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'Elvis' crowned as tributes end | 'Elvis' crowned as tributes end |
(10 minutes later) | |
Managers of Elvis Presley's Graceland have chosen a man from Pennsylvania to be their first official "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist". | 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. | 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. | 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. | "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 . | 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 (£1,500) toward a new jumpsuit and other prizes. | He won $5,000 (£2,500), a $5,000 shopping trip to Graceland's souvenir shops, $3,000 (£1,500) 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
The 10 finalists were also officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and signed contracts that could bring them a lot of lucrative work in the future. | |
Carefully-edited footage gave the impression Elvis was leading the band Elvis Presley clips | 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. | 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. |
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. |
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 | 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 the singer was still a powerful figure. | The singer's former wife, Priscilla Presley, said the singer was still a powerful figure. |
"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. |
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. |
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. |
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions | Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions |