An Internet sensation, Kutcher has more than 3 million followers on Twitter, easily the most popular person or site on the social media network.

In June, when Ling and Lee were convicted by North Korea's highest court and sentenced to 12 years in a prison camp for their illegal border crossing, Kutcher tweeted, "This should be a national crisis. ... I say it's special ops time. ... If we can save that Captain from pirates we can save these journalists."

Ling, 32, and Lee, 36, returned to the United States on Wednesday after former President Bill Clinton helped secure their release.

Kutcher's reaction?

"It's amazing," he said Wednesday on the red carpet before the screening of his new movie, "Spread," at the Brenden Theatres at the Palms.

"What I think is really cool is now with social media, people have an influence," he told KVVU-TV, Channel 5 reporter Rachel Smith of the "More" show.

"You know I've been going on a rampage about it for a while that we as a country need to do something about it, step up and get involved. And a lot of people got behind that, idea and that notion, and that's what's great about the democratization of media development."

GARTH RUMBLINGS

I'm hearing that country icon Garth Brooks has signed a 16-week headliner deal to appear at Steve Wynn's Encore Theater, starting in October.

Wynn's PR department issued a quick denial, saying there is "no deal, officially."

Brooks was spotted at Beyonce's concert Thursday. He has performed two free VIP shows in the Encore Theater in recent months, after it was reported here that he was in talks with Wynn about coming out of retirement.

Brooks walked away from a raging career in October 2000, saying he wanted to spend more time with his three daughters.

Beyonce's weekend engagement was so well received, she could be returning during the holidays, I'm told.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Chef Emeril Lagasse's latest venture, Lagasse's Stadium, is opening this fall in The Palazzo space that originally housed the 40-40 Club. The 24,000-square-foot venue will have 100 high-definition televisions and New Orleans-style fare. ...

UFC President Dana White walked into a private room at Encore on Saturday and found his surprise 40th birthday party awaiting. His wife, Anne, had organized a sit-down dinner for 150 that included entertainment by the Stone Temple Pilots. Attendees included UFC legend Chuck Liddell, comedian David Spade and UFC announcer Joe Rogan. Spade took a break from filming "Grown Ups" in Boston with Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek and Chris Rock to attend the party.

SIGHTINGS

Actress Demi Moore, photographing hubbie Kutcher and sending Twitter tweets while he was walking the red carpet Wednesday. Also on the red carpet: Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Anton, with upcoming Palms headliner Matt Goss. She is choreographing his show, which will feature her Dirty Virgin dancers.

THE PUNCH LINE

"They offer lessons in golf, tennis and jihad." -- From David Letterman's "Top Ten Signs You're Staying at a Bad Resort"

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.