The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest program has become one of the fastest growing entertainment opportunities. Hundreds of ETAs compete around the world in preliminaries that have been licensed by EPE. The winners then converge on Memphis to represent their preliminary contests in the "The Ultimate."

For the preliminary contest venues, this unique entertainment experience combines the excitement of Elvis' music and showmanship with the thrill of a high stakes talent competition. The preliminaries are flexible enough to be held over multiple days and locations or in one day or evening contest. It is a great way to provide a complete entertainment package for your audience and draw for music fans of all ages.

Becoming an official Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary location allows you to join forces with the most recognized entertainment force in the world. You will be provided with tools you need to take full advantage of this opportunity and you'll have instant media attention in both your region and around the rest of the world. From the South of France to Tupelo, Mississippi, wherever contests are held, the media follows. Elvis tribute artist stories are featured in both local and national print, radio, television and internet stories.

In 2007, EPE announced their inaugural event in which they were looking for the “best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley.” Twenty-four of the best ETAs from around the world, who had each won a preliminary round of the competition, traveled to Memphis during Elvis Week 2007 to compete, with Shawn Klush of Pennsylvania winning the first-ever ultimate title. 

In response to the excitement generated by the 2007 contest, EPE brought the contest back for 2008. Elvis tribute artists competed in twenty-two preliminary rounds in 2008, with Brandon Bennett from Louisiana taking home the ultimate title during Elvis Week 2008. 

As we announce the upcoming 2009 contest, tribute artists from around the world will be competing in these preliminary rounds for their chance advance to the semifinal round in August during Elvis Week 2009. 

As an official Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary location you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Immediate brand recognition
• Support from EPE - including an Online Contest Guide, e-newsletter inclusions to EPE subscriber lists, postings on Elvis.com, branding and more
• Media focus when your preliminary is announced, during your event and after as your winner competes in Memphis, including your press release in the news section of Elvis.com
• Use of contest logo to promote, which allows your event to be instantly associated with this highly-anticipated event
• Recognition of your festival or venue as an official preliminary round location where Elvis tribute artists can compete for their chance at the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2009
• Ability to benefit from the momentum that has been created during previous Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contests.