I was eight years old when I first heard of Elvis. I was sitting in bed listening to a new tape from a singer I did not know, and the first song was Hound Dog. When played, an indescribable feeling rushed through my body. The music and sounds coming out of the tape sounded like the coolest thing in the world.
People think it's easy to be an act of respect. They think all it takes is a few sideburns, say "Ah ha ha", and a pair of golden sunglasses. But it would be a joke and it was not. It's about celebrating Elvis. To me this is about acting and practice: it is about standing in front of a mirror with a hairbrush. I have done a lot of research, studied his movements and listened to interviews to get votes. You need to convince the audience. My respect for Elvis should shine. I know I'm not Elvis, but I hope when I perform, people may forget that for a moment.
Tony Nilsson, 31, Norway
My grandfather is a big fan and so is my father, who is a preacher. When I was a kid, I used to sing in my local gospel choir - just like Elvis did. These days my father always comes to see me perform.
I work as a roofman, and spend an hour every afternoon practicing when I get home
I work as a roofman, and spend an hour every afternoon practicing when I get home. I have a basement equipped with a small stage, speakers, and a microphone. Sometimes my kids join me, and have song requests. They grew up with their father being Elvis. When I practiced, I imagined it was a live performance, and that I had a crowd in front of me.
When I sing some songs that I know my grandfather likes me to be really emotional. People love when you sing from your heart.
Gonzalo Gea, 46, Gran Canaria
I was seven years old when Elvis died. I'm from Uruguay, but I live in Vienna at the time, and I remember the day he died I started watching his movie and playing his songs.
Today I live in Gran Canaria with my family. When I moved here I started working as a singer in different restaurants, hotels, and social clubs. Even after three hours of music, the only person who commented was my Elvis song, so I decided to do a show that was just him. The first show was great, and soon after that I bought a leather jacket and then jumpsuit. I'm afraid people will find all the equipment really ridiculous, but they love it. Suddenly people want to take pictures with me: I really started to feel like The King.
When I sing a song close to the way Elvis sings it, I get this special feeling - and I can see the crowd feeling the same way. I went home happily, because I knew I had made them happy.
Lee Alexander, 46, England
I always wanted to be a deed of respect for Elvis, but the circumstances in my life never really allowed it. Three years ago, I thought, "I'm getting older: now or never." I do not want to live my life to regret things I did not do.
Outside the stage, I'm just Lee, married, two kids, that's all. But something just takes over the stage
When I was 21 and used to sing karaoke, someone described me as an introvert extrovert. I'm better on stage than off. Outside the stage, I'm just Lee, married, two kids, that's all. But something just takes over the stage. It's a great feeling to get into every song. I became alive.
I have been married twice and have a lot of sadness. Many of Elvis's songs are so emotionally strong. I'm almost desperate. When people ask me to sing my Memories choking. It was played at my daughter's funeral. We have twin girls and one of our daughters was stillborn.
Recently, I started singing All That I Am, which is a beautiful love song, and I sing it to my wife at home: "You are my heart, my soul, my dream come true. It's all me, I'm because of you. "She loves it.
Eddy Popescu, 40, England
Back in Romania, I did not get a chance to do my Elvis show. People love Elvis there, but not like they do in England. My sister-in-law moved here a few years ago and noticed that everyone likes Elvis. He told me to come and try it. I left my band in Romania and moved to Newcastle with my wife in 2010.
It was very difficult at first. I bought a small amplifier and generator, and started singing on the street. I spent a lot of time in the rain and cold, but after a while people started to order me. Finally, I became very popular in the area and was awarded the best newcomer in the contest for all entertainment agencies in Newcastle. Now I'm doing a full-time show, and I book every weekend of the year. Everyone likes Elvis.
Oliver Steinhoff, 46, Germany
When I was on stage I lost my German accent completely. But that's just because I have been practicing - up to three hours a day at the beginning. That's all you need to do to learn the lyrics, melodies and how Elvis moves. After five years, I have the confidence to get on stage.
Hard work is Elvis, but I love it. That's the difference between doing this job and my old job: I used to be a welder. People find it difficult to understand that being an act of respect is my full-time job. They kept asking me how I was paying my bill, and I kept telling them that I was doing Elvis full-time.
I was worried about what would happen when I was in my mid-50s. We have to see what happens - I do not expect the last 10 years to be so successful.
Being Elvis has taught me that instead of fear of failure, people have to be positive. Follow your dream; after practice and some lessons, success will come.
John David Thomas ,49, Wales
Anything Elvis sings you can relate to life. When my father was buried on a sunny day in 2001, I sang his favorite song "How Great Thou Art". As I stood there at the end of his grave as they lowered him, I felt Elvis standing on my right side and my dad on my left side. My father listened to me sing it and Elvis was happy to help me sing that song. I felt a mixture of warmth and comfort despite the grief. I know it makes it a better place for him when he is down.
I have lost three important people in my life because of cancer and it makes me lose all belief in God. Lately I started looking at Elvis songs and trying to find meaning in them. I started singing his gospel songs and even if I was not a believer, I started thinking about it. And it helps me overcome my losses. Somehow there is a meaning with life.
Antonio Ortis, 52, Italy
I have been singing all my life. I remember being a kid and singing in the bathroom.
In Italy, we have a lot of beautiful songs, but Elvis songs are better. I really like the modulation and the sound. I really like when I hit high notes.
As I sing Elvis's song, I get this strong emotion. My heart starts pumping strong and I can dream. At some point, you feel strong and suddenly you are vulnerable. When I sing, I want to convey that feeling to the audience. It's like telling a story.
Fisher Stevens, 49, England
When I was a kid I listened to Elvis all the time whether I liked it or not, especially because of my mother. His teenage friends will even call him Elvis, because he is a big fan. Sometimes my parents will bring friends home after a night out in town and register Elvis. They will pull me out of bed and get me down to sing.
It was truly an amazing experience to see the Chinese go crazy. They are worse than Americans
The highlight of my career was a tour of 42 shows in China two years ago. No Elvis has ever done this. We play in big cinemas for 3,000 to 4,000 people every night.
Matt King , 51, Inggris
It all started in 1991 when I went to Tenerife on vacation. I was 23 and I went to singing contests for fun and things just started there. I decided to go back to Tenerife and start singing for food, but when I realized the bars and restaurants were full when I sang, I thought I should be paid.
Now I am a black taxi driver in London, but I can not stop paying homage to Elvis. It's a love affair. You can not do it unless you love Elvis.
When I saw the old recording of Elvis performing and hearing his voice, I felt great. I feel the warmth and I want him to be my friend. That's why thousands of people still honor and respect him.