From January 8 to 12, 2025, 20 top Australian and international Elvis Tribute Artists will battle it out for the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist on the Parkes Elvis Festival stage. The Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Concert is Australia’s top accolade for aspiring Elvis performers – part of a global competition for semi-professional and professional artists who can best represent the Legacy of Elvis Presley, officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Over two thrilling days, the 20 skilled Elvis experts will perform at the Parkes Leagues Club, dazzling both the audience and a panel of judges. However, it’s not just about their dance moves; contestants are evaluated on their stage presence, vocal talent, and the overall excellence of their performance. Winners of this year’s competition will be officially endorsed to represent Australia in the semi-final round of the annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, held in Memphis, U.S.A. in August of 2025. The 2025 contestants are: From NSW: Darren Armstrong (Narellan), Ricky Ford "Ricky Graceland" (Sydney), Emilio Prince (Cambridge Park), Ross Mancini (Sydney) and Terry Leonard (Wellington). From QLD: Andrew Bithell "Andy B" (Slacks Creek), Tristan James (Toowoomba), Elvis Roberts (Coolangatta), Douglas Mizzi "Doug Charles" (Sunshine Coast), Brendon Chase (Gold Coast) and Brad Nisbet "Dean Justice" (Gold Coast). From VIC: Anthony Fenech (Fraser Rise) and Joe Ozzimo "Ozzi Elvis" (Melbourne). From WA: Stuart Vieyra "Stuey V" (Ellenbrook) and Gerard Mascarenhas "Gerard As Elvis" (Perth). From SA: Matthew Birse "Matt Birse" (Munno Para). From New Zealand: Johnny Angel "Pacific Elvis (Auckland) and Taurean K Mill (Wellington). From Japan: Toyokazu Toki "TOKI" (Osaka). From Malta: Josuel Grech "Josuel As Elvi". From Wednesday, January 8 to Sunday, January 12, more than 25,000 Elvis fans are anticipated to gather in Parkes, NSW, for their yearly pilgrimage to pay tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. This event marks the largest assembly of Elvis enthusiasts in the Southern Hemisphere, solidifying Parkes as Australia's official Elvis hometown. The 2025 theme, “Easy Come, Easy Go”, celebrates Elvis’ classic 1967 musical comedy of the same name. The festival boasts a thrilling lineup of Elvis-themed events, from new concerts and dance workshops to classic fan favourites like the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Renewal of Vows ceremony, vibrant markets, and live performances on the Cooke Park and Memphis stages. For all programming and ticketing information, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.
