In the world of talent competitions, where aspirations are fulfilled or shattered, Dakota Striplin stands out by declaring that he is the grandson of the legendary Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. While performing “Love Me Tender” on The Voice, he sings to both the audience and judges with a new version that brings to mind his rumored ancestry with each note.
From the moment Dakota starts playing his guitar and singing with his ethereal voice, he mesmerizes everyone in the room. Impacted deeply, the judge quickly swivels her chair and places her hand on her chest. Another person, unable to resist the charm of his show, proclaims, “I must see what is happening here,” and quickly does the same, flipping her chair in agreement. At the end of the song, the judges are amazed by both his singing talent and his skill with instruments.
The judges are curious and ask about his song choice and inspiration. Dakota discloses that Elvis Presley has been his inspiration for a long time. Sharing stories from his family’s past, he tells of his grandmother’s love for going to see Elvis perform, leading to a lighthearted suggestion that he could possibly be related to the King, drawing laughter from the judges who comment on their similarities. Further exploring his story, Dakota reveals the mysterious history surrounding his heritage. Despite his father’s silence, Dakota’s grandmother, who has a strong connection to Elvis’s legacy, plays a key role in the story. Dakota’s assertion is made more interesting by her participation in Elvis’s performances in Hawaii, as well as her deep sorrow over his death.
The discovery of DNA results, undermining his supposed biological father’s claim, raises suspicions that Dakota might actually be.
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