New Zealand’s Taurean Kenny Mill Crowned Parkes’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist

Saturday 10 January 2026

They gyrated their hips, belted out the classics, crooned and wooed the crowd, but only one could take home the crown. New Zealand’s Taurean Kenny Mill has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, after outperforming 19 of the top Elvis tribute artists from across Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

The highly competitive contest unfolded across two high-energy days at Parkes Leagues Club, with performers judged on vocals, appearance, stage presence and overall performance quality, all vying for the opportunity to represent Parkes on the world stage during Elvis Week in Memphis, USA.

Parkes Elvis Festival Director Brendan Shipley said the standard of competition was exceptionally high.

“This was an incredibly tough contest, with 20 elite Elvis tribute artists delivering standout performances across two massive days,” said Shipley. “Taurean rose above the rest with an electrifying stage presence and a performance that captured the spirit of Elvis with real authenticity and swagger. We’re thrilled to see him represent Parkes at Elvis Week in Memphis later this year.”

Over two days filled with pompadours, rhinestones and blue suede shoes, Elvis tribute artists (Elvii) took to the stage before a panel of expert judges, each aiming to secure their place in the semi-final round of the internationally recognised Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.

The Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest forms part of a worldwide search for performers who best honour the legacy of Elvis Presley and is officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Second place was awarded to Anthony Fenech of Fraser Rise in Victoria, while third place went to Brendon Chase of Paradise Point in Queensland.

Visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au for more information.

Parkes Elvis Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

EVENT: Parkes Elvis Festival
DATES: 7–11 January 2026
THEME: Love Me Tender
WEBSITE: www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
LOCATION: Parkes, NSW, Australia

Notes:

ABOUT PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL

The Parkes Elvis Festival is Australia’s largest celebration of Elvis Presley and one of the country’s most iconic regional festivals. Held each January in Parkes, New South Wales, the Festival has grown over more than three decades into an internationally recognised event, attracting over 25,000 visitors from across Australia and around the world. The program features live music, tribute performances, parades, competitions, family events and community celebrations, transforming Parkes into Australia’s official Elvis hometown.

To learn more and explore upcoming Festival announcements, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

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