Monday, September 26, 2005
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NORM: Venetian doesn't kowtow to Carey

Nikki Cox parties with cast members at Palms. Matt Sorum enjoys view at birthday bash. Mariah Carey has diva act down pat.

Mariah Carey was at her diva best for the opening of TAO, The Venetian's new nightclub.

She not only insisted on the best room at The Venetian, but she wanted $25,000 to walk the red carpet for TAO's grand opening Saturday night.

"She demanded blacked-out windows, the presidential suite, etcetera," said one of two moles. She had to settle for a penthouse.

Another request, said a second spy: She wanted the butlers and security to lower their heads in her presence.

When she didn't get the $25,000, she didn't show up for what many local scenesters said was one of the city's most star-studded openings.

The 50-some celebs on hand included cast members from NBC's "Las Vegas," Chelsea Clinton and Wilmer Valderrama of "That '70s Show," still clad in the tuxedo he wore to Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher's wedding earlier in the evening in Los Angeles.

Paris Hilton was there with her parents, Rick and Kathy Hilton, and sister Nicky.

On Friday, Carey, Usher, Nelly, Ashanti and Janet Jackson turned Jermaine Dupri's 33rd birthday party into an impromptu concert. At one point the recording artists stood on couches to sing happy birthday to the record producer.

Other attendees at the TAO opening: Oscar winner Adrien Brody, Daryl Hannah, Anthony Kiedis, Shannon Elizabeth, JC Chasez, David Hasselhoff, Steve Wynn, Anastasia, Drea DeMateo, Eve, Tara Reid and socialites Alex and Alexandra von Furstenberg, Marcus Allen, Eliza Dushku and Brent Bolthouse.

Sightings

Paris Hilton, grinding with Alexandra von Furstenberg on the TAO dance floor. ... "Las Vegas" cast members Josh Duhamel, Molly Sims, Nikki Cox and James Lesure, partying with a capacity crowd at Rain (Palms) Saturday during the premiere party for the third season, along with the release of the second-season DVD and soundtrack. ... Jackson, Dupri, Nelly and Ashanti, celebrating with champagne and Patron Tequila at Pure (Caesars Palace) on Saturday night. ... Matt Sorum of Velvet Revolver, checking out his Las Vegas Pussycat Doll girlfriend, Ace Harper. The Dolls delivered a cake and sang happy birthday to Dupri. ... At Rain (Palms) on Saturday: Jackson, Dupri, Ashanti and Nelly. ... Tony Bennett, displaying the show-must-go-on mentality at the Clark County Public Education Foundation dinner Saturday night at the Four Seasons Hotel. After the sound system malfunctioned, he went a cappella for "Fly Me to the Moon." He received a standing ovation. ... At Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce: Paris Hilton and Usher, at separate tables. ... At N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Saturday: Duhamel, Brody, rocker Dave Navarro and Mike Bibby of the Sacramento Kings. ... Robin Leach, uncorking the ceremonial first pitch at Chicago's US Cellular Field before the first-place White Sox defeated Minnesota 8-1 Saturday. ... Zach Randolph from the Portland Trailblazers, ordering four bottles of Cristal at OPM nightclub (Forum Shops at Caesars). Randolph, who averaged 18.9 points per game during the 2004-05 season, is planning to be at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game here, one way or another. He's among several players who already have reserved booths at OPM for All-Star weekend. Also in the crowd: Former UNLV star Marcus Banks of the Boston Celtics. ... Harrah's headliner Clint Holmes, emceeing and singing his new song "If Not Now, When" at Friday's outdoor dedication of the Nevada Cancer Institute. Dignitaries included: Nevada Cancer Institute CEO Heather Murren, the center's director, Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, Sen. Harry Reid, Gov. Kenny Guinn, Rep. Shelley Berkley, Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald and developer Tony Marnell. ... Quiet Riot's Kevin DuBrow, stopping in the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Saturday night. ... Flava Flav, accommodating fans at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab on Saturday.

The Punch Line

"Experts say you should never hit your children in anger. When is a good time? When you're feeling festive?" -- Roseanne Barr.

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.