2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contestants
Below are a list of all of the current registered competitors for the 2025 Lynchburg Virginia Elvis Festival, a 2026 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Preliminary.
AUSTIN Pugh
Austin Pugh is an US Army Veteran from Lancing, Tennessee. Music has always been an essential part of his life. This began at an early age when his parents would take him and his three sisters around to churches to sing gospel music.
He has always been an Elvis fan, not only as an entertainer but also as a great humanitarian. He never forgot where he came from and he did so much for others. As Austin continued to study Elvis live performances, he became fascinated with his ability to captivate an audience through the beauty of a song. He decided to pay tribute to the King by trying to recreate this and keep his legacy alive. His first award as an ETA came from Tupelo where he won the People’s Choice Fan Favorite award in 2024. It was an honor to receive this, especially in the birthplace of Elvis Presley. He has also been a top five finalist at several other qualifiers. He plans to continue performing as an ETA sharing the legacy of the music and the man behind the jumpsuit to all generations.
Maxlee James
At just 18, Maxlee James has been performing live music and paying tribute to Elvis Presley for over 10 years. He won his first World Championship in Memphis TN, at the age of 9 and won the Images of The King non-professional World Championship at the age of 16. Maxlee has been a headline performer for the Myrtle Beach Elvis Festival, the 2024 Lynchburg Elvis Festival in and the 2025 Brunswick Tribute Festival.
When not creating music, Maxlee is an avid golfer. He recently graduated High School and plans to make music and performing his career.
Brooke Wright
Brooke Wright; Professional ETA For 20 plus years. Started competing in 2019 while compiling multiple final round appearances over the last several years with Championships in Branson, Elvis FANtasy Fest, Windy City Elvis Contest and the 2022 Tupelo Elvis Festival Championship. Brooke went on to place 3rd in the world in the Ultimate in 2022. Brooke stays busy and focused on performing all around the country with his band Impossible Dream while staying true to the Authenticity of Elvis live on stage.
BOB WHitson
As someone who has a natural talent for doing voices and impressions. The KING of Rock’N’Roll is the one that I most respect and admire. I am to give people an authentic Elvis show as possible, capturing his vocals, look, and the style of Elvis. I want to give people an experience that they’ll always remember; an experience that will make them feel like they’ve been transported back to the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’.
Hayden Lynn
Hayden Lynn is a celebrated Elvis tribute artist from Sevierville, TN, renowned for his dynamic performances and self-taught musical prowess. Since debuting on stage at Elvis Week at the age of 7, Hayden has enthralled audiences with his authentic tributes to the King. His dedication and talent have earned him several accolades, including 3rd place in his first Ultimate qualifier last year, Top 5 finish in Charlotte, and 1st Place at E-Stock in Chicago. As one of East Tennessee's favorite Elvis tribute artists, Hayden continues to expand his reach, performing alongside major acts and making memorable TV appearances.
Luke Purcell
Luke Purcell has been an Elvis fan all his life. He most recently got to perform as “Teenage Elvis” in a professional production of “Heartbreak Hotel”, the official Elvis Presley bio-musical. While there was not a part of “Teenage Elvis”, Luke impressed the directors so much they wrote in a part for him. Luke has also had the great honor of performing Elvis for one of his girlfriends, who said he was the closest thing she had ever heard to the King. Luke has performed as Elvis in multiple venues across Virginia, and is very excited for this opportunity.
CHRIS COLLINS
Chris Collins grew up in Anderson, South Carolina and now resides in Memphis, Tennessee. He began performing as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2017 after finding his family roots were in Memphis and becoming more interested in Rockabilly music.
Chris placed 3rd place in the 1st Annual "King of Memphis" competition and was in the top 10 in the 2023 "Tupelo Elvis Festival". He performs monthly at The Arcade restaurant, where Elvis spent many days as a young man, in Memphis.
Chris' favorite Elvis song is "Polk Salad Annie" and his favorite movie is "Charro", which is also the name of his dog. When he is not paying Tribute to Elvis he is a Weird Al Tribute Artist.
Luke Barnhart
My name is Luke Barnhart and I've been an ETA for 2 years. I started listening to Elvis at 5 years old because of my Grandmother, and he's been my hero ever since. I pride myself on my vocal ability, as well as being true to Elvis's youthful spirit. Being an ETA is a way for me to not only express my creativity, but also my love and appreciation for Elvis Presley. I recently won the 2024 ''Images Of The King'' Non-Pro World Championship in Memphis, TN, and I'm honored to be competing at the Lynchburg, Virginia Elvis Festival this year!
Randy Travis
Randy began singing in church when he was 6 years old. He's been performing as an ETA for 8 years, 3 professionally. Has placed in the top 10 in Cape Cod, Louisiana & Chicago. He says his favorite part of being an ETA is all the great people he gets to meet at festivals & other Elvis related charity events. He considers himself truly blessed on & offstage.
Friends, fans & family are all he really needs.
Johnny Dez
Johnny Dez is a passionate Elvis Tribute Artist who brings the unforgettable magic of the King of Rock & Roll to life onstage. With heartfelt performances and undeniable charisma, Johnny captures the essence of Elvis Presley — from his iconic sound to the electrifying stage presence that made him a legend. Every show is a celebration of Elvis’ music, legacy, and the joy it continues to inspire across generations. Driven by a deep admiration for Elvis, Johnny connects with audiences through nostalgia, energy, and soul. His mission is to honor the King’s name and keep his spirit alive for both devoted fans and new admirers discovering Elvis for the first time.