Garth Brooks has pal in high places

Is Garth Brooks planning a Las Vegas homecoming of sorts?

The country superstar was spotted in the company of hotel developer Steve Wynn at SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday night, further confirmation that Brooks has friends in high places too.

The sighting set off speculation that Wynn was courting the semi-retired star who broke records for both sales and concert attendance in the 1990s.

Back in January 1991, he packed 'em in at the Desert Inn (which Wynn bought and turned into Wynn Las Vegas and Encore). Tickets for Brooks shows went for $35.

In September 1998, Brooks performed in four sold-out concerts over four days at Sam Boyd Stadium, drawing a total of 72,076 fans.

Brooks, 47, announced his retirement in October 2000, saying he wanted to spend more time with his three daughters, now ranging in age from 12 to 16.

Brooks has indicated he's retired from active touring, at least until his youngest daughter graduates from high school.

He still does occasional concerts, but they're usually more one-off type events, and usually for a charitable purpose.

He makes appearances from time to time, such as the one at President Barack Obama's inaugural events. He put out a hits album last year that sold very well.

There have been rumblings as well that Wynn has had conversations with Hilton headliner Barry Manilow, whose contract ends at the end of this year.

Offered an opportunity to respond, reps for Brooks, Wynn and Manilow did not get back by deadline.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Confirmed sightings of Wynn's British girlfriend, Andrea Hissom, have increased this month at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, amid rumors that she's in the process of moving here after an amicable agreement was reached between Steve and Elaine Wynn, who are divorcing. ...

Deejays Dave Farra and Jason Mahoney of KXTE-FM 107.5 (Xtreme) say they are getting a bad rap for killing off Robin Leach, former host of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and a local celebrity blogger. A report on the Las Vegas Sun online site Thursday said the deejays "hacked into Robin's Wikipedia entry and reported that he'd died."

Not true, said Mahoney. "We know better than that (hacking); that's a federal offense," he said. Anyone can edit Wikipedia entries, he said, so the term hacking was inaccurate. Mahoney said the culprit "was apparently somebody who listens to our show."

Mahoney acknowledged that the deejays may have said on-air that Leach's career had died.

SIGHTINGS

"Dancing With the Stars" runner-up Gilles Marini, at Kim Vo's salon at The Mirage on Friday before heading for "Peepshow" (Planet Hollywood Resort). ...

Veteran CBS international reporter Bob Simon, celebrating his 68th birthday Thursday at the Golden Steer steakhouse and Society Café at Encore. Simon, in town on assignment for "60 Minutes," was imprisoned and tortured by the Iraqis during his 40-day captivity in the 1991 Gulf War. ...

Singer, record producer and actor Ray J, hanging out at the center bar with his crew at the Palms' "Ditch Fridays" pool party. ...

THE PUNCH LINE

"I want to thank all the people that made it possible -- Michael Jackson, Monica Lewinsky, Bill Clinton." -- Jay Leno, during his final "Late Night" monologue Friday.

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