Elvis Tribute Artist Contest 2012

Elvis Tribute Artist Contest 2012

Photos by Nikki Artale

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest was held on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 on the 3rd Street Stage on Freemont Street, downtown Las Vegas NV. “Legends in Concert” once again hosted the show which selected the best Elvis to go to the Semifinals during Elvis week in Memphis. Victor Trevino Jr. from Las Vegas was crowned King and won the $2,500 cash prize and a Graceland Getaway prize package and will now compete in the 2012 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition in Memphis, to be held August 10-18. http://www.bluesuedevic.com/

Victor Trevino Jr.

Contestants came from all over the country and started each night’s competition with a parade of Elvi and walking the Red Carpet. They were all judged on their stage presence, vocals and their stage wear.

 http://youtu.be/Tv-S2AZ92tI Video132

One of the judges was Sam Thompson, a former bodyguard to Elvis and also the sister of Linda Thompson, who was dating Elvis at the time. Sam had a lot of personal stories that he shared about his time with Elvis.

Sam Thompson

Judges

21 contestants competed and they had their heart and souls in their performances. I was impressed with an Elvis in the competition, Andris Lannon who had a really good voice and he said it was his first performance ever as Elvis and he really did a great job. His jumpsuit was special made for him and as he removed his cape we all saw the Elvis Tattoo he had on his back.

Andris Lannon

We were in for a treat when Kevin Janison, meteorologist from Channel 3 News came on stage to report the weather and then interviewed some of the Elvi.
 http://youtu.be/NPwFXbNkOyc

There was so much going on at Freemont Street, with the Viva Vision Canopy showing Elvis photos, the Flightlinez zip lines that took hundreds of riders down Freemont Street, hundreds of Elvis fans running to the stage and dancing to the music and one lady dressed as Elvis.

Coming in at third place was Rob Eli , second place was Travis Allen  (Victor Trevino, Travis Allen & Rob Eli)

Rob Eli

Travis Allen

Victor Trevino Jr., Travis Allen & Rob Eli

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis will attract over 70,000 fans from all over the world and is the highlight of Elvis Week. We wish Victor Trevino Jr. good luck in this competition where he has a chance to win the cash prize of $20,000 and a contract to perform with Legends in Concert.

My favorite Elvis is Charlie Franks, the King of Rock in the 2 Kings Show in the Crown Theatre at the Rio Hotel.

Charlie Franks