Elvis All-Star Tribute

"Elvis All-Star Tribute" is an electrifying special event that aired on NBC in 2019. Hosted and directed by Ken Ehrlich, the two-hour program pays homage to Elvis Presley’s `'68 Comeback Special', recreating one of the most iconic moments in the history of television and music. It marked 50 years since the broadcast of Elvis's landmark comeback concert, reshaping his career and reestablishing his place in pop culture.

The star-studded tribute features an amalgam of talent across diverse genres, including pop sensation Shawn Mendes, hip-hop superstar Post Malone, and multitalented actress and singer Jennifer Lopez. Their collective mission is not simply to reproduce Elvis's comeback special, but to reimagine it for a new generation – all while keeping the electricity, charisma, and magic of the original alive.

At the helm is Ken Ehrlich, a veteran of numerous high profile events, including the Grammy Awards. Ehrlich’s experience and passion resonate throughout the tribute, guiding the unbelievably talented and diverse cast of performers as they bring Elvis's spirit back to life for an unforgettable experience.

The evening kicks off with pop sensation Shawn Mendes delivering a stellar performance, showcasing the generational transcendence of Elvis's music. Mendes brings his own flair to the classic tunes, his charisma matching Elvis's inimitable style. With his cool demeanor and electrifying voice, Mendes pays tribute to the King of Rock 'n Roll in his own distinct manner.

The tribute continues with hip-hop superstar, Post Malone. Known for his genre-blurring style and undeniable talent, Post Malone brings his own unique spin to Elvis's music. Malone's performances are loaded with emotion and respect for Presley, displaying his versatility as an artist and showing audiences that Elvis's music can still be made relevant to modern listeners.

Jennifer Lopez, the embodiment of a triple threat with her acting, dancing, and singing talents, provides another memorable moment to the tribute. With her larger-than-life stage presence, Lopez captures the audience's attention and heart, showing off her talent in all its roaring grandeur, and imbuing the classic Elvis hits with her powerful, sultry voice and energetic performance.

The show also includes performances by other celebrated artists such as Ed Sheeran, John Legend, and Darius Rucker, each delivering their own unique takes on some of Elvis's most beloved songs. Their performances are interspersed throughout the evening, leading to a cumulative experience that is both diverse and cohesive, riffing on the same celebratory purpose: to honor the timeless legacy of Elvis Presley.

The tribute recreates the original staging of the '68 comeback special, turning a small, boxing-ring style stage into an intimate atmosphere where the performers could interact closely with the live audience. The black-leather look that Elvis popularized during his concert is also cleverly incorporated into the tribute.

But the "Elvis All-Star Tribute" isn’t just about performances. It also weaves in rare footage of Presley himself, resurrecting his pioneering work in television and music for a new generation. Together with interviews of Presley's contemporaries and people who were involved with the original production, the intertwined narrative brings depth and context to the homage, illuminating the lasting impact of Elvis's comeback on music and culture.

"Elvis All-Star Tribute" serves as a powerful, emotional, and rousing tribute to the King of Rock 'n Roll. It brings Elvis's performance at the '68 Comeback Special back to life and underscores his influence on current stars and the music industry itself. The program brings artists from different generations and genres to perform side by side in a stirring testament to Elvis's enduring legacy. It is a heartfelt two hours of music history that continues to resonate with Elvis fanatics and newcomers alike, offering a glimpse at the past while forging potential future paths for continuing the legacy of Elvis Presley.