Competition Questions

First off, I want to thank each and every one of you who have written to me regarding the Las Vegas Event. Your support, questions, hurt and disappointment; have not gone unheard. It is because of you that I have pursued this, long after most people have "moved on" with their days.
I have made many friends, and dear acquaintances in the ETA and Elvis world. It would not be right to turn my back and walk away from their questions. As a firm believer and supporter of ETA and Elvis, I believe that it is up to us to find the answers we are all looking for. This is all for you.
I feel it is a responsibility to watch out for your friends, and support them in everyway that you can. This is how I am showing my support to all of you that have been affected by contests and competitions that you feel didnt live up to the standard you previously had thought applied to ALL competitions.
This is not to say that I believe that the whole event or that all events are bad, not at all. What I am in search of is the truth and the answers. Something we all desire. Im not out to hurt anyone or to bring only negativity to the competition arena, for they all hold positive lessons.
When beginning the adventure of competition.. heres a few words from moi!

Dont believe all you see.
Dont believe all you read.
Learn from your mistakes, and dont make them twice.
Learn all you need to know about the event, competition, or showcase.
Ask questions about the organizer, judges, and supporting partners.
Read between the lines, ask questions and dig deep into something that you are uncertain of.
If something smells fishy- check it out.
If something seems too good to be true- it probably is!
Be careful about what you wish for, it just may come true...

I have asked the organizer of the event to answer some general questions, supplied by some of you and also many that I have questioned myself. The organizer has replied, that he would like the opportunity to answer the questions.
I will list the questions here for your information. If there are any that I have missed or that you wish to be answered that I have not covered- please feel free to write to me, in turn I will contact the organizer to address these.
These were the questions I asked...

Was there any type of "pre" contest gathering, so that any questions (from the ETA) could be answered by you?
How was it determined who would go on first?
Was there a schedule for the guys to follow so they would know who was up and when?

Did ETA's have to dress in the same era as the song represented? If so, were there marks deducted for not following this rule?
How many judges were there?
Were any of the judges professional singers or musicians?
Where were the judges located throughout the event?

Comment: There seemed to be a problem with the band being able to follow the entertainers. Often an entertainer was thrown off key due to the inconsistency or uncertainty of the band, therefore leading to inaccurate results, and not really allowing the entertainer to show his abilities properly.
Questions : What previous Elvis musical experience did the band have when chosen to back up this event?
Was there any chance to rehearse with them, even on a short scale?
How was the band chosen? Have you used this band in the past?

Comment: It would "appear" that no other entertainer placed high enough to be chosen as a finalist for either night.
Questions: How did it happen that only one man was chosen out of both nights?

Would you not have had to compete that day to be a finalist for that night?
What was the minimum score required to place as a finalist both nights?
How come, some knew earlier (overhearing a "certain" conversation) on in the evening, the exact sequence of events that were about to unfold... i.e... The choosing of only one ETA as the finalist for both evenings- BEFORE the competing performers were even off the stage that night?

Was the ETA able to look at their scores at all over the course of the competition? If yes, then were they aware of this?
Were they able to receive their final scores? Or speak with the judges?
Were they offered any suggestions as to what would be needed to improve their performance?

Were you available to speak to the entertainers regarding any concerns- before, during or after the final announcements?

Comment: John Loos was the first place winner from last year. Several people in the audience were very curious why he appeared to be rudely cut off at the end of his first song, when you decided to announce a winner.
Question: What possible explanation could there be for that?

Comment: By the time John was back on stage to sing his other song, the Jordonaires were no longer there. Apparently, time was running out and they were to be on a flight, therefore, John was not able to sing his final song with them backing him.
Question: Why did this happen? Why were previous rumors-a few hours before- that this was about to transpire (Jordonaires needed to leave)?

Comment: When John Loos was trying to speak to the audience after his final song, he ended up having everything he said cut short by you, and seemingly hurried off the stage... Everyone commented on it.
Question: What was the reason for this?

*******************************

Now to be fair about this whole issue, I am attempting to ask these questions and expecting a good honest answer forthcoming. I am seeking the truth and questioning things based on, not only my thoughts and opinions- but others as well.
There should be no problem in answering these questions, and we would expect that it would produce honest results. Perhaps one should remember that if these questions are being answered honestly and truthfully, that it may be a hard pill for some of us to swallow, and that certain lessons can and should be learned by all.
Its highly possible that there are no answers to some of these questions, or that the answers to some of the questions are common knowledge, and I simply missed them or didnt know better. Either way, when all the answers are put together- it should produce a picture that we are all content with.
The Elvis Extravaganza has produced competitions many times over, and has been seen as a highly competitive contest that would produce A-1 results with its grand winner. There are no questions on who should or should not win here; it is simply everything else surrounding it. That is what is in question.
The winner, Roy LeBlanc is a highly recognized professional in his field and will proudly (and rightfully so); hold the number one title for this event during the up and coming year. I as well as others will expect that in the future, when he turns over the reins; he will be shown respect and gratitude for being the winner he is and for carrying the title proudly.
If at any point I stand to be corrected, I will take my punishment and go on bended knee to ask for your forgiveness. I am not too proud to accept when I have been wrong... and truthfully, I am hoping that I stay on bended knee for awhile- for this would mean that I was imagining things and showing signs of psychosis; a much better alternative to finding out that weve all been subjected to any form of dishonesty or betrayal.
In Closing: I must say this, as with everything you read... This letter is my own, as well as my opinions. No one, but me is responsible for these writings. Take only what you want, and leave the rest....
I will post the answers to these questions as soon as they are answered.
All the best to you and keep TCB'ing! Melody