Return of the King

Daylin James says he’s fortunate for the support of his fans.

Thunder Bay’s most famous Elvis impersonator arrived at the Thunder Bay International Airport Tuesday morning and was surprised by a group of about 30 fans waiting to congratulate him on his win in the Inspirational Elvis category at this past weekend’s Canadian National and International Elvis Tribute Artist Grand Championship in Collingwood, Ont.

“It’s mind-blowing,” he said of the warm reception. “I want them to know that all their efforts of coming out and supporting me and buying my tickets and stuff like that have gone to something that’s encouraged talent in me.”

James won the title of best overall Elvis tribute artist in the same competition in 1997. He won’t compete again for that title, saying having won it once was enough.

And although he has that title under his belt, James said he didn’t expect to win over the 15 other competitors in Sunday’s gospel competition.

“I go in with a different attitude than most guys,” he said. “I go in thinking ‘let’s just assume it’s fixed’ because if I don’t win, it will make me feel better, so just go in and do your best and hopefully I can reach some people.”

James’ renditions of Elvis gospel classics An Evening Prayer and He Touched Me won him the Inspirational category this year and he treated his fan club to a couple of verses outside the arrival gates at the airport.