MEMPHIS, Aug. 15, 2007

Graceland Embraces Elvis Impersonators

They Will Now Be Called "Tribute Artists"

  • Video Graceland: Home Of 'The King'

    Dave Price takes a private tour of Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, where thousands of fans are expected to congregate on the 30th anniversary of his death.

  • Video Elvis Gets Mad Love

    In celebration of the 30th anniversary of his Elvis' death, fans in Memphis endure oppressive weather for the chance to pay their respects to the King of Rock.

  • Elvis Presley impersonators Jim Schmidt, left, and Carl Cassady, right, traveled to Gracelandto mark the 30th anniversary of the entertainer's death.

    Elvis Presley impersonators Jim Schmidt, left, and Carl Cassady, right, traveled to Gracelandto mark the 30th anniversary of the entertainer's death.  (AFP/Getty Images/Stan Honda)

  • Interactive Burning Love

    Only 42 when he died on Aug. 16, 1977, Elvis lived a life long on groundbreaking musical achievements.

(AP)  Things are a little different this year at Graceland, as the managers of Elvis Presley's estate get ready to name what they're calling a "tribute artist."

Thursday marks the 30th anniversary of Presley's death, and the Elvis Week tributes are already under way.

After years of resistance to Elvis impersonators, managers of Presley's home in Memphis this year are holding an Elvis competition. Karate moves, big hair and rhinestone jumpsuits are all OK, but nothing tacky. The judges say they're looking for sincerity and respect.

Photos & More: America's Fascination With Elvis
The Graceland Elvis impersonator winner will be crowned Friday. The winner gets, among other things, $5,000 in cash, a $5,000 shopping spree at the Graceland shops and the "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" championship belt.

© MMVII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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