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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. “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. Full story »

Brandon Bennett was named the winner of the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Thursday. Full story »

On Friday evening, the annual adoration of Elvis means candles, tributes and shrines in the street. The all-American shrine to Elvis is open to many interpretations — secular, religious and occasionally ironic. Why shouldn’t everybody have an Elvis shrine? Especially here in Memphis. Entertainment writer Christopher Blank decided to make his own Elvis shrine this year. Full story »

Ten finalists were selected after the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest semifinals Wednesday night at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. The event, organized by Elvis Presley Enterprises, brought together 22 tribute artists from around the world who had won regional competitions. Those who will perform tonight at 7 at the Cannon Center are: Full story »

It was delightfully surreal when the 22 Elvises crowded onto the stage at EP Delta Kitchen this afternoon. The participants in the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest introduced themselves to the cheers of fans and friends who were invited to the meet-and-greet because they had reserved "Platinum" tickets for Wednesday’s semifinals and Thursday finals at the Cannon Center. Full story »

Even now, Elvis' death could be classified as a medical "mystery," says Maurice Elliott, former vice president of Baptist Hospital. But Jerry Francisco, the medical examiner who performed Elvis' autopsy, would attribute the death to a heart attack. Full story »

Though Elvis and Priscilla Presley filed for divorce in 1972, the fleeting storybook chapter of the 5-year marriage — the wedding day — is being memorialized by toy maker Mattel. The “Elvis and Priscilla Barbie Doll Gift Set” will be unveiled 10 a.m. Tuesday in a ceremony at Graceland, which includes a champagne toast and slices of wedding cake. Graceland has about 200 of the dolls and is one of few places to score one immediately. Full story »

What's that shaking and rumbling? No, it's not an earthquake. Elvis Week begins Saturday, so let the fans descend! Check out GoMemphis on Friday for stories on Elvis sightings in movies over the past year, an interview with an Elvis movie co-star and a look at the special concert "Elvis: From Broadway to Memphis." Here is a list of Elvis events planned through Aug. 17. Full story »