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ETA Contest at the Isle of Capri

© June Moore

As most of you know, for the last few months, I've focused my column totally on Elvis, while my good friend Melody Sanders took over the tribute artist side, for her new column at Elvis Tribute Artists. I couldn't turn down the chance however, to meet some of the biggest names in the business when they performed near my home on October 16.

This was only the second time the Isle of Capri Casino in Kansas City has held the annual contest. The first was October 17, 2001.

With the Isle of Capri only 15 minutes from my home, I have enjoyed their wonderful buffet many times, but I had never seen it quite the way it was on the 17th. Each table was decked out in a white tablecloth, topped off with a black record centerpiece, streamers and music glitter, giving the whole room that awesome '50s feel. A gorgeous picture of Elvis adorned one wall.

As fans entered the room, they were pleasantly surprised with a box of Elvis chocolates along with a raffle ticket for future contest trips. Then everyone was treated to the buffet, and an open bar. I must say, the Isle of Capri really knows how to put on a party.

The room soon filled to capacity as the audience waited anxiously for the show to begin. The lights lowered as we were taken back in time to a visual and audio experience similar to those wonderful Elvis concerts of the '60s and '70s.

Each contestant made their entrance, one by one, for a 15 minute performance.

Across the room, a table of seven judges. In front of each judge; a sheet they'd be using using for the judging.

1. Professionalism
2. Appearance
3. Singing Voice
4. Movement
5. Overall Replication
6. Overall Audience Appeal

Each performer would be judged using a 1-10 scale with 10 being the highest.

Behind the table of judges, a TV camera for the Fox 4 news was getting ready to film the contestants that would later be shown on the news that night.

1.The contest began as Don Obusek made his way to the stage. Don came out in a stunning white jumpsuit and began his set with, "You Gave me a Mountain." He ended his performance with "The America Trilogy."

2. Next was David Lee in a replica of Elvis' famous, Burning love jumpsuit. David, known for his wonderful Elvis-like voice began with "Burning Love." David has won numerous awards in the tribute artist circuit, including being a finalist in the Memphis Images contest in 2001. He ended with the powerful "Hurt."

	The Spouse		Michael J. Fox	Johnny's meeting

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