They don’t like to be called impersonators. They are ‘Elvis Tribute Artists’, ETA’s. Every year, they assemble on the stages at various events around the globe. Some will compete with other ETA’s to be voted the best Elvis, possibly winning a cash prize and trophy. In these competitions you never know who’s going to win. Everybody goes on stage and gives their best performance but, at the end of the day, it’s up to the judges.
ETAs enter the competitions by submitting their backing tracks (or track choices if it’s a live band event). Once they arrive at the venue, they’re put through a ‘gruelling’ process of preliminary round shows and semi-finals to produce the events finalists, who then compete at a headline showcase where one of them is picked to take the trophy and awarded the title of ‘Champion’. In some competitions, the winner will go on to a qualifying round of a more prestigious competition, as in the case of the EPE (Elvis Presley Enterprises) World Championship ‘Ultimate’ contest or ‘Images of the King’ World Championship contest which both take place in Memphis, every year.
Although it’s a competition, the ETA’s are like a family. Many are returning contestants, and the new ones fast become friends, helping each other out to ensure everyone enjoys the best show possible.
Tribute Artists generally get on together, as the competition is not seen as a competition between each other but rather between themselves and the judges.
