EP Continentals 38th Annual Festival – Finals

As night began to approach, the crowds began to flock toward the community city in Mount Dora, FL. Excitement filled the building as we all waited for the start to a very entertaining finale. Last year’s winner, Al Joslin, opened the show and got the crowd ready for the contest. The top 6 took the stage and each gave their best Elvis performance with The Crew band backing them.

Each performer sang three songs with the live band backing them. The contest began with Michael Cullipher singing three show-stopping songs. Still completely blown away by his version of “How Great Thou Art”

Michael Cullipher – I Can’t Stop Loving You

Michael Cullipher – How Great Thou Art

Following his performance was Jeff Bradford with a 68 Comeback black leather set. Having fun the entire time, you could tell he truly loves Elvis.

Jeff Bradford – Heartbreak Hotel

Giving it his all after Jeff’s performance was Barry Porter. Watching him was completely enjoyable as you could tell how much he cared about his tribute toward the king.

Barry Porter – I Can’t Stop Loving You

Providing a break from the 70s Elvis, Austin Irby came out and brought the house down with a 50s set. His vocals were incredible and moves were spot on.

Austin Irby – Shake, Rattle, and Roll

Austin Irby – Hound Dog

Coming off of his win from Tupelo, Cote Deonath came out and showed the crowd exactly why he took first place in that contest. His 70s is equally amazing as his 50s. Being able to master multiple eras of Elvis is extremely difficult, but Cote definitely accomplishes this.

Cote Deonath – How Great Thou Art

Cote Deonath – Polk Salad Annie

Cote Deonath – Unchained Melody

Vincent Grosso took the stage and gave amazing vocals to many of Elvis’s more difficult songs. You can tell he takes his tribute seriously and puts so much work into paying tribute to Elvis. His rendition of “My Way” was very beautiful.

Vincent Grosso – You Gave Me A Mountain

Vincent Grosso – Unchained Melody

After taking a short intermission, the results were in. Al Joslin took the stage again to announce the winners. The final line up:

3rd: Vincent Grosso

2nd” Michael Cullipher

1st: Cote Deonath

The excitement did not stop there. Cote Deonath had already qualified for the Ultimate Elvis Contest and because of this, Michael Cullipher became the Mount Dora, FL representative in the upcoming Ultimate Elvis Contest in Memphis, TN this August! David Jericko, the MC, was discussing with the both of them which should perform the “victory” song. Both Cote and Michael jumped on the chance to perform together and it was truly a magical performance! I could not stop smiling!

Cote Deonath and Michael Cullipher – Suspicious Minds

FL Elvis Festival and Contest was full of entertainment and fun. With performances throughout the small town and after parties in the hotel, it is something to do for a weekend. Check it out next year if you are interested.

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TCB,

Little Sister