Winner: Justin Timberlake

Though he found fame as part of a Florida boy band and his solo albums more readily recall Stevie Wonder and Prince than Otis Redding, Justin Timberlake has never forgotten his roots in North Shelby County. He returns home often, giving a Memphis audience a preview of his “FutureSex/LoveSounds” album and tour last summer at a special downtown club show. And though his much-talked-about new record label won’t be based here, as had been speculated, Timberlake showed his home state pride by naming it Tennman Records.

Finalists: Elvis Presley, Kevin & Bethany Paige