Joey Chestnut
Major League Eating champion Joey Chestnut failed in his bid to shatter last year’s record 50 meatballs in 10 minutes at the second annual Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Contest at the Rio, and he blamed it on being distracted by Holly Madison and his own failure in disregarding his disciplines the night before. “I just couldn’t get into the rhythm of it. I saw Holly there. She’s beautiful. I couldn’t believe I was sitting so close to her. I lost my concentration. I was thinking more about her than the meatballs. I’m the only one to blame, but she really distracted me, and my mind was elsewhere.”
Rock icon Vince Neil said he’s got bumps and bruises all over his body from falling on the ice during his daily five-plus hours of rehearsals for ABC’s upcoming Skating With the Stars, premiering Nov. 22. “My right knee has taken some punishment,” he told me at the Rio, where he hosted his sixth annual Skylar Neil Charity Poker Tournament. His 25-year-old dance partner, international gold medalist Jennifer Wester, said, “You have to fall to learn ice skating, but he’s a shockingly good student. You will be very surprised and impressed. I am already impressed.”
Producer David Saxe has unveiled the ambitious musical Liberace: Music & Memories at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops. It’s the only “officially licensed” Liberace show in the world. One of the most incredible parts of the production is the three-plus hours it takes to apply star Wayland Pickard’s makeup to make him look like the late great entertainer. The makeup that transforms him into Mr. Showmanship was designed by Academy Award-winning artist Kevin Haney.
Vegas DeLuxe has received word that the new spectacular Triumph at the Las Vegas Hilton is set to test time by giving its audience a ride through an interactive Steampunk world set in a Victorian fantasy. Steeped with influences from H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and Nikola Tesla, Triumph begins its journey on Nov. 22. “We are ready to wow Las Vegas with this innovative and original show that will introduce the Steampunk literary genre to a whole new audience,” said creators Larry and Rafael.
For more celebrity sightings, check out Vegas Deluxe with Robin Leach
