Maybe you thought tribute acts only turned a buck in obscure little burgs where the actual tributee does not perform. But in Las Vegas, they dwell side by side.

Impersonators have been part of the Strip since "Legends in Concert" debuted in 1983. That one dropped from the A-list to the value menu over the years, eclipsed by more spectacular choices. But the larger industry went the other direction.

Yes, we still treat the dress-up acts a bit like second-class citizens. Admit it; it's more fun to say "impersonator" than "tribute artist." But Wednesday brings acknowledgment, if not respect to the industry, when four Las Vegans compete on ABC's "The Next Best Thing."

The episode will choose five of 10 finalists. Sebastian Anzaldo pits his Frank Sinatra against Sharon Owens, his Barbra Streisand partner in the Riviera's "Barbra and Frank -- The Concert That Never Was." They're both up against Sahara headliner Trent Carlini as Elvis Presley and Sandy Anderson -- who isn't in a show now -- as Dolly Parton. (A fifth Las Vegan, Marcel Forestieri as Jay Leno, did not make last week's cut.)

Most impersonators will tell you this is not their life's work. "We just do what we can to pay the bills," says Anzaldo. "It's an acting gig is what it is."

But, he adds, "I'm comfortable in my own skin." Sinatra tributes put the emphasis on vocal work more than costumes or makeup. "The music stands for itself," Anzaldo says. "I love the music and don't feel like a clown or a buffoon."

Feel free to call Brody Dolyniuk a clown. He is trying to guide his cover band Yellow Brick Road to the Strip via the costumed tribute "RockShow!" And he believes "gently spoofing" classic rock icons is "absolutely the next twist," eliminating that awkward "Legends" moment where you're not sure if it's cool to laugh.

Perhaps the ultimate measure of respectability is that the wigs are now a play for the big time. "There's all kinds of levels of success," Dolyniuk says. "Moving from a piano bar to a showroom band to headliner on the Strip is not a bad progression."

Mike Weatherford's entertainment column appears Thursdays and Sundays. Contact him at 383-0288 or e-mail him at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com.