Blagojevich channels Elvis for appearance

CHICAGO, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Rod Blagojevich performed Elvis Presley's "Treat Me Nice" during a Chicago appearance, a publicist for the disgraced former Illinois governor says.

Publicist Glenn Selig confirmed Blagojevich performed the song during a paid appearance Friday at the 14th annual block party for the Chicago company Optimus, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Optimus President Tom Duff said Blagocevich, who faces federal charges after being removed from office in January amid corruption allegations, practiced with a backing track for days prior to his performance.

"He was waffling between two different songs" before settling on 'Treat Me Nice,'" Duff told the Tribune.

At least one block party attendee was thrilled to see Blagocevich. Joe Dejulius, 27, told the Tribune he even got a brief personal greeting from him during a photo opportunity.

"I couldn't believe it," Dejulius said. "He was great. He called me his 'hound dog' when I had my picture taken with him."

Blagocevich maintains he is innocent of the corruption allegations, which include that he tried to profit from the appointment of a new senator to fill the seat that had been held by President Barack Obama.