Emilio Santoro
We meet the Elvis tribute artist who’s made his mark globally with a host of competition wins
You have won so many competitions as an Elvis tribute artist. What’s still left to conquer on the contest front?
I’m extremely proud of the competitions I have won, which have all been a true honour. However, there is one more competition that’s a dream of mine to win. It’s called The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest, which is considered to be the holy grail within the Elvis-tributing world. It’s an annual contest held in Memphis during Elvis Week, which is run by Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland. You can only compete if you have first won a qualifying competition – it really is the ultimate title.
What have been your highlights so far? My personal highlight has to be winning the Images Of The King World Championships in 2022. This was held in Memphis and it is recognised as the longest-running Elvis tribute competition. It was so humbling to be recognised as a world champion in something that I love to do.
Tell us about your experience in the final of America’s Got Talent. My appearance on America’s Got Talent is the most nervous I’ve ever been for a performance. However, it was also the most exciting experience I have been involved in during my career as an Elvis tribute.
You’ve made a huge impact in the States with your act. Was there any resistance over there to an Englishman performing as one of their most famous sons?
I remember being very nervous the first time that I performed in America as I didn’t know how my tribute would be received but my fears quickly disappeared as everyone was so supportive and welcoming, which has continued with every visit since. I have become very good friends with many of the
American Elvis tribute artists and have met some of the most amazing Elvis fans in the world who will be friends for life. This is the great thing about this huge, crazy Elvis world, it really is just like one big family who support each other in their love for Elvis.
What do you think of CGI hologram concerts of artists like Elvis and Roy Orbison, or more hi-tech ones like the current ABBA Voyage show?
I consider these shows to have a place in the entertainment industry and I’m looking forward to watching one. I think they offer something different to a live tribute show, but both are equally enjoyable and also give the audience variety. As an Elvis fan who was never able to see him perform on a stage, with this new technology it at least gives an insight into what a live show may have been like.
Tell us more about your touring show, Emilio Santoro As Elvis. Is it a full-band experience? What can audiences expect? This will be my first professional touring show. Myself and Handshake LTD will be taking this tour all across the UK. For this tour, myself and my live authentic 50s-style band (The Creoles) will be paying homage to Elvis’ earlier days as an entertainer. Our show will consist of two halves of energy, charisma and plenty of Elvis!
Is there a strict cut-o point in the Elvis material that you cover?
I’m currently the age that Elvis was when he was just breaking through. Because of this I think it’s right for me to try to capture those earlier years. Elvis is, of course, known for his amazing jumpsuits and his incredible Vegas shows. However, I like to think there is a lot more to Elvis’ career. If it wasn’t for his raw 50s performances we wouldn’t then have had all of those amazing live shows and songs from Elvis in the 70s. Not only this, but being 20 years old I like to represent Elvis at the age I am and hopefully have many years to study Elvis’ later years to then extend my tribute act. However, when doing my local shows, I will always add in the classics like Suspicious Minds and The Wonder Of You.
“The great thing about this huge, crazy Elvis world, it really is like one big family”
You’ve released several Elvis-related albums already. Do you have any plans to get back in the recording studio soon?
So far, I’ve released three albums: Emilio With Love, which are some of my personal favourite Elvis songs to sing; Emilio – The Christmas Album being some of Elvis’ greatest festive material; and my newest release, Emilio At The Movies, which pays tribute to some of my favourites from Elvis’ movies. I would definitely be interested in recording a new album as I always find it a fun experience in the studio. At the minute I’m trying to concentrate on my live shows and tours. However, if I had to choose something to record next it would probably be an Elvis gospel album. This genre was Elvis’ favourite music to sing and his gospel LP How Great Thou Art was also the only album to ever win him a Grammy. ✶
• For further information, head over to emiliosantoro.com