Elton John wraps at Caesars Palace
Elton John closed out his five-year, 241-show engagement at Caesars Palace on Wednesday with "Your Song" and hints that he might be returning to Las Vegas.
It was a night of long ovations for the Rocket Man, who started his run on Feb. 13, 2004, and kept adding dates.
In the audience for his finale was Elizabeth Hurley, her husband, Arun Nayar, American artist Julian Schnabel, jazz musician Dave Koz, and Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne.
John wore a red shirt under a long black jacket that had "Pirates" embossed on the back and a skull and crossbones patch high on his right sleeve, with the word "captain" underneath.
After opening with "Benny and the Jets" he joked about Celine Dion‘s skinny frame and mused about who would fill the shoes of Celine and himself.
"Bette Midler, Cher … The Village People?" he said.
The rest of his playlist, in order: "Philadelphia Freedom," "Believe," "Daniel," "Rocket Man," "I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Tiny Dancer," "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me," "Candle in the Wind," "Pinball Wizard," "The Bitch is Back," "I’m Still Standing" and "Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting."
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Doesn’t look like Lindsay Lohan will be shopping for pasties anytime soon. Her rep, Leslie Sloane, said the actress-in-distress "isn’t interested at this time" in joining the cast of "Peepshow," which opened last weekend at Planet Hollywood Resort. …
Miss California Carrie Prejean‘s stance against gay marriage, voiced during the Miss USA pageant telecast Sunday from Planet Hollywood Resort, sparked a firestorm. Miss USA organizers embarrassed and angry by her comments might not have seen the last of her. One of the Miss USA judges, KVBC-TV, Channel 3, entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs, points out in her blog that Prejean would become Miss USA if Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton, the 2009 winner, were to become Miss Universe this summer. …
Perez Hilton is reporting Katy Perry will be premiering her new single, "Waking Up in Vegas," on an upcoming episode of "American Idol." Perry stimulated the local economy by hiring a number of local celebrity impersonators for the music video. …
After 25 years in "An Evening at La Cage" at the Riviera, Frank Marino is back on the Strip as a special guest star in "Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding" at Planet Hollywood Resort. Starting May 8, he will be appearing as a famous drag queen friend of the bride’s family. …
Correction: A news release that stated Cher fans had only "33 more opportunities" to see her before her Dec. 20 finale at Caesars Palace led to the erroneous conclusion that she had completed her run at the Colosseum. Her contract continues into 2010.
SIGHTINGS
CNN political reporter John King, taping state-of-the-union interviews Wednesday at Jamms, 1029 S. Rainbow Blvd., for his Sunday show. … Poker star and "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant Annie Duke and friends, going all-in on buttermilk flapjacks at Hash House A Go Go on Tuesday. … Miss Nevada USA 2009 Georgina Vaughan and Miss Alabama USA 2009 Rachel Philippona, on stage during "Mesmerized" with hypnotist Marc Savard on Tuesday at V Theatre (Planet Hollywood). … Lara Spencer of "Entertainment Tonight/The Insider," having dinner at Steakhouse46 (Flamingo) on Tuesday with her husband. She’s in town to interview Donny Osmond, who is unveiling the new "Crazy Horses" number in the "Donny & Marie Show." … Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz, buying swimwear and lingerie at Love Jones (Hard Rock Hotel) on Tuesday.
THE PUNCH LINE
"You charge $40 for parking, and I’m the pirate?" — From David Letterman‘s "Top Ten Thoughts Going Through The Somali Pirate’s Mind While In New York City"
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.