A Logan entertainer who felt his first spark of Elvis magic while sitting inside Memphis’ historic Sun Studio will soon compete on one of the most prestigious Elvis tribute stages in the world.
Holmview resident Andrew Bithell has been selected to perform at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) Contest at the Parkes Elvis Festival in January – an event endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and attracting fans and tribute artists from across Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
The winner earns a place in the 2026 semi-finals in Memphis during Elvis Week, representing Australia on the world stage.
For Mr Bithell, the journey began in 2017 while visiting the United States for his wedding anniversary. He recalled sitting at Sun Studio – the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll – staring at the same table where Presley signed his first contract in 1954. He described the moment as a “lightning bolt”, a sudden clarity that he wanted to honour Elvis through performance.
Soon after returning home, a former bandmate asked him to front an Elvis show – and he hasn’t looked back. By 2020 he was performing full-time as a tribute artist, blending his two decades of live music experience with a lifelong appreciation for the Elvis sound.
The Parkes contest, now in its 33rd year, brings together 21 elite performers from across the region, making it the largest Elvis tribute event in the southern hemisphere. Despite the competition, Mr Bithell said the camaraderie is one of the festival’s greatest drawcards, with artists often only seeing each other at events like Parkes or Cooly Rocks.
He said the audience reaction was another drawcard keeping him in the iconic jumpsuit.
Crowds respond not just to the music, he explained, but to the sense of connection – many fans never had the chance to see Elvis live, and tribute shows give them the closest experience possible.
Keeping the King’s memory alive is part of the craft, he said, and part of why Elvis festivals continue to thrive globally.
Mr Bithell’s own favourite song changes often, but he loves performing How Great Thou Art – a gospel classic that earned Presley two Grammys and was reportedly one of the singer’s personal favourites.
