Brandon Bennett of Ponchatoula, La., turned out a high-energy version of “Polk Salad Annie” that convinced the judges to name him winner of the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Thursday night.

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Brandon Bennett, from Ponchatoula, Louisiana was named the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. Watch »

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“It’s been a great ride and a lot of fun,” he said after the contest at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. A near-capacity crowd of Elvis fans turned out to find out which of 10 finalists would get the coveted designation.

Bennett prevailed over 21 other contestants in the competition organized by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Twelve were eliminated Wednesday in the semi-finals.

After the 10 survivors performed two songs, judges selected Bennett, Donny Edwards of Las Vegas and Joseph Hall of Lincoln, Neb., to sing in the final round. Edwards placed second and Hall, who has been a contestant on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” was third.

Bennett, a fireman by trade who has done his Elvis act for eight years, won a $25,000 contract for a 12-week gig with Legends in Concert. He also is taking home an $11,500 D-28M Elvis Presley Martin Guitar, a title belt and a $500 gift certificate to Lansky, clothier to The King.

Judges were Sun record label owner Shelby Singleton, Turner Classic Movies vice president of original productions Tom Brown, former Imperials member Joe Moscheo, and longtime Elvis musical director Joe Guercio.