Dion’s Strip return surprising, classy

Celine Dion opened her second Las Vegas chapter Tuesday, this time with a sophisticated mix of glitz, high-tech surprises and a French classic that leaves her in tears.

Back at Caesars Palace after an absence of three years and three months, she was enthusiastically welcomed by an opening night Colosseum crowd of 4,000, including fan clubs from 27 countries.

Among the high-tech tricks: holographic duets with herself and Stevie Wonder.

Her opening number provided a theatrical punctuation mark.

Early into Journey's "Open Arms," Dion takes a momentary supporting role when the front curtains begin to slowly open.

And open. And open, until they reveal a stage as wide as Canada, and a towering floor-to-ceiling white curtain tinted with blue and scarlet.

And in a flash, the curtain, now a brilliant white, drops to showcase the 31-piece orchestra.

Not bad for openers.

Later she makes another dramatic entrance during her James Bond tribute, rising from the floor on a lift as she belts out "Goldfinger" in a black sequined gown.

In her tribute to Michael Jackson she thanks him for inspiring her to learn English.

Her 10-year-old son, Rene-Charles, makes several appearances, including a shadow box chase scene during the James Bond tribute.

The most emotional song on an emotional night came when she sang Jacques Brel's epic "Ne Me Quitte Pas" (Don't Leave Me). Tears ran down her face.

ROMANCE ON THE ROCKS

The rock star-reporter romance between Motley Crue's frontman Vince Neil and Alicia Jacobs has ended.

Jacobs, entertainment reporter for KSNV-TV, Channel 3, issued a two-sentence statement on Tuesday saying the relationship was over.

"Due to the decisions Vince continues to make, it is necessary that I end our relationship of 7 months. I wish him happiness and good health," she said in the statement.

The split comes a week after Neil was released after 11 days of house arrest that followed 10 days in jail for his June DUI arrest. He was initially sentenced to two weeks in the Clark County Detention Center but his jail stay and house arrest were shortened because of voluntary work.

Since his release, he has been seen celebrating at a number of local resorts.

SIGHTINGS

At the opening night of "Celine:" Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte, Quebec lyricist Luc Plamondon, who wrote songs for her during her early teen years; Siegfried & Roy, Rosie O'Donnell, The Canadian Tenors and NHL star Luc Robataille. ... N9NE Steakhouse chef Barry Dakake, throwing out a ceremonial first pitch for the Chicago Cubs-Los Angeles Dodgers game Sunday at Cashman Field. ... Martha Stewart, dining at Rick Moonen's rm seafood (Mandalay Bay) on Monday and Border Grill for lunch Tuesday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"It's the beginning of March Madness. Of course, if you're Charlie Sheen, you got a three-week head start." -- Jimmy Fallon

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.