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Bennie Wheels of Fort Worth, Texas, was the winner
Alvin Smith came from North Carolina for the contest. Despite an impassioned performance, he tied for third.
David Snow, a real-estate developer in Fredericksburg, jokes backstage with Jo Knight (left) and Karen Snow.
Bennie Wheels greets the crowd after winning first prize and a trip to the national finals in Memphis, Tenn.
Wrenn Smith of Richmond, portraying the 1954-56 Elvis, performs for a lively crowd at the regional qualifier for the national Elvis impersonator competition in Memphis. |
Eleven Elvises crooned, strutted and gyrated across Courtland High School's stage yesterday, but only one was crowned the next king of rock 'n' roll.
The performances were part of the Fredericksburg area's first regional qualifier for Images of the King, a national Elvis Presley-impersonator contest in Memphis, Tenn.
Bennie Wheels of Fort Worth, Texas, won first place--a $2,500 prize--and a spot at the national competition in Memphis next August. Wheels said he visited Graceland, Presley's Memphis estate, when he was 9.
"I've been hooked ever since then," said Wheels, who also received the "people's choice" award based on audience votes.
The 34-year-old elicited whoops and whistles from women audience members as he draped scarves around their necks, delivering them with a kiss.
Yesterday's competition and Saturday's semifinals raised money for the Children's Miracle Network, an alliance of children's hospitals that provide free care for sick children.
Burleigh Kay, local Children's Miracle Network organizer, said Saturday's show raised about $1,800. Yesterday's totals weren't available at press time, but he estimated a similar amount.
"All the money we raise in this area stays in this area," Kay said.
Richmond resident Wrenn Mangum took the $1,000 second-place prize. Jed Duvall of Glen Burnie, Md., and Alvin Smith of Elm City, N.C., tied for the $500 third-place prize.
The regional contest brought "Elvis tribute artists" from North Carolina to New York--including three from the Fredericksburg area.
The so-called ETAs come from all professional backgrounds and walks of life, but they have one thing in common: They're all diehard Elvis fans.
Fredericksburg resident David Snow, a real-estate developer, was a first-time competitor who made it to the final six. Snow, whose stage name is Davey Ray, also won the "spirit of Elvis" award based on audience votes.
While most ETAs are lifelong fans, third-place winner Smith got hooked when he attended an Elvis tribute concert in Memphis in 2002. Four years later, Smith is donning plunging necklines, sparkling sequins and tight pants to contests, birthday parties and community events.
"I thought he was going through a midlife crisis," said Smith's wife, Candie.
Despite the competition, the performers share a camaraderie.
"We all support each other," Wheels said.
To reach NATASHA ALTAMIRANO:
Email: naltamirano@freelancestar.com
