World Famous Elvis Tribute Artist of Las Vegas, Nevada

World Well-known Elvis Tribute Artist of Las Vegas, Nevada

Johnny Thompson has proven to be the top Elvis Impersonator in Las Vegas. His constant tours around the world, his
television appearances, red carpet hosting for MTV and Vh1, Red carpet Events in Las Vegas, Corporate Events,
Weddings, Concerts and Production Shows. So many other Elvis Impersonators in Las Vegas claim to hold titles and
made up honors.
Over the past few years, Johnny has earned many titles and honors in the Elvis Impersonation Industry.
He has won over 5 National Competitions and One World Championship. He has appeared on Television shows and in
Documentary movies that include TLC, and HBO.
Here are some highlights from Johnny Thompson’s career:
Johnny Thompson has starred in the “Nearly Elvis” and “The Men who would be King” documentaries. Recently played The King in a TV series on Sci Fi Channel called ” The Chronicle”. Johnny co-starred on “Get Golf” with John Ohurley ( J. Peterman on Seinfeld) on USA Network. In 2005 Thompson Hosted the 2005 MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet for TRL. He also appeared on “TRL,Viva La Bam, One Terrible Trip, 24/7 and The Surreal Life”.

With Clients all over the world. Clients That Include Major Casinos in Las Vegas and Fortune 500 Businesses. Resorts in Countries like Dominican Republic, Mexico and China. Johnny toured Europe in France, Finland and Belgium. Playing at sold out arenas. Johnny is highly in demand and available for for Television, Film, Stage, Casinos, Theaters, Fairs, Festivals and Corporate Events and Tradeshows.

LIVE SHOWS

The King in Back – Manila, Phillipines
The King is Back – Angeles, Philippines
The Well-known Artist Show – Seoul, Korea
Elvis the Musical – Helsinki, Finland
Zenith Arena’s – 20 cities in France
Palais De Congres Theater – Paris, France
Marriott Ho Chi Min City – Vietnam
Shanghai Music Festival – Featured Artist – Shanghai , China
Sunscapes Resorts – Dominican Republic
Sunscapes Resorts Cancun/ Playa Del Carmen , Mexico
Plaza Casino and Hotel – One Year Contract – Las Vegas
The Empire Ballroom – Las Vegas
New Frontier Casino – Rock n Roll Legends
Elvis a Rama Museum – Las Vegas
Seven Feathers Casino – Canyonville, Oregon- “Greased Lightnin’” GTP Prod.
Wolfman Jack Rock-n-Roll Review -Isle of Capri , Tunica, MS GTP Prod.
MGM Grand – Heroes of Rock-n-Roll
Rivera Hotel – Las Vegas -Elvis Tribute Show
West Virgina Symphony Orchestra Fundraiser 1999
Elvis – The Millinneum Concert – Sabre Room , Chicago 2000
San Antonio Spurs Basketball Game
Chicago Bulls Elvis Night
Sunset Station- San Antonio, Tx
Winner: 1st place, 3rd Annual Midwest Elvis Competition and Winter Jam, IL
Winner: 1st Place, Portage Elvis FANtasy Fest, Portage, IN. 1998.
Winner: 1st Place Grand Champ, Hi-Tops Chicago 1998.
Fox News Special Report: February 1999.
Chicago Special Olympics: Hilton Towers 1999.
Elvis Performers Impersonators Imternational Association Convention 1999.
All Elvis Weekend Competition
Empress Casino- Joliet ,IL
Mall of America, Dept 56- Elvis’ Graceland Promotion – Minnesota
Jerry Lewis Telethon Fundraiser
Images of Elvis Competition: Louisiana
Lansing Lugnuts Baseball / CBS TV, Elvis Night Feature Performer (3 years in a row)
Chicago White Sox Stadium / Fox Sports TV, Elvis Night
Opryland Hotel: Nashville, TN.
Hotel Hananoyu: Bandai Atami, Japan
Hollywood Casino: Elvis Competition, 2nd Place Winner, Aurora, IL.
House Of Blues Chicago: Elvis 20th Anniversary, Chicago
Excellent Morning Las Vegas, CBS
Ed Debevic’s Restaurant: Chicago, IL.
Chicago Gift Association Tradeshow: Chicago , IL.
Banana Joe’s: Elvis Week- Chicago
EPI I A: Elvis Performers International Impersonators Association Convention ’97
Democratic National Convention: Magnum’s Night Club, Chicago
Arlington International Race Track: Arlington, IL.
Excalibur Night Club: Chicago, IL.
Vinyl’s ” Breakfast with The King”: Host/ Featured Performer for 1 1/2 years
Bub City’s All Elvis Weekend Tribute, Chicago
100.3 F.M. Radio, Viva Las Vegas giveaway, Chicago, IL.
“T.V. Diners” T.V. Show, The Food Channel
WGN, ABC, NBC, CBS News: Chicago, IL.

Now you can see why Johnny is the World Well-known Elvis Tribute Artist of Las Vegas, Nevada!

World’s Greatest Elvis Impersonator

Considered by Many to be the World’s Greatest Elvis Impersonator is a huge honor. In 2007 Johnny Thompson won several national titles and then the World
Title in Memphis Tennessee at the Images of the King World Championship. Many Elvis Impersonators come from all over the world to compete for the Title.
In 2007, it was no exception, over 400 Elvis Tribute Artist from all over the world competed for the coveted First Place Worlds Greatest Elvis Impersonator position.
Over a week of competition ensued to find the 2007 Champion.

Johnny Thompson who hails from Las Vegas, where he has starred at many of the largest casinos and shows. He had performed the MGM in “Heroes of Rock n Roll”.
He had performed at the New Frontier in ” Rock n Roll Legends”, and also in “The King of Las Vegas” at the Plaza Hotel and Casino.
For the past five years Johnny has been touring around the world in Various shows and Concerts. He has toured in Bolivia, Cancun, Mexico. Dominican Republic, China,
Vietnam, Korea, The Philippines, France, Finland and Belgium. He has also performed in Canada, Alaska and other parts of the U.S.
One of the most sought after Elvis performers today.

In 2008 Johnny Starred in Carrie Underwood’s music video “Last Name” and in 2009 he appeared in Kay Perry’s ” Waking Up in Vegas”.
Johnny is also no weirder to the Red Carept as he has Hosted the MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet and recently in 2010 the Red Carpet for the new Movie “Reach for Me” starring veteran actors Seymour Cassel, Adrienne Barbeau and Lacey Chabret.

Many other Elvis Impersonators CLAIM to be a World Champion this or that but RARELY have the credentials or proff to back up their claims.
Johnny Thompson but, is the real deal. He truly is one of the Worlds Greatest Elvis Impersonators.

Talent Takes Center Stage

Talent Takes Center Stage!

Two World Champion Elvis Tribute Artists

By Zena Sultana

It takes talent to claim center stage! It takes a lot more than talent to be crowned “World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist!”

What it takes are looks, charisma, stage presence, vocal prowess, the right moves, authentic Elvis outfits, humility, and sense of humor. In other words, the “best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley.” The King had all these wonderful attributes that made him the “Ultimate Entertainer of All Time”, and so the Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs) who carry on his legacy have to perfect their art to be “just like Elvis.”

In August 2007, two ETAs were named World Champions in two separate International World Competitions held inMemphis, Tennessee, in honor of the King’s 30th death anniversary.

Shawn Klush of Pennsylvania was crowned Champion of the first-ever “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition” which was sponsored by the Elvis Presley Enterprises, while Johnny Thompson of Las Vegas was crowned as the “2007 Images of the King World Champion” in the 21st Annual Images Competition.

Klush was awarded the following prizes: $5,000 in cash; $5,000 shopping spree at Graceland; $3,000 gift certificate from B&K Enterprises to use towards the buy of a jumpsuit; a one-of-a-kind Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest Champion belt, designed and made by B&K Enterprises; a recording session, courtesy of Sun Records of Nashville; and a contract to perform on the first-ever Elvis Cruise held August 30 to September 3, 2007 (with a compensation package that included double-occupancy cabin, travel for two, and $1,000 cash.) All in all, a total of $14,000 in cash, plus a recording deal and other awards.

And then there was the overwhelming media attention, with guest appearances in several TV shows including Entertainment Tonight, and calls for future appearances from Jay Leno, Dave Letterman and Oprah. Added to that was the adulation of Elvis fans who filled up the 2,100-seat theatre at the Cannon Center of Performing Arts in downtownMemphis. Thousands more viewed his winning performance on YouTube.

Thompson, on the other hand, was awarded $1,500 in cash and $1,500 gift certificate from B&K Enterprises. There was not much media attention here, since the event was not EPE-sponsored. Thompson did but appear on CNN International in an interview that can still be seen on YouTube.

The “Images of the King” will always be remembered as the original ETA competition inMemphis, started in 1986 (21 years ago) by Doc Franklin. It has evolved through the years into a family reunion, expo and entertainment showcase. Well over 2,000 people from around the world also attended this year’s competition.

Runners-up in the Ultimate Elvis contest were Trent Carlini ofHenderson, Nevada, and Donny Edwards ofLas Vegas,Nevada. In the Images of the King contest, the other winners were Gino Monopoli ofCanada and Scott Norton ofFlorida.

The Ultimate Elvis Contest featured preliminary winners in competitions conducted in various cities of theUnited States, Canada, Europe,Australia andNorway. Ten of the preliminary winners went on to the final round, and they were: Brandon Bennett, Kjell Bjornstead, Trent Carlini, Donny Edwards, Jeff Golden, Joseph Hall, Ben Klein, Paul Larcombe, Shawn Klush, and Jay Zanier.

Finalists in the Images of the King competition, in order of performance, were: (Round 1) Mike Bravener, Will Ganzon, Cody Slaughter, Elvis Wayne, Justin Edwards, Rick Wade, Oliver Steinhoff, Toki, Matthew Spaulding, Tony Grova, Adam Fisher, George Elias, Danny Dale, Kavan and Scott Norton. (Round 2) Jeff Barnes, Matt Joyce, Joseph Hall, Richard Adkins, Lance Dobinson, Joe Trites, Paul Thorpe, Johnny Thompson, Lil’D, Anthony Von, Jason Whited, Todd Martin, David Allen, Jesse Aron, Pete Paquette, Kjell Bjornstead, Gino Monopoli, Rob Langford and Jamie McDonnel-Roberts.

Shawn Klush is an accomplished ETA who has performed in sold-out concerts all over the globe. He has toured the world for ten years as Elvis with the “Legends in Concert”; won the Lady Luck Music’s first annual international King of Kings People’s Choice Awards in Nashville; headlined the Collingwood Elvis Festival three years in a row; mesmerized thousands of fans at the 12,000-seat Arena De Santiago in Santiago, Chile; and won the “Worldwide Elvis Competition” in Montreal, Canada.

He also performed as Elvis in the VH1 CBS movie “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, and in other television shows as well. After winning the Ultimate Elvis Competition inMemphis, Klush was officially crowned the “Top Professional Elvis Tribute Artist in the World” at the First World Greatest Elvis Competition inLondon,England.

Fans all over the world agree that Shawn Klush brings all the electrifying magic of the King to the stage. His popularity as an Elvis Tribute Artist is at its peak, and yet Klush is still as humble and friendly as ever. Shawn’s website is: www.shawnklush.net.

Johnny Thompson is also a veteran ETA whose performances include the 2005 and 2006 International Music Festival inShanghai,China, and sold-out performances inCancun,Bolivia, theDominican Republic, andEurope. He has just finished a week inBritish Columbia,Canada, and a one-month tour of 21 cities inFrance, includingParis. He will be off again to perform inFinland, Denmark andNorway in 2008.

Here in theU.S., Thompson starred at theseLas Vegas hotels & casinos: MGM Grand,Riviera, Lady Luck, and New Frontier, as well as in innumerable venues all over the country. One of his greatest and most memorable performances was hosting the Red Carpet 2005 MTV Music Awards for TRL. He also did a lot of television shows: played Elvis in the TV series “the Chronicle”, VH1 Surreal Life, CMT “Impostors”, “Nearly Elvis” Blue Suede Films, HBO’s “Life Moments”, The Learning Channel’s “The Man who would be King”, CBS “Entertainment Tonight”, “Get Golf” USA Network, and “Excellent Morning Las Vegas.”

Thompson cares deeply for his family and friends, and like Klush, has developed a loyal following nationally and internationally. To most Elvis fans, Thompson is the one who really looks the most like Elvis.

His website is: www.Johnny-Thompson.com.

THE KING OF LAS VEGAS

“THE KING OF LAS VEGAS”

By Zena Sultana

SAN DIEGO, CA – You either got it, or you don’t. The “it” here is charisma, talent, looks, voice, and stage appeal. If you’re a performer and you got it, you’ll go far. If not, you will languish in obscurity.

JOHNNY THOMPSON certainly got it! He has the Elvis looks, the Elvis moves, the Elvis voice, and charisma galore. An ETA par excellence! Most Elvis fans reckon that Johnny is “the closest thing there is to Elvis.

“Being compared to Elvis is an honor and I’m flattered,” Johnny said. “The truth is, no one can really be like Elvis. There’s only one ELVIS PRESLEY!”

I agree! Elvis was so unique – possessing considerable talent, stunning excellent looks, and unrivalled charisma. Whether clad in the simple suits of his early years, or dressed to thrill in the black leather and flamboyant jumpsuits of his later years – Elvis was the consummate performer, commanding the stage, and mesmerizing the audience. No one yet can hold a candle to his charms!

Johnny comes pretty close. He even starred as Elvis himself in the TV series “The Chronicle.”

In the last 18 months, it was really “Go, Johnny, Go!” for Johnny. He performed inCHINA,CANCUN,BOLIVIA, theDOMINICAN REPUBLIC, and then he went back toCHINA. He will be inCANCUN again this July and August.

During a brief hiatus from his overseas schedule, Johnny flew down here to San Diego for a 3-day engagement at the San Diego Convention Center. We had time to talk over dinner, and I was excited to listen to his tales about his experiences in 2005 and this year.

Johnny said that probably the greatest thing he did last year was hosting the Red Carpet 2005 MTV Movie Awards for TRL. Taped July 4, 2005 in Los Angeles, it was aired July 9. He was the first and only ETA to host this event. His media exposure at the Awards led to some invitations to perform abroad.

Johnny interviewed stars and celebrities such as HILLARY SWANK, JESSICA ALBA, LINDSAY LOHAN, JESSICA SIMPSON, NICK LACHEY, NICOLE RICHIE, EVA MENDEZ, THE ROCK, STOUT JOE, THE FOO FIGHTERS, QUENTIN TARANTINO and many more.

When Hillary first saw Johnny, she said, “I like Elvis!” and Johnny responded, “Elvis likes you too, baby!” Then Johnny questioned Hillary how it feels to be nominated Best Actress, and Hillary said she was nominated for Best Kiss last year. She then grabbed Johnny and kissed him “for the camera.” Johnny told her she made him weak in the knees as he started to drop down to the ground and back up again. “It was hilarious!” Johnny recalled.

In July last year, Johnny was a huge hit inCHINA at the Various Clubs. Johnny performed in six different cities: Shanghai, Xi-An, Zhen Zen, Cheng-du, Zhen Zou andBeijing.

I questioned him if it was any different performing inChina, and he said, “Well, not really. Elvis music is universal, and Elvis had universal appeal.” During his off hours from performing, Johnny took in the sights. He was able to visit the Wu Temple, the oldest and largest temple in China, and see the world-well-known Terra Cotta Warriors.

In May this year, Johnny went back toChina for the 2006 INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL held in Shanghai. He was there for seven days, and was again one of the four artists featured on the main stage. Performers came from around the world. He made front-page news in a few Shanghai papers with a photo of him singing to a teen-age Chinese girl.

His most unforgettable experience there, he said, was when he was rushed by nearly a thousand screaming women, and mobbed on the stage by some 200, all wanting a kiss, a scarf, or some piece of him. “Wow!” he said, “I felt what it was like for Elvis every time he performed. I turned around and looked at the band members, and all of them were laughing and bowing, saying “You are the King!”

Johnny was lucky to get back to theU.S. May 8th as scheduled, because the following day, Typhoon Chanchu slammed Shanghai. A few people died, over 200 homes were flooded, and flights were cancelled.

But Johnny was not that lucky when he performed inCANCUN in September and October last year. It was hurricane season, and when Hurricane Wilma unleashed its fury, Johnny was right in the middle of it. Of the six weeks he was to perform, he did only four, because the hurricane made it impossible.

When Wilma hit, all the other guests at Playa del Carmen, along with Johnny, were evacuated to another resort for the night. They following morning, they were transported to a schoolhouse in several buses. Johnny said the schoolhouse was built in the 80’s and was like a concrete bunker, with boarded-up windows.

Inside the schoolhouse, 400 people were split into groups of 40 each per classroom. There was no electricity, no running water, and no clean bathrooms. They filled up buckets with rainwater for flushing and washing. “It was like a scene from Survivors,” Johnny said, “and the people in my group were calling me Mc Giver because they said I helped people keep their sanity making sure there are plenty of rainwater to flush and wash with.”

Outside the school, Wilma was in full fury. Johnny said that the sound made by the hurricane was like freight trains running around in circles, combined with the clash of a thousand drums. Every tree was ripped out by its roots and slammed into the building. Anyone courageous or foolish enough to go out will be tossed by the violent winds, never to be heard of again. “There was a metal roof slamming into our building for three days and three nights. When the hurricane finished, there were hundreds of looters stealing food and supplies from a nearby grocery store, and running away in the streets as police fired their guns into the air. For three days you could hear gunfire at all times of the day and night.”

On the fourth day at the schoolhouse, they ran out of food. But what really frightened them was the prison break two blocks away. Despite the flooded streets, they were keen to leave. As the buses pulled away, the escaped prisoners took over the schoolhouse, stealing everything in sight. The police came in shooting and arresting the escapees.

Johnny’s group headed for another resort south ofCancun, but the water was even deeper, and one of the buses behind Johnny’s flipped over in the water. The passengers had to break the windows and climbed out of the bus into the dark water in the middle of the night! After walking some distance to reach dry land, the passengers of the overturned bus were picked up by a vegetable truck, and the truck driver charged each person $5 to take them to their destination.

Finally, they reached the hotel, but there was no running water, and six people were stuffed into a double-bed room. All flights back to theU.S., or anywhere, were cancelled, so Johnny had to wait it out for over a week. “What an experience that was!” Johnny said.

Then in November, Johnny was hired by the U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia to perform at LA PAZ,BOLIVIA for the “Hope Foundation.” With two-sold out concerts, Johnny was able to help the foundation raise funds for the construction of a Work Education Training Center there.

La Paz is the de facto capital of Bolivia, where the executive and legislative branches of the government function. An impressive line of snow-capped peaks (like the Cordillera Real), some exceeding 20,000 feet above sea level, makes La Paz one of the highest cities in the world. The air is so thin, that for want of oxygen, you need to take some high-altitude medication.

Johnny’s two nights of extraordinary performances both finished in standing ovations. He must have pulled all the stops and gave his all, for he was featured in seven TV programs and written up in three newspapers. Johnny was constantly stopped on the streets as they recognized him from the TV shows he had appeared on. Luckily he had several secret service men from the Bolivian government with him at all times, and he was driven around in armored trucks. VIP treatment indeed!

While inBolivia, Johnny stayed at the Ambassador’s new mansion with Ambassador Greenly’s family.

The following month, December 2005, Johnny was off to the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC for a 3-month string of performances at four of the finest resorts: three on the Atlantic side, and one on theCaribbean side. The members of the audience were tourists from Canada,Quebec,South America,England,Germany, Italy,France and theUnited States.

According to Johnny, theDominican Republic is a very well loved tourist destination because of its classy 5-star hotels and resorts. But the ordinary people there live in miserable and abject condition. “If you have a tin roof over your house, which really is a shack and an outhouse, you are considered rich,” Johnny said.

TheDominican Republic is the second largest nation in the Caribbean, larger than theBahamas,Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and all theVirgin Islands combined. The country is a stark land of contrasts with both the tallest point in the Caribbean (Puerto Duarte, rising over 10,100 feet above sea level) and the lowest point (Lake Enriquillo, averaging 150 feet below sea level.)

As of now, Johnny is writing a new show that opens in Michigan next month (August). The star of the show is ADRIAN ZMED. He is an actor from the TJ Hooker show, hosted Dance Fever, and played Danny Zucko in Grease on Broadway.

For all the work he gets, Johnny wants to thank his manager, Kristy Lee Royl of Royal Talents. “Kristy, thank you!”

All in all … from the hurricane winds of Cancun to China’s waves of humanity … Johnny had a wonderful time! He is hoping, and so do I, that his return performance in Cancun this month will not be marred by another hurricane. If it does, I reckon Johnny is up to it. Just chalk it away to another unforgettable experience. Anyway, each moment is a memory in the making!

Johnny, von voyage and au revoir!

Making a Mark as an Elvis Tribute Artist

Johnny Thompson

Making a Mark as an Elvis Tribute Artist

By Zena Sultana

In the ever-expanding Elvis Tribute Artist industry – every ETA is dreaming to make it huge. Some have made it to the top, some are on their way up, but most are still languishing in obscurity. It takes a lot of talent to follow in the footsteps of the King. It takes a lot of work to keep the memory of Elvis alive.

For who could really compare to Elvis? Elvis was larger than life. He was unique – possessing stunning excellent looks, unrivalled charisma and incomparable talent! Whether clad in the colorful suits of his early years, or dressed to thrill in the black leather and flamboyant jumpsuits of his later years – Elvis was the consummate performer, commanding the stage and mesmerizing his audience.

No other performer, before or since, can hold a candle to Elvis’ charms! No one in the history of the entertainment and music industry can come close to what Elvis Presley had accomplished. That is why Elvis Presley was accorded the title: “Performer of the Century”!

One ETA who is making his mark in the “Elvis world” is Johnny Thompson ofLas Vegas,Nevada. In 2007, he became the “International Images of the King” World Champion. Some Elvis’ fans reckon that Johnny is “the closest thing there is to Elvis” and Johnny is honored and flattered by that.

“Being compared to Elvis is an honor and I’m flattered,” he said. “The truth is, no one can really be like Elvis. There’s only one Elvis Presley!”

Johnny comes close. He even played Elvis in a TV series on the Sci-Fi channel called “The Chronicle.” He also starred in the “Nearly Elvis” and “The Men who would be King” documentaries and on “Get Golf with John Ohurley on USA Network. In 2005, Johnny hosted the 2005 MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet for TRL, and appeared on “Viva La Bam”, “One Terrible Trip”, “24/7’ and “The Surreal Life”.

A versatile entertainer, Johnny has performed on stage all overAmerica. Kristy Lee Royle, of www.RoyalTalent.com, has also sent him for performances inFrance,Belgium,Finland, theDominican Republic,Mexico,China, Japan andJamaica. According to Kristy, this month (January 2009), there’s a possibility that Johnny will be going back toChina again for a performance. Johnny has also performed inCanada as well.

This summer, Johnny will also appear on “TV Land Myth and Legends” and also in the new “Viva Las Vegas” special edition DVD being released by the Elvis Presley Enterprises. EPE is the sponsor of the much-acclaimed “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” competition held every August in Memphis for two years now.

Most recently, Johnny has appeared in Carrie Underwood’s new music video “Last Name.” Carrie Underwood is one of the hottest young country singers today. After she won in the 4th season of “American Idol”, her name has been ablaze in lights. Everything she touches turned to gold, and the overwhelming demand for her albums in a continuing phenomenon!

“Last Name” is a song about a young lady who succumbed to the allure and craziness of Vegas, somehow drank too much “Cuervo”, and woke up with a wedding ring on her finger. The young bride didn’t even know the last name of her groom. Hah – only in Vegas! The city of dreams (and delusions?)

Anyway, Johnny is the one who performed “the wedding” in this music video. Carrie wrote the lyrics of “Last Name” and six other songs that are included in her new album entitled “Carnival Ride.”

“2007 IMAGES OF THE KING WORLD CHAMPION”

JOHNNY THOMPSON

“2007 IMAGES OF THE KING WORLD CHAMPION”

Sometimes events in your life have a way of turning out for the best!

That is what happened to JOHNNY THOMPSON in Memphis during the 2007 ELVIS WEEK. Johnny was in Memphis because he won in the preliminary Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition in Del Mar, California.

Right before he left for Memphis, he told this reporter that he might not win the coveted title of “2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” in the first-ever ETA competition sponsored by the ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES. But, he said he would be pleased enough if he makes it to the Top Ten.

Unfortunately he didn’t!

But God had something better in store for him. He was crowned the “2007 Images of the King World Champion” two days later! The saying that “God will not take you to where His grace will not sustain you” is right indeed!The “Images of the King” contest was tough. Seventy-two ETAs from around the world competed in the first two days of preliminaries. Out of the seventy-two, 34 were selected to compete again in two more days of final competitions.

A suspenseful moment ensued while the judges’ votes were tallied. And then came the announcement: Johnny Thompson from Las Vegas is the new World Champion! He emailed me later that he was surprised, and very, very pleased. “I wish you were here so you could have seen it!” he wrote.

I missed all the events honoring ELVIS PRESLEY on his 30th death anniversary, so I wasn’t able to see the “Images of the King” and “Ultimate ETA” competitions. For Elvis fans like me who didn’t make it to Memphis, and want to view the announcement of the winners, log in to this website: www.imagesofthekingcontest.com.

Here are the top winners and their awards: JOHNNY THOMPSON of Las Vegas, Nevada, World champion, $1,500 cash and $1,500 gift certificate from B&K Enterprises; GINO MONOPOLI of Canada, second place, $600 cash and $800 gift certificate from B&K; SCOTT NORTON of Florida, third place, $400 in cash and $500 gift certificate from B&K. CODY SLAUGHTER won the People’s Choice award, while GENE SHAW and JERRY BRIAN tied for the Spirit of Elvis award.

The finalists who competed at the Round 1 Finals held Friday, August 17, in order of performance, were: MIKE BRAVENER, WILL GANZON, CODY SLAUGHTER, ELVIS WAYNE, JUSTIN EDWARDS, RICK WADE, OLIVER STEINHOFF, TOKI, MATTHEW SPAULDING, TONY GROVA, ADAM FISHER, GEORGE ELIAS, DANNY DALE, KAVAN and SCOTT NORTON.

At the Round 2 Finals held Saturday, August 18, the finalists, in order of performance, were: JEFF BARNES, MATT JOYCE, JOSEPH HALL, RICHARD ADKINS, LANCE DOBINSON, JOE TRITES, PAUL THORPE, JOHNNY THOMPSON, LIL’D, ANTHONY VON, JASON WHITED, TODD MARTIN, DAVID ALLEN, JESSE ARON, PETE PAQUETTE, KJELL BJORNSTED, GINO MONOPOLI, ROB LANGFORD and JAMIE McDONNEL-ROBERTS.

Other ETAs who joined the “Images of the King” competition were: JACK HOWARD, GENE LANE, PAUL BUTLER, CURT LECHNER, VAL PANGILINAN, LARRY TSCHEHALI, FRED ALBERT, KEN YUVIENCO, LOU JORDAN, MARCUS BERE, MARIO RAMOS, SHELBY DANIEL, TONY FRIETAS, TERRY McGILLIVRAY, JIM HOLMES, NASAR SFIAN MORDEN, TYLER JAMES BARLING, TORI, BRAD McCRADY, MONK PELLY, TIM DUDLEY, JAMES CARDWELL, CHRIS MARTIN, STEVE BOTELLO, SAMMY STONE, PAUL ROUSE, BILL BROOKS, MICHAEL RATCLIFFE, ALVIN SMITH, MIKE BOZZO, GARY ABBOTT, BUD SANDERS, JEFF “JELVIS” LAJESS, JIM BISHOP, TRACY ALAN MOORE, JOHNNY LOOS, DAVID MUGGERIDGE and RICHARD COOK.

Former “Images of the King” World champions were guest performers, among them: MICHAEL HOOVER, 1988; DAVID LEE, 2004; MARIO, 2005; and ELVIS, JR., 2006.

The day after the Grand Finals, Johnny attended and performed at the Breakfast of Champions together with DAVID LEE, GINO MONOPOLI, and GARY ELVIS BRITT.

“Images of the King” is the original ETA competition in Memphis, started in 1986 (21 years ago) by DOC FRANKLIN. It has evolved through the years into a family reunion, expo and entertainment showcase. Around 2,000 people from around the world attended this year’s competition.

What’s new with Johnny after winning the “Images of the King” this year? He is off to Europe for another string of performances. Together with LEO DAYS from Michigan, who will be performing as the 50’s Elvis, and CRAIG PARKER from Dallas, Texas, who will be performing as the 70’s Elvis, the three of them will be in Paris, France for a month (October 3 to November 3, 2007). Johnny will do the “Comeback Special” segment.

Then the three of them will perform in 19 to 20 more cities in France, Finland, Denmark and Norway. Way to go, Johnny, Leo and Kraig!

Johnny has performed in other countries before, like China, Cancun, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic.

Zena Sultana