In a world full of Elvis impersonators, Emilio Santoro stands out not just for his uncanny voice and appearance, but for his youthful energy, passion, and innovation. Hailing from Weston-super-Mare, England, the 21-year-old has quickly earned international fame as one of the world’s top Elvis tribute artists—and his 2024 appearance on America’s Got Talent (AGT) only amplified his reach and reputation.

A Star is Born

Emilio’s fascination with Elvis Presley began at the age of four, after watching the iconic Aloha from Hawaii concert with his mother. The energy, voice, and magnetism of the King of Rock and Roll left a deep impression. From there, Emilio began mimicking Elvis’s voice and stage movements, eventually performing in local pubs and competitions as early as 13.

His talent was undeniable, and by 17, he had already won the ‘Images of the King’ World Championship in Memphis, making him the youngest European ever to claim that title. Over the years, Emilio continued to sweep competitions across Europe, including the Porthcawl Elvis Festival, and the European Elvis Championships, eventually leading to his crowning as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion at Graceland in 2024.

A Groundbreaking AGT Appearance

While Emilio had already made a name for himself in the Elvis tribute community, his audition on America’s Got Talent in 2024 took things to a whole new level. Not content with simply doing a standard impersonation, Emilio stunned audiences and judges alike with a high-tech performance that combined nostalgia with innovation.

He performed alongside a hologram of Elvis Presley, created with the help of AI and holographic technology. Together, Emilio and the virtual Elvis delivered a seamless duet that transported the audience straight back to the golden age of rock and roll. The attention to detail—from wardrobe and lighting to vocals and movement—was so spot-on that it felt like Elvis himself had returned to the stage.

More Than an Impersonator

What made Emilio’s performance even more memorable was his surprising twist: he followed his musical performance with a series of impressions of the AGT judges. Effortlessly mimicking Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum, Emilio showcased his range not only as a singer but also as an entertainer with a flair for humor and voice acting.

The judges were blown away. Simon Cowell called it “one of the most original acts” he’d ever seen on the show. Sofia and Heidi couldn’t stop laughing at how spot-on Emilio’s impressions were, and the audience gave him a rousing standing ovation.

Preserving a Legacy

Emilio’s mission goes beyond impersonation—he’s passionate about keeping Elvis’s legacy alive for new generations. In interviews, he’s spoken about his respect for Elvis as not only a performer but also a cultural icon who revolutionized music and performance.

To that end, Emilio has released multiple albums, including With Love, The Christmas Album, and At the Movies, which blend classic Elvis stylings with his own vocal interpretations. These projects show that while he honors the past, Emilio also wants to evolve within it.

Rising Global Fame

Thanks to AGT and his continued presence on social media and international Elvis festivals, Emilio’s fan base is rapidly expanding. He’s been invited to perform in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and across Europe, bringing his dynamic take on Elvis to a global audience. Each performance is not just a concert—it’s a tribute, a theatrical experience, and a celebration of one of the most influential artists in history.

Emilio has also been active in schools and community events, encouraging young people to learn about Elvis and the early days of rock and roll. For him, keeping the music alive means sharing it with those who may not have grown up with it.

What’s Next?

With the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist under his belt and the world now watching thanks to America’s Got Talent, the future looks incredibly bright for Emilio Santoro. He plans to continue touring, releasing new music, and finding new ways to innovate while paying homage to his idol.

He’s not just a copy—he’s a living connection between the past and present. Emilio Santoro proves that you don’t have to be born in the 1950s to feel the magic of Elvis Presley.