Quebec tribute artist ready for ultimate Elvis Presley contest in Memphis

When Valleyfield, Que., resident Sylvain Leduc pays tribute to the king of rock n’ roll, particulars matter.

“If I’m dressed, hair positioned, the fitting jewellery, and I’m on stage. I really feel it. I can really feel the presence of Elvis with me,” he mentioned.

The tribute artist grew up listening to classics comparable to ‘Blue Suede Footwear’ together with his father and uncle. When Elvis Presley died, Leduc began to personify the singer in class performances.

“I believe he captured a variety of hearts and actually captured mine,” he informed World Information.

The Elvis look-alike calls his dwelling west of Montreal a mini-Graceland. Photos of the king are hung alongside photographs of Leduc’s profession.

He started coming into skilled competitions in 2015, to maintain Elvis’ legacy and music alive.

“I began with Lake George as my first competition, which I took, I received there and simply saved going,” mentioned Leduc.

Performing is now his full-time job and he usually does seven or eight reveals per week for nostalgic followers.

“It’s about bringing pleasure, bringing that Elvis music to them,” he mentioned. “It’s actually enjoyable.”

Leduc’s supervisor Sharon Murray says Leduc is nearly as good because it will get, aside from Elvis himself.

“If Elvis didn’t do it, Sylvain is not going to do it. So that you’re seeing the true deal, nearly as good because it will get,” mentioned Murray.

There’s a revival of curiosity within the King. Director Baz Luhrmann’s biopic in regards to the rock legend is at the moment topping field workplace charts.

Leduc has not seen the movie but however plans to together with his son.

“It’s going to hype up everyone’s profession, I consider, and it’s going to herald a variety of younger, younger folks, too,” mentioned Leduc.

The Quebec tribute artist took dwelling first place on the Penticton Elvis Pageant final Sunday in British Columbia. It was a qualifying competitors for the Final Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Graceland in Memphis this August.

He’s positioned within the high ten earlier than however hopes this time he’ll deliver dwelling the US$20,000 prize, together with a efficiency contract with Elvis Presley Enterprises.

“I’d be the primary in Canada to deliver it dwelling. So I would love that,” Leduc mentioned.

Till then, he’ll proceed to shake, rattle and roll at upcoming performances in preparation for the largest Elvis contest on this planet.