‘Viva Elvis’ scores with ‘Idol’ outing
Cirque du Soleil's "Viva Elvis" hit the publicity jackpot Tuesday, raking in national exposure from a spotlight appearance on "American Idol."
The newest Cirque show on the Strip was featured in front of millions of viewers, thanks to a visit to CityCenter by the nine remaining "Idol" finalists.
The contestants flew into Las Vegas last Friday to view the Elvis extravaganza and get one-on-one mentoring from Season Eight runner-up Adam Lambert, because, apparently, nothing says Elvis like Adam Lambert.
Six of the finalists sang Elvis songs during Tuesday's show, including early favorite Crystal Bowersox, who won the judges' hearts with her blues-rich "Saved."
Judge Randy Jackson told her it was so strong, "it could have been the second coming of Bonnie Raitt." Ellen DeGeneres gave it a "fantastic," Kara DioGuardi added her stamp of approval. Simon Cowell gushed, "What I loved about it is that you didn't choose an obvious song," adding it was a song that suited her. "Most importantly you didn't fall into the karaoke trap."
Lambert loved her as well, praising her "awesome voice" and "authentic" persona.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Aria, the 4,004-room centerpiece of CityCenter, and ultra-swanky neighbor Mandarin Oriental were named to Conde Nast's hotel "hot list," announced Saturday at Haze nightclub at Aria. Amid the lavish praise for Aria was this consumer warning: "Beware the outrageous amenity surcharges, including $35 a day for gym and spa access." Mandarin Oriental got props for the 920-square-foot Corner Suites and the "stunning Vegas vistas and luxe amenities for less than $500 a night." Conde Nast added, "The 392-room hotel is a study in calm sophistication -- nary a fanny pack nor a bachelor party in sight." ...
Longtime Las Vegas residents Jimmie Walker and Julianne Michelle have roles in the upcoming film "Sweet Lorraine," starring Tatum O'Neal. Walker, who made "Dy-no-mite!" a catchword in his role as J.J. Evans on the 1970s hit series "Good Times, is hosting at the Comedy Stop (Sahara hotel showroom) April 19-25. The headliner is Danny Bevins. Julianne Michelle, 25, grew up in the Regency Towers at Las Vegas Country Club. She plays O'Neal's stepdaughter.
SIGHTINGS
Mike Nesmith, former member of the Monkees, at Penn & Teller (Rio) on Monday. ... On With the Show, a newly formed youth glee club, made its debut at the Bootlegger Bistro on Sunday. They open the AIDS walk on April 25.
THE PUNCH LINE
"I watched so much golf this weekend. Tiger finished in fourth place, which means he only won $330,000, which is barely enough to pay his text messaging bill." -- Jimmy Kimmel
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com
