Nick Perkins, right, with host Ted ‘TeddyMac Elvis’ McMullen after winning the competition Saturday night at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

LIVE OAK — After an afternoon of competition, marvelous Elvis performances and music Saturday, five finalists were chosen to compete one last time for the 2019 Ted “TeddyMac Elvis” McMullen Elvis I’ll Remember You Tribute Artist Competition award. That winner, chosen unanimously by the audience and a panel of judges, was Nick Perkins of Tickfaw, Louisiana.

The 14th annual competition was held at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

Artists came from all across Florida, Georgia and Louisiana, as well as one from Australia. Placing second was Jesse Aron (Green Bay, Wis.), third was Jeff Bradford (Bonita Springs, Fla.), fourth was Maurice Sheps (Hallandale Beach, Fla.) and fifth was Live Oak’s Jimmy Fields. Also giving great performances were Steven Gillis (Lake Mary, Fla.), Ben King (Australia), Dennis McFadden (Jacksonville, Fla.), Owen Roberts (Macon, Ga.), Patrick Sebastian (Fern Park, Fla.) and John Varner (Orlando).

Perkins, an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) who performs as Elvis full-time, also was chosen by the audience only to win the People’s Choice Award and the Spirit of Elvis Award. For these three awards, Perkins took home a sizable cash award and the strong approval of those in the audience. Perkins, who says his job as an ETA is the greatest job on the planet, writes songs, speaks both English and Italian, has traveled all over performing as Elvis and notes he attended the University of Elvis, evidenced by his tremendous performance Saturday night. With his win, Perkins will now be eligible to participate in the 2019 world Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition in Memphis, Tenn., in August. He is also the 2018 Tupelo Elvis Fest Grand Champion.

The competition was hosted by McMullen, Live Oak resident who is a 42-year ETA.

The contest began with the tribute artists entertaining Friday night in the Music Hall with the competition beginning Saturday. After an afternoon of excellent competition, the judges narrowed the field from 10 to the five finalists. After a short break the five returned to the stage individually and wowed the packed house of fans with their spectacular performances in Elvis outfits and singing only Elvis songs. Many adoring female fans came forward to present a rose to these finalists during performances just like at an Elvis concert.

In a special treat for the audience, TeddyMac Elvis also performed several songs on stage in full Elvis costume before the winner was announced.