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By Michleen Collins on Jan 24, 2011 SharePost a comment

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Presley Impersonators, a Michael Jackson lookalike, and KAVAN thrill a

packed house at 15th Annual Midwest Tribute to the King in

Springfield, Ill.

Elvis Presley impersonators from six states

descended upon Springfield, Ill., to entertain fans

and judges alike on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, 2011. The

Midwest Tribute to the King, held at Hilton

Springfield, is one of the world’s largest Elvis

impersonator events. It showcases some of the

nation’s top talent in an increasingly popular and

competitive field of Elvis Presley tribute artists.

After intense two-day performances that rocked

the house, judges narrowed the field. Saturday

evening, the group of 14 contenders was reduced

to seven finalists competing for $3,600 in cash

prizes and the honor of carrying on the King’s

legacy.

It was – literally and figuratively – a heated

contest, with more than one hip-shakin’ Elvis

stopping to mop his brow, slick back his jet-black

pompadour, or accept fresh water from the glamorous scarf girl.

One after another, Elvis Presley lookalikes put on a crowd-pleasing show. Their attire ran the gamut

from Presley’s slim beige khaki Army uniform or blinding gold lame jacket to splashy Hawaiian prints

and jewel-studded white, red or baby-blue jumpsuits with flashy, larger-than-life buckles and

diamond-encrusted gold rings. Judges scrutinized it all, including voice, style, stage-presence,

crowd-appeal, moves and more.

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Before the final cut, a dizzying array of Elvi came on-stage together. They passed the mic and then

joined their voices in chorus for an inspiring and crowd-pleasing Gospel-music performance.

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First place winner was Todd Bodenheimer of LaGrange, KY.

Second place winner was Russell Dennis of Kettering, Ohio.

Third place winner was Bradley Scott of Middletown, Ohio.

Fourth place winner was Nick Gutierrez of Montgomery, Ill.

Bradley Scott earned Friday’s “People’s Choice” award as the audience favorite and Nick Gutierrez

won Saturday’s “People’s Choice” prize.

Midwest Elvis Tribute Draws a Crowd of Presley Fans to Springfield, Ill.

According to Fred Puglia, president of Illinois-based Perfect Impressions Entertainment which

spearheaded and directed the competition, 1,500 Elvis Presley fans turned out for the popular event.

They came from Alabama, New York, Florida and other states.

“Most of the performers are Elvis fans, too,” said Puglia. “They love Elvis and want to keep the

legend of Elvis Presley alive.”

Friday’s Midwest Tribute to the King was hosted by KAVAN, an Ohio-based celebrity considered the

“#1 Rock ‘n Roll Elvis" and a rising pop star. Hosting honors were shared by Monica Day, Miss

Ohio-USA 2008 and news personality on NBC TV-4 in Columbus. On Saturday, hosts KAVAN and

Springfield, Ill., WQQL radio personality, Amie Meneghetti kept the party going.

Michael Jackson Tribute Artist Thrills with "Thriller" Performance and More

Fans were treated to a dynamic guest appearance by another gifted celebrity impersonator, Enrico

Hampton, aka Rico Michael Jackson. Rico is famous for his crowd-pleasing Michael Jackson

performances and he didn’t disappoint the fans in Springfield, Ill.

From his red leather jacket, glittery glove and remarkable resemblance to Michael, to his

Jacksonesque dance moves Rico brought yet another American icon to life. A highlight was his

performance from Michael Jackson’s popular “Thriller” video. Rico Michael Jackson wove through

the crowd in full werewolf persona, even leaping on a tabletop to the delight of the crowd.

KAVAN, Tribute to Elvis Artist and Rising Pop Star Performed His New Single

KAVAN has won countless honors, including acclaim as the world’s #1 Rock ‘n Roll Elvis. The young

star is quickly gaining notoriety for his vocal and performing talent, Elvis-caliber good looks and

charisma. He has won the Midwest Tribute to the King competition in the past. This year, he

appeared as a guest rather than a competitor. In addition to stellar hosting duties and another

rocking Elvis performance, KAVAN pleased the crowd with his new electro-pop release, “Indecisive,”

recorded by the Dream Vizion label, of Decatur, Ill.

Presley memorabilia, from Elvis T-shirts to flowers and CDs, drew fans to exhibits throughout the

weekend. One fan wore earrings that spelled out “Elvis” in shimmering silver, another carried a

glittering guitar-shaped purse, and still others sported tote bags with Presley’s picture. A few diehard

fans even sported Elvis tattoos.

The Midwest Tribute to the King event is sponsored by Springfield’s Cool 101.9 FM radio station,

Springfield Van and Storage Co. and Miller Lite. After Saturday’s festivities, Central Illinois entertainer

Greg Toland and Teddy Bear Entertainment kept the Elvis beat going with open-mic karaoke.

Memphis or Bust! Elvis – and Over 1,500 Fans – Have Left the Building

Win, lose or draw, Elvis Presley competitors are likely to pack up their guitars, capes, shades and

scarves, and set their sights on Memphis. National competitions during “Elvis Week” surround the

August 16 anniversary of Presley’s death.

Past Midwest Tribute winners, such as Bill Cherry, of Collinsville, Ill., have gone on to win the “Images

of the King” world competition in Memphis. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist title is another coveted

Memphis honor among a growing group of talented Elvis impersonators.

From Springfield, Ill. to Memphis, TN, they continue to shake, rattle and roll with infinite spirit and

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