Jackson curios as bright as the star

In a buying frenzy described as "unlike anything we've ever experienced," Michael Jackson auction items were bringing 10 times their estimated value on Friday.

Darren Julien of Julien Auctions said the bidding for the 200 Jackson items would surpass $1 million on the first anniversary of his death.

"It just shows you Michael Jackson is the most sought after and most collectible celebrity of all time. It was just phenomenal," Julien said after the auction ended.

"People flew in from Asia, Russia, all over. Now that he's gone, we now realize the true legend we lost," said Julien, who has not had a similar auction in his 15 years in the business.

It was a thriller.

Julien offered some examples of the spirited action. A pair of Jackson's stage-worn loafers that were pre-listed as worth $2,000 to $3,000 went for $90,000. A white Fedora sold for $56,250. One of the last autographs Jackson signed, and dated June 24, 2009, in his handwriting, went for $21,000.

The Swarovski crystal-studded glove worn by Jackson on his Victory Tour figured to fetch $20,000 to $30,000. Julien said it went for $190,000, which includes a buyer's premium.

The custom jacket that the pop singer was wearing during his interview with Barbara Walters was pre-listed at $6,000 to $8,000. It sold for $120,000.

Organizers thought a "Beat It" jacket he wore and signed, but not the one in the "Beat It" video, would fetch $132,000.

The auction continues through Sunday at Planet Hollywood Resort. Today's theme, Hollywood Icons, includes items owned by Cher, Anna Nicole Smith and Marilyn Monroe. "Star Trek" items dominate Sunday's action. The event is open to the public.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Bill Walters, gambler-turned-golf course property developer, is featured on Tuesday's episode of the Golf Channel's series "Golf in America." Those interviewed for the feature include: Mayor Oscar Goodman, gaming veteran Jack Binion, and poker legends Doyle Brunson and Dewey Tomko. ...

Good thing "Sweet" Al Miller has a sweet disposition after I inadvertently referred to him as "Big" Al and had his band, 333 The Band, playing at the wrong venue. They open for Puddle of Mudd at 8 tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel pool. And I clearly need a vacation, which starts next week.

SIGHTINGS

At Wynn Las Vegas on Friday: Country music star Carrie Underwood, dining in a private room at Okada. At Encore: Singer John Mayer, at Botero; Regis Philbin at Sinatra; the Food Network's Rachel Ray and husband John Cusimano checking into the Tower Suites. ... Los Angeles Lakers spark plug Derek Fisher, at Tao Beach (Venetian) on Friday. Fisher has been in town for meetings in his role as president of the NBA Players Association. ... Danielle Jonas, wife of pop star Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, dining at Tao (Venetian) on Thursday with her sister and a group of girls celebrating a friend's bachelorette party.

THE PUNCH LINE

"A Florida man was run over by his own truck after his dog put the truck in gear. First, it looked like an accident but it turns out the dog was texting." -- Jay Leno

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