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Two World Champion Elvis Tribute Artists

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Talent Takes Center Stage!

Two World Champion Elvis Tribute Artists

By Zena Sultana

It takes talent to claim center stage!  It takes a lot more than talent to be crowned  “World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist!”

What it takes are looks, charisma, stage presence, vocal prowess, the right moves, authentic Elvis outfits, humility, and sense of humor.  In other words, the “best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley.”  The King had all these wonderful attributes that made him the “Ultimate Entertainer of All Time”, and so the Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs) who carry on his legacy have to perfect their art to be “just like Elvis.”

In August 2007, two ETAs were named World Champions in two separate International World Competitions held inMemphis, Tennessee, in honor of the King’s 30th death anniversary.

Shawn Klush of Pennsylvania was crowned Champion of the first-ever “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition” which was sponsored by the Elvis Presley Enterprises, while Johnny Thompson of Las Vegas was crowned as the “2007 Images of the King World Champion” in the 21st Annual Images Competition.

Klush was awarded the following prizes:  $5,000 in cash; $5,000 shopping spree at Graceland; $3,000 gift certificate from B&K Enterprises to use towards the purchase of a jumpsuit; a one-of-a-kind Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest Champion belt, designed and created by B&K Enterprises; a recording session, courtesy of Sun Records of Nashville; and a contract to perform on the first-ever Elvis Cruise held August 30 to September 3, 2007 (with a compensation package that included double-occupancy cabin, travel for two, and $1,000 cash.) All in all,  a total of $14,000 in cash, plus a recording deal and other awards.

And then there was the overwhelming media attention, with guest appearances in several TV shows including Entertainment Tonight, and calls for future appearances from Jay Leno, Dave Letterman and Oprah.  Added to that was the adulation of Elvis fans who filled up the 2,100-seat theatre at the Cannon Center of Performing Arts in downtownMemphis.  Thousands more viewed his winning performance on YouTube.

Thompson, on the other hand, was awarded $1,500 in cash and $1,500 gift certificate from B&K Enterprises.  There was not much media attention here, since the event was not EPE-sponsored.  Thompson did however appear on CNN International in an interview that can still be seen on YouTube.

The “Images of the King” will always be remembered as the original ETA competition inMemphis, started in 1986 (21 years ago) by Doc Franklin.  It has evolved through the years into a family reunion, expo and entertainment showcase.  Well over 2,000 people from around the world also attended this year’s competition.

Runners-up in the Ultimate Elvis contest were Trent Carlini ofHenderson, Nevada, and Donny Edwards ofLas Vegas,Nevada.  In the Images of the King contest, the other winners were Gino Monopoli ofCanada and Scott Norton ofFlorida.

The Ultimate Elvis Contest featured preliminary winners in competitions conducted in various cities of theUnited States, Canada, Europe,Australia andNorway.  Ten of the preliminary winners moved on to the final round, and they were: Brandon Bennett, Kjell Bjornstead, Trent Carlini, Donny Edwards, Jeff Golden, Joseph Hall, Ben Klein, Paul Larcombe, Shawn Klush, and Jay Zanier.

Finalists in the Images of the King competition, in order of performance, were: (Round 1) Mike Bravener, Will Ganzon, Cody Slaughter, Elvis Wayne, Justin Edwards, Rick Wade, Oliver Steinhoff, Toki, Matthew Spaulding, Tony Grova, Adam Fisher, George Elias, Danny Dale, Kavan and Scott Norton.  (Round 2) Jeff Barnes, Matt Joyce, Joseph Hall, Richard Adkins, Lance Dobinson, Joe Trites, Paul Thorpe, Johnny Thompson, Lil’D, Anthony Von, Jason Whited, Todd Martin, David Allen, Jesse Aron, Pete Paquette, Kjell Bjornstead, Gino Monopoli, Rob Langford and Jamie McDonnel-Roberts.

Shawn Klush is an accomplished ETA who has performed in sold-out concerts all over the globe.  He has toured the world for ten years as Elvis with the “Legends in Concert”; won the Lady Luck Music’s first annual international King of Kings People’s Choice Awards in Nashville; headlined the Collingwood Elvis Festival three years in a row; mesmerized thousands of fans at the 12,000-seat Arena De Santiago in Santiago, Chile; and won the “Worldwide Elvis Competition” in Montreal, Canada.

He also performed as Elvis in the VH1 CBS movie “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, and in other television shows as well.  After winning the Ultimate Elvis Competition inMemphis, Klush was officially crowned the “Top Professional Elvis Tribute Artist in the World” at the First World Greatest Elvis Competition inLondon,England.

Fans all over the world agree that Shawn Klush brings all the electrifying magic of the King to the stage.  His popularity as an Elvis Tribute Artist is at its peak, and yet Klush is still as humble and friendly as ever.

Johnny Thompson is also a veteran ETA whose performances include the 2005 and 2006 International Music Festival in Shanghai,China, and sold-out performances inCancun,Bolivia, theDominican Republic, andEurope.  He has just finished a week inBritish Columbia,Canada, and a one-month tour of 21 cities inFrance, includingParis.  He will be off again to perform inFinland, Denmark andNorway in 2008.

Here in theU.S., Thompson starred at theseLas Vegas hotels & casinos:  MGM Grand,Riviera, Lady Luck, and New Frontier, as well as in innumerable venues all over the country.  One of his greatest and most memorable performances was hosting the Red Carpet 2005 MTV Music Awards for TRL.  He also did a lot of television shows:  played Elvis in the TV series “the Chronicle”, VH1 Surreal Life, CMT “Impostors”, “Almost Elvis” Blue Suede Films, HBO’s “Life Moments”, The Learning Channel’s “The Man who would be King”, CBS “Entertainment Tonight”, “Get Golf” USA Network, and “Good Morning Las Vegas.”

Thompson cares deeply for his family and friends, and like Klush, has developed a loyal following nationally and internationally.  To most Elvis fans, Thompson is the one who really looks the most like Elvis.

His website is: www.Johnny-Thompson.com

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Making a Mark as an Elvis Tribute Artist

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Slider1 Making a Mark as an Elvis Tribute Artist

Making a Mark as an Elvis Tribute Artist

By Zena Sultana

In the ever-expanding Elvis Tribute Artist industry – every ETA is dreaming to make it big. Some have made it to the top, some are on their way up, but most are still languishing in obscurity.  It takes a lot of talent to follow in the footsteps of the King.  It takes a lot of work to keep the memory of Elvis alive. Elvis Tribute Artist

For who could really compare to Elvis?  Elvis was larger than life.  He was unique – possessing stunning good looks, unrivalled charisma and incomparable talent!  Whether clad in the colorful suits of his early years, or dressed to thrill in the black leather and flamboyant jumpsuits of his later years – Elvis was the consummate performer, commanding the stage and mesmerizing his audience.

Elvis Tribute Artist

No other performer, before or since, can hold a candle to Elvis’ charms!  No one in the history of the entertainment and music industry can come close to what Elvis Presley had accomplished.  That is why Elvis Presley was accorded the title: “Performer of the Century”!

One ETA who is making his mark in the “Elvis world” is Johnny Thompson of Las Vegas, Nevada.  In 2007, he became the “International Images of the King” World Champion.  Some Elvis’ fans think that Johnny is “the closest thing there is to Elvis” and Johnny is honored and flattered by that.

“Being compared to Elvis is an honor and I’m flattered,” he said.  “The truth is, no one can really be like Elvis.  There’s only one Elvis Presley!”

Elvis Tribute Artist Johnny Thompson comes close.  He even played Elvis in a TV series on the Sci-Fi channel called “The Chronicle.”  He also starred in the “Almost Elvis” and “The Men who would be King” documentaries and on “Get Golf with John Ohurley on USA Network.  In 2005, Johnny hosted the 2005 MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet for TRL, and appeared on “Viva La Bam”, “One Bad Trip”, “24/7’ and “The Surreal Life”.

A versatile entertainer, Elvis Tribute Artist Johnny has performed on stage all over America.  Kristy Lee Royle, of www.RoyalTalent.com, has also sent him for performances inFrance,Belgium,Finland, the Dominican Republic,Mexico,China, Japan and Jamaica.  According to Kristy, this month (January 2009), there’s a possibility that Johnny will be going back to China again for a performance.  Johnny has also performed in Canada as well.

This summer, Johnny will also appear on “TV Land Myth and Legends” and also in the new “Viva Las Vegas” special edition DVD being released by the Elvis Presley Enterprises.  EPE is the sponsor of the much-acclaimed “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” competition held every August in Memphis for two years now.

Most recently, Johnny has appeared in Carrie Underwood’s new music video “Last Name.”  Carrie Underwood is one of the hottest young country singers today.  After she won in the 4th season of “American Idol”, her name has been ablaze in lights.  Everything she touches turned to gold, and the overwhelming demand for her albums in a continuing phenomenon!

“Last Name” is a song about a young lady who succumbed to the allure and craziness of Vegas, somehow drank too much “Cuervo”, and woke up with a wedding ring on her finger.  The young bride didn’t even know the last name of her groom.  Hah – only in Vegas!  The city of dreams (and delusions?)

Anyway, Johnny is the one who performed “the wedding” in this music video. Carrie wrote the lyrics of “Last Name” and six other songs that are included in her new album entitled “Carnival Ride.”

You can watch the video of “Last Name”, and learn more about Johnny, by logging on to his Elvis Tribute Artist website: www.Johnny.Thompson.com.

Elvis Impersonator

Making a Mark as an Elvis Tribute Artist

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IMAGES OF THE KING WORLD CHAMPION

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“2007 IMAGES OF THE KING WORLD CHAMPION

Sometimes events in your life have a way of turning out for the best!

That is what happened to JOHNNY THOMPSON in Memphis during the 2007 ELVIS WEEK.  Johnny was in Memphis because he won in the preliminary Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition in Del Mar, California.

Right before he left for Memphis, he told this reporter that he might not win the coveted title of “2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” in the first-ever ETA competition sponsored by the ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES.   However, he said he would be happy enough if he makes it to the Top Ten.

Unfortunately he didn’t!

But God had something better in store for him.  He was crowned the “2007 Images of the King World Champion” two days later!  The saying that “God will not take you to where His grace will not sustain you” is true indeed!The “Images of the King” contest was tough.  Seventy-two ETAs from around the world competed in the first two days of preliminaries.  Out of the seventy-two, 34 were selected to compete again in two more days of final competitions.

A suspenseful moment ensued while the judges’ votes were tallied.  And then came the announcement:  Johnny Thompson from Las Vegas is the new World Champion!  He emailed me later that he was surprised, and very, very happy. “I wish you were here so you could have seen it!” he wrote.

I missed all the events honoring ELVIS PRESLEY on his 30th death anniversary, so I wasn’t able to see the “Images of the King” and “Ultimate ETA” competitions. For Elvis fans like me who didn’t make it to Memphis, and would like to view the announcement of the winners, log in to this website:  www.imagesofthekingcontest.com.

Here are the top winners and their awards:  JOHNNY THOMPSON of Las Vegas, Nevada, World champion,  $1,500 cash and $1,500 gift certificate from B&K Enterprises; GINO MONOPOLI of Canada, second place, $600 cash and $800 gift certificate from B&K; SCOTT NORTON of Florida, third place, $400 in cash and $500 gift certificate from B&K. CODY SLAUGHTER won the People’s Choice award, while GENE SHAW and JERRY BRIAN tied for the Spirit of Elvis award.

The finalists who competed at the Round 1 Finals held Friday, August 17, in order of performance, were:  MIKE BRAVENER, WILL GANZON, CODY SLAUGHTER, ELVIS WAYNE, JUSTIN EDWARDS, RICK WADE, OLIVER STEINHOFF, TOKI, MATTHEW SPAULDING, TONY GROVA, ADAM FISHER, GEORGE ELIAS, DANNY DALE, KAVAN and SCOTT NORTON.

At the Round 2 Finals held Saturday, August 18, the finalists, in order of performance, were:  JEFF BARNES, MATT JOYCE, JOSEPH HALL, RICHARD ADKINS, LANCE DOBINSON, JOE TRITES, PAUL THORPE, JOHNNY THOMPSON, LIL’D, ANTHONY VON, JASON WHITED, TODD MARTIN, DAVID ALLEN, JESSE ARON, PETE PAQUETTE, KJELL BJORNSTED, GINO MONOPOLI, ROB LANGFORD and JAMIE McDONNEL-ROBERTS.

Other ETAs who joined the “Images of the King” competition were:  JACK HOWARD, GENE LANE, PAUL BUTLER, CURT LECHNER, VAL PANGILINAN, LARRY TSCHEHALI, FRED ALBERT, KEN YUVIENCO, LOU JORDAN, MARCUS BERE, MARIO RAMOS, SHELBY DANIEL, TONY FRIETAS, TERRY McGILLIVRAY, JIM HOLMES, NASAR SFIAN MORDEN, TYLER JAMES BARLING, TORI, BRAD McCRADY, MONK PELLY, TIM DUDLEY, JAMES CARDWELL, CHRIS MARTIN, STEVE BOTELLO, SAMMY STONE, PAUL ROUSE, BILL BROOKS, MICHAEL RATCLIFFE, ALVIN SMITH, MIKE BOZZO, GARY ABBOTT, BUD SANDERS, JEFF “JELVIS” LAJESS, JIM BISHOP, TRACY ALAN MOORE, JOHNNY LOOS, DAVID MUGGERIDGE and RICHARD COOK.

Former “Images of the King” World champions were guest performers, among them:  MICHAEL HOOVER, 1988; DAVID LEE, 2004; MARIO, 2005; and ELVIS, JR., 2006.

The day after the Grand Finals, Johnny attended and performed at the Breakfast of Champions together with DAVID LEE, GINO MONOPOLI, and GARY ELVIS BRITT.

“Images of the King” is the original ETA competition in Memphis, started in 1986 (21 years ago) by DOC FRANKLIN.  It has evolved through the years into a family reunion, expo and entertainment showcase.  Around 2,000 people from around the world attended this year’s competition.

What’s new with Johnny after winning the “Images of the King” this year?      He is off to Europe for another string of performances. Together with LEO DAYS from Michigan, who will be performing as the 50’s Elvis, and KRAIG PARKER from Dallas, Texas, who will be performing as the 70’s Elvis, the three of them will be in Paris, France for a month (October 3 to November 3, 2007).  Johnny will do the “Comeback Special” segment.

Then the three of them will perform in 19 to 20 more cities in France, Finland, Denmark and Norway.  Way to go, Johnny, Leo and Kraig!

Johnny has performed in other countries before, like China, Cancun, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic.

Zena Sultana

Elvis Impersonator

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