Bieber still a hero to homeless kids
Justin Bieber may be facing a fan revolt but hundreds of homeless kids in Las Vegas are still Beliebers.
Bieber, 19, kept his promise on Friday by returning to Whitney Elementary School, where nearly 98 percent of the 600 students are at or below the poverty line.
The pop superstar made their day by providing the school with its largest food donation, a $150,000 commitment, according to principal Sherrie Gahn.
“He said, ‘This is not about the media,” said Gahn, referring to recent reports of Bieber’s bad-boy behavior.
She told the Review-Journal she was saddened to hear Bieber was booed at the Billboards Music Awards on Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“At least he had a really good time here at Whitney and he was truly loved,” said Gahn. “I told him he had 600 kids here who think he’s a hero, a real role model for them.”
Bieber surprised the students during his 90-minute appearance to promote the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.
After helping bag food, and making the huge pledge, Bieber told Gahn it meant a lot to him because he and his mother went to food banks during some rough early years.
“Here’s a kid who said he would come back but with his fame you really don’t expect him to come back,” said Gahn.
“He knows how these kids feel,” she added. “Tears were streaming down my face, seeing him interact with the kids. These are kids who often don’t trust other people in the world.”
Bieber first visited the school in December 2011 and passed out $100,000 worth of gifts and performed a private Christmas concert.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Madonna must be mellowing. She was low maintenance, for once, during her post-Billboards dinner in a private dining room at Lavo (Palazzo) on Sunday. She won for top tour. Her laundry list of diva demands over the years have included air conditioning being turned at concerts and new toilet seats at every show. Seven years ago she had Tao’s management seal the air vents with tape at The Venetian hotspot before she arrived for a party during her “Confessions” tour. … Buddy Valastro, aka “The Cake Boss” on TLC’s hit reality series, is bringing an Italian restaurant concept to The Venetian in the space formerly occupied by First Food & Bar. Valastro is teaming up with former Wynn Las Vegas executive chef Kim Canteenwalla and his wife, Elizabeth Blau, who own Honey Salt in Summerlin. A fall opening is anticipated. ... Word has it NBC’s rating magnet “The Voice” is planning an open call and invite-only auditions in Las Vegas this summer. Don’t get conned by companies claiming affiliation with the show. Stay tuned for audition details.
SIGHTINGS
Jennifer Lopez’ 5-year-old twins, Emme and Maximillian, loading up 10 bags of candy during a sweets shopping spree at Sugar Factory (Paris Las Vegas) on Monday. ... Saturday’s “Peepshow” audience witnessed an onstage marriage proposal: Ensemble cast member Sophia Monica, who performs the “Teddy” number and fills in for “Coco” Austin as “Bo Peep,” was surprised by her boyfriend Etienne Carreira, a professional break dancer and trained dancer. Sophia celebrated with a back flip in heels.
THE PUNCH LINE
“After being booed at the Billboard Music Awards (Sunday) night, Justin Bieber said, ‘I’m 19 years old. I think I’m doing a pretty good job.’ Hey Justin. I’m 63. I thought I was doing a pretty good job. Welcome to show business, pal.” — Jay Leno
Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke. “Norm Clarke’s Vegas,” airs Thursdays on the “Morning Blend” on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.
