Congratulations, Taylor!
I have chosen the following video of Taylor Rodriguez’s winning performance at the Tupelo Elvis Festival in June 2019 because it is similar to an outstanding performance he gave in competition at the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. In the article that follows the video, Taylor says that he “worked and worked and worked and studied Elvis” as much as he could, and it was evident in his performances in the two consecutive years we saw him at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in 2018 and 2019.
The following is an excerpt from Danny McArthur’s article for the Daily Journal on Taylor’s stunning victory in Tupelo, June 8th, 2019:
'Beyond words': Youngest Tribute Artist Wins Elvis Competition
Ultimate ETA, Taylor Rodriguez, at the 2018 NFEF. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.
TUPELO • Being the youngest competitor there didn’t stop 21-year-old Taylor Rodriguez of Goode, Virginia, from walking away the winner of the 21st annual Tupelo Elvis Festival Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition Saturday night at BancorpSouth Arena.
“It is one of the most unfelt feelings I’ve ever felt, if that makes any sense. It is beyond words, and that’s how I would describe it. It’s just beyond words right now. I’m just on this high and it just keeps going,” Rodriguez said.
The UETA finals started at 6 p.m., whittled down to five final performers from the top 10 who made it to semifinals earlier that day.
Rodriguez was the first performer of the night and won for his performance of “Polk Salad Annie,” which was originally written by Tony Joe White and covered by Elvis Presley. His performance was followed by co-finalists Lee Alexander, Alex Mitchell, Mario Kombou and Josh Davis.
Ultimate ETA, Taylor Rodriguez, at the 2018 NFEF. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.
After the competitors performed, last year’s festival winner, Nick Perkins, performed his showcase.
“It’s very humbling to be able to come back to Tupelo, at the birthplace, and be able to do a showcase instead of just a song or two. That way, it gives people the opportunity to see who you are as a performer and not just in a contest setting,” Perkins said.
Perkins received the key to the city. He also had words for the winner: “Congratulations and enjoy the ride, because it definitely is a life-changing experience.”
After Perkins’ showcase, Mayor Jason Shelton helped announce Rodriguez the winner of the competition and Davis as the people’s choice winner. Davis also placed second, while Kombou placed third.
Rodriguez was visibly moved by his win and celebrated by hugging his fellow competitors, who all wore a variety of white jumpsuits reminiscent of Presley. Rodriguez received a winning check from the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, a trophy from the Elvis Presley birthplace and a guitar from Tupelo Hardware.
Ultimate ETA, Taylor Rodriguez, at the 2018 NFEF. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.
Rodriguez wore an all-white jumpsuit with fringe details. He performed “Impossible Dream” as his victory song.
“The crowd was unbelievable. These are true Elvis fans here, and that’s what makes this contest great,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez developed an interest in Presley at the age of six and started performing when he was nine. To prepare for this moment, he has been practicing for Tupelo Elvis Fest more than six months. He’s also performed in previous competitions, usually placing second or in the top five.
“I practice pretty much every single day and to come here to Tupelo and take this win back home is amazing. I worked and worked and worked and studied Elvis as much as I could, and this is where it got me,” Rodriguez said.
Edits by Carolyn MacArthur.