Weston-super-mare teenager crowned as Europe’s top Elvis impersonator

A British teenager who first started mimicking ‘The King of Rock and Roll’ as a child has been named as Europe’s top Elvis impersonator.

19-year-old Emilio Santoro, from Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, was crowned the European Elvis tribute artist champion for 2022 at a ceremony in Birmingham.

Emilio, who started impersonating Elvis at the age of four after being introduced to the legendary musician by his grandparents, said being dubbed Europe’s best Elvis was a ‘dream come true’. 

Emilio started picking up on his mannerisms by studying videos of the iconic rockstar, and even showed off his style in a homemade jumpsuit in the style of ‘The King’.

He went on to perform as Elvis during school talent shows, and competed in his first competition on the continent aged 14, where he admits he was left ‘shaking like a leaf’. 

A four-year-old Emilio Santoro poses in full Elvis Presley outfit he received from family for Christmas in 2006

Emilio, who started impersonating Elvis (right) at the age of four after being introduced to the legendary musician by his grandparents, said being dubbed Europe’s best Elvis was a ‘dream come true’

Held annually around the birthday weekend of Elvis, the European Elvis championship and convention sees dozens of tribute acts battle it out to be named the European Champion. 

The event, held in Birmingham’s Metropole Hotel, is understood to be among the largest annual Elvis impersonation competitions in Europe. 

Emilio told the BBC of his win: ‘Everyone always says life’s too short – follow your dreams, and it couldn’t be any more true really. To be crowned champion is just amazing.

‘I had a jumpsuit that my nan and auntie put together for me and ever since then I’ve wanted to pursue this as a career.

‘All of the supportive messages on social media have been so humbling.’

Emilio went on to perform as Elvis during school talent shows, and competed in his first competition on the continent aged 14, where he admits he was left ‘shaking like a leaf’

Emilio, then aged seven, is pictured wearing a gold suit in the style of his idol Elvis Presley

Emilio (third from left) is pictured alongside fellow tribute acts during the the European Elvis championship and convention in Birmingham on January 7

Emilio first became interested in the legendary rocker because of his iconic look and the way he performed on stage which he has learned to mimic. 

The teenager’s next show is in his home town, ahead of performances in Germany, America and Canada, as well a UK tour in November. 

He added: ‘It’s only just started sinking in now. I had a dream since I was a young age that I wanted to be on the stage.

‘At first I was nervous to pursue that dream but luckily I have a family behind me and since then I’ve never looked back.’

Emilio first became interested in the legendary rocker because of his iconic look and the way he performed on stage which he has learned to mimic

Neither of Emilio’s parents have a musical background with mum, Emma Santoro, working as a business manager for a food catering company and her husband Joe is a self-employed builder.

Emma said she was ‘an emotional wreck’ watching her son in the competition but he ‘blew us away’.

‘We’ve watched him, we’ve helped coach him, we’ve seen the hours of work that he puts in, so to see him finally get recognition is just amazing,’ she said.

‘His grandparents were initially surprised that Emilio had latched onto Elvis at such a young age, which amused them but they love it and have always encouraged him.

‘I’m a huge Elvis fan so it gave me great pleasure in seeing him love everything Elvis.

‘I’m so proud that he has stayed true to himself and didn’t follow the crowd and has actually made his friends aware of Elvis.’

Emilio said he prefers singing Elvis’s gospel music and ballads which are less well-known but the fans love.