The Penticton Elvis Festival
holds a tribute artist competition every festival weekend
divided into two divisions: Professional and Non-Professional.
Being a preliminary event for “The Ultimate Elvis Competition” held annually in Memphis – sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises – the winner of the professional division will win entry into the “Ultimate Elvis Finals” – held in Memphis during Elvis week (August). To obtain an entry form for the competition – please download the PDF forms below, fill them out completely and send them into us as soon as possible.
ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTISTS
Some fans show their love for Elvis by listening to his music and watching his movies. Other fans take the stage to perform their tribute to the one and only King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis tribute artists are professional performers – and serious Elvis fans – who want to bring a bit of that Elvis magic back for lifelong fans, as well as those new to the Elvis phenomenon.
The Penticton Elvis Festival is a sanctioned Elvis Presley Enterprises preliminary qualifier for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest which happens in Memphis in August. Only competing in our Pro division will allow you to qualify.
Who do we consider to be a Pro?
We do take this category very seriously as should you win at the Penticton Elvis Festival, you would be representing us at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis TN. The Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) entered must prove they have won a previous contest or are performing on a regular basis as an ETA, if asked by the Penticton Elvis Festival.
You may be asked to provide video of your previous performances at the discretion of the festival. We are looking for the best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley.
Who do we consider to be a Non-Pro?
The ETA we consider to be a non-pro is someone who want to bring a bit of Elvis magic back. They have not competed and won an Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. As the Penticton Elvis Festival is serious about putting on a excellent festival for our fans, we may ask for non-pro performers to provide video, pictures and sound bites of their capabilities when performing Elvis. Our non-pro winner does advance themselves to the “pro” category for following years with our festival.
As all ETAs are judged by sanctioned Elvis Presley Enterprises persons, they judge based on the same criteria as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest is judged.
Each of the judging criteria is scored on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest score. Vocals will count for 40% of the score. Style, Stage Wear and Stage Presence each count as 20%.
The judging criteria are as follows:
- Vocals - Overall singing ability
- Style - Ability to present a look and style that well represents Elvis during the era of the song being performed
- Stage Presence - Ability to recreate the charisma Elvis created when performing on stage
- Overall Performance - Rating the overall quality of the performance
All Elvis tribute artists competing must adhere to the Official Rules and Guidelines of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Any Elvis tribute artist who is unable to meet and adhere to these rules and guidelines will be disqualified from the contest. Click here for a complete list of the 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Rules and Guidelines as published by Elvis Presley Enterprises.