Keeping the King's Legacy Alive: Winchester Teen Takes His Elvis Dream to Tupelo

By Joe Clark | The Morehead Minute

When most teenagers are listening to today's latest hits, 17-year-old Domenic Bernal is studying concert footage from the 1950s and 1970s, learning every movement, vocal inflection, and stage mannerism of Elvis Presley.

For Bernal, what began as a curiosity at age 13 has grown into a passion that recently carried him all the way to Tupelo, Mississippi—the birthplace of Elvis Presley himself—where he competed in his first Youth Elvis Tribute Artist competition.

"I was at my aunt's house and she showed me a video of Elvis singing 'Hound Dog' on television," Bernal recalled. "The way he was dressed, his movements, his voice—it caught my attention instantly."

That moment changed everything.

Today, the Winchester teenager is known around George Rogers Clark High School simply as "the Elvis guy."

"People will see me in the hallways and say, 'What's up, Elvis?'" Bernal said with a laugh. "I've learned to embrace that because it's something I'm genuinely proud of."

At first, friends and family assumed his fascination with Presley was simply a passing phase.

"They thought it was a phase at first," Bernal said. "But I've proved them all wrong."

His first Elvis song was "Baby Let's Play House," and before long he found himself spending hours studying concert footage and performances, absorbing every detail of the entertainer who would become his greatest influence.

Ironically, Bernal describes himself as naturally shy.

Before discovering performance, standing in front of a crowd was something that filled him with anxiety and self-doubt.

"I would overthink everything," he said. "I'd worry about what people thought, whether I'd make mistakes, or whether I sounded good."

That all changed thanks to a surprise from his mother.

Without telling him beforehand, Bernal's mother, Sally, arranged his first performance at a local senior living facility.

"I wasn't prepared at first because I was so nervous," he admitted. "But I was also excited."

The experience became a turning point.

"My first performance was exciting, nerve-wracking, and a little frightening," he said. "But as the show went on, I started enjoying it. I discovered a part of myself I never knew existed."

Today, Bernal performs regularly at Boonesboro Trail Senior Living, where residents frequently request return appearances.

For him, those performances are about much more than entertainment.

"The reactions that mean the most to me are when someone tells me I brought back a memory," he said. "I've had people tell me a song reminded them of a loved one or a special time in their life."

Those moments have become some of the most meaningful parts of his journey.

"When someone who actually lived during Elvis's era tells me I brought back memories, it feels like I've helped them reconnect with an important part of their life," Bernal said.

Becoming an Elvis Tribute Artist requires far more than putting on a jumpsuit and singing a few familiar songs.

Bernal has spent countless hours studying Presley.

"I work hardest on recreating his stage presence and voice," he explained. "Elvis had a powerful way of commanding a stage while still being natural and charismatic."

While many tribute artists focus heavily on appearance, Bernal believes authenticity is what truly matters.

"I believe making the audience feel like they're experiencing Elvis's energy is what matters most."

His favorite eras to portray are both the energetic rock-and-roll years of the 1950s and the legendary concert years of the 1970s.

Among his favorite songs to perform are "Love Me," "Blue Suede Shoes," "That's All Right," and "Polk Salad Annie."

One song continues to challenge him.

"An American Trilogy is the hardest song for me," he said. "It's beautiful and powerful, and I can never quite get the ending the way I want it."

Earlier this month, Bernal took a major step forward in his Elvis journey when he traveled to Tupelo, Mississippi, to compete in the 2026 Youth Elvis Tribute Artist Competition.

The event drew young performers from across the country.

"I was so excited," Bernal said. "I'd never done anything like that before."

To prepare, he practiced daily, listened repeatedly to his competition song, "I Just Can't Help Believing," and carefully studied Elvis's live performances.

The experience exceeded his expectations.

"What surprised me most was the atmosphere," he said. "Everyone was there because of their love for Elvis. It was competitive, but it was also welcoming and supportive."

Perhaps the most emotional moment came from simply standing in the place where Elvis's story began.

"It felt surreal," Bernal said. "I've listened to his music, watched his performances, and worked to honor his legacy. Being able to visit the place where Elvis was born is something I'll never forget."

Although he did not place as highly as he hoped, Bernal considers the trip a success.

"No one can take away the fact that I stood on that stage in Tupelo and gave it my best," he said.

As someone who spent years involved in the Elvis Tribute Artist community, I have had the opportunity to work alongside numerous performers, including Kentucky's Bill Kelly, 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion Jesse Aron, and many others. I have judged Elvis competitions and watched hundreds of performers attempt to capture the spirit of Elvis Presley.

That's why I don't make this statement lightly:

For someone just beginning his journey, Domenic Bernal is exceptionally talented.

In fact, I believe he is already better than many veteran tribute artists.

His voice, appearance, stage instincts, and understanding of Elvis are impressive. More importantly, he understands something many performers never fully grasp: performing is about creating a connection with people.

What stood out even more than his talent, however, was his attitude.

Throughout thirteen pages of interview responses, Bernal repeatedly returned to themes of gratitude, growth, kindness, and helping others.

When asked how he hopes people will remember him ten years from now, his answer wasn't about fame or trophies.

"I want to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact on the people around him and always gave his best," he said.

That answer says a great deal about his character.

Domenic never asked for my advice, but after spending years around the Elvis Tribute Artist world, there is one lesson I would offer.

Stay humble.

Remember why you're doing this.

Elvis Presley was one of the most famous entertainers who ever lived, yet those who knew him often spoke of his generosity, kindness, and respect toward fans and strangers alike. Those qualities mattered every bit as much as his talent.

The best tribute artists understand that the goal is not to become Elvis. The goal is to honor Elvis.

Based on everything I've seen and read, Bernal appears to understand that already.

Bernal's future ambitions extend beyond tribute performances. He hopes to eventually record original music that combines modern sounds with the classic storytelling and emotion he admires in older music.

He is also interested in a career in law enforcement and public service after high school.

Still, Elvis will remain part of his life.

"I definitely see Elvis being part of my life for a long time," he said.

In five years, he hopes to be performing for larger audiences, creating original music, helping others, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

For now, however, he's focused on taking the next step.

If his journey from a shy 13-year-old watching a video of "Hound Dog" to performing in Tupelo is any indication, that next step may be a very exciting one indeed.

Interested in booking Domenic Bernal for an event or performance?

Bernal can be contacted through his booking email at [email protected] or through TikTok under Domenic as Elvis.

As Kentucky Elvis fans have learned over the years, every great tribute artist starts somewhere.

Domenic Bernal's story may just be getting started.