by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

As most of you readers of my column know, I give my full support behind numerous Karaoke establishments in Las Vegas. One reason is it allows many unknown's to display their talent to an enthusiastic audience. They get to feel like a star, if only for a few minutes. And, believe it or not, some get a lucky break and are discovered.

But I have discovered a big flaw in the growing industry that has taken over a lot of the entertainment venues in Las Vegas. Favoritism! Yep, gang, some of the people in charge of who gets to sing and who has to wait actually have favorites. Would you believe that is possible? Unlike the Imperial Palace's monthly "Be a Legend's Karaoke Contest," where an unknown is asked to audition before they can enter the contest, the normal Karaoke nights are open to anyone. All you have to do is register, supposedly. Yeah, just try to get on if you have never been heard before by the emcee or host (in some cases hostess). You are relegated to the end of the night if you are lucky! All that matters to many of the hosts and hostesses is that their personal friends get on, week-after-week, during the prime time of what is usually a four hour spread. Now I have nothing against a host or hostess making sure celebrities get to do their thing and are slotted quickly upon arrival. That's only fair, okay? But there are times when the celebrities are not present in the audience and the host is obligated to keep the show moving. That's what they get paid to do.

I know of a case where a certain female singer (who has sung at a couple of Karaoke venues in town, including as a guest singer during the Imperial Palace contest) who has made three trips to a particular Karaoke venue that caters to celebrities. She sat into the wee hours of the morning (and believe me she has a day job) and has yet to get on! Yet, I sat with her in the audience and watched some (with perhaps limited talent) singers get early time slots as the crowd (that is usually SRO) waited for the celebrities to arrive and perform. And God bless those celebrities for coming out week-after-week in support of this form of entertainment. For if it wasn't for them the SRO crowd would not be there! Then the venue would be left to those unknown performers who are hoping to be discovered, or just want their three or four minutes of fame. And, most importantly, would the paying crowd be as large?

I do not think it's a fair way of handling the selection of who and when a person gets to perform. I have a suggestion on how to make it fair to everyone. Have those who want to be in the show arrive at least 30 minutes prior to show time. Fill out the regular slip of paper as usual, but just before show time the slip of paper (small piece of paper with name and song listed) are placed in a bucket and someone then draws out the names one-by-one before the show begins. First out is first up and so on until they all have a number (#1, #2, etc). When a celebrity arrives they are slotted between the numbered singers just as they usually are now. Late comers wishing to perform are given a numbered slot at the end of those who were previously numbered. If they can't make it before the show starts like everyone else, "tough!"

To the owners of these Karaoke venues think about it. It takes the favoritism out of the picture and makes it even for everyone. And the host or hostess can't be faulted. I know for certain this writer will be watching and reporting. No more favoritism please! Make it a fair deal for everyone: the good singer, the professional and for those true amateurs who don't know anybody but just want to sing!

I'm sure this will create some controversy. But, hey, when I write good things about certain people or venues we never hear anything. So this way I'm sure to hear something!

The Bootlegger Bistro out on Las Vegas Blvd., south has a very popular Karaoke night every Monday hosted by Ms. Kelly Clinton. I'm amazed at the amateur and professional talent that shows up every Monday night and of course the crowds there to watch and listen. One of the main reasons is the celebrities that show up and do a song or two. This particular Monday Clint Holmes (he's a regular along with his friends) arrived after his show was over. When it came his turn, he sang "We're In This Love Together" just beautifully. Hey Clint's a star! Cook E. Jarr did a fabulous Tom Jones takeoff of "It's Not Unusual." Jarr is a star too! Ronnie Foster, who is part of the Holmes group, performed an original song that was out of sight.

The Karaoke got underway at about 10 pm., and the first person up was the singing sensation from the Rio (she is a bevertainer there) Genevieve who literally killed with Nat King Cole's hit "L-O-V-E Love." Another bevertainer named Isaac got the SRO crowd going with his rendition of "Lean on Me." Michael Cagle, who just closed at Boulder Station and who truly needs no introduction, sang "Hero." Michael actually received a standing ovation. Cagle is one performer who honestly deserves and has earned a break if anyone has. There were a few more professionals who performed during the evening along with a number of amateurs. Some of those unknowns were good, some were not. But they got up there and sang their song. I commend those who get up there regardless of talent. Hey, I know my limitations and keep my singing to the shower stall.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: One of this writers favorite singers is Michaelina Bellamy. Well, gang, she's back in the Casbar Theatre Lounge at the Sahara beginning April 27 through May 2nd. Showtimes are 8:15 and 9:15 pm. This gal can sing not only in English, but Spanish, French and Portuguese and does so nightly. The nice part is there's no cover charge... I was a judge for the most recent "Be a Legend" Karaoke contest at the Imperial Palace the other evening. This particular one featured all employees. I believe there were about 16 who signed up. Tony Jordan, a cage employee, had the biggest crowd, the biggest voice (Engelbert Humperdinck) and eventually took home the biggest prize: an audition for Legends in Concert and $500.00. Rusty Varney as Toby Keith took home $250.00 with third place and $100.00 going to Barry Goddard as Smokey Robinson. The next contest, open to everyone, will be held the third Thursday in May... The Annual Michael Douglas & Friends celebrity golf weekend returns to Caesars Palace and Cascata Golf Course on May 1 & 2. A full weekend of parties, entertainment and celebrity golf is the recipe for this particular benefit: The Motion Picture & Television Fund. And it does attract the "A-list." A limited number of Cascata gallery tickets are available priced at $30 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets can be purchased at Caesars or through Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. More on this next week....

Well, gang, that's about it for another week. I'm outa here!

CONTINUE ON TO...:
>It's The Norm Article Archives
>LVLG "Heard Around Town"
>Las Vegas Leisure Guide