Congratulations to the 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest finalists!
These following top 10 finalists were named tonight at the Semifinal Round at the Orpheum Theatre. They will compete in the final round on Saturday, August 13. Tickets are still available - don't miss out on a second of this exciting competition! Get your tickets now.
Travis Powell
To Represent the Hard Rock Cafe's Last Chance Contest at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Travis, a native of Shelby, North Carolina, was raised on Elvis and gospel. His interest in becoming an Elvis tribute artist started five years ago, when he saw it as a way to enjoy music and celebrate the reason he started singing in the first place. For Travis, to be recognized as one of the top guys in the industry is an amazing honor. He says he is truly blessed and looks forward to being on the stage and giving it his all. His favorite Elvis song is "My Way."
Cote Deonath
To Represent Elvis Tampa Bay Festival at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Cote lives in Ocala, Florida, and has been at Elvis tribute artist for 16 years. He started at the age of 3 when he saw the Elvis movie “Follow That Dream” and he's been hooked ever since. Cote says it is a dream come true for him to compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. His favorite Elvis song is “Hurt.”
Doug Church
To Represent the Tupelo Elvis Festival at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Doug started out his career in the Air Force in annual contests and won eleven first place awards in four years. He says being a tribute artist means being a part of an elite group of performers who are recognized for bringing respect, dignity and the highest order of professionalism to the world of Elvis. His favorite Elvis song is "Burning Love."
Austin Irby
To Represent the Myrtle Beach Elvis Festival at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Austin Irby, a native of Anderson, South Carolina, began his singing career in his family church at the age of 4. In addition to Austin’s deep gospel roots, Elvis’ music and 50’s style made a great impact on him as an artist. His love, admiration and respect for Elvis shines through in each performance. He enjoys keeping the music alive and paying tribute to whom he calls “The Greatest Entertainer to Ever Live.” He says it is a blessing and an honor to be a part of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. His favorite Elvis song is “Mean Woman Blues.”
Dwight Icenhower
To Represent the Branson Elvis Festival at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Dwight Icenhower began his career 18 years ago as a junior in high school performing in a high school musical. Since then, Dwight has traveled around the world with his tribute to Elvis Presley. He has been a fan of Elvis since he was young, when his mother introduced him to Elvis' music. He says being a tribute artist is a dream come true and to be recognized for his tribute is a real honor. His favorite Elvis song is "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
Diogo Light
To Represent Georgia Elvis Festival at Semifinal Round in Memphis at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Diogo Light, from Porto Alegre, Brazil, is proud to represent the 2016 Georgia Elvis Festival. From the time he was a small child listening to his father's Elvis records, he's been a fan. He considers it a great honor and blessing to pay tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time. He says having his work recognized by the fans is amazing and he embraces this responsibility with love and respect.
Victor Trevino, Jr.
To Represent Texas' Tribute to Elvis Festival at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Victor Trevino Jr. is from Fort Worth, Texas. He has been performing in the arts for a number of years and has always loved music and American culture. Once Victor learned about Elvis and his history and impact on American music and pop culture, he started performing his music. Victor is honored to be a part of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and enjoys working with all of the wonderful Elvis tribute artists all over the world. Victor’s favorite Elvis song is “Just Pretend.”
Ben Thompson
To Represent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Ben Thompson is from London, England. From a young age, Ben has been a huge Elvis fan. His first performance as an Elvis tribute artist was at the age of 15 at a community festival. Since then he has performed in many venues around the world. Ben is an international multi-award winning Elvis tribute artist and takes huge pride in his tribute. There's simply nothing he would rather do than pay tribute to his hero. He considers it a privilege and pleasure to be a part of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and looks forward to being in Memphis again. His favorite Elvis song is "If I Can Dream."
Jeffrey Krick Jr.
To Represent Ocean City Elvis Festival at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Jeffrey Krick Jr. is an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist who is proud to represent the Ocean City Elvis Festival. Jeffrey, 18, is from Leesport, Pennsylvania, and has been an Elvis fan and tribute performer since childhood. He followed in the footsteps of his tribute artist father, Jeff Krick Sr., and began performing at his father's shows. He's had the privilege of performing with the Stamps Quartet. He looks forward to entertaining Elvis fans worldwide. His favorite Elvis song is "If I Can Dream."
Pat Dunn
To Represent Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival at Semifinal Round in Memphis
Hailing from NYC, Patrick is no stranger to the stage. Having performed in his first Broadway show at the age of 12, it has lead him to paying tribute to Elvis Presley. He considers it a blessing to be in Memphis during Elvis Week and represent Tweed Elvis Festival, and it’s an honor to continue the legacy of Elvis Presley for fans. Patrick’s favorite Elvis song is “American Trilogy.”