Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) announced today that due to the huge worldwide response and overwhelming success of this year’s search, it is launching the second annual “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest™” for 2008. As with 2007, contestants will be selected at existing Elvis tribute artist contests, along with fairs, festivals and other venues holding new contests. Licensed festivals from Australia to New York have confirmed to hold preliminary contests so far, with more to follow. The qualifying rounds and finals will be held in Memphis during Elvis Week in Memphis, August 9 through 17, 2008.
“The worldwide response to the first annual competition was astounding. The contest exceeded all of our expectations,” stated Paul Jankowski, Chief Marketing Officer for EPE. “Both the original and the growing new generation of Elvis fans discovered yet another way to celebrate Elvis’ on-going contribution to the world of entertainment. We applaud the quality of contestants and again congratulate the winner, Shawn Klush.”
“To be named The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist by Elvis Presley Enterprises was one of the most meaningful experiences in my life,” stated Klush. “I am greatly humbled and honored to have received such an accolade. I just love doing what I do. I do it for Elvis and his fans.” The 38-year-old was selected in the “Viva Las Franklin” preliminary contest in Franklin, TN. Since winning the title he has traveled internationally for performances and appeared on several national television programs.
Judges will be looking for the “best representation of the Elvis legacy” in talent, appearance, performance, stage presence and each contestant’s overall tribute to Elvis. The best overall performer will be named the “2008 Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year.”
For the 2007 competitions, 24 preliminary contests were held from Norway to New Zealand to Canada and California. For 2008, confirmed preliminary events include Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia; Arnold, Missouri; Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Lake George, New York; Tupelo, Mississippi; Penticton, British Columbia, Canada; the Boston area in Arlington, Massachusetts; and Collingwood, Ontario, Canada.
For additional information on the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Elvis Week please visit www.Elvis.com or email Ultimate@elvis.com.
About Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, Tennessee with additional offices in Los Angeles, California. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.Elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (www.CKX.com), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market® under the ticker symbol “CKXE.