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Jackson aide says rumors all wrong

Michael Jackson has no tour plans or Las Vegas show in the works, no release date for his unfinished album and no knowledge of a 50-foot robot.

In the most definitive statement on Jackson’s future since his return to the United States in December, his spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, said, “His No. 1 priority is completing his music, and until that time he’s not going to be entertaining any thoughts of a tour or a show.”

Jackson is, however, getting in shape to begin dance rehearsals for the video that will accompany his music, she said.

She characterized as “a hoax” an invitation that surfaced last week claiming Jackson would be kicking off his tour with a performance and meet-and-greet in June at the Luxor. “That is just not happening.”

“A Vegas show was always a rumor,” she said. “He’s never said it was a priority. He moved to Las Vegas to be closer to producers and songwriters and studio technicians.”

Jackson began recording in the fall and has continued to work with Will I. Am of the Black Eyed Peas, she said. Jackson was spotted earlier this year at the Palms, where he reportedly was using the recording studios.

Bain said the report about a five-story robot in Jackson’s likeness is another fabrication. “He knows absolutely nothing about that and has never met with anyone to discuss it.” GIVE ME AN ‘L’ …

Work on the Planet Hollywood sign reached a somewhat, umm, bawdy stage on Wednesday. Word has it that Robert Earl, Planet Hollywood founder, has definite plans to complete the lettering of the sign.

The resort officially will switch from the Aladdin to Planet Hollywood during a VIP grand opening April 17.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

The average cost of a production-show ticket in Las Vegas is up 11 percent from last year, according to the Las Vegas Advisor’s annual comparison of show tickets. The Advisor’s research shows that the average cost of a production-show ticket (touring headliners not considered) is slightly less than $70 ($68.94). That’s almost a $7 increase ($6.92) over last year. “There are now 17 shows with a top ticket price of $100 or more, up from 12 last year,” says Anthony Curtis, president of LasVegasAdvisor.com. …

Le Reve Theater will reopen today at the Wynn after an $8 million renovation that includes a redesign and a new VIP experience. Two hundred workers remodeled the venue in 30 days. Seating was cut from 2,087 to 1,606, and the VIP Indulgence Package was added.

Laura Diane‘s TV hosting career is taking off. A member of the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls until last month, she will be Spike TV’s live hostess during tonight’s Ultimate Fighting Championship bout at the Palms’ new venue, The Pearl. The Henderson resident also will handle the red-carpet interviews and backstage interviews. She will fly to London next week to host the UFC debut in Great Britain and will return to host Spike’s first Guy Awards in Los Angeles, all within the month of April.

THE PUNCH LINE

“In New Jersey, firemen had to use a crane to remove a 700-pound woman from her house. The woman is doing fine, but the crane is in critical condition.” — Conan O’Brien

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.

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