The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) Contest is set to return in 2026, showcasing a remarkable line-up of 21 tribute artists at the Parkes Elvis Festival. This prestigious event, officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, serves as a preliminary round for the global Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The winner from Parkes will gain the opportunity to represent the festival in the semi-finals in Memphis during Elvis Week in August 2026.
Among the contestants is Maria Phillips, who is known in the tribute community as Platinum Elvis. Festival director Brendan Shipley expressed enthusiasm about her participation, highlighting the significance of having female tribute artists in the competition. “Being a female ETA at this festival is such an important step towards opening the platform up to a larger range of talent more consistently,” Shipley stated.
This year’s contest is notable for its size, with 21 performers making it the largest field in the festival’s history. The artists hail from across Australia, New Zealand, and even Japan. Each contestant submits a professional biography, performance videos, and photos online, which are then evaluated by an independent panel based on various criteria including experience and presentation.
Judging criteria encompass a range of factors beyond vocals. Contestants are assessed on their appearance, capturing an authentic Elvis look and style, their stage presence to embody the charisma of Elvis, and the overall quality of their performance. Each year, between 30 and 50 artists apply, making the selection process highly competitive.
The heats for the contest will commence at the Parkes Leagues Club on January 9, 2026, from 11:00 to 13:00. The finals are scheduled for the following day, January 10, at 13:00. Given the popularity of the event, tickets are expected to sell quickly. Interested attendees can secure their tickets at bit.ly/UETAheats. Additionally, tickets for all feature shows at the Parkes Elvis Festival are available through 123tix.com.au.
This vibrant contest not only honors the legacy of Elvis Presley but also provides a platform for tribute artists to showcase their talents and connect with fans worldwide. With a diverse range of competitors and an enthusiastic audience, the 2026 UETA Contest promises to be a thrilling celebration of music and performance.
