Last September, I spent three days at the 22nd Annual Elvis Explosion. Forty Elvis Impersonators (Elvis Tribute Artist is the preferred term) compete for a spot in the finals and a chance to qualify for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest that takes place in Graceland.

I started this story thinking that I was bound to meet some interesting characters, and the competition seemed like a natural narrative. However, as I started doing interviews, the competition aspect was quickly eclipsed by the relationships these performers have to each other and the people who come to see them. The Elvis world is far larger and more complete than I imagined and full of small empires. After all, Bruno Mars, before he was Bruno Mars, was an ETA.

Music elements by Blue Dot Sessions, with additional compositional help from the incredible Caitlin Thom.

Inside the Elvis Explosion

Tori CharnetzkiBy Tori CharnetzkiJun 16, 2020