Wahiawa’s Johnny Fortuno Heads to Graceland for Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest
HONOLULU (KHON2) — For over three decades, Johnny Fortuno has been captivating audiences as an Elvis tribute artist. Now, the Wahiawa native is set to take his talent to Graceland, vying for the title of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.
Fortuno’s journey began in 1994 during a karaoke night, where a friend’s comment about his voice echoing the King’s prompted him to take vocal lessons. His coach was astounded, noting, "That’s not you," to which Fortuno replied that it was indeed his voice. This serendipitous moment led him to join Ebb Tides Production, a small entertainment company seeking an Elvis impersonator.
His career blossomed thanks, in part, to the mentorship of Tony Roy, a notable Elvis performer in Hawaii. Fortuno shared, "Tony took me under his wing, and we became good friends." Since then, he has showcased his Elvis persona in performances both locally and internationally.
In late May, Fortuno triumphed over 40 competitors at the 2025 Vegas Elvis Fest, securing a place in the semifinals of this year’s coveted Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Graceland. This marks his second qualification for the contest, having previously reached the top 10 in 2011.
Fortuno likens the competition to a sporting event, highlighting the intense rivalry and passionate fans. Proud of his Hawaiian roots, he aims to represent his home state on this prestigious platform. “I feel like it would be a great thing to put our stamp on that,” he stated.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will take place on August 8th and 9th during Elvis week at Graceland, where participants will be judged on vocal ability, appearance, and stage presence. Fans can watch the contest streamed live, and support Fortuno by following him on Instagram.
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