Clint Holmes bid a fond farewell to Las Vegas on a magical night that set the bar for classy exits.
"See you down the road," said Holmes, waving one last time to an emotional audience showering him with so many standing ovations Sunday that we lost count.
Advertisement
After 6 1/2 years and 1,872 performances, the curtain came down on a run that will be remembered as much for Holmes' energy, grace and good will as his broad talents.
Among the many highlights: During a break in the show to honor Holmes, several dozen Harrah's executives marched in and stood in the main aisle to show their respect as Harrah's exec Tom Jenkin told the crowd, "And how lucky was Las Vegas when Clint came here to call it home."
Among the overflow crowd of friends and fans was Motown legend Smokey Robinson.
Holmes made a point of sharing the spotlight with everyone, including his 90-year-old mum, Audrey, a former British opera singer. She belted out a portion of her favorite song, "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess."
At the end, he invited each member of his band to the front of the stage for hugs and thank-yous.
He's off to Broadway, he told the crowd, by way of London, where it all began when his mother and father met during World War II.
SIGHTINGS
The "American Idol" trio of Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, being swarmed at Light nightclub (Bellagio) after making an impromptu stop en route back to Los Angeles from Alabama, where they were conducting an audition. ... Mariah Carey, on the terrace and later in the VIP section at Pure (Caesars Palace) for her after-concert party Saturday. ... Janet Jackson, flanked by boyfriend Jermaine Dupri and father Joe Jackson, on Saturday at Tao (Venetian) at an event marking the release of her album "20 Y.O." Guests included Jamie Foxx, Vin Diesel, Paris Hilton, Andy Roddick, Brooke Shields with husband Chris Henze, James Marsden, James Franco, Gabrielle Union, Sanaa Lathan, Esai Morales, Jonny Lee Miller, Mike Tyson, Michael Buffer, Steve-O, D.L. Hughley, Allison Janney, Katherine Heigl, Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz and Lil Jon. ... Jenna Elfman, celebrating her 35th birthday with hubby Bodhi at Stack (Mirage) on Saturday. From there, it was onto "Love," the Cirque du Soleil Beatles show. ... Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Jay Cutler, passing up an offer for complimentary Cristal champagne at Social House (Treasure Island). He preferred Kobe burgers and sushi. ... Flamingo headliner Toni Braxton and friends, dining at Fix (Bellagio) on Saturday. ... Hilton, making her usual understated grand entry at 3 a.m. Saturday at Pure (Caesars Palace) with actor Nick Cannon, Roddick and Mark Philippoussis. Hilton serenaded the crowd with a song, then camped out on an oversized bed in the VIP section with Roddick, downing Patron shots, while Cannon danced on the bed. ... Jim Belushi and his band, the Sacred Hearts, drew a crowd in the Luxor casino Friday when they showed up at the craps tables 30 minutes before their show. They had the area rocking. ... TV icon Barbara Walters, lunching at Wolfgang Puck's Chinois (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Saturday. ... Former major league pitcher John Rocker, who has alienated half the world with his homophobic comments, dining Friday at Nobu (Hard Rock Hotel). ... John Tesh, actress Connie Sellecca and their family, dining Saturday at Olives (Bellagio) before attending "Le Reve" (Wynn).
THE PUNCH LINE
"His school lunches are comped." -- From David Letterman's Top 10 Signs Your Kid Is Addicted to Gambling.
