MEMPHIS, TN (Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.) --For the first time ever,
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) will produce an official Elvis tribute artist competition. The company announced today that it will launch a search for contestants for the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest™.” Contestants will be selected at existing Elvis tribute artist contests, along with fairs, festivals and other venues holding new contests. The first licensed festivals confirmed to hold preliminary contests are the
Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival in Tupelo, Mississippi and the Collingwood Elvis Festival held in Ontario, Canada. The qualifying rounds and finals will be held in
Memphis during the 30th Anniversary Elvis Week.
“The number of Elvis fans around the world continues to increase as younger people are exposed to Elvis,” stated Paul Jankowski, Chief Marketing Officer for EPE. “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest is another way to celebrate Elvis� on-going contribution to the world of entertainment. The contest will appeal to both the Elvis fans who have made the trip to Graceland every year since Elvis� death in 1977 and to the new fans who have just discovered Elvis� timeless appeal.” 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 “2007 Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year.”
Elvis Week, to be held August 11-19, 2007, will mark the 30th anniversary of Elvis� death on August 16, 1977 and is expected to be the largest commemoration ever. Each year, tens of thousands of people arrive in Memphis to celebrate the superstar�s life with concerts, charity events, dances, fan club activities and much more.
One of the most anticipated events will be “Elvis: The 30th Anniversary Concert,” to be presented at the FedExForum. This concert, like major anniversary shows in 1997 and 2002, will bring together a large cast of Elvis Presley�s original concert musicians and back-up singers live on stage with the REAL Elvis Presley starring in the show via video technology. The 30th anniversary concert will be the most elaborate production of the “Elvis video-interactive” concept to date.
For additional information on the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Elvis Week please visit www.Elvis.com or email [email protected].
