05/27/2026
KOTJ Festival 2026 has come to a close. Thank you to all the Fans, ETA'S, EAS Band, parents, sponsors, all the people who helped out.
We set out to achieve a goal of changing the ETA competition world and we did just that. 3 amazing days of nonstop Elvis memories and new friendships were made. For the individuals playing the world's smallest violin, it's not our concern what the other festivals do. KOTJ has rules, and a code of conduct. So many amazing and humble ETA's who traveled from around the country and Canada to be here, we appreciate you and are honored you decided to come here and let the Illinois fans cheer you on. Your love for Elvis is apparent and I hope that you felt that love right back. It was a close competition on the score sheets, so many great performances.
RJ Hursey winning the youth competition on friday night. All of the kids were great and the passion really showed this weekend.
Special thanks to Tony Robles for running karaoke on Thursday night and running the music for the youth competition. He has an amazing voice and is an outstanding guy. when he puts on that Elvis gospel you better get ready because he's taking you to church.
Special thanks to Dave Thomas for being an mc on Friday night for the youth competition and deciding to compete after having back surgery just a week prior. This man is the embodiment of hard work and dedication. Big shout out to Drake Thomas for running the sound and helping out.
A shout out to my judges Steve and Judy my fellow Illinois Elvis Historians. I wouldn't pick anyone else to be there at that table with me. We know the responsibility we have to be the difference maker in terms of being fair, free of politics, favoritism, actual knowledge of the greatest entertainer, philanthropist, singer, fashion icon the world has ever seen.
Dorian Alberti our Inaugural KOTJ Festival Champion
Such a great guy and performer. He took time to talk to all the fans and is very humble. His peers look up to him and he's a fashion designer on the rise. He has the heart of a champion, now it's official.
Looking forward to having you headline next year.
Last but certainly not least Hayden Lynn
Mr. Friday night delight
The king of the smoky mountains
He probably hates when I say that stuff 😄
What can be said about Hayden and the entire Lynn family that we don't already know? They all helped out and they love this crazy Elvis world that we are in. I appreciate all of them and i always look forward to seeing them in person.
Hayden headlined friday night after the youth competition and blew the roof off the place. He was the mc during Saturday night's pro competition and also did a few songs. Hard to put into words the chills he gives you not only when he's performing but as you talk to him behind the scenes.
Thank you all for making this Elvis fan's dream come true ⚡️
