LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN (WXOW)-- Lips were curling and hips were shaking down at the La Crosse Center, as the finalists competed in the Elvis Explosion.
Ten Elvis tribute artists from around the world took the stage.
It's the 15th year of the Elvis competition.
Each finalist performed three of the king's hit songs, while hundreds of fans looked on. When it comes to choosing a winner of the contest, the host of the event says it's not just the sideburns or the dance moves, it's the ability to stay in character throughout the performance.
"We're looking for the best Elvis actor, the best Elvis illusionist." said Ronny Craig, who hosted the show. "If I was going to hire Elvis, which one would I hire that would be the most convincing to play the real Elvis? That's what we're looking for."
One tribute artist says win or lose, for him, it's all about the audience.
"I really just love singing and people have always said, 'You know, you sound a little bit like Elvis,'" said Bryan Boice, one of the ten finalists. "So, it's just kinda been something I love to do. It's amazing to me that people, 35 years after his death, they're still coming and they just love Elvis."
The winner of this year's Elvis Explosion was Tyler Hunger from Nebraska.
Some of the money raised during the competition benefits Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
