The competition is over: after a months worldwide search, the managers of Elvis Presley’s Graceland crowned the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” in the person of Shawn Klush, a 38-year-old Pittston, Pennsylvania native.

The official Elvis impersonator expressed his thrill: "It's unbelievable," he said of the victory. "It's an overwhelming experience, and it couldn't be in a better place."

Though they had long considered the idea with disdain, the Graceland managers innovated this year by organizing a competition to find an Elvis impersonator. The search started in March with all-around-the-country and abroad contests that brought 24 Elvis-like finalists. The list was shortened to 10 after a qualifying round in Memphis.

The jury, including Joe Moscheo – a singer that used to perform on regular basis with The King in Las Vegas -, took into consideration performance, appearance and respect for Presley in their decision.

The battle was tight; three finalists were called back by the jury to perform one more song. Trent Carlini, 37, Edwards, 32 and Klush gave their best in the final round, but Klush impressed the most with his 1970-replica of Presley, wearing a white jumpsuit. He won 5,000$ in cash, a 5,000$ gift certificate to be spent at Graceland and the first-time recognition Graceland attested.

Forbes magazine ranked Elvis Presley the second highest earning dead celebrity with an estimated revenue of $42 million in 2005 – 2006, the first place belonging to Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Graceland opened to the public in 1982, having an impressive 600,000 visitors a year and plans to develop even more.

Graceland attracted 75,000 fans from all around the world on “Elvis Week”, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Presley’s sudden death at the age of 42, on August,16.  A candlelight vigil, concerts, seminars and numerous souvenirs were available for the tourists. His daughter’s part in the event was the release of a re-mixed version of Elvis’ late “In The Ghetto”, Lisa Marie Presley adding her voice to the 1969 original track.