Young Elvis tribute singer brings home gold at B.C. festival

Jesse Lamont, 23, has become an award-winning Elvis tribute artist, claiming gold at the 2026 Penticton Elvis Festival. His journey into the world of tribute performance was entirely unplanned, stemming from a high school musical.

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I told him that he should do the musical because it’s a great way to get to know people and it’s really fun.

His older sister, Zoe Stradeski, signed him up for the musical without his knowledge, encouraging him to join. This led to the discovery of his singing talent, with the "talk at the dinner table that night being 'Jesse can actually sing.'"

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He said, ‘No thank you, I want to keep my lunch money.’ So I signed him up without him knowing.

Following this revelation, Lamont immersed himself in the local musical theatre scene, taking voice lessons and joining Sask Express, a group focused on developing performers. The Elvis tribute aspect also began serendipitously when he performed an Elvis number and was later approached by someone at a karaoke bar.

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The talk at the dinner table that night was ‘Jesse can actually sing.'

This encounter led to an offer to perform as Elvis at a fundraiser, a role he has continued ever since. Lamont expressed gratitude for his family's unwavering support and pride in his achievements, noting his mother's assistance in creating his stage costumes. He aims to continue growing and refining his craft.

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This Elvis stuff, it came as a bit of a fluke as well. They made me do an Elvis number and one night I’m singing karaoke at a bar and someone comes up to me and shakes my hand and we start talking.