In search of the ‘Ultimate’ Elvis

By JOHN LOCHER LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

11 years ago

An Elvis impersonator prepares to take the stage May 11 in the Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on Fremont Street.

Eli Williams takes his turn onstage as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll on May 10.

Eli Williams warms up in the dressing room before competing.

Elvis impersonators listen to instructions backstage May 10.

“Elvis wasn’t just a singer. Elvis was a cultural icon. He changed the way the world viewed popular culture when he came out onto the scene,” says Brian Simpson, an Elvis tribute artist.

Simpson was one of 19 tribute artists who competed in the fourth annual Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at the Fremont Street Experience in May. The winner, Chad Collins, will compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, Tenn., during Elvis week, Aug. 10 through 17. Eli Williams will also make the trip as the winner of a similar contest in Hawaii.