"Don't Be Cruel" is currently in production, with the first casting call being held in Las Vegas this August 8-9, setting the stage for the creation of a new legend.

Plans call for the winning contestant to also receive a $50,000 one-year "dream" performance contract at the new Elvis-A-Rama Experience, projected to open in the Hawaiian Islands in summer 2007. Hawaii was Elvis's favorite place to visit -- his legendary 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" special was the first concert to be broadcast live via satellite, reaching more than a billion people.

Elvis-A-Rama, the popular Las Vegas attraction that showcases more than $6 million in authentic, Elvis-owned memorabilia, is spearheading the search for the second coming of the King. Founder and curator Chris Davidson, one of the world's most prominent private collectors of Elvis-owned material, is determined to scour the corners of the globe for the ultimate tribute artist. Those efforts will be recorded and televised in what is certain to be a hit show."Don't Be Cruel" is planned to be a 14-episode elimination series, and is scheduled to air in 2006. Interactive television audience judging will be conducted to prohibit any bias or skewed decisions determining the winners. Elvis-A-Rama is in current discussions with Telescope Inc., a subsidiary of BMG and sister company to Fremantle Media, to act as the tabulating firm for the "Don't Be Cruel" television show. Telescope Inc. is best known as the firm handling voting tabulations for the past four seasons of "American Idol," including a staggering 500 million votes this year, as well as for new shows like "Rock Star INXS" and Discovery Channel's "Greatest American."

In addition to recording the sure-hit "If I'd Only Bought Her Roses," written by Presley and Paul Terry King in 1973 but never recorded, the surviving champion will be presented thekeys to the "Elvis Dream Cadillac," a 14-karat gold-plated Cadillac Eldorado, created by Hollywood car legend George Barris for EP Cosmetics in 1986.

Barris Kustom Industries created the original Batmobile and Batboat for the 1966 television series, as well as the General Lee, KITT Trans-Am, Flintstone Mobile, Ecto-1 Ambulance (from "Ghostbusters"), and the Delorean featured in the "Back to the Future" trilogy.

"Elvis and I collaborated on building a gold-plated Eldorado that reflected Elvis's tastes, similar to the 1960 Cadillac limousine I built for him," recalled Barris, recognized as the King of Hollywood cars. That limo is currently on display in Nashville at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The 1965 Eldorado is loaded with an entertainment system, color television, guitar-shaped speakers and gold RCA discs mounted into the tonneau cover. The car wasreportedlyinsured for $250,000 while on tour in Japan, and Mattel, Inc. made a miniature version of the vehicle for its "Hot Wheels" Legend series. Elvis never got the opportunity to see the car completed.

Several interesting cars that personally belonged to Elvis are on display at the Elvis-A-Rama Museum in Vegas, highlighted by his 1960 black Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II that was custom made for the King upon his return from the U.S. Army.

The "Don't Be Cruel" series will reward the second-place performer with an Elvis-owned diamond and gold medallion necklace, originally sold at public auction by Butterfield and Butterfield, for $50,000 in 1994. The medallion was part of the Elvis Presley Museum collection which was acquired directly from Elvis's aunt, Delta Mae. The runner-up will also receive a $10,000 performance contract at the Elvis-A-Rama.

It is planned for the additional top five runners-up to divide an additional $20,000 in prize money. The five talented hopefuls will also each receive a 14-karat gold TCB pendant-chain, which were originally designed by Elvis to be distributed amongst his inner circle, the Memphis Mafia. "Don't Be Cruel's" audience participation separates it from the many impersonator contests held across the country by being completely impartial. The ETA's will be required to sing their favorite song for the judges a capella. Rhinestone jumpsuits and/or gold lame jackets are not required, but certainly welcomed.

Voting will be assisted by a panel of celebrity judges, which will include former Elvis Presley Museum owner-founder Jimmy Velvet. Velvet had minor success as a recording artist, and was a friend of Elvis since 1955. Velvet opened the Elvis Presley Museum across the street from Graceland in 1978 with Elvis's father Vernon. He has also maintained museums in Nashville, Orlando and Honolulu, as well as traveling exhibits. For fans that recognize the name, Velvet currently gives personally guided Platinum tours at the Elvis-A-Rama Experience in Vegas and plans to assist in the opening of the Hawaii location.

(News/Almost Elvis, Source: PR Newswire/Sanja Meegin, 18 July 2005)