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Elvis 'gig' ends day of tributes 'Elvis' crowned as tributes end
(1 day later)
A day of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death has culminated with a live concert featuring footage of the singer. Managers of Elvis Presley's Graceland have chosen a man from Pennsylvania to be their first official "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist".
Shawn Klush, from Pittston, beat nine other contestants in the Memphis final of a worldwide competition.
Mr Klush's victory came as 30th anniversary celebrations of Presley's death drew to a close on Friday night.
"It's an overwhelming experience and it couldn't be in a better place," he said.
Mr Klush, 38, won with his versions of Viva Las Vegas, My Way, Bridge Over Troubled Water and You Gave Me A Mountain, dressed in a replica of Presley's 1970s-era white jumpsuit .
He won $5,000 (£2,500), a $5,000 shopping trip to Graceland's souvenir shops, $3,000 (£2,200) toward a new jumpsuit and other prizes.
Only one winner was chosen, but Mr Klush and two other contestants, Trent Carlini, 37, of Henderson, Nevada, and Donny Edwards, 32, of Las Vegas were called back to perform a third song each.
The others, including British hopeful Paul Larcombe, were limited to two songs.
This first official contest marked a significant shift in attitude by the managers of Presley's estate, who previously had shown little regard for the many impersonators of the rock 'n' roll icon.
Carefully-edited footage gave the impression Elvis was leading the band Elvis Presley clips
The contest was part of a week of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Presley's death, which culminated in a live concert featuring footage of the singer.
With many of his former band members on stage, Presley "performed" hits like Burning Love and Suspicious Minds.With many of his former band members on stage, Presley "performed" hits like Burning Love and Suspicious Minds.
He even uttered his trademark phrase: "Thank you. Thank you very much."
Earlier, thousands of visitors had filed past the singer's grave at his Memphis home, Graceland. Presley died of a heart attack in 1977, aged 42.Earlier, thousands of visitors had filed past the singer's grave at his Memphis home, Graceland. Presley died of a heart attack in 1977, aged 42.
Large floral displays sent by fans around the world surrounded a walkway leading to the garden where he is buried.Large floral displays sent by fans around the world surrounded a walkway leading to the garden where he is buried.
He's the love of my life. I can't explain it, it's just something about him Debbie Quinn-BoothBritish Elvis fan Teddy bears, single red roses and other small offerings covered the grave. Teddy bears, single red roses and other small offerings covered the grave.
One visitor, Katie Brown, said: "I can't describe how I feel about him because I've loved him since I was a teenager.One visitor, Katie Brown, said: "I can't describe how I feel about him because I've loved him since I was a teenager.
Carol Norman said she saved up all year so she could attend the vigil at Graceland.Carol Norman said she saved up all year so she could attend the vigil at Graceland.
"I'm married and have children but my husband just thinks that it's a really nice thing to do because we're paying back what he gave us, and that's all we can do," she said."I'm married and have children but my husband just thinks that it's a really nice thing to do because we're paying back what he gave us, and that's all we can do," she said.
Fans began lining up for the candlelit vigil early on Wednesday
Thousands of British fans flew in for the anniversary. Debbie Quinn-Booth was one of them. "I love Elvis," she said.Thousands of British fans flew in for the anniversary. Debbie Quinn-Booth was one of them. "I love Elvis," she said.
"He's my hero. He's the love of my life. I can't explain it, it's just something about him," she said."He's my hero. He's the love of my life. I can't explain it, it's just something about him," she said.
The singer's former wife, Priscilla Presley, said Elvis was still a powerful figure. The singer's former wife, Priscilla Presley, said the singer was still a powerful figure.
Fans left gifts and flowers for their musical hero"To see the fans from all over the world, it's mind-boggling," she said. "To see the fans from all over the world, it's mind-boggling," she said.
An estimated 75,000 Elvis enthusiasts made the journey to Memphis - where temperatures topped 100F (38C) - to attend events celebrating the superstar's life and music.An estimated 75,000 Elvis enthusiasts made the journey to Memphis - where temperatures topped 100F (38C) - to attend events celebrating the superstar's life and music.
Paramedics had to treat several fans for heat exhaustion.Paramedics had to treat several fans for heat exhaustion.
"It's official - this is the biggest Elvis week and the biggest candlelight vigil ever," said Tom Morgan, executive director of Elvis Presley Enterprises, as he opened the ceremony on Wednesday.
Elvis fans who were unable to travel to Memphis held their own vigils around the world.Elvis fans who were unable to travel to Memphis held their own vigils around the world.
Israeli fans gathered at The Elvis Inn - a petrol station on the Jerusalem to Tel Aviv highway.Israeli fans gathered at The Elvis Inn - a petrol station on the Jerusalem to Tel Aviv highway.
In Japan, mourners gathered at Tokyo's Love Me Tender fan shop, laying bouquets at the foot of an Elvis statue.In Japan, mourners gathered at Tokyo's Love Me Tender fan shop, laying bouquets at the foot of an Elvis statue.
Impersonators' contest
Visitors have been leaving messages on the wall at GracelandFriday will see the final of the first officially-endorsed tribute artist contest, featuring 10 of the best Elvis impersonators from around the globe.
The winner gets $5,000 (£2,500) in cash and another $5,000 to spend at Graceland.
Graceland, where Elvis died as a result of heart disease exacerbated by drug abuse, is now a major tourist attraction visited by almost 600,000 people every year.Graceland, where Elvis died as a result of heart disease exacerbated by drug abuse, is now a major tourist attraction visited by almost 600,000 people every year.
Did you attend the vigil? Are you an Elvis impersonator? Will you be taking part in the tribute artist contest? Tell us your experiences using the form below.Did you attend the vigil? Are you an Elvis impersonator? Will you be taking part in the tribute artist contest? Tell us your experiences using the form below.
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