Luana Bugeja made history on January 18, 2026, by becoming the first international winner of the Miss Priscilla competition at the annual Parkes Elvis Festival in Australia. The 28-year-old from Mosta, Malta, is engaged to Josuel Grech, the reigning Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) Contest winner from last year.
Luana’s triumph came as a surprise, especially as she had entered the competition just 24 hours prior, encouraged by family members who are part of the Australian Maltese community. “Everyone was telling me to enter,” she recalled. “They said, ‘You only live once’ and ‘Take every opportunity that comes your way.’”
Last-Minute Preparations and Festival Excitement
The decision to participate led Luana into a whirlwind of preparations. With little time to spare, she sought out a stylist, a fitting dress, and the perfect shoes. Starting her makeup at 13:30, she spent two hours getting ready for the Miss Priscilla Dinner, where the winner would be announced. Nicole Rosser, a local hairdresser, played a crucial role in her transformation, having styled the previous year’s winner, Gracey Denham Jones.
“I was nervous and anxious,” Luana admitted after her victory. “I like to know what’s happening, and I didn’t know what was happening.” Now crowned as Miss Priscilla 2026, she expressed excitement about a busy four days ahead at the festival, eager to embrace the experience.
Love and Music Intertwined
Luana’s connection to the festival is intertwined with her relationship with Josuel, whom she met during one of his performances. “I told him I didn’t like the show because he didn’t sing Can’t Help Falling in Love,” she laughed, recalling how he later sang it as karaoke just for her.
As the couple gears up for their wedding planned for 2028, they are keen to enjoy this moment together. After the festival, Luana will accompany Josuel to Melbourne before returning to Malta on January 23, 2026, to resume her role as a middle school teacher, specializing in the Maltese language.
The Parkes Elvis Festival continues to celebrate the legacy of Elvis Presley, bringing together fans and performers from across the globe. Luana Bugeja’s win not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights the festival’s growing international appeal.
