Ross performance at Palazzo in doubt

Motown icon Diana Ross, playing before her largest Las Vegas crowd in years, kept us hanging on and wondering: was it live or a masterpiece of music technology?

The former Supremes star raised suspicions early during her nine-song performance at Saturday's concert capping the grand opening weekend of the $1.9 billion Palazzo.

Ross' voice was spectacular, but there were questions because she not only performed with a sound track that included backup singers and a band, she also requested that she not appear on the jumbo screens on each side of the stage.

In an age with so much enhancement technology available, there were doubters.

"She had the microphone down and you could still hear her voice," said one of a number of attendees who came away convinced Ross had lip-synched.

"If she pulled off the mic," said a longtime audio engineer working at a Strip property, "and level didn't change, science says that's tape."

One of Ross' biggest fans, female impersonator and Riviera headliner Frank Marino, insisted it was vintage Ross.

"I was right up front and everything coming out of the mic was 100 percent her," said Marino, who has made a career of lip-synching Joan Rivers.

"She was using a click track; it's what people use on a corporate gig," he said. "The tracks are laid down for your music and your background vocals are on there.

"She stopped twice to tell the sound man 'I can't hear the music, would you make it louder?'" Marino said. "If she were lip-synching, the song she was singing would have continued to play. Being in a show for 22 years that involves lip-synching, I consider myself an expert."

While some of the 5,000 show-goers grumbled that Ross' performance had the feel of a corporate show, the $129 ticket for the concert also included performances by Seal, Venetian headliner Wayne Brady, a rousing preview of "Jersey Boys" and five songs by Andy Garcia and his Cineson All-Stars band.

"If I could pick up a million dollars by throwing my heels and a cassette tape in my purse, I'd do it, too," Marino said.

Ross' diva reputation remains firmly intact. She also requested that no photographers be allowed to shoot her performance -- which didn't stop hundreds from using cell phones -- and she declined to attend a pre-concert VIP meet-and-greet.

Ron Reese, corporate vice president of communications for Sands Corp., the parent of The Venetian and Palazzo, said Ross "was singing live."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Longtime Siegfried and Roy manager Bernie Yuman and Nicole Durr, who produced the short-lived "Havana Nights" at the Stardust, are reportedly working with Hollywood heavyweight publicist Ken Sunshine on an entertainment project for the Palazzo. Sunshine, who represents Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake and Leonardo DiCaprio, was spotted at the Palazzo concert on Saturday. ...

Miss Colorado, Maggie Ireland, is the tallest of the Miss America contestants at 5-foot-11 and Miss Nevada, Caleche Manos, is a smidge shorter. Nevadans can help Manos reach the finals by casting a vote for her at www.TLC.com/MissAmerica and click on Nevada. An extra finalist is being added through the Internet vote.

SIGHTINGS

Michael Jackson and his children, having lunch Sunday at Planet Hollywood restaurant (Forum Shops at Caesars). ... Chelsea Clinton, enjoying a victory dinner with friends at Koi ( Planet Hollywood Resort) on Saturday. Jamie-Lynn Sigler of "The Sopranos," introducing the "Jersey Boys" at the Palazzo event. ... Also there: all 52 Miss America contestants mingling with guests and signing autographs. ... Seal, hosting the Palazzo grand opening after-concert party Saturday at Tao Las Vegas (The Venetian). In the crowd was singer John Mayer, who took in Miley Cyrus' Hannah Montana show at the MGM Grand and stopped in Tryst (Wynn). ... Drew Barrymore and actor Justin Long, catching dinner Saturday at Fix restaurant (Bellagio). ... Music star Lenny Kravitz, checking into the Penthouse Suite at the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday. ... At LAX nightclub (Luxor) on Saturday: Wilmer Valderrama, MTV reality star Kristin Cavallari, legendary deejay Grandmaster Flash, Shane West, illusionist Anthony Cools and poker star David Williams. West and Cavallari were also spotted at Pure nightclub (Caesars Palace). ... At Company American Bistro (Luxor) on Saturday: Cavallari, Valderrama, West and Luxor headliner Carrot Top. ... UFC fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, at Pure nightclub (Caesars Palace).

THE PUNCH LINE

"The judges point out that eating a pound of fudge is not technically a talent." -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Signs You're Not Going to Win Miss America.

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