Elvis in Asia contest: In pictures

More than 20 Elvis impersonators participated in the contest, including from the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

Eddie Lombardo, representing Australia, told the Associated Press news agency why he thought Elvis is still relevant 40 years after his death: "So we try to keep the name of Elvis alive .... we're not trying to duplicate Elvis because nobody can 'be' Elvis. There's only one Elvis, you know? And what we're trying to [do is] bring the memory of Elvis back to people."

Elvis impersonator Jega Theesan is a civil servant and father of four back in Singapore. On stage, he belts out Elvis classics with a bejeweled red jumpsuit and sunglasses.

Jun Espinosa (center) of the Philippines won first place at the first Elvis of Asia singing contest for his rendition of "Burning Love." First prize included a trip to the Elvis mansion in Graceland, Tennessee, in the US. "His music is timeless. Every generation can enjoy his music because it's so natural and it's so awesome and great. That's king Elvis," Espinosa said.

Jun Espinosa of the Philippines performs the rendition of "Burning Love" that won him the championship.

Japan's Yukihiro Nishijima sang "You gave me a mountain." He said impersonating Elvis is incredibly difficult. "Probably more difficult than any other artist because he has a 'rainbow voice' meaning he has seven different voices. Anyone who is a singer would know this," he said.

Elvis impersonator Bongo Jaim Lim of Malaysia points to the crowd as he performs in the finals.