No stranger to our stages, Johnny Lee Memphis has been crowned the winner of the Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
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The Scottish ETA took top honors on Saturday afternoon among a field of 18 talented Elvis tribute artists from around the world.
The competition at the Parkes Leagues Club, held over two action-packed days, saw the 18 expert Elvii take to the stage before a panel of judges, vying for the opportunity to represent Parkes at the semi-final round during Elvis Week in Memphis, USA.
Contestants were judged on vocals, appearance, stage presence, and the overall quality of their performances.
The stakes were high, with the winner not only earning a spot in the semi-finals at the world titles this August, but also taking home a $3000 cash prize and $1000 voucher from B&K Enterprise Costume Co.
"Johnny Lee Memphis's victory at the Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest is well-deserved," Parkes Elvis Festival Director Tiffany Steel said.
"His stage presence was electric and his vocals were nothing short of impressive.
"It was a pleasure to watch him perform and we are honoured to have him represent us at the semi-finals in Memphis. Congratulations to Johnny on a triumphant win!"
Johnny is an Elvis tribute artist from the UK with a wealth of experience, having performed his tribute all over the globe in countries such as China, Canada, the USA, Norway, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and of course, Australia.
Johnny has had previous success in Elvis contests, including winning the Elvis World Cup in 2010 and the European Professional Championship in 2014, as well as placing in the top 10 at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute contest in Memphis in 2015 - an achievement achieved by only a select few professional tribute artists.
Second place was awarded to Che Orton of New Zealand and third place went to Melbourne's Joe Piastrino.
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Follow our coverage of the Parkes Elvis Festival as the town and fans celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023. We've also marked the milestone with a special series of stories that show just how far the festival has come and the people who've made it what it is today.
Check out the series here:
- Where it began: Founders reflect on Elvis Festival's incredible evolution 30 years on
- Elvis Festival was hands-on for locals 'but we loved it', says daughter of founders
- Parkes Elvis Festival nearly 'lost forever' after seven years, now it's almost 30
- Elvis really does live in Parkes and he was our first look-a-like winner
- John's secret identity as our first Elvis sound-a-like winner a secret no more
- Unique and with potential: Kelly's crucial role in saving festival and taking it to the next level
- McGraths quietly working away behind festival curtains for 30 years, now their kids are too
- Kristy and her team doing their part for Elvis Festival because she says it's important
- Praise be for 30 years of Elvis Festival as Gospel Service comes of age
- Others may have thought they were fools to rush in dressed as Elvis but rugby boys started a movement
- Meet Parkes' first Miss Priscilla as festival turns 30 and competition marks 16 years
