Luxor’s LAX pulls in the A-listers

Two things proved to be certain this past weekend during the MTV Video Music Awards festivities.

Britney Spears is definitely not back after a pathetic, opening-act performance in what was to be the launching pad for her planned comeback.

And LAX cornered the celebrity market, as throngs of A-listers popped into the Luxor club.

Sunday’s party at LAX closed out a stellar, three-day run for one of Las Vegas’ newest hot spots. Music mogul Diddy hosted the MTV VMA after party, wearing a jeweled crown and gold medallions as a packed house cheered.

Diddy was just the tip of the celebrity iceberg in the house at LAX. He was joined by Spears, Paris Hilton, Eve, Ne-Yo, birthday girl Cassie and Yung Joc.

Also at the venue were illusionist Criss Angel, Pamela Anderson, singer Robin Thicke, rocker/VMA combatant Tommy Lee and "Entourage" star Adrian Grenier to name a few others.

LAX investor Christina Aguilera hosted Saturday’s party, which featured another appearance by Hilton, who was joined by "Beacher’s Madhouse" frontman Jeff Beacher. On Friday, Spears and socialite Kim Kardashian led the party, along with members of rock groups Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes and Panic! at the Disco.

Things should stay hot this weekend when MTV reality star Heidi Montag, half of "The Hills’ " notorious, celebrity-chasing couple with boyfriend Spencer Pratt, celebrates her 21st birthday there.

Jet ups ante with Cassie’s birthday — The owners of Light Group must feel a little hard-pressed to stay sharp in the nightlife game, with Light at Bellagio closed for the next few months to undergo a complete redesign.

Light Group only has one marquee venue in its stable now, but stepped up to the plate with two big parties during the VMAs. Music star Cassie hosted her 21st birthday party Saturday at The Mirage venue, where Diddy and Spears made surprise visits to party with the birthday girl.

Light Group followed things up Sunday with a star-studded VMA event, hosted by music mogul Timbaland. Cassie made her second consecutive stop at Jet, and was joined by "Entourage" star Kevin Connolly and rapper Petey Pablo.

Lawler spins special set at Revolution — DJ Steve Lawler will spin a special set Sunday at Revolution Lounge inside The Mirage, with special guest DJ Digital Boy. Lawler’s new CD, "Viva London," drops Oct. 23.

Jeremy Pond covers the nightclub scene for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Vegas Confidential. His column appears Fridays in Neon and online at www.reviewjournal.com and www. normclarke.com. He can be reached at 383-0298 or via e-mail at jpond@reviewjournal.com.