- <h2>Kevin Mills represents Tupelo, places First Runner Up in Elvis Tribute Artist Contest</h2>
Kevin Mills represents Tupelo, places First Runner Up in the 2010 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, TN
Tupelo, Mississippi – After winning a preliminary at the Tupelo Elvis Festival in June, Kevin Mills came in 1st runner at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist last tonight at the final round of competition in the 2010 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (UETAC) sponsored by the Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
Mills grew up in the small town of Cinnaminson, New Jersey, near Philadelphia. Ever since Kevin was a teenager, he has had a love for Elvis and his music, and he felt Elvis was the natural choice for him to emulate. The many facets and genres of Elvis' career provides Kevin with a never ending challenge.
Twenty-three semifinalists competed in the semi-finals for the “Ultimate” title last night at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN, with only ten making it to the finals tonight. Justin Shandor was named the 2010 UETA Winner. Shandor received the Title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2010, recognition by Elvis Presley Enterprise, a cash prize of $20,000 and the opportunity to perform as part of the Legends in Concert Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Tour along with a selection of other valuable prizes. Mills, placing 1st runner up won a cash prize of $3,000 and a selection of other valuable prizes.
Mills is certainly no stranger to the Elvis circuit. He has been a contender in the UETAC for the past three years, placing in the top 10 in 2008 and walking away as the third-place winner last year, which earned him a spot on the first UETA Tour in honor of the 75th anniversary of Elvis’ birth.
He has regularly performed as part of Legends in Concert and all three sailings of the Elvis Cruise and was featured among his many TV appearances, in the A&E documentary “Elvis: The Beginning.” In 1993, Mills delivered a tribute to Presley at President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration.
Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley is very proud to have a preliminary winner from the Tupelo Elvis Festival named the UETA for the second year in a row. "Kevin nailed his performance last night and the crowd loved him. We are proud to have Kevin represent Tupelo and he will always be our ultimate," said, Debbie Brangenberg, executive director of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, which produces the annual Tupelo Elvis Festival.
Mills’ wife and children were with him in Memphis for the UETA Contest along with childhood friend, Phil Kramer, now his manager. Mills and his family reside in Toronto, Canada.
About the Contest
In 2007, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. announced an inaugural Elvis tribute artist contest event that was a search for the “best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley.” Twenty-four of the best ETAs from around the world, who had each won a preliminary round of the competition, traveled to Memphis during Elvis Week 2007 to compete, with Shawn Klush of Pennsylvania winning the first-ever ultimate title.
In response to the excitement generated by the 2007 contest, Elvis Presley Enterprises brought the contest back in 2008 and 2009 with winners of preliminary contests traveling to Memphis in August to compete. Brandon Bennett from Louisiana won the ultimate title during Elvis Week 2008 and Bill Cherry from Illinois was the 2009 winner. Bennett won the preliminary round in Tupelo in 2007 and Cherry in 2009. Victor Trevino, who placed in the top 5 in tonight's competition also won in Tupelo in 2008.
For more information: www.elvis.com/ultimatecontest/2010
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Clarke Creek
The small community of Woodville boasts abundant natural resources and wildlife and attracts hunters from all over the state and region. |
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