OUR EXCLUSIVE INSIDE LOOK AT ELTON’S AFTER-PARTY

Give Elton John a year and he’ll be back in Las Vegas as a headliner.

That was the high-level buzz circulating at his after-party Wednesday night, following the end of his five-year run at the Colosseum at Caesars.

“And he will back at Caesars,” a source told Vegas Confidential.

About 200 friends and fans of Sir Elton were invited to the after-party at new Sea Harbor Seafood Restaurant, a high-end hot spot that overlooks Caesars pool.

Co-owners Sophie Ideker and Su Phelps nailed the “Red Piano” theme for the bash. There was an ice sculpture of a piano, crowned with red roses, just inside the entrance and a cake topped with a plastic red piano on the dessert table.

John, who was sporting yellow eyeglasses with rose-colored lenses, spent most of his time at the party in a private room before heading for a private jet.

The breakdown on invitees: The honored guest was allowed 130 friends, Caesars got 30-35 for VIP guests and Ideker and Phelps received 30-35 for their friends. Vegas Confidential received the only two media invites so enjoy our exclusive coverage.

Who was there:

Gary Selezner, president of Caesars Palace. Just back from China, Selezner was playing it close to the vest as far as any news about John’s future with Caesars. Elton, said Selezner, knows that Caesars loves him and would welcome his return. That’s where it stands for now.

John’s longtime partner David Furnish. They celebrated a civil union ceremony in 2005. John has said the gay community should stop fighting for the right to “marry” because “it puts people off.”

Houston socialite Lynn Wyatt, a major contributor to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.According to reports, Wyatt has hosted so many A-listers at the family mansion that it was known as the “Wyatt Hyatt.” Guests included Princess Grace Kelly, designer Bill Blass, Joan Collins and Mick Jagger. In 2000, Texas Monthly magazine honored as “Socialite of the Century.”

Supermodel-turned-60 Cheryl Tiegs, three-time cover girl for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition. She was also on the cover of Time.

Rocker Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon. They are longtime friends of John’s and supporters of his AIDS project.

Frank Presland, John’s manager. He advised the Beatles and also represents James Blunt

Keith Bradley, John’s European tour director.

Howard Rose, John’s agent for 39 years.

Elizabeth Hurley and her husband, Indian textile heir Arun Nayar. Hurley, the face of Estee Lauder, split from her former high-profile boyfriend Hugh Grant in 2000.

Dave Koz, American jazz saxophonist. Koz, 63, came out publicly as a gay man in 2004.

Acclaimed American painter and filmmaker Julian Schnabel. Best known films: “Basquiat,” “Before Night Falls” and “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.”

John Nelson, vice president of AEG Live/Concerts West, operators of the Colosseum. Nelson had some news: “Britney’s show at the MGM Grand (Saturday) is the highest-grossing stop on her tour,” he told Vegas Confidential.

Former Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren was there with an Elton John clothes hanger he had purchased at Sir Elton’s merchandise store prior to the “Red Piano” finale. Hammargren, whose home is a museum of eclectic tastes, held up the hanger and said, “I’ve got Liberace’s piano in my music room and now I’ve got Elton John in my closet.”