The Quebec artist tribute to Elvis will participate in the ultimate competition

It’s been 45 years since Elvis Presley died at the age of 42, but tribute artists around the world continue to sing his songs.

Sylvain Leduc of Valleyfield, Quebec, off the southwest tip of the island of Montreal, is one of the best and will travel to Graceland to compete for the ultimate tribute crown.

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, is the pinnacle for impersonators.

Leduc was invited to compete for the third time in Memphis, Tennessee, at Graceland, where the King resided.

Hundreds of ETAs will congregate at Graceland for the second week of August.

ETA stands for « Elvis Tribute Artist », and they are all professionals.

« When I’m acting, especially if I’m in character and I’m on stage, I feel like this man is there watching over me, » Leduc said.

Leduc grew up emulating his idol and turned pro as ETA in 2015.

Since then, he has been working full time.

He specializes in the Elvis concert years of the 70s.

« It was always the era that appealed to me even when I was three or four years old, » Leduc said. “It was the combinations!

Leduc has many replica suits.

« Tailor-fitted for me, authentic to what Elvis wore, » he said.

Leduc pays close attention to every detail and only certain songs are performed in certain outfits.

Climbing the competitive ladder with a recent victory in Penticton, British Columbia, Leduc said first place in the professional division earned him the ticket to Memphis this year, where he will try to be the first Canadian to win. the ultimate competition.

« It’s as high as possible, » said Leduc manager Sharon Murray. « It’s the highest degree you can get as a tribute artist. Performing there, competing there and hopefully winning there would be the highest honor for Sylvain or any tribute artist who honors Elvis, absolutely. »

« That would be the biggest accomplishment, and after that, if Pricilla wants to meet me, well, that would be fine too, » Leduc said with a laugh.

Adding to the buzz, Baz Luhrman’s hit film « ELVIS » also features a new generation of Elvis Presley. Leduc loved the film and thinks the excitement around the king is fantastic.