Awards, thank you's, and a little sparkle - that sums up the last Friday of Elvis Week.
The day began with The Elvis Connection panel, full of guests who have unique connections to Elvis, such as songwriter David Porter, gospel singer Joanne Cash, Bill Black's daughter, Nancy Shockley Black and the Imperials member Armond Morales.
The event also featured an emotional moment as Scotty Moore's family accepted a Beale Street Brass Note on his behalf.
The Guest House at Graceland was busy on Friday afternoon, with the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Finalists and past winners meeting with fans at an autograph session. Lots of photos were taken, lots of photos and other memorabilia were signed - it was definitely a highlight for fans who enjoy the tribute artist contest.
Then, host Tom Brown and Graceland's Director of Archives Angie Marchese took to the Guest House Theater for a special Inside the Archives program. Angie showcased a few of Elvis' artifacts that will soon go on display at the "Elvis on Tour" UK exhibition, and she took questions from the audience.
Back at the Soundstage, the 10 winners of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest thrilled fans at the Ultimate Return. Shawn Klush, Brandon Bennett, Bill Cherry, Justin Shandor, Cody Slaughter, Ben Portsmouth, Dean Z, Jay Dupuis, David Lee and Dwight Icenhower had fans on their feet for much of the night. And, surprise - host Joey Sulipeck, who has hosted all of the Ultimate ETA Contest events, was awarded a Platinum Record by Graceland CEO Jack Soden as a thank you for his work and support of the ETA events for more than 10 years.
Fans got an inside look at showbiz at Hollywood Night at The Guest House at Graceland. Elvis co-stars Laurel Goodwin, who starred with him in "Girls! Girls! Girls!" and Gary Lockwood, who starred in two Elvis films, "Wild in the Country" and "It Happened at the World's Fair," chatted with Tom Brown about Elvis, their movie and TV careers and beyond. The pair also signed autographs for fans before a special Elvis double feature of "Girls! Girls! Girls!" and "It Happened at the World's Fair."
Did you know you can get married at Graceland's Chapel in the Woods during Elvis Week? Elvis Week Blogger Jon Waterhouse serves as best man for one couple who got married at the chapel this week, and he shares their story on today's Elvis Week Blog. Be sure to check out the advice the Ultimate ETA Contest winners have for this year's champ, too.
Also, tune in to the latest Graceland Podcast, as EPE's Libby Perry chats with Tupelo's Sarah Stewart and Jennie Bradford Curlee about their upcoming 20th Tupelo Elvis Festival, their ETA semifinalist for this year, Cote Deonath, and new things to experience at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.