Many have tried to imitate Elvis Presley – but nothing can truly compare to the original. Or can it?
When Dakota Striplin stepped onto the stage of The Voice and began singing the timeless classic Love Me Tender, the judges were instantly moved.
But it wasn’t just his voice that stunned them. After his performance, Dakota dropped a bombshell that nearly made the judges fall out of their chairs…
A few years ago, a charismatic young man appeared on The Voice Australia. The 24-year-old Dakota Striplin stole the show when he performed Elvis Presley’s 1956 ballad, Love Me Tender. The resemblance to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was uncanny. Dakota had Elvis’s distinctive jawline, the same hairstyle, and, most notably, a golden voice that brought back memories of the legendary performer.
Even his nose and eyebrows echoed Elvis’s features. During the performance, Dakota captivated the audience with his smooth, honeyed voice, and he also showcased his guitar skills, adding an emotional touch to his performance. The crowd erupted in applause, and it was no surprise—many in the audience likely thought they were witnessing Elvis’s grandson live on stage.
The judges were equally impressed. Before Dakota finished the first verse, two of them had already turned their chairs and hit their buttons. The third judge, Guy Sebastian, almost pressed his button but hesitated at the last second—something he would later regret.
But what about the connection to Elvis Presley? When you compare side-by-side photos of Dakota and Elvis, the likeness is undeniable. And the mystery deepened when Dakota revealed that he might actually be the King’s grandson.
“I always loved Elvis. He’s been a big idol for me since I was little. But recently, my dad found out that his father wasn’t his biological father, and there’s a lot of history with my grandma. She used to work at Elvis concerts and apparently knew him,” Dakota shared.
While look-alikes of Elvis occasionally appear, it’s rare for them to have more than just a striking physical resemblance. Elvis had only one grandson, Benjamin, who was the spitting image of the King.
But regardless of any family connection, Dakota Striplin proved he has incredible talent, and I’m sure Elvis would have appreciated his rendition of the classic ’50s hit. Dakota later showed his versatility by performing several other songs, including an energetic version of I Just Can’t Wait To Be King from The Lion King. Watch the clip below and enjoy his amazing performance for yourself!
‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Legend John Ashton Passes Away at 76 – His Family’s Final Wish Will Move You
John Ashton, famous for playing Detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” movies, has sadly passed away at the age of 76. Now, his family has a special request.
Keep reading to learn more.
John Ashton died peacefully in Ft. Collins, Colorado, this past Thursday. His family and friends are heartbroken over his loss.
He passed away after bravely fighting cancer, according to his representative, Alan Somers. Somers shared that Ashton’s legacy is one of “love, dedication, and service,” and his family will continue to celebrate his life. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and more.
To honor the late actor’s life and legacy, the family is asking for donations to be made to Pathways Hospice Care in his memory.
Ashton was a well-known name in Hollywood for over 50 years, lighting up screens with more than 200 film, TV, and stage performances. While fans loved many of his roles, it was his portrayal of the straight-laced detective alongside Eddie Murphy’s wild cop character, Axel Foley, that made him a household name.
Ashton’s character, Detective Billy Rosewood, provided the perfect contrast to his co-star’s character, adding energy and humor to the films.
The film was a major success and established Ashton’s name in Hollywood. In July of this year, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” premiered. In an interview, Ashton revealed that the film had taken 20 years to make before finally being released.
He mentioned there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the film, to the point that he had given up on the idea and moved on to other projects. By the time he received a call about the film, he was already working on another project in Chicago.
After finishing his film, he went to L.A. to meet director Mark Molloy. Ashton knew that the film could only move forward if Murphy approved the script.
He said he knew he could fully commit to the project when Murphy greenlit the script and Jerry Bruckheimer joined as a producer.
In addition to his iconic role in “Beverly Hills Cop,” Ashton also had notable appearances in the show “M*A*S*H” and played Eric Stoltz’s father in the John Hughes comedy-drama “Some Kind of Wonderful.”
He started his career at a young age, with his first professional role in a production of “Othello” at the Hartford Stage Company. He later toured the world in various theater productions.
Ashton received great recognition for his acting, including an LA Method Fest award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Once Upon a River.”
He also appeared in several films, including “Death in Texas” (2020), “American Christmas” (2019), and “My Little Baby” (2019), among others.
Beyond his career, he was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, and his children, Michelle and Michael Thomas Ashton.
He is also survived by his stepchildren, Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio, and Ashley Hoye, as well as his grandson Henry, his sisters Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton, and his brother Edward Richard Ashton.
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