Out of all the Elvis Presley that I've seen, u are the best.i had the change to run into u at Southeastern Louisiana hammond at the University Center, that was a good while back.A happy Thanksgiving to u @ your family's. U are the real deal.!!
I love Elvis tribute artists, As a limo driver I've had the pleasure of meeting many of them. They have all been genuine, real and passionate about bringing Elvis to life for the legions of fans out there. These guys put a lot of work into what they do and also try to bring Elvis's goodness into this world which is something we so desperately need these days. Long live the King.
I have seen Brandon Bennett several times in concert & have even had the privilege of meeting him on occasion. Not only is he one of the most respectful and considerate people I have eveer met, he is a great entertainer. Brandon seeks to bring attention to Elvis Presley and his music--not to imitate him precisely, but to make sure that his legacy lives on. That is why his shows are called, "Elvis, My Way". I recommend everyone see him in person. Visit his website if you want more info...
I don't know what Elvis you're watching because I've had! I've seen Brandon's show and the moves he does are Elvis. Not only that but Brandon does what comes natural and it looks wonderful. I've seen Brandon perform in person. He's amazing and nice! GO BRANDON!
I met Brandon Bennett in 2008 twice and he made a very good impression to me on and off stage he is more than a impersonator he is very genuine and captures many of Elvis Qualities. We all have our favorites remember when you put someone else down it only makes you sound bad. There will never be another Elvis and I think most eta's know that they are just having fun and making a little money because none of them will ever get rich or famous for long like everything this too will pass, so everybody just chill out and enjoy life.
Having attended thousands of contests, both with and without my husband, I think that our way of handling them is best...ETA contests are a great way to meet new fans, meet new talent, keep in touch with old friends, great fans and have a great time in celebration of Elvis. Do I think the 'right' ETA always wins? No, but we take something much more important than a 'win' away from these. The ETA world doesn't need to be so cut throat.
Nearly a decade after his winning I still never seen or meat Brandon I hope too one day soon though fingers crossed. I really to respect him and all the ETA's who keep EP's life and legacy alive for generations to come TCB.
Yea, we can find something critical to say about ANYONE if we look hard enough but it's uncalled for. There can be only one winner amongst so many talented guys and Brandon was it this year. Next year will be someone else's turn. Brandon Bennett rocks!!
I sing with the #1 elvis tribute artist in the world, 6 yrs in a row, david e. prezley. I love what we do, if you say we are wasting time, id like to see you get up there and try it, honey it ain t easy
Of course there will never be another that even comes close to capturing all that was Elvis. The ETA'S are just trying to keep his legend alive and to give those of you who have never seen him a small glimpse of the man and how he related to his fans. They give us a look into the excitement that was an Elvis concert. Elvis gave the world an entertainment experience unlike anything that has ever been seen before or sense. Its just good fun . I think Elvis would be very very touched by all this. In an interview given by Elvis in the mid seventies. he said one of his greatest fears was that he would one day be forgotten . Thanks to all the fans worldwide that will never happen ! EVER !!
Exactly what I have been trying to say....always remember that ETA's are REAL people with REAL feelings and some of the stuff written on here is really hurtful. There are enough Elvis fans out there to support all the ETA's and love all of them.
Donny Edwards: Work on the hair, singings good! Amazed at the looks! You were blessed with Elvis' face! =) Joseph Hall: Love ya boy! Your moves are ok. Definitely work on the singing! Brandon Bennett: Singing is really bad...work on it! Love that you definitely got his moves down and you are another one blessed with Elvis' face! The smile is...wooow! Congrats Brandon on the win! =D
Congratulations go out to Brandon once again as he has just secured a contract to star in the "Elvis Story" in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This is ALWAYS a sold out show, made famous by Martin Fountaine, complete with amazing sets, dancers, band etc. This is an incredible opportunity for Brandon and wish him tonnes of success!!
Congratulations Brandon! I'm very happy for you:) Your Elvis Tribute along with your kind and polite attitude off stage are an honor to Elvis! I'm sure he's smiling:) Take Care! Love Ya! ~ Jolene
A friend has often said they need 3 judges all well educated in Elvis including bootleg video, a blind judge so they can really listen to the vocals, a deaf judge so they can really judge the visual, and a regular judge to round it out..
Well...He is the winner. Just be happy for him. He performed with great excellence that day! However, It didn't escape me that Donny is really handsome.
That's so true, like I ahte how so many people go out bald and fat and just impersonate Elvis right before he died, they dont capture the REAL Elvis, only Elvis himself can!
Contests..the results would vary, I think, based on a few factors...totally different judges, and performances..several times we see this, where one ETA wins one contest, but then doesnt even place against the same set of ETA's..different judges, different opinions, different performances. It makes sense. My husband always told me that when he competes he never bets on the outcome and I have learned to do the same, understand that the opinion of 4 people wont make or break his career.
Who is to say who Elvis would pick? These contests are matters of opinion...we cannot see into anyone's mind to see what they see. As long as there are contests, there will be controversy...I will just applaud the talent of all of the contestants and hope like hell that my husband makes it into the contest next year but doesnt face any kind of abuse, rather appreciation for what he does.
I think its funny that you all waste your time commenting about it. They're tribute artists. Did you read the word I wrote? Its a TRIBUTE to EP. Some people, like myself, were born after he died and never got a chance to see him. The videos of Vegas are fun to watch, but its fun to see some of the guys try their best. I don't any of you realize how much time these TRIBUTE artists put in to their work.
I am sure Doug has his reasons for wanting to compete...perhaps he misses hanging out with the guys, meeting new guys and new fans...contests are a great place to do that. I guess only Doug knows, but its cool he is back.
@JPeterson0079 you missed what I was responding to...someone said that Elvis in his later years isnt the "real Elvis", insinuating that ETA's should only portray the early Elvis. My point is that no matter what stage is portrayed, they are all portraying the "real Elvis".
Dont sweat it imlars...the haters claim to hate ETA's yet keep coming to watch them. Publicity is publicity and thousands of hits on youtube just ups it for them :)
I am pretty sure vocals would be criteria in any Elvis contest...maybe they aren't weighed as heavily as they should be, but aren't vocals part of it? I mean, what would be the point without a vocal category??
@desttre How the heck I ended up in this place I have no idea! I stay as far away from all those names you listed as I can. Elvis would be absolutely livid at what's going on with these impersonators. When he was alive there were but a few. He liked Andy Kaufman, but then Andy did many things besides impersonate Elvis and Elvis liked his humor. He would shoot the TV out if he saw a one of these guys trying to mimic him. How presumptuous they are to even think they come close.
Just beautiful. Brandon, you nailed it. Joseph is good but not quite there yet. And Donny, you were so off-key and you need to smile a little bit more. Thats one thing that Elvis had, it was sence of humor and he smiled alot for the audience.
I think in Shreveport and a few other contests, the judges were NOT Elvis-educated. EPE does not sanction the judges at the prelims, which is a problem....how on earth a radio DJ or head of chamber of commerce is a qualified Elvis judge is beyond me...but I think at the contest in Memphis they had judges that know their stuff, which is a blessing.
the Ultimate has turned into a look alike contest...and they say the guys get double for vocals...that just is not the case. a good test is to close your eyes.... Dwight Icenhower will win hands down
Who really cares anymore? I really hope there isn't a 2009 contest! Brandon won this year and Shawn won last year! Nothing will change that! I'm tired of people whining and complaining about who won and who lost. This is about paying tribute to Elvis! No one will ever equal him in anyway! Lets give our congrats to Brandon and just move on with our lives! Thanks! Later!
Hi Lexi....You have confused me. Do you think that there should be some ETAs doing Elvis when he was not at his peak...or the years befoe or the best times of all. I would like to say that....never seeing Elvis live. For me the ETAs are the next best thing. And there are some really talented ones. So all ETAs...go and continue to pay tribute to the one person in the whole world who did it all and changed music forever and paved the way for so many others. lol..amen..byeee
kenv13: A pretty girl can kiss a guy* a bird can kiss a butterfly* the rising sun can kiss the grass* but you my friend!! yes you!! YOU CAN KISS MY **********
@domepaddy: Agree.. thing is with most of these impersonators is that they try to impersonate Elvis so much they don't sing with their real voice and it sounds crappy...
@keetonplace ..oh wow....so why are you watching? The best of the ETAs do not mimic Elvis...they pay tribute to him. And sorry to tell you this but Elvis would appreciate the talent that some of them have. Stephen Kabokos...Shaun Klush..Brandon Bennet..Donny Edwards....and many others.
All I meant is that IF an ETA portrayed Elvis in that era it would still be Elvis, ya know? Someone suggested that portraying him that way wouldnt be the REAL Elvis...however, I think most ETA's strive to portray him at his peak and not his weaker moments...I guess I just meant that no matter what an ETA portrays it's all Elvis.
Oh, dont bring Jesse into this, lol. Thank you for the compliment, but I still think that all the guys that made it into the Ultimate are very talented and deserve accolades and credit.
IDK... to me "Ultimate" means to be the best. That to me means that ALL the impersonators should be able to compete, even if that impersonator won the previous year. The ultimate should be the best not second best because the best was chosen the year before. Shawn Klush IS the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.
saw Joseph this year in Branson, relies to much on sexy moves. A better one in Branson was a man called Dean Z ..Like these guys for the most part because they keep the music alive...And thats what it,s all about. They pay a fortune for the costumes, they watch hours of clips to make sure they get the moves down by every little detail and if in contests, the jewellery the hair everything as to be spot on. Hard work and they nearly all have real jobs..
I have to say that I was disappointed at this years pick. The contest last year went to the right person.. Shawn Klush.. This year it seems to be a big blur as I watch a man that almost fell after his song and had a few silent moments during his song win this contest. I know 5 of the guys in this contest and only 1 of my favorites placed in the top 3 and that was my dear friend Donny. He looked and sounded great & I can't believe they picked him 2nd. He should have won.. bottom line!!!! Tammie
I was commenting on someone's post saying that doing Elvis "before he died" isnt doing the REAL Elvis...I assume the poster means when Elvis was ill and not in his greatest shape...first, Elvis was Elvis, ill, healthy, heavy, thin..all the real Elvis...but no, I do not see anyone in this contest re-creating that time in his life.
oh duh. Why would any ETA do Elvis and I do quote "Before he died". Elvis started in 1954 on his journey. This is what the ETA's try to re-capture. And I will also say to you that being from Canada...we do have some very talented Elvis Tribute Artists.
SHAWN KLUSH IS THE BEST I HAVE SEEN. DONNY IS GOOD,THERE ARE SO MANY. I TEND NOT TOOK BUT LISTEN AND THAT WAY I FIND THE VOICE THAT SOUNDS THE BEST. BUT THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE AS GOOD AS THE ORIGNAL.. oops yelled all the way..sorry. I cant see how you thing thes guys had surgery,really when you see them out of makeup and costume, No way.......
I wasn't at the Ultimate, but I do know that what i1b23c says is true...the guys were allowed to pick songs from a list EPE provided, not necessarily what they wanted to do...which kinda sucks, but, I guess their standpoint is that a really great ETA deserving of the title would be able to perform any Elvis song well.
