MTV Video Music Awards Take Over Vegas

By SANDY COHEN – 4 hours ago

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Scores of bikini-clad babes downing drinks by the pool. Gift suites overflowing with swag, from diamonds and designer jeans to fancy shades and hotel stays. Concerts by Kanye West, 50 Cent, Maroon 5 and Joss Stone for crowds that included Jamie Foxx, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Paris Hilton and Ashlee Simpson.

With the MTV Video Music Awards in town, Sin City took its debauchery and extravagance to a whole new level. The awards, featuring a much-hyped opening number by Britney Spears, are set to air live Sunday from the Palms hotel.

The unpredictable pop star was the talk of the weekend. People bragged about Britney sightings, buzzed about what events she would attend and offered opinions on her chances for a comeback.

Security guards, hotel workers, fans and photographers clamored and jockeyed for position at the mere rumor that Spears would show up at the Venetian hotel's gifting suite on Saturday. She never showed. But she did stop by the Palms to rehearse her show-opening routine for her new single, "Gimmie More."

Still, gift suites — including the Star Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel and the Style Villa at Caesars Palace — were hot destinations Saturday. Eve played X-Box and West kicked back in a poolside cabana at the Venetian. Ludacris and Nelly collected goodies at the Hard Rock. And 50 Cent picked up a $62,000 diamond-encrusted watch at Caesars. Other swag-collecting stars included Jennifer Hudson, Nelly, Lauren Conrad and Lil Jon.

The focus turned from freebies to parties once the sun went down. Christina Aguilera made an appearance at nightclub LAX, Pharrell Williams held a dinner soiree at the Venetian and Maroon 5 and Robin Thicke performed at the House of Blues. Maxim's bash at Mandalay Bay, which featured an hourlong set by Stone, drew rapper Chamillionaire and "Entourage" stars Adrian Grenier and Kevin Connolly.

The Hard Rock Hotel was packed to capacity as it hosted concerts by West, 50 Cent and Linkin Park. Hilton, Ciara and Mario Lopez took in 50's poolside show. Spears and Combs dropped by his afterparty before leaving together for nightclub Tao.

Simpson brought two dates to see West perform at Rolling Stone's 40th anniversary party — her dad, Joe Simpson, and her boyfriend, Pete Wentz. Eve and Jermaine Dupree were also on hand to see the set, during which Foxx and rapper T-Pain joined West on stage.

The ever-outspoken West had some less-than-kind words for Spears and MTV.

"I can't believe she would perform. She hasn't had a hit record in years," he said, apparently miffed that MTV didn't invite him to open the show. "Maybe my money's not right. Maybe my skin's not right."

But producers who worked with Spears on her new album seemed confident she would regain her pop glory.

She will "surprise the world," said Sean Garrett, who collaborated with the singer on three new tracks.

Besides Spears, 50 Cent, Rihanna, Nelly Furtado, Lil Wayne and Lily Allen are set to perform