4th Annual Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
Returns to Fremont Street Experience
Elvis tribute artists to compete in the Las Vegas preliminary round May 10 and 11
for a chance to become the ultimate “King of Rock `n’ Roll” in Memphis during Elvis Week 2013
Well it’s one for the money, two for the show, and three to get ready as the 4th Annual Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest returns to Fremont Street Experience. The contest, which takes place on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 from 8 p.m. to midnight on the 1st Street Stage, is hosted by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience and the world’s greatest live tribute show “Legends in Concert” celebrating its 30th birthday.
“Elvis had a unique connection to Vegas that still endures today. This event is a testament to his legacy and the caliber of performers we feature every year is truly incredible,” said Jeff Victor, president of Fremont Street Experience. “If you are looking for a great time filled with fabulous music we invite everyone to put on their blue suede shoes and watch some of the best Elvis tribute artists compete for the chance to advance to Elvis Week in Memphis.”
The competition will kick-off each night with special presentations on the Viva Vision canopy and a parade of Elvi. The event is open free to the public, although VIP seating for both nights will also be available directly in front of the stage for $20 per person. VIP is limited and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The contest serves as a preliminary round for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest which takes place in Memphis during Elvis Week, giving tribute artists a chance to become the ultimate “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” The winner of this year’s preliminary round in Las Vegas will proceed to the semifinals during Elvis Week 2013.
“These competitions are a great opportunity for all levels of tribute artists to showcase their talents to a large crowd, in a very professional setting. Add in Legends in Concert and EPE’s involvement, and it is truly a fabulous platform for the competitors to shine,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer of On Stage.
Contestants in the Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will be judged on the best ‘representation of the Elvis legacy’ in vocals, style, stage wear, and stage presence. Judges will consist of Las Vegas industry experts as well as individuals instrumental in Elvis’ life, including long-time girlfriend Linda Thompson and personal bodyguard Sam Thompson. The winner of the contest qualifies to compete in The 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest presented by EPE in Memphis during Elvis Week. Elvis Week 2013 will be Aug. 10-17 at Graceland in Memphis. In addition, the winner of Las Vegas’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest preliminary round will take home a $2,500 cash prize and a Graceland getaway prize package.
Previous winners of the Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest have proven to be strong competitors during Elvis Week in Memphis. The 2010 winner, Justin Shandor, went on to take first place in the international competition in Memphis during Elvis Week 2010. Last year’s winner, Victor Trevino Jr., took second place during Elvis Week 2012.
“Since hosting the first Las Vegas preliminary round three years ago, we are proud to have picked two top-placing champions to represent Las Vegas during the finals competition in Memphis. We wish this year’s competitors luck as we set out to find the next Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist to continue to carry out that legacy,” added Victor.
On Stage Touring, a subsidiary of On Stage Entertainment and creators of the world’s longest-running celebrity tribute show, has been officially licensed by EPE to produce preliminary contests at “Legends in Concert” venues and other locations throughout the country, including Las Vegas.
Legends will again furnish one of the Grand Prizes for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner, the opportunity to sign a performance contract with Legends in Concert. Also provided will be a cash prize of $20,000, recognition by EPE, the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2013, and selection of other valuable prizes.
Launched in August of 2007, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis is one of the highlights of Elvis Week activities, which attracts more than 70,000 fans from all over the world.
“The 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will be the largest to date with more contestants competing than ever before. There is no doubt that with Elvis’ connection to Vegas, that the Fremont Street Experience preliminary round will surely be a coveted title for the winner,” Brigner said.
For more information: www.legendsinconcert.com, www.elvisweek.com and www.vegasexperience.com.
About Elvis Presley Enterprises
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (www.ckx.com), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market® under the ticker symbol CKXE.
About Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment complex located in historic downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street Experience features Viva Vision, the world’s largest video screen which is 1,500 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet above the urban pedestrian mall. Viva Vision features nightly spectacular light and sounds shows with 12.5 million LED lights and a 550,000-watt sound system. Fremont Street Experience is a one-of-a-kind venue which includes free nightly concerts and entertainment on three stages. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants and specialty retail kiosks, FSE attracts over 17 million annual visitors. Fremont Street Experience can be found online at www.vegasexperience.com.
About On Stage Touring, LLC
On Stage Touring, producers of Elvis Lives, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event, is a subsidiary of On Stage Entertainment, owners and operators of Legends in Concert. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Legends in Concert is a live musical celebration featuring the world’s greatest celebrity tribute artists. Widely recognized in the entertainment industry as the original celebrity tribute show, Legends in Concert has not only performed throughout the United States, but the show has traveled to 15 countries on five continents, entertaining more than 25 million fans. On Stage Entertainment operates numerous fixed-based, touring, limited-term and private engagements of Legends in Concert throughout the world. In addition to Las Vegas, Legends is presented year-round in numerous legendary locations including Atlantic City, Branson, Foxwoods Casino, Norwegian Epic and Waikiki. For more information on Legends in Concert or On Stage Entertainment, visit www.legendsinconcert.com.