Brendon Chase has left for Memphis in the USA for his chance to be crowned the world’s best Elvis tribute artist.
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The winner of the Parkes preliminary round of the 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will represent the Parkes Elvis Festival in the semi-final during Elvis Week, taking to the stage on Thursday, August 17.
He was inspired to become a tribute artist after watching 'Aloha from Hawaii' as a young boy.
“I feel very privileged and humbled as a tribute artist. All the years of hard work and dreams have paid off,” Brendon said.
The worldwide annual search for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) began in 2007 when Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. announced they were looking for the 'best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley'.
Twenty-four of the best ETAs from around the world competed in Memphis during Elvis Week, with Shawn Klush of Pennsylvania winning the first Ultimate title.
Hundreds of Elvis tribute artists compete in preliminaries that have been licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The preliminaries are held at festivals, casinos and various other venues around the world, with winners going onto the semi-finals in Memphis.
ETAs may only win the prestigious title once in their careers and proudly carry the endorsement by Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc.
Contestants in the Memphis final round compete not only for the title and endorsement, but also a cash prize of USD $20,000 and a contract to perform in ‘Legends in Concert’ in Las Vegas.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Brendon Chase travelled to Parkes Elvis Festival in January to compete against 17 contestants and won the festival’s preliminary round.
For the past seven months, Brendon has prepared extensively for the next stage.
“Going over to the States earlier in the year to compete in several ETA comps and getting to the finals has prepared me for what to expect in the coming week,” he said.
“I'm looking forward to the competition and proud to be able to represent the Parkes Elvis Festival, Australia and New Zealand.
“I can't wait to see everyone when I return in January for the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival.”
Parkes Elvis Festival Director, Cathy Treasure, said the Parkes community is behind him.
“We’re excited for Brendon and are happy that he’s representing Parkes Elvis Festival in Memphis. This will strengthen the festival's US connection and further raise our profile on the international stage,” she said.
Registrations will be opening soon for the 2018 Parkes preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on Friday, January 13 (heats) and Saturday, January 14 (final) at the Parkes Leagues Club.
Tickets will go on sale Monday, September 11.
For more information, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.
