Which era of Elvis Presley's legendary career was the most memorable?
Well, Sunday's final round of regional competition of The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Pechanga Resort & Casino was truly "That '70s Show."
Four of the five finalists in the contest impersonated The King during his glitzy, 1970s Las Vegas headliner era.
Dwight Icenhower, above, from Orlando, Fla., captured the regional title and will move on to the competition's semifal round and a possible trip to Graceland during Elvis Week for the national finals.
Temecula native Travis Allen (left), hoping to move into the top spot after finishing second at Pechanga last year, again snared the runner-up position. Donning his trademark gold jacket, Allen was the lone non-'70s-era Elvis in the finals. Allen performed as the young, 1950s-era King.
Here's how the final five wound up:
1. Dwight Icenhower, 1970s era, Orlando, Florida
2. Travis Allen, 1950s era, Temecula, CA
3. James King, 1970s era, Long Beach, CA
4. Clint Ingbretson, 1970s era, Medford, Ore.
5. Chris Luna, 1970s era, Oceanside, CA
But all hope is not lost for Allen, the Temecula native who now lives in Henderson, Nev. and makes his living as an Elvis impersonator. Last year, he went on to win the regional compeition at the MontBleu Resort in Lake Tahoe and earned his way to the final competition at Graceland.
Bill Cherry from Illinois won the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2009 at Graceland. Donny Edwards, winner of the regional content at Pechanga, finished second.
This is the second straight year Pechanga has hosted the regional competition. For more on the national contest, click here.
For more photos from the Pechanga competition, click here.
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