Chinga's Elvis loses in final competition
Shawn Klush of Pittston, Pa., was named the "ultimate Elvis tribute artist," in the first ever tournament of Elvis impersonators sanctioned by Elvis Presley's estate.
Klush bested nine other finalists, including Joseph Hall of Lincoln, Neb., who was chosen as the best Elvis impersonator at this year's Chingawassa Days.
Contestants at the Memphis finals were judged on performance, appearance, and respect for Elvis by a panel of judges that included Joe Moscheo, a singer who regularly performed with Presley in Las Vegas.
Klush's victory gave him $5,000 cash, a $5,000 gift certificate to spend at Graceland, and the marketing value of the first ever endorsement from Presley's estate.
The contest Friday evening was the culmination of week long events in memory of Presley who died 30 years ago Aug. 16.
