Graceland seeks 'ultimate Elvis'

The contest will be held during Graceland's Elvis Tribute Week

Elvis Presley impersonators are to be invited to the music icon's Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee for the first official tribute artist contest.

The competition - to run over several days next August - coincides with the 30th anniversary of Presley's death.

The move marks a shift in policy by the Graceland managers, who have kept their distance from the often kitsch artists.

The new managers of the multi-million dollar Elvis business say the contest could attract a new generation of fans.

'Serious contest'

"We're looking for the best artist that represents the legacy of Elvis Presley. This is a serious contest," said Paul Janokowski of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Elvis Presley died at his Memphis home on 16 August 1977

Mr Janokowski also said the performance rules laid down by Graceland will help set the standards for Elvis impersonators everywhere.

The guidelines are not available yet, however Graceland has said it wants tasteful, classy performances, preferring singers who sound and look like Elvis.

Organisers of the contest have named two sites for the preliminary rounds: Tupelo, Mississippi, where Presley was born; and Collingwood, Ontario in Canada, which already holds an annual Elvis festival.

The Memphis finals will be held over several days during Graceland's annual Elvis Tribute Week, which is expected to take place between 11 and 19 August 2007.

Elvis Presley Enterprises took control of the worldwide marketing of Presley's name and image last year.