AUTOPSY ‘INCONCLUSIVE’ FOR MENTALIST SCOTT

Initial findings of the autopsy on Las Vegas mentalist Jason Scott were inconclusive and the coroner is awaiting further test results, which may take up to 12 weeks, Scott's manager told Vegas Confidential Thursday.

Scott was found dead at his Summerlin home Tuesday. He was 33.

Scott had returned from a Boston engagement complaining of stomach discomfort, according to his manager Clinton Billups Jr.

Scott had been selected as one of the original 10 contestants cast in NBC's prime time series "Phenomenon" last fall.

However, Billups said Scott decided to leave the show at the eleventh hour over "creative differences with the producers."

His replacement, Micheal Super, went on to win the show which was billed as the search for the top mentalist.

"Jason's style was very hip and cutting-edge," said Billups. Review-Journal TV critic Christopher Lawrence had called his act "a little scary."

Billups said the producers "appreciated Jason's look and style" when they cast the show, but Billups said he spoke with Scott about concerns that the producers wanted to take the show toward a more traditional theme.

"After my lengthy association as both a television producer and personal manager for The Amazing Kreskin ("The World's Foremost Mentalist" — 88 appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson), it became very apparent that 'Phenomenon' was being produced as a traditional TV magic show, not a 21st century show on the mysteries of mentalism and psychic phenomenon," Billups said in an email to Vegas Confidential.

"I counseled Jason to remain focused on what made him unique as an entertainer and to not remake himself to please the producers. Jason was in full agreement and was determined to 'do it his way.' Meanwhile, the producers were trying to stick a multi-faceted peg into a square hole.

"Push came to shove, as they say, at a late-night meeting in a Hollywood-hotel between Jason and the producers, less than 24-hours before the live premiere. 'My way or the highway' became the highway and Jason walked away with his creative integrity intact," said Billups.

The six-week show was a ratings disaster.

Scott was on the brink of big things, said Billups.

Scott was working twice a week at The Playboy Club and he was landing a number of high-profile bookings including birthday celebrations for Steven Spielberg, Sting and Boston Celtics co-captain Paul Pierce.

When Scott first arrived in Las Vegas in the late-90's, he performed at Strip gentlemen's clubs for $100 per night, said Billups. At the time of his death, he was touring at $10,000-plus per night and was working on a cable series entitled "Beyond."

A memorial celebration will be held this Friday, 8 p.m. at the Rain nightclub at The Palms.

Friends wishing to attend should call 702-837-1170 to be placed on the guest list.

-- NORM CLARKE, Vegas Confidential