Jesse Aron did it his way and took home the first-place title and $2,000 in the Images of the King Elvis tribute artist competition Saturday night at the Holiday Inn Select at Airways and Democrat.

Chris Connor from Manchester, England, came in second and Cody Slaughter from Harrison, Ark., and Joseph Hall from Omaha tied for third place. Bobby Simkins from Independence, Mo., was the People's Choice winner.

Jesse, from Janesville, Wis., performed several selections, including "My Way," in the finals. "I owe everything to my wife," Jesse said. "I love her dearly."

Cody might be saying something like that at next year's competition. Instead of a TCB ring, Cody placed a diamond ring on Jennifer Thorsen's finger after getting down on one knee during his tent show Friday night at Graceland. After he proposed, Cody sang "I Got Lucky."

Will Reynolds, 15, one of the youngest Elvis tribute artist in this year's finals. "Actually, I started out as a Buddy Holly impersonator and I went through a major voice change," Will said. "I already put so much money into it I had to choose somebody else. So, I chose Elvis."

While waiting for the names of the winners, emcee Ronny Craig auctioned off a guitar signed by the tribute artists. All proceeds from the guitar, which went for $1,500, will go to the Children's Miracle Network.

To see videos of all five nights of the Images of the King competition, go to gomemphis.com.

Majestic music, art

Instead of showing people to their tables, Keisha Moore-Alston showed them what she could do with a Duke Ellington song Wednesday night at the Majestic Grille.

Keisha, lead hostess at the restaurant, sang "Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me" at the opening reception for "Majestic Inspiration: The Art & Music of The Majestic Grille Family" at the restaurant's Innovator's Room: Gallery and Event Space.

The show, featuring photography, paintings, charcoal sketches and multi-media works, features the artistic talents of six employees: Amelia Huff, A.J. Gutierrez, Anna Helton, Mario Palmer, Deni Reilly and AnnElizabeth White.

In addition to Keisha, a member of Queens of Zion whose stage name is "Delilah Blu," the reception featured other musical Majestic employees, including Kimberly Milburn, a mezzo soprano and pianist, and bar manager Mark Aiken, who was joined by his buddy, Terrence Bishop, from their band, The Subteens.

Contact Michael Donahue at 529-2797 or e-mail him at donahue@commercialappeal.com