hazlett, Miss Illinois Ashley Hatfield, Miss North Dakota Ashley Young, Miss Iowa Diana Reed, Miss Indiana Nicole Rash, Miss Wisconsin Christina Thompson, Miss California Melissa Chaty, Miss Utah Jill Stevens, and Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto. Previous Michigan winner, Miss America 1988 Kay Lani Rafko hosted the event and several 2007 Miss Michigan contestants and the new Miss Michigan, Gina Valo performed. Kirsten was greeted with a standing ovation as she took her Miss America walk on stage.

 

“Oh my gosh, this is crazy,” she said. “Thank you. This night is not about me. It’s all about this organization. Thank you all for coming and driving in this Michigan weather.”

 

Kirsten’s father, Valdor joined her on stage for the religious ballad, “Here and Now.” In the second half of the evening’s performances, Kirsten and her brother Lars performed, “The Prayer.” They were joined by several Children’s Miracle Network kids from Michigan children’s hospitals. The Miss America 2009 pageant will be back at Planet Hollywood Resort here on the Strip next January when Kirsten will crown the next winner!

 

 

40-YEARS OF SHOWBIZ FUN FOR SOCIETY OF SEVEN March 12th, 2008 In Hawaii they are hailed as kings of showbiz and here on the Strip they are recognized as the hardest working musical group in showbiz—and that’s the amazing reputation the Society of Seven have enjoyed for their entire 40-year career!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The act that began back at the original outrigger Waikiki Hotel in the 60’s is today at the Flamingo for another month. Magician Nathan Burton then takes their slot and the group goes off on tour to return in September to a new Strip venue. Recently, by adding two more to their lucky 7-number, the group has hit even bigger jackpots with gorgeous Lani Misalucha and Philippine superstar Martin Nievera as part of the show.

 

Theater critic Mike Weatherford recently commented, “There’s no better singing in any ongoing show on the Strip.” Two of the original members are still with the group—its founder Tony Ruivivar, who sings, plays guitar and is the creative force of the group, and Bert Sagum, an unpredictable spontaneous comic lead. SOS is all about music and laughter and the members play literally every instrument possible from horns to keyboards and guitars. Also on the SOS team are Gary Bautista who handles dozens of vocal singer impressions, Hoku Low who plays horns, bass and sings in a high falsetto voice, Randy Abellar sings, drums and plays percussion, Roy Guerzo is a master keyboardist able to play three synthesizers at once, and Wayne Wakai who gets standing ovations and shout-outs for his ability to play several instruments flawlessly. This is no grass-skirts and coconut shell bikini-top show. This is beautiful blues and ballads, charismatic comedy and incredible impersonations, so catch them before they leave town April 13 and then be sure to welcome them back again at the end of the summer.