Madonna performs during her concert in Inglewood, Calif., on May 21. Photo by The Associated Press Prince prefers his parties private. Brett Ratner X-static over "X-Men."

Hollywood rivals Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan were seated within cat-fighting distance at Madonna's concert Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

For the record, Hilton had better seats -- she was in Row G, and Lohan was in Row H, about 10 feet away.

Lohan, 19, reportedly was the third party in last month's breakup of Hilton and her Greek shipping heir boyfriend, Stavros Niarchos.

Hilton was with oil heir Brandon Davis earlier this month during his foul-mouthed rant against Lohan. Davis made the comments to a TV crew.

Hilton and Lohan reportedly smoothed things over last week at a club.

GREAT SEATS

Palms owner George Maloof was in the pit at the Indianapolis 500 with the Andretti Green Racing team Sunday, when 19-year-old Marco Andretti nearly won in his Indy debut

Maloof was a guest of Marco's father, Michael Andretti, who finished third behind his son after coming out of a two-year retirement to race with and against Marco.

Flirting with a historic 1-2 father-son finish, Marco and Michael were 1-2 in the final laps before Sam Hornish Jr. overtook young Andretti in the final 300 yards.

Michael and his father, Mario Andretti, own condos in Maloof's Palms Place tower.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

There are rumblings that Franco Dragone, producer of the Wynn Las Vegas aquatic production "Le Reve," is flying back from Belgium this week and will be making an announcement.

SIGHTINGS

Director Brett Ratner, in Las Vegas over the weekend celebrating the success of his blockbuster "X Men: The Last Stand," which grossed $107 million, the fourth-biggest debut of all time. He was partying with his girlfriend, model Alina Puscau, at Tao (The Venetian) on Saturday night. ... Sammy Sosa, in the front row at Madonna's concert Saturday. ... Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, back at Tao on Saturday. Also there: Eddie Murphy, blonde-again Nicky Hilton and Kevin Connolly, and former NBA center Rony Seikaly. ... Snoop Dogg, who made a surprise appearance at Saturday night's Ice Cube concert at the House of Blues Music Hall (Mandalay Bay), catching a late lunch at the Palms' 24-7 Cafe on Sunday with Little Jon. ... Prince and some pals, in a private room at the HOB Foundation Room on Saturday night. ... Lohan, dining on lobster at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) with friends Saturday. ... In town for Madonna's private party at Tao tonight: Chris Kattan, formerly of "Saturday Night Live," and Madonna pal Ingrid Casares. ... Saxophonist David Sanborn, after finishing his gig at the Suncoast, showed up at the Artisan Hotel to check out the Ronnie Foster Band. Sitting in with Foster's band was Drew Zingg, ex-Steely Dan musical director and lead guitarist, and now leading the band at "Hairspray" (Luxor). ... At Pure (Caesars Palace): Stacey Keibler, Jaime Pressly and Jamie Kennedy, celebrating his 36th birthday. ... At Jet (Mirage): Burlesque star Dita Von Teese, performing at a party hosted by Victoria Secret supermodels. Also there: poker stars Jennifer Tilly and Phil Laak, Natasha Henstridge, NFL stars Terrell Owens, Brian Urlacher and Steven Jackson, porn star Jenna Jameson and Kennedy. At Stack (Mirage): Oliver Hudson's bachelor party.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Latest single: 'Like a Hot Flash'" -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Signs Madonna Is Getting Old

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