When Che Orton put his hand up “just as a joke” to perform as Elvis Presley, he never anticipated it would lead him all the way to Elvis’ home at Graceland.
Elvis Tribute artist and former Paeroa man Che Orton made his mark at the semi finals of The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest in Memphis, Tennessee, last month.
The 42-year-old sang his heart out and landed a spot in the top 10. Che told The Profile it was an amazing feeling to be there on the grounds where Elvis performed at Graceland. “I just loved being there,” he said.
The contest requires Elvis tribute artists to showcase their abilities in emulating Elvis’ voice, style, and stage presence.
A prerequisite for competing in the semi final round was to win one of the preliminary rounds held at different festivals around the world.