TUPELO, Miss. – Nearly 50 years after Elvis Presley’s death, excitement filled the air as a group of enthusiastic young boys and teens gathered in his hometown. Their mission? To keep the King’s legacy vibrant for a new generation.
Aged between seven and 17, some of these performers sported dazzling jeweled jumpsuits as they took to the stage at the Tupelo Elvis Festival’s youth tribute artist competition last week.
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Unlike many of their peers who may not even know Elvis, these competitors have dedicated significant time and effort to authentically embodying his singing voice, mannerisms, and style.
They emphasize that they are not just impersonators trying to mimic the King, but rather tribute artists aiming for authenticity. Some wore costumes made by B&K Enterprises Costume Co., a licensed company that recreates Elvis’ outfits.
“We’re not trying to be him,” said Tucker Gladden, 17, from Madison, Mississippi. “We want to recreate the experience as much as we can for people who maybe didn’t get to see Elvis in their lifetime.”
Their passion for Elvis is diverse; many credited the 2022 “Elvis” movie for reigniting their interest. Others discovered their connection to Elvis through distant family ties, while some felt inspired by his faith and charitable actions. A few performers have been singing Elvis songs since they were just three years old!
For 16-year-old Ayden Maloy from Logansport, Indiana, Elvis’ music was a source of comfort during tough times. He began performing as an Elvis tribute artist three years ago.
“I just broke down in tears because it healed me,” Maloy said. “I think Elvis is the healer.”
The competition was filled with dazzling outfits and bold dance moves, getting the audience clapping, singing, and swaying along to their Elvis covers. Ultimately, the title went to RJ Hursey, a 14-year-old from Bloomington, Illinois.
Hursey inherited his love for Elvis from his grandfather. He practices his tributes daily, and when he’s too sick to sing, he researches Elvis. He often performs at nursing homes and dreams of starring in a remake of an Elvis movie.
“It’s humbling,” Hursey said. “It makes you feel good because we know that he died thinking he’d be forgotten, and we’re just so glad he’s still around.”
While in Tupelo, the tribute artists also toured the Elvis Presley Birthplace, which includes the home where Elvis was born and the church where he first encountered Southern gospel music.
“It feels so surreal to pay tribute to Elvis in his hometown,” said 15-year-old Charles Session from Morrilton, Arkansas. “I hope that he’s looking down and smiling at all these young performers.”
