| TO BE OR NOT TO BE
On August the 17th, 2002- the World Images of Elvis, now called Images of the King , announced the new world winner- BRANDON BENNETT! The title carries with it the knowledge that this man is the WORLDs Best Elvis. Second place went to England based entertainer, MARIO . And the Third title went to William Stiles. Congratulations to all!!!
Complete with busloads of fans and screaming women Brandon accepted his first place win standing on the famous Memphis stage in front of thousands of people. Meanwhile many disappointed Elvis artists were still trying to slow down the accelerated heart rate that the adrenaline rush of running to the stage had just caused!
Although the guys standing at the back of the stage appeared to be smiling, it was impossible to see the thoughts that had been taking place in their heads for the past week leading up to this powerful moment. It goes without saying that the disappointment would be more then evident after all had departed for their homes. Mixed with emotion many of them would complain to anyone that listened that they should have at least placed in the top three categories. To one another they would say who they thought were the best and who should have done what. None of them would ever be able to agree, but it didnt really matter.
It also doesn't really matter that it was Brandon that won. Heck no matter who it was, the scene would be the same. Complaints would attack the various judges, along with the slamming of the organizers of the event. For that matter any Elvis competition that takes place can be a target for dissatisfied Elvi, and their fans.
Images of the King is a once a year contest, run by Doc and Jackie Franklyn, (Doc was the veterinarian that Elvis hired to care for his animals). They now also have Nance Fox and Doug Church of the Elvis Entertainers Network, along with Ronnie Craig to help them along, lend a hand, or offer advice.
Go across a few highways you could find yet another contest going on,the Elvis Extravaganza contest being orchestrated by Jamie Coyne. Now the guys would don their sequined jumpsuits for a 1:00 start on stage with Jamies Contest, then many of them would leave and race over the few blocks to compete in the Images contest that would begin later on. The Elvis Extravaganza contest is run by Jamie Coyne, and has a few different contests in the USA, throughout the year, including a huge one in Laughlin Nevada this past January(2002). People travel for miles to attend these functions. It also holds a fan member base of 50,000 Elvis fans!
This contest will also boast another new winner- With first place going to- Jimmy King Kai, Second place went to Tony Geova, Third place, Michael Vegas, and a tie for Fourth went to Garyelvis and Phil Levine.
Okay so now whos best? We have two first place winners- two different contests and one world title. Or do we?
Does this mean that these two winners will go up against each other for the final world title? No, these are two separate contests and are totally unrelated to one another except for the obvious fact that they have the best ETAs in the world arriving on their stages.
I have to shake my head when the reports started coming in about the winners. I knew and anticipated that there would be complaints and dissatisfaction. There always is, and always will be!!!! You know nothing can ever satisfy us. We as parents, spouses and friends of ETA's are only satisfied when one of our own gets to the top. Oh of course we are happy for the winner-especially if we know that particular fellow, or if we really believe they had a powerful voice and deserved the win. Other then that, we go home somewhat disillusioned about the contests once again.
The majority blame it on the judges, the judging, the audience reaction, or simply "It was his turn to win".
OUCH, that stings. The poor guys that are standing there beaming with their well-earned award are suddenly and rudely deflated after hearing such a careless remark.
Is that a reality? Is it really someones turn to win? Like are they picking a number and if the dues are paid long enough he becomes the newest winner? Well if that was the case then my guess would have been that it was definitely Robert Washington that should be holding some title- heck probably a couple of years ago!! Robert has been attending the Images for ages...! Now, if you are reading this and don't know Robert, you may be thinking that his lack of holding a title must stem from him not being quit good enough. Right? Well Ill be the first to assure you that you would be sadly and greatly mistaken. Robert is an extremely gifted entertainer; full of an abundance of energy some would only dream of, and with a powerfully strong vocal ability. So why hasn't Robert won? I know many personally blame the prejudiced judges and/or their lack of Elvis knowledge... maybe it's both?
Although I don't know the least little thing about what the criteria is for becoming a judge, I do know that the inconsistencies run from contest to contest. And I know that I would not want to have to judge all these incredible performers. I mean how exactly can you narrow it down? With so many different factors taking place to successfully complete even making it to the top 25. Sound, notes, cues, vocal stability, looks and nervousness... so many different challenges. Gosh you have to give each and every one of them credit for even having the courage to hit the stage in the first place!
I was thinking about Robert there a bit ago and why he hasnt brought home a title from Memphis. He's paid his dues, hes made the mark, and he is well liked. So what is going on? I have to think back to the year of 1997 and the huge mixture of variations that took place within two separate contests that Darren Lee entered.
Many of you know Darren or have heard about him Im sure, and if you don't, his interview can be viewed here on Suite 101. He is a very talented young man. Anyhow, getting back to the story. Darren , a Canadian entertainer goes to Collingwood Ontario in 1997 and sings his heart out to an ambitious audience, receiving the utmost respect, appreciation and admiration among his peers, audience, judges, and fans. You would think that he was a sure shot-- but Darren does not place, Nothing, Zippo. Two weeks later he heads to Memphis to complete his trip, although empty handed and totally discouraged at the inner workings behind the scenes.
Arriving in Memphis Darren decides that this year he is just going to sit back and watch, not even bothering to enter the Images of Elvis, contest. Then at the last minute, he thought, what the heck- I'll do it for my friends and fans that have supported me for the past few years - this time it isn't to win, but to give back to all those that stood by me. Darren as some of you may know, went home with the 1997 World title as the number One Elvis Tribute Artist that year! He was two weeks from the big loss in Collingwood Ontario, Canada, and here he is bringing home one of the most coveted awards in the Elvis Tribute world! Now what's with that??? Hey to top it off, Collingwood the following year, didn't even bother to look in Darren's direction when they were looking to have an "Elvis" for their yearly Elvis festivities. Nope, they spent in excess of $10,000 US to bring in another entertainer from Las Vegas. Even though Darren was the only Canadian to have ever won the contest. This seemed like it was definitely adding insult to injury. Just a note to mention that this years Grand Champion at the Canadian Elvis competition in Collingwood, was Robin Kelly, Darren Lee's younger brother!
Its in these types of situations that can cause such a sour taste about judges and contests in general. It is really hard to understand the reasoning behind the scenes sometimes. Dont get me wrong, Im just as guilty at one time or another of feeling pretty disturbed at the whole thing. There has become a driving force of entertainers asking for proper criteria to be put into place to become a judge. They want some sort of semblance to be adhered to. In many contests they are tightening up the reigns and trying to accommodate the demands from both the entertainer and the fans. Although I am still not all that certain on what the criteria is to become a judge, Im sure going to try to find out! I really would like to know what makes one person a judge and not another.
Is there an application to fill out? Do they come from out of town, or are they townsfolk that like to keep things close to home? Is the age group variable, from 20 upwards? Do they know and study Elvis, the concerts, moves, and the costume for each? Do they really know their STUFF?
In closing I want to tell one and all that I am not anti-contest. I am simply explaining my outlook on this controversial issue and mentioning different feelings and input of such.
I have no problem accepting that there is a good and a better, I just dont understand how people can get their shorts in such a knot about it.
I personally love all the ETAs, for what they do, why they do it, and in the end it is all for the love of Elvis. I have yet to meet any one of them that are simply in it for the money- 'cause face it- sometimes there isnt any! So many of these guys are busy donating time and talent to various charities and goal reaching situations- they probably dont realize that they could be the next charity victim if they dont stop doing so many freebies!
To all you wonderful Elvis Tribute ArtistsTHANK YOU. Even if you didnt make it to #1 at a contest- each and every one of you are all #1 in my books
Remember you guys- win or lose- remember that old saying
Sticks and Stones may break my bones (and at my age its becoming a certainty), but names will never hurt me!
Only one can be #1 and he can never be replaced.
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PICTURES
Jimmy King Kai with the Jordanaires - thanks to Jamie Coyne
Doc Franklin with MARIO -Images of Elvis 2000
Ronnie Craig-Images of Elvis 2000
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How lucky can one gal get!!
Ryan Pelton-Winner 2000-Images of Elvis
MARIO-Second place 2002-Images of Elvis
Melody
Stephen Kabakos-Winner 2001-Images of Elvis
AND Johnny Thompson!
********************FOOTNOTE**************
Well I did it again! When you write you take a chance, and when you write the truth- it can really be chancy!(Is that a word?)
Seems like I have a mutual toss up of who "now" likes me and those that don't!!
Thumbs up to Freedom of Speech!!
To The Guys... I can understand and appreciate with a little more respect what it feels like to be judged for doing what you love to do-and having the "one" guy out of 10 that really wants to have your butt kicked! :o)
I would like to extend this oppertunity to post your feelings on the message board here regarding this topic... Now is the time to speak and have hundreds of people read what you have to say!
******GO FOR IT!!!*****
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