Now you see it, now you don’t

Word that Criss Angel's promotional wrap was being removed from the face of the Luxor set off a media scramble Tuesday.

Was it lights out for the controversy-courting magician?

No, just a routine cleaning of the pyramid resort where Angel's collaboration with Cirque du Soleil has been running since last fall.

It was a case of crazy timing, coming days after Angel sparked a furor by lashing out at celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton, who was in the audience for Friday's second show.

Hilton was bashing the show on Twitter, a social networking service, during the performance.

Cirque issued an apology Monday for Angel's shoutout, which might be popular epithets for a frat house party but not appropriate behavior for headliners.

Cirque, the Montreal-based entertainment juggernaut, apologized for Angel's "inappropriate and disrespectful remarks."

Luxor president Felix Rappaport, asked to address Angel's status, said, "It's business as usual."

The wrap relocation "had nothing to do with any current events," he said.

Rappaport said Angel's 44,000-square foot vinyl wrap on the east face of the pyramid has "outlived its useful life by several months" and will be moved to the East tower on a "permanent basis."

Rappaport would not say what wrap is replacing Angel's, but there are rumblings that artwork for "Transformer 2" going up in May will be the largest ever.

"Everybody wants the east face" of the pyramid, he said, because about 30 million cars a year pass by the Luxor on Las Vegas Boulevard.

JACOBS 'INSULTED TO THE CORE'

Alicia Jacobs had Miss North Carolina winning it and Miss California fifth.

Jacobs, entertainment reporter for KVBC-TV, Channel 3, was a judge for the Miss USA pageant. She admitted Tuesday that she was offended by Miss California Carrie Prejean's opposition to gay marriage.

"Had it not been for her answer, which insulted me to the core, she would have been my first runnerup," said Jacobs, a former Miss Nevada and Mrs. United States.

Jacobs had Miss Arizona second, Miss Utah third and Miss Kentucky fourth.

Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton won the crown, and Prejean was second.

Prejean told news outlets Tuesday that her answer "cost me the crown," but she said, "I feel like I'm the winner. ... I said what I feel."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Elton John ends his five-year, 241-show run tonight at Caesars Palace. A boatload of bold-faced names are among nearly 200 attending the after-party at Sophie Ideker's Sea Harbour, the high-roller seafood emporium at Caesars. Cher also is leaving Caesars. She had signed to do 200 shows over three years, starting last May, but chose to complete the deal in 18 months. Her last show will be Dec. 20.

SIGHTINGS

At Green Valley Ranch Resort on Tuesday: "C.S.I" Las Vegas cast members Laurence Fishburne and Paul Guilfoyle filming scenes with Gerald McRaney of TV's "Major Dad" fame, joining the cast for the episode. ... Fishburne, with a friend Monday night at Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant & Bar (Bellagio). ... Jason Alexander of "Seinfeld," with his sons, Gabriel and Noah, at "Criss Angel Believe" on Saturday. ... Donald Trump, spotted dozing off during Paul McCartney's concert Sunday at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel. ... At "Love" on Saturday: Franco Dragone, actor Gary Oldman with his family, and Adam Foote of the Colorado Avalanche. ... Actress Eliza Dushku and NBA hunk-turned-actor Rick Fox got cozy -- and camera shy -- Saturday at Blush (Wynn Las Vegas). Fox had his hand on her leg much of the night. When the club's photog was spotted asking for a photo, they declined. Fox agreed to a solo shot. ... Suzanne Somers, Oldman and his family, among a group Saturday at Rao's at Caesars Palace. ... Kenan Thompson of "Saturday Night Live" at "Peepshow" (Planet Hollywood Resort). ... Comedy legend Bob Newhart at the Hilton Center on Monday, giving a show at the NAB convention. ... Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, at JR's Place Italian Kitchen, 5745 S. Durango, on Sunday with Hilton exec Ken Ciancimino and his family. Snider sang happy birthday to Ciancimino's daughter Alexa, who was celebrating her 15th birthday.