Celebrities play at Derby Day Pegasus, Boys prove sure bets for entertainment

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: May 08, 2000 Source: USA Today Submitted By: HiC By Larry Birkhead LOUISVILLE -- Celebrities strutted their stuff at Saturday's 126th running of the Kentucky Derby. Some stars arrived as early as Wednesday to participate in pre-race festivities. Kurtwood Smith (That '70s Show) and his wife, Joan, were aboard as the Belle of Louisville won the Great Steamboat Race. George Foreman ''fought'' his way along the route in the annual Pegasus Parade. Before the parade, Foreman munched on some chicken wings. The events to remember, though, were the Derby Eve bashes, including the Barnstable-Brown party. Kid Rock and Backstreet Boys Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough and Brian Littrell headed the list, along with Bo Derek, Chaka Khan, George Strait, Richard Dreyfuss and Prince Albert of Monaco. Touched by an Angel's Della Reese made a heavenly appearance. Hundreds of screaming teens and parents waited hours to catch a glimpse of the Backstreet Boys and Kid Rock. Richardson sent the crowd into hysterics as he signed autographs. Dorough talked with the media, while Littrell kept on walking at the advice of his fiancée, Leighanne Wallace. Chris Isaak was dressed like KFC's Colonel Sanders, in white tux and white string tie. He was working as a correspondent for The Tonight Show. Inside, musical guests performed for partygoers. Littrell asked the band, ''Do you know any Backstreet Boys music?'' Dorough quipped, ''We're not talking that 'N Sync stuff, either.'' The Boys (minus two members) sang a couple of their biggest hits, then went Motown as they sang Tears of a Clown and My Girl. Khan brought the house down with her powerful voice and hip-shaking moves. Emmylou Harris, Isaak and John Michael Montgomery performed. Kid Rock made a late entrance with model James King. The rap-rocker wore beaded jeans and a tank top to the black-tie event. The Mint Jubilee, hosted by Matt Batagglia (Universal Soldier II), had its share of fun and celebrities. Loni Anderson, there for Entertainment Tonight, brought her 11-year-old son, Quinton Reynolds. Quinton was a good-luck charm on Derby Day, picking horses for celebrities. He helped win more than $1,500 for his mom's friends. Quinton insisted he doesn't want to be an actor, but Mom whispered, ''That may change.'' Daisy Fuentes was a fashion winner on race day in a backless Christian Dior dress with matching hat. Kid Rock had the winner on the track. He bet more than $200 on Fusaichi Pegasus. He and model King traded smooches as their pick crossed the finish line first. Comment on this item. Next Item: Kentucky Derby 2000 - Celebrity Scorecard Prev Item: Backstreet Boys Win 2 Blockbuster Awards