Ne-Yo ‘flattered’ by Dion invitation
Just writing a song for Celine Dion was a “surreal” experience, according to local Grammy winner Ne-Yo.
But when she invited him to perform a duet with her, an awestruck Ne-Yo said “that was a challenge to say the least.”
He told Digital Spy, “I was trying to figure out what I was even doing there — why would they need my voice when they have hers?”
Ne-Yo said he was “flattered, but it definitely made me question my vocal ability.”
Her upcoming album, tentatively titled “Water and Flame,” is her first English album since 2007.
There have been rumblings some of the songs were recorded at the Palms recording studio.
R.I.P. HAL SPEAR
For years, Las Vegas comedian Hal Spear was an opening act for the likes of Richard Jeni and Howie Mandel.
His opening included a self-effacing line that went something like this: “You came to see the headliner perform, and here I am standing here talking to you. It’s like when you go to a deli and order a sandwich.
“You didn’t order the pickle, but you got the pickle. Well, folks, I’m the pickle.”
Hours after hearing Spear had died at his home in Las Vegas, Mandel tweeted, “R.I.P. Hal spear. Much more than just the pickle. I’ll miss you buddy.”
Spear, said to be in his early 50s, had expressed a concern to friends recently over numbness in his fingers and arms, said Kevin Kearney, a partner in Sin City Comedy.
“He was a great comedy writer, very prolific,” said Kearney, in a telephone interview from Philadelphia. “He was a friend to everyone.”
CHANNEL 3 STUDIO DRAMA
Recent newsroom construction at KSNV-TV, Channel 3, produced some drama.
Shortly after some walls were knocked down last month to make room for a new studio, inspectors from OSHA and the city of Las Vegas showed up.
Apparently someone who works at the station called to complain about the dusty conditions and raised questions about whether permits and plans were approved.
In an emailed response, Lisa Howfield, vice president and general manager, explained:
“News 3 is in the midst of building a spectacular news set as we prepare for the expansion of our news programming. All permits are in place and the City of Las Vegas is scheduled for a rough inspection on Monday,” re-scheduled for today.
She added, “OSHA paid us a visit to ensure the safety of our employees. They tested the air which showed to be safe inside KSNV. In short, dust masks are not required although a few employees have opted to wear them and were provided with the required OSHA guidelines about wearing masks.”
Asked whether construction began with the proper paperwork, Howfield said, “We started with some early construction that did not require permits. At the point where permits were required, we got them.”
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy speaks at the Mob Museum on March 20.
SIGHTINGS
Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis, a contributor on NBC’s “Today Show,” getting a tour of the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace on Tuesday. ... NFL great Jerry Rice, with a small group at Joe’s Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Saturday. ... Actress Anne Heche, taking in the Donny and Marie show at Flamingo Las Vegas on Saturday night.
THE PUNCH LINE
“When the cardinals are done selecting a new pope, smoke appears up the chimney. White smoke means a new pope. Black smoke means they have not reached a decision. Blue smoke means the cardinals are making ribs.” — David Letterman
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.
