20130110

Elvis Impersontors


Don't step on my blue suede shoes! 70 Elvis impersonators compete to be crowned Europe's King

  • Rock and roll wannabes spend three days trying to impress judges
  • The 10th annual European Elvis Championship is held in Birmingham
  • Competitors come from as far afield as Hungary, Germany and Italy

  • Daily Mail

Elvis Presley impersonators are far from lonesome tonight after gathering from around Europe in the hope of being crowned The King.
The wannabe rock and roll idols have spent the past three days trying to leave judges all shook up by strutting their sequined stuff at the European Elvis Championships.
The 72 pelvis-swivelling competitors arrived at the Hilton Meterople Hotel in Birmingham and have been trying hard not to step on each other's toes - let alone their blue suede shoes.
Tribute: Elvis impersonators from around Europe are hoping to be crowned The King
Tribute: Elvis impersonators from around Europe are hoping to be crowned The King
Looking good: Birmingham's Carl Ryder (left) and Manchester's Steve Storm make their final costume checks
Looking good: Birmingham's Carl Ryder (left) and Manchester's Steve Storm make their final costume checks
All shook up: Finalist Patrick Byrne, from Essex, fights off the nerves ahead of tonight's performance
All shook up: Finalist Patrick Byrne, from Essex, fights off the nerves ahead of tonight's performance
The annual contest - the largest of its kind in Europe - is held close to Elvis' birthday on January 8 and is in its 10th year.
It celebrates the musical and cultural icon who died at the age of 42, on August 16, 1977.
The grand final is taking place tonight, with 20 competitors making it through to the live sing-off.
 

The winner will be awarded the title of best act, a cash prize and trip for two to Memphis, Tennessee, where the iconic singer lived from the age of 13.
All ages: Andrejus Rascinski, nine, from Birmingham, waits to perform during the under-14 category
All ages: Andrejus Rascinski, nine, from Birmingham, waits to perform during the under-14 category
Rock and roll idol: Andrejus Rascinski was one of 72 impersonators taking part in the contest
Rock and roll idol: Andrejus Rascinski was one of 72 impersonators taking part in the contest
Singing stars: John Paul Melling, six, also known as Johnny B Goode from Billinge, waits to take the stage
Singing stars: John Paul Melling, six, also known as Johnny B Goode from Billinge, waits to take the stage
They will also receive a specially made jumpsuit by the designers who tailored Elvis' elaborate outfits
Organiser Michael King, from North Wales, said the competitors have come from all over the UK and as far afield as Austria, Italy, France, Hungary and Germany.
Mr King, who has himself been paying tribute to Elvis with a theatre show for the last 20 years, said the event was a chance to pay homage to the world renowned artist.
'I think first and foremost there was only one Elvis," he said. 'He was a one-off, his music stands the test of time.
Competition: Patrick Byrne, Nicky Vegas and Andy Wood (left to right) were among the hopefuls
Competition: Patrick Byrne, Nicky Vegas and Andy Wood (left to right) were among the hopefuls
Popular: With more than 70 acts, they did well not to step on each other's toes let alone blue suede shoes
Popular: With more than 70 acts, they did well not to step on each other's toes let alone blue suede shoes
Limelight: Carl Ryder, from Birmingham, takes his turn to shine as The King
Limelight: Carl Ryder, from Birmingham, takes his turn to shine as The King
'There's so many different things, so many different facets to Elvis, and his musical career. 
'There really is something for everyone. He is loved the world over.'
The standard of the tribute acts competing, some of whom are professional impersonators and spend thousands on their stage outfits, was so uncanny it was almost like the King had returned, he added.
'He is certainly here in spirit,' Mr King said.
Also included in the weekend is an under-14s competition, a gospel competition, live bands, Elvis showcases, Elvis merchandise, Elvis disco, Elvis video, and a novice contest.
Viva Las Vegas: Finalist Nicky Vegas, from Hinckley, prepares to perform this evening
Viva Las Vegas: Finalist Nicky Vegas, from Hinckley, prepares to perform this evening
Icon: A memorabilia stall at the European Elvis Championships is rarely short on customers
Icon: A memorabilia stall at the European Elvis Championships is rarely short on customers
Famous face: Elvis lovers can make sure they are reminded of their man during a coffee break
Famous face: Elvis lovers can make sure they are reminded of their man during a coffee break