Illinois man crowned king of Elvis impersonators

[January 19, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- An Illinois man has been crowned The King -- of the Elvis impersonators.

Bill Cherry, of Collinsville, took home the $3,200 prize this weekend in Springfield at the "Annual Midwest Tribute to the King Competition" for his Elvis impersonating skills.

He beat 14 competitors from Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Cherry was also a finalist for an international contest during Elvis Week in Presley's hometown of Memphis, Tenn.

Contestant Fred Kruse, of Florissant, Mo., says getting the right costume is only part of the challenge. An impersonator must also coordinate the moves and voice to really pull off the essence of Elvis.

Cherry takes home a King's ransom: the $3,200 prize.

[Associated Press]

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