Mariah Carey, James Packer hit hot spot on yacht
Caesars Palace headliner Mariah Carey and Australian billionaire James Packer are on another family outing on his $50 million yacht in the Mediterranean. They were photographed Sunday on the yacht off Ibiza, Spain, the famed party hot spot.
It is one of their first public sightings since Carey's July 22 show at Caesars Palace, when she dedicated the performance of her hit song "Hero" to Packer and flashed a pricey necklace, a gift from him.
It was announced last week that Packer turned in his resignation as chairman of Crown Resorts. The Sydney Morning Herald reported over the weekend that Packer tendered his resignation in order to focus on his casino and technology interest overseas rather than his Australian gaming operations.
"While some investors read the removal of Packer at the helm of the casino juggernaut as a hugely symbolic moment, it came as little surprise to the Crown board," the newspaper reported. "It is believed Packer first broached the idea of stepping back from the chairman's role two years ago with several advisors to Crown. The reason? He was spending most of his time living outside Australia."
The report said Packer will divide his time between Los Angeles, where his children live, with frequent visits to Las Vegas.
Packer also owns a home in Israel, where he introduced Carey to his spiritual advisor shortly after they started dating. That spurred the predictable reports that they have marriage in mind.
She and Nick Cannon, her second husband and father of her 4-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe, are not divorced.
PBR MOVES ACROSS TOWN
Las Vegas' presumed National Hockey League franchise will be sharing the Las Vegas Arena will some equally tough hombres.
It was announced Sunday that the Professional Bull Riders will be holding their World Finals in the new 20,000-seat, $375 million indoor arena starting in November 2016. The length of the long-term lease was not released.
The PBR's showcase event has been held at Thomas & Mack Center since 1999 after five years at the MGM Grand Garden.
The new arena is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and AEG, both longtime partners of the PBR.
PBR CEO Sean Gleason said, "We will remember our history-making years at Thomas & Mack fondly, but we owe it to our fans and bull riders to create the next chapter in a venue that will enhance the PBR World Finals experience for everyone."
NEVADA BROADCASTERS HONOR REIDS
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his wife, Landra, received the Pinnacle Award at the Nevada Broadcasters Association's Hall of Fame gala Saturday.
Former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan, who presented the Reids at the Four Seasons, shared stories of his 52-year association with the senator and credited Landra for her dedication and contributions.
The Reids were part of an evening that featured 62 members of the NVBA's largest Hall of Fame class, ranging in years of experience from five to 50-plus years.
Longtime president Bob Fisher received Special Honors recognition for his role in establishing the association and guiding it for 20 years. Linda Bonnici was recipient of the NVBA's Lifetime Achievement Award.
With Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO, in the audience, MGM Resorts received the Community Achievement Award. Clark Dumont, senior vice president for corporate communication, accepted on behalf of the company.
Other notables: Todd Brown, general manager of KVVU-TV, Channel 5; KLUC-FM morning show host Chet Buchanan was emcee; and Travis Cloer of "Jersey Boys" sang the national anthem.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
The Kabuki performance on Lake Bellagio created huge interest Saturday, as evidenced by reports of hourlong waits to exit I-15 onto the Strip. ...
Britney Spears and Carey will guest-star on TV shows this fall. Spears will be on CW's "Jane the Virgin," while Carey is signed for a role on "Empire," Fox's hit about a feuding entertainment industry family. Creator Lee Daniels and Carey have a long history when it comes to film projects. They collaborated on "Precious," "Lee Daniels' The Butler" and "Tennessee."
SIGHTINGS
Jordin Sparks, the Season 6 winner of "American Idol" at age 17, in the audience at "Zumanity" (New York New York) on Saturday. "Mistress of Sensuality" Edie gave Sparks a shoutout at the end of the show. Sparks later performed at Share nightclub. ... NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, hosting a Make-a-Wish event at Hyde Bellagio on Saturday for 7-year-old Owen. ... Record producer Jamal "Mally Mall" Rashid and Nikki Mudarris, dining at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Saturday. Both are recurring cast members in VH1's hit reality TV show "Love and Hip Hop: Hollywood."
THE PUNCH LINE
"The CEO of the dating app Tinder is leaving after just five months with the company. Though five months is still Tinder's longest relationship." — Seth Meyers
Norm Clarke's column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter: @Norm_Clarke
