Elvis Down Under 2026 — Grand Champion
Bay of Plenty entertainer Trevor Needham takes First Place at New Zealand's biggest international Elvis Tribute Artist contest.
Elvis Down Under 2026 · Hamilton, New Zealand
New Zealand’s only Elvis Tribute Artist competition — and the biggest of its kind in the country — crowned Trevor Needham its 2026 Grand Champion after three days of competition against performers from Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga.
The Winning Story
Fourth time lucky — and worth every mile of the journey.
It was fourth time lucky — and a long time coming. This year, Bay of Plenty entertainer Trevor Needham was crowned Grand Champion at Elvis Down Under (EDU), New Zealand’s biggest international Elvis Tribute Artist contest and the only competition of its kind held in the country.
After two decades in Wellington, the event moved to Hamilton in the Waikato for the first time this year, drawing a strong field of performers from Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga. It’s a serious test: run over three days, the competition opened on the Friday before narrowing to eight on the Saturday, then just five finalists on the Sunday to decide the top three. Winning it is a real milestone — and for Trevor, it came on his fourth attempt.
Trevor’s journey as a tribute artist began during the Covid years, and it hasn’t slowed since. What started with Elvis shows around New Zealand has grown into a full line-up of characters — Elvis, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Tom Jones and Engelbert — with performances now on both sides of the Tasman. His wife Jannine headlines her own country rock shows, and good friend Suzie is a vital part of the team, looking after hair, backing vocals and much more besides.
The team has found that audiences love variety, and their shows have evolved to match — weaving multiple legends into a single night of entertainment. That includes the leading Neil Diamond tribute in New Zealand, Song Sung Blue NZ, alongside the Elvis tribute show that started it all.
Championship Photos
From the finals weekend at Elvis Down Under 2026.
Finals Footage
Watch highlights from the Elvis Down Under 2026 finals.
EDU 2026 Finals — Winning Performance
Highlights from Trevor's finals performance at Elvis Down Under 2026 in Hamilton. (Filmed on a phone and cleaned up — thank you to whoever captured it!)
EDU 2026 Finals — On Stage
A short clip from the finals weekend at Elvis Down Under 2026.
What's Next
From the EDU title straight into a big Australian summer.
New Year's Eve
Adelaide, Australia
A big New Year's Eve show featuring Neil Diamond, Engelbert and Jannine's country rock set — alongside Australia's leading Johnny Cash tribute artist, Matt Birse.
3 January
Mildura, Australia
Taking the show on the road with a live performance in Mildura.
Parkes Elvis Week
Parkes, Australia
Six shows across the famous Parkes Elvis Festival — including a Neil Diamond show — and a tilt at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) competition, whose winner performs at Graceland in Memphis.
Book New Zealand's Elvis Down Under Champion
Bring an award-winning tribute show to your venue, club or event. Get in touch to check availability.
Enquire Now