Filipino wins first Elvis in Asia contest

Filipino Jun Espinosa has won the first Elvis in Asia competition with his rendition of the Elvis classic Burning Love.

More than 20 Elvis Presley impersonators shimmied, gyrated and belted out classics like Jailhouse Rock in Manila at the first Elvis in Asia contest.

The King of Rock n' Roll died 40 years ago this week and contest organisers said they aimed to keep his style and music alive for a new generation of fans.

With trademark pompadours, side burns and bejewelled jumpsuits, 23 performers from Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia paid tribute to their idol.

"His music is timeless," said Filipino Jun Espinosa, who won first prize after his rendition of the Elvis classic Burning Love.

"Every generation can enjoy his music because it's so natural and it's so awesome and great. That's king Elvis," he said.

First prize included a free trip to Graceland, the Presley estate in Memphis, Tennessee, where thousands of fans gathered this week to mark the anniversary of the singer's death.


Share

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world