Was it real or was it Memerox? Motown icon Diana Ross, playing before her largest Las Vegas crowd in years, kept everyone guessing and  wondering: was it live or a masterpiece of music technology?

The former Supremes star raised suspicions  during her nine-song performance at Saturday’s concert capping the grand opening weekend of the $1.9 billion Palazzo. – it’s  called  “a world-class luxury hotel, casino and resort with a design reminiscent of high-end locales such as Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Rodeo Drive”. –  3000 rooms – 400 suites – 6 villas!

Ross’ voice was spectacular, but there were questions because she not only performed with a sound track that included backup singers and a band, she also requested that she not appear on the jumbo screens on each side of the stage. – Ross’ diva reputation remains firmly intact. She also requested that no photographers be allowed to shoot her performance — which didn’t stop hundreds from using cell phones — and she declined to attend a pre-concert VIP meet-and-greet.

 

One of Ross’ biggest fans, female impersonator and Riviera headliner Frank Marino, insisted it was vintage Ross.

“I was right up front and everything coming out of the mic was 100 percent her,” said Marino, who has made a career of lip-synching Joan Rivers.

“She was using a click track; it’s what people use on a corporate gig,” he said. “The tracks are laid down for your music and your background vocals are on there.

Longtime Siegfried and Roy manager Bernie Yuman and Nicole Durr, who produced the short-lived “Havana Nights” at the Stardust, are reportedly working with Hollywood heavyweight publicist Ken Sunshine on an entertainment project for the Palazzo. Sunshine, who represents Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake and Leonardo DiCaprio, was spotted at the Palazzo concert on Saturday. …

ELSEWHERE around town, Michael Jackson and his children, were seen having lunch Sunday at Planet Hollywood restaurant (Forum Shops at Caesars) so he is still alive and well. … Chelsea Clinton was enjoying a victory dinner with friends at Koi ( Planet Hollywood Resort) on Saturday…. Drew Barrymore and actor Justin Long, catching dinner Saturday at Fix restaurant (Bellagio). … Music star Lenny Kravitz, checking into the Penthouse Suite at the Hard Rock Hotel. – SOOOO   LA!