Suzy

The Grand Ball Room of the Waldorf will be an opera lovers’ dream when Renee Fleming sings for the crowd at the Princess Grace Foundation Awards Gala on Oct. 22. The stunning diva’s fall schedule has been a whirlwind. Her new CD, "Bel Canto," is out, and the raves continue for her opening-night performance at the Met as Desdemona in "Otello." Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Caroline and Prince Ernst of Hanover are flying in from Monaco for the gala. As always, the foundation will present its awards to talented young artists in dance, theater and film.



A thrilled-to-bits Barbara Davis says from Beverly Hills, "The Carousel of Hope spirit is definitely in the air. Everyone is out buying the prettiest dresses and we are working on the seating." No easy task when you remember the prima donnas out there who consider the best placement their divine right. She continues, "This will be the most beautiful and exciting party ever!" Dear Barbara.

The Carousel of Hope is, of course, the big ball on Tuesday at the Beverly Hilton that through the years has raised more than $60 million for childhood diabetes — Barbara and Marvin Davis’ beloved charity. Oprah Winfrey will introduce Barbara at the party and is coming "from Chicago because she loves Sidney Poitier and Halle Berry. Halle will present Sidney with the ‘Brass Rings,’ the coveted awards."

Sting, Sir Elton John and B.B. King will entertain and almost every star in Hollywood is expected, including Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Tom Hanks with his darling wife, Rita Wilson. The ball is a sellout as always, as sure a thing as that Barbara will wear pink that evening to match the pink roses flown from Ecuador, the pink trimmings on the Carousel horses and the pink organza decor in the ballroom. It’s the only way, really.