Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Elvis lives thanks to Emilio – in WestonsuperMare
ABRITISH teenager is all shook up after being named Europe’s best Elvis impersonator – years after he did his first impression in a jumpsuit made by his nan.
Emilio Santoro, 19, has been crowned the European Elvis Tribute Artist Champion.
He was introduced to ‘The King’ by his grandparents when he was a toddler, then learned his mannerisms by studying videos.
Emilio, of Weston-super-Mare, says being named the best Elvis impersonator in Europe is a “dream come true”.
He told the BBC: “Everyone always says life’s too short – follow your dreams, and it couldn’t be any more true really.
“To be crowned champion is just amazing.
“I had a jumpsuit that my nan and auntie put together for me and ever since then I’ve wanted to pursue this as a career.
“All of the supportive messages on social media have been so humbling.”
Emilio performed as Elvis in school talent shows and competed in his first European competition aged 14, when he was “shaking like a leaf”.
The teenager’s next show is in his home town, ahead of performances in Germany, America and Canada, as well as a UK tour in November.
He added: “It’s only just started sinking in now. I had a dream since I was a young age that I wanted to be on the stage.
“At first I was nervous to pursue that dream but luckily I have a family behind me and since then I’ve never looked back.”
Neither of Emilio’s parents have a musical background with mum, Emma Santoro, working as a business manager for a food catering company while her husband Joe is a self-employed builder.
Emma said she was “an emotional wreck” watching her son in the competition but he “blew us away”.
“We’ve watched him, we’ve helped coach him, we’ve seen the hours of work that he puts in, so to see him finally get recognition is just amazing,” she said.
“His grandparents were initially surprised that Emilio had latched onto Elvis at such a young age, which amused them, but they love it and have always encouraged him.
“I’m a huge Elvis fan so it gave me great pleasure in seeing him love everything Elvis.
“I’m so proud that he has stayed true to himself and didn’t follow the crowd and has actually made his friends aware of Elvis.”
Emilio first became interested in the legendary rocker because of his iconic look and the way he performed on stage which he has learned to mimic.
He prefers singing Elvis’s gospel music and ballads which are less well-known but which the fans love.