A STRONG HEART AND A NERVE OF STEEL – FEMA LAS VEGAS
YES, it’s Elvis – but all shook up.
Sheryl Scharckie is one of only two female Elvis impersonators in Australia, and says she’s the only one actively touring.
The 58-year-old Sydney nurse, who is on the Gold Coast for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute contest this weekend, has been a fan of The King’s music for as long as she can remember.
She started doing Presley numbers with her cover band, spinning it off into a solo act called SHELVIS.
“I have a fairly deep voice for a female and I just love his songs, especially the ballads,” she said.
“I like to think I tap into Elvis’s softer, feminine side without disrespecting him.”
Ms Scharckie performs at Elvis tribute festivals around Australia and the US and has even beaten the blokes.
“I’d like to think I can win every Elvis tribute competition I enter but I’m a realist – I’m not a man and I can’t move like the boys,” she said.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute contest is part of the VIVA Surfers Paradise Festival, a showcase of retro music, entertainment and classic cars which finishes this weekend.
Ms Scharkie is also performing daily in Cavill Mall.