Star power not the ticket
Obama camp is telling even high-powered backers to skip tonight's rally unless they have an invitation
It's probably not surprising that a lot of Barack Obama's biggest celebrity supporters -- both from Hollywood and the music world -- were clamoring for VIP invites to tonight's big rally in Grant Park.
While the Democratic nominee and his staff are thankful for both the big checks and outspoken expressions of support from all those famous faces, I've learned from a key Obama insider that a number of big-time boosters have been told politely -- but very firmly -- to stay away tonight.
(AP)
(AP)
Reportedly, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Sean ''Diddy'' Combs, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins and Ben Affleck are among those advised to skip the Chicago festivities and focus on attending the expected Obama inauguration in January.
''There really only needs to be one star in Grant Park, and that's Barack,'' said the source, a high-profile elected official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, since he's not authorized to speak for the campaign on this issue.
''There will be plenty of time for a new President Obama to be surrounded by famous fans, all hopeful about a new administration.''
• That said, one of Obama's biggest star supporters -- Oprah Winfrey -- has confirmed that she will be on hand in Grant Park tonight, and it's assumed she will join the candidate and his family and true inner circle in his suite at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Wacker.
As we know -- no one says ''No'' to Oprah!
• Also, don't be surprised if ''Star Wars'' guru George Lucas is on hand tonight for Obamarama. The film legend has long been in a serious relationship with investment queen and Ariel Investments president Mellody Hobson. She's a major Obama supporter, as is Ariel's founder, John Rogers -- often mentioned as a possible key player in a prospective Obama administration.
MICHAEL'S MUSIC: Not only is Michael Jackson not participating in any Jackson 5 reunion tour (as he made clear Friday), I hear he gave brother Jermaine quite the tongue-lashing for announcing it.
''Both Michael and Janet [Jackson] are not involved in any way,'' said a longtime MJ pal, ''and Michael really laid into Jermaine for even raising the possibility.''
Michael Jackson is said to be hard at work on a trio of new albums -- including one featuring at least one track with his oldest son, Prince. The new CDs reportedly take Jackson's music in a new direction, ''one that won't alienate his millions of fans ... but will include some interesting gospel and hip-hop touches we haven't heard before,'' said the source.
HUDSON HOLDING: It's understandable Jennifer Hudson has put her career -- both music and acting -- on hold as she expands her far more important role: as the anchor for her surviving family members. Not only has the Oscar winner been a total rock for her family and close friends in the wake of her mother, brother and nephew's senseless murders, but I'm hearing Hudson hopes to eventually use her celebrity in a new, important way.
According to Hudson's camp, the South Side native wants to use the newly formed foundation she established with her sister Julia to try to reduce the daily killings in inner-city communities across the nation.
I'm also hearing that once Hudson has had enough time to work through her grief, she hopes to go public on shows like ''Oprah'' to turn the anti-violence campaign into a virtual crusade against gangs, guns and urban crime.
The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims has been charged with caring for families who have lost relatives to a violent crime -- including providing food, shelter, clothing and grief counseling, said Hudson's publicist.
SEEN ON THE SCENE: Yes, that was veteran comedian Gallagher in the Sunday matinee audience at ''Wicked'' ... Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was swamped with happy fans at O'Donovan's on Irving Park. ... ''The Sopranos'' star Frank Vincent was spied at the Dana Hotel. ... While here for the Obama rally tonight, ''Access Hollywood'' regular Maria Menounos dined at Rockit Bar & Grille.