Monti-Licious 5/25/14 Last weeks Billboard Awards show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena was one of the better Billboard presentations of recent years, even though the choice of Ludacris as host was a mistake. He should stick to hip hop and acting, definitely not hosting. The Michael Jackson hologram performance was both brilliant and spooky in that you know he’s gone, but there he was, leading those dancers and singing as only he can. This was a technological wonder. The other highlights of the show were the Carrie Underwood/Miranda Lambert duet and the fantastic Jennifer Lopez. She opened the show along with Pitbull and then brought the house down with her solo musical finale. The triple-threat Ms. Lopez also received this years Icon Award, the first female to win it. The rest of the program was filled with the usual array of country, rock n roll, and hip hop doing their thing. Las Vegas group Imagine Dragons was a big winner as was Justin Timberlake and another treat was the fact that Justin Bieber was NOT there. The Cosmopolitan Hotel/Casino, the last mega-resort to open after the recession, has been sold. The Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest bank, sold the stylish but unprofitable property to a subsidiary of the private equity firm Blackstone Group. The local press was never really made to feel welcome at this property. They do need a public relations and marketing firm to make this property more friendly to the local media and general public. Maybe having an auto dealership on premises is not the best idea either. One of the good things they did was to sign Bruno Mars for multiple engagements. American Idol was renewed for another year as was The Voice. “Idol” will be reduced from 51 to 37 telecasts as the ratings are down. Even Jennifer Lopez can’t save this one. The X Factor is gone, but America’s Got (no) Talent remains. Ugh! The only musical reality shows that entertain consistently are The Voice and Dancing With the Stars. We can never get enough of Maks, Val, Derek, Sheryl, and company. Theyre the ones with talent! Maya Rudolf, after 7 years with SNL, has her own variety show. The verdict is not in yet, but this lady is one of the most talented entertainers in the business and stands out way above the scripts and guest performers so far. Lorne Michaels (SNL creator) is producing the show that they hope will spice up the NBC lineup and possibly start the return of other variety shows. But unfortunately, the opening number was corny and too long. If Maya wants to reinvent the variety show, she could help herself by viewing some of the best ones like Sonny and Cher, The Dean Martin Comedy Hour or The Carol Burnett Show. You dont have to reinvent the wheel, Maya. Another SNL alumni, Seth Meyers, seems to be settling in to the late night talk show scene. Harvey Levin and his TMZ sleaze team don’t care who they may hurt. There is enough news to go around, so as not to resort to delving into personal and private matters that should remain private. Entertainers and other celebrities are human beings and we all know that none of us is perfect. How about just backing off a little, Harvey? Michael Sam caused quite a stir by coming out and being the first NFL openly gay football player. Coming out seems to be the thing to do in this day and age. Being gay no longer necessarily kills careers. In my early days of TV, we didn’t dare come out and people thought whatever they wanted to. Coming out now is commendable as the public tends to accept alternate life styles, but celebrities need to be extra careful because the sleaze machine will dig up anything from the past and twist it to their advantage, and make you targets of the scandal sheets. Golden Rainbow will present this years Ribbon of Life production at the Penn and Teller Theater in the Rio on June 22. Golden Rainbow has been supporting Nevadans with HIV/Aids with housing and financial support for many years will do so until this “plague” has been completely erased from our lives. For more information please email to: [email protected]. Crooner Jerry Vale died last week at age 82. Jerry had many hit records in the 50s and 60s, among them “ Al Di La,” Arrivederci Roma,” “Mama” and “You Don’t Know Me.” He is survived by Rita, his wife of 55 years, a son, a daughter and three grandchildren. His high tenor voice made him unique to the world of “popular” music. Mama Mia is alive and well at the Tropicana. This hit show is on its third “go-round” here in the Valley and we do hope it can keep drawing the crowds as it has done since the original opening on Broadway. Let’s face it, we never tire of Abba’s wonderful music. Summerlin will soon be adding more and more shopping and dining facilities in the very near future. The Shops at Summerlin will have, among many more, Macys. Dillards and Nordstrums Rack for shoppers to choose from. And now, Wolfgang Puck has announced the future opening of his Summerlin restaurant. This is the man who was instrumental in bringing celebrity chefs to the Las Vegas area and making it into one of the foremost dining destinations of our time. Friday, May 23, 2014 was officially declared Zowie Bowie Day in Las Vegas. Zowie Bowie celebrated eight years is Las Vegas with a special performance at the Red Rock Resort. The group features lead singer Chris Phillips, violinist Lydia Ansel, vocalists Nieve Malandra and Christina Amato and a great back-up band. MO5AIC, the 5 member vocal band has added a new block of tickets for performances through July at the Shimmer Cabaret Showroom at the LVH-Las Vegas Hotel/Casino. Nevada residents with valid ID cards can also receive specially priced locals tickets. The group performs a cappella music, with no instruments, using just their voices and microphones to create a full sound. For more information please call 702- 732-5755 or visit thelvh. Las Vegas favorite, Tony Sacca . has 2 book signings scheduled in May 31st. The first will be at Barnes and Noble at 567 N Stephanie St. in Henderson for 2-4 p.m. and then on tothe second signing at The Italian American Club at 2333 E. Sahara Ave. in Las Vegas from 6-8 p.m.. His tell-all biography Tony Sacca: A 50 Year Journey From The City of Brotherly Love to the Entertainment Capital of the World reveals his life story and reflects his 50-year journey in show business. Atlantic City will reportedly lose 2 unprofitable casinos in the near future. This town cant seem to pull itself back up. Analysts have listed Showboat and Trump Plaza among the most vulnerable of Atlantic Citys 11 remaining casinos. In this day of casinos popping up in so many different areas, Atlantic City has been hard-hit. Unfortunately, the blighted area surrounding the casinos was never rebuilt as promised years ago and this has kept many people away. Other than gambling and a summer season on the boardwalk they have little to offer. This week marks the 75th birthday of yours truly and there will be many friends and supporters helping me celebrate, some of whom will be flying in from distant places. Ah, its good to be King (or should I say Queen). I’ll tell you all about it next week (I bet you can’t wait). THe Rev. Monti wishes you all only the best.
Posted on: Tue, 27 May 2014 21:04:53 +0000
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