I’ve been full of hunka hunka burnin’ love all day because this morning I went to the Nashville Elvis Festival! Lots of events going on all weekend but I went to the second round of the Elvis Tribute Artist competition; Twenty performers trying to finish as the best tribute artist and earn a spot in the national competition later this year in Memphis.

So what was it like? Well, imagine hearing 20 “entertainers” who all somehow sound exactly like Elvis! I still can’t wrap my head around it.

How does anyone sound like anyone else?

Impersonators are a unique group to begin with, but to sound like the iconic and one-of-a-kind Elvis Presley? Well, now you’re just shooting for the stars, arn’cha?

Throughout the event, I tried pretending it was the 1950s or 60s. How would’ve it felt to been at an Elvis show? Could I even feel a sliver of what it must’ve been like back then? I don’t know. But these artists were AMAZING. I’d confidently say that if you were to shut your eyes and just listen, you’d swear Elvis was there. It was incredible.

I’m so glad I went! Here’s a gallery of the performers in full Elvis wardrobe, from the peacock jumpsuit, to the Aloha from Hawaii clothing, and everything in between.

-Out of the Wilderness