Toni Braxton's show at the Flamingo is going to get more "Vegasized."
Jamie Gold walked away with $12 million but left World Series of Poker promoters feeling shortchanged and worried about his erratic behavior.
Concerns arose during the final days of the World Series of Poker about whether the grueling marathon was taking a toll on Jamie Gold, the eventual winner.
Gold, 36, won a record $12 million when the smoke cleared early Saturday at the Rio, but WSOP insiders were getting worried about Gold's erratic behavior.
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The former Hollywood agent, who lives in Malibu, showed up on Thursday with two bodyguards and mentioned to organizers that he's "been threatened."
It could have been a combination of the strain, sleep deprivation or concerns about his ailing father, but Gold was uncooperative with his sponsor after the win, and blew off a number of national media interview requests.
"He cracked," said an insider. "Anyone with media savvy and Hollywood savvy knows what it meant to the event to cooperate."
Gold had bodyguards escort him to the men's room every two hours during the final table showdown.
WORK IN PROGRESS
Flamingo president Don Marrandino admits he took a gamble. But he remains confident that new headliner Toni Braxton is on track to silence her critics.
Responding to some harsh first-week buzz, Marrandino said, "We took a ballsy move, but I think we have a winner. A month from now, it's going to be something special."
One published report characterized the show as a "train wreck," while others were of the mind that it needed a bit more re-engineering.
Marrandino said it's a matter of giving the show time to gel and having the six-time Grammy winner get acclimated.
People bring up that Braxton "wasn't out there for a while," said Marrandino. "She shut it down to be a mother. She's trying to learn how to be a Las Vegas entertainer, and it's a hell of a lot different.
"We're working on lighting, sound, song sequencing. Her fans love it," he said. "Critics would say it's not Vegasized enough. It's going to get there."
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Look for an announcement by midweek that the Miss America pageant is returning to Las Vegas after a TV ratings boost a year ago. Aladdin/Planet Hollywood boss Robert Earl flew into town late last week to hammer out the final details. ...
Stage Deli chef Dave Simmons won the "Simon Super Chefs Live!" cook-off among Forum Shops chefs on Saturday. His lobster salad with squash and red peppers gave him the title over Larry Close of The Palms, who offered three lobster dishes, a bisque, a salad and a cocktail.
SIGHTINGS
After a day of ogling the talent at the Playboy Bunny search, Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets, trading shots of Patron Silver with his server, Heath Hiudt, and chef Barry Dakake during his bachelor party dinner at N9ne Steakhouse (Palms) on Friday. From there, McGrady headed for ghostbar, with three bodyguards, and a big party. Also dining at N9ne: HBO boxing commentator Jim Lampley, Mario Lopez of "Saved By The Bell" and galpal, and NBA players Greg Ostertag, Kenny Thomas and Dahntay Jones. ... At Pure (Caesars Palace) on Friday: Actor Chris Evans from the "Fantastic Four," in the company of Playboy playmates; boxers Calvin Brock and Manny Pacquiao, Korn guitarist Rob Patterson, Ultimate fighter Chuck Liddell and actress Taryn Manning ("Hustle and Flow"), making a 3 a.m. appearance after a fashion show at Tangerine (Treasure Island).
THE PUNCH LINE
"Remember the good old days when the only bomb you had to worry about on a plane was the Rob Schneider movie?" -- Jay Leno
