Daytime Emmys will broadcast live from Las Vegas Hilton

A mix of local entertainers and daytime television celebrities will be on hand Sunday for the 37th Annual Daytime Emmys at the Las Vegas Hilton.

This marks the first time the awards show will broadcast live from Las Vegas, even though executive producer David McKenzie wanted to do last year's show here.

"I started thinking about it last year, but it was too late to get there," McKenzie says. "We think it's a good little marriage, actually. I think that Vegas is going to be fun for us and good for the Emmys."

The Hilton was selected because of previously established relationships with hotel representatives, McKenzie says. The theater also is well-equipped for a television production.

Las Vegas is an ideal host city because daytime television is well-represented in local culture, particularly in casinos where themed slot machines promote a variety of shows, McKenzie says. "Wheel of Fortune," "The Price is Right," "Jeopardy" and "Family Feud" are among the daytime shows that have had their own slot machines. Las Vegas has long served as a popular backdrop for taping shows, too.

Talk show host Regis Philbin will host the show, which will feature several local celebrities and entertainers, including Marie Osmond, performers from "Jersey Boys," "Blue Man Group," "The Lion King," several Cirque du Soleil shows and others. Some will present awards while others will perform. David Copperfield will perform a magic segment live.

"It's a very performance-driven show as we try to tie in the Vegas vibe," McKenzie says. "It's two hours of nonstop entertainment with awards. It's going to be fun."

The show also will include a special tribute to "American Bandstand" and Dick Clark with appearances by Ryan Seacrest, Chubby Checker, Tony Orlando and others.

Daytime Emmy Award nominee Rachael Ray will be presenting, as will other nominees from various soap operas, such as "General Hospital," "All My Children" and "The Bold and the Beautiful."

While the show itself is not open to the public, the red carpet event is. Celebrities are expected to arrive starting at 4 p.m.

"We want a huge crowd at the Hilton," McKenzie says. "We're really excited. I hope that Las Vegas likes us and wants us back."

The show will air tape-delayed on KLAS-TV, Channel 8 at 9 p.m.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.