Paris Hilton holds her debut CD, titled "Paris," at a signing Wednesday in New York. Hilton is on a tour promoting her album, which is to be released Tuesday. The heiress mixed a single off the album, "Stars are Blind," at the Palms recording studio. Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Details of the Elvis-Cirque du Soleil megashow have left the building.
In a joint announcement Thursday, CKX Inc., the parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises, and Cirque du Soleil said they are partners in an Elvis show that will open in November 2009 at the $7 billion MGM Mirage CityCenter project.
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CKX chairman and CEO Robert Sillerman called it "the first step in establishing a 21st century presence in Vegas for the King."
Construction has begun on the 66-acre CityCenter site, between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo.
Bringing Elvis under Cirque's big top is the latest collaborative coup for Cirque founder Guy Laliberte, who also landed The Beatles music for "Love," which opened June 28 at The Mirage.
CKX and Cirque had announced an agreement to create, develop, produce and promote Elvis Presley Projects, which would feature touring and permanent shows, with multimedia interactive "Elvis Experiences" throughout the world.
Starting in 2009, that agreement will see at least one project open in each of the ensuing six years.
MUSIC MECCA
The Palms recording studio is quickly becoming the Abbey Road of Las Vegas.
In addition to The Killers, whose new album, "Sam's Town," just broke the record for most presales on iTunes, Britney Spears used the studio recently to work with her producer, Timbaland.
Paris Hilton mixed her single "Stars are Blind" at the Palms, and blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa used the studio for "You and Me," which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard.
Since opening in December, the studio also has been used by Maroon 5, Lil Jon, Queen, Kelly Roland, Michael Buble and Wolfmother.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Bill Clinton, after speaking at the Sysco Corp. convention Thursday at Mandalay Bay, had his staff put in a to-go order with Il Mulino, the tony Italian restaurant at the Forum Shops at Caesars. Clinton, who turns 60 Saturday, ordered a grilled Branzino, mozzarella caprese and spaghetti Bolognese.
MAY I RECOMMEND
For outdoor dining and primo people watching, Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas is tres cool. Favorites: the seafood crepe, maybe the best baguettes in town and pommes frittes. Call 944-4224.
SIGHTINGS
Barry Manilow, ending his show after one song on Wednesday at the Las Vegas Hilton. He apologized to the crowd and explained that he was heading for double hip surgery. He canceled the rest of his engagement. He returns to the Hilton on Nov. 8. ... Former NFL running back Ricky Williams, who broke his arm during a Canadian Football League game last month, partying Wednesday at Tangerine in Treasure Island. Also there: NBA star Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets and Playboy Playmate Cassandra Lynn. ... Andre Agassi, carving up a filet mignon Wednesday at N9NE Steakhouse in the Palms with friends. Also dining: "Fear Factor" host Joe Rogan. ... Michael Jordan, dropping a bundle Wednesday at the Mansion at MGM Grand. ... Singer and actor Fonzworth Bentley, former valet for Sean "Diddy" Combs, in the crowd at Blue Man Group in The Venetian.
THE PUNCH LINE
"The usual -- bucket of KFC and a lap dance." -- From David Letterman's Top Ten list on "Bill Clinton's 60th birthday plans."
