Swimsuit models supersize on Strip
A 3D extravaganza flashes across a Caesars Palace tower tonight in a supersize welcome for the 2013 Sports Illustrated swimsuit models.
The high-tech show, a mix of 3D and animation, will be part of the celebration of the 50th edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
The projection on the Octavius Tower starts at 8 p.m., with images from the various swimsuit shoots on display. The shoot involved all seven continents, a first in SI brand history.
Earlier, all eyes will be on Kate Upton when the 17 models parade down the red carpet along the Garden of the Gods at Caesars Palace.
Upton, 20, is the first back-to-back cover girl since Tyra Banks in 1996 and 1997.
Joining Upton will be Cintia Dicker, Jessica Gomes, Julie Henderson, Ariel Meredith, Genevieve Morton, Jessica Perez, Irina Shayk, Chrissy Teigen, Anne V, Adaora and Nina Agdal, with rookies Natasha Barnard, Kate Bock, Hannah Davis, Emily DiDonato and Katherine Webb.
For Webb, it's a surreal return to Las Vegas. Last summer she competed in the Miss USA pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort as Miss Alabama USA.
The models will make appearances at Nobu Hotel and the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and will hit nightclubs (1 OAK at The Mirage, Marquee at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The Bank at Bellagio).
Seven local women appear in the Las Vegas advertorial. Four are members of the "Sirens of TI" cast: Meagen Hensley, Kimi Bateman, Tara Taylor and Abigail Galloway.
"X Burlesque" is represented by Jennifer Mateo, Meeka Onstead and Nanako Hawley.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
The honorees for the 39th annual UNLVino event April 18-21: celebrity chefs Thomas Keller and Masaharu Morimoto; restaurant consultant Elizabeth Blau; and MGM Grand President & COO Scott Sibella. For ticket information, visit UNLVino.com. Tickets are on sale at UNLVTickets.com. ...
Paris Las Vegas headliner Taylor Hicks has a new addition for his mantel heading for Las Vegas. The former "American Idol" winner won a Grammy on Sunday for his participation on Jimmy Fallon's "Blow Your Pants Off," voted best comedy album. Hicks was stunned. "I never thought in a million years it would be for a comedy record, but I'll take it," he said. Hicks and talk show host Stephen Colbert appeared on Fallon's show and performed a parody of Rebecca Black's "Friday." Others on Fallon's album are Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Eddie Vedder, Dave Matthews, Justin Timberlake, Big & Rich and Brian Williams.
SIGHTINGS
John Travolta, dining at Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace over the weekend with a small group. ... Prop comedy legend Gallagher, downing chicken wings and pizza at the Tap House on West Charleston on Monday night. He's in town shopping a new slot machine computer software that he spent six years developing.
THE PUNCH LINE
"The Navy SEAL responsible for killing Osama bin Laden says he's having trouble finding work. My advice: Charge $10 per high-five. He will be a billionaire by the weekend." - Conan O'Brien
Norm Clarke's column appears Sunday, 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. "Norm Clarke's Vegas," airs Thursdays on the "Morning Blend" on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.
