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!
Impoverished Elderly Man Steps Outside One Morning and Finds a Luxury Vehicle Replacing His Old Car
Gregory waved his hand dismissively. “Look at this, Cynthia,” he said, showing her the envelope he had found on their front porch. “There were car keys inside the envelope and our old car is gone! Look over there,” he added, pointing outdoors where he had parked his old car last night. “That’s a brand new car! Who could have done this? What should I do now?”
“And there’s no note inside or anything indicating who sent this?” Cynthia asked, confused.
“I already double-checked the envelope. There is none! What do we—”
Before Gregory could finish his sentence, the honk of a car cut him off. When he looked out of the front door, he saw his old car parked in front of his house and a man stepping out of it.
Gregory’s eyes teared when he saw who the man was. “Oh my goodness! He kept his promise, Cynthia!” he said, turning to face her. Cynthia was smiling as if she knew this was going to happen.
The man gave Gregory a warm hug. “How have you been, Gregory? It’s been some time, hasn’t it?”
“Jack? Oh, I can’t believe this…I’m quite good, dear. How are you? And please tell me you did not do this!” he cried, hugging him back.
“I had to, Gregory. After what you did for me…I mean, who shows such kindness these days? And you can’t blame me for it completely. Mrs. Smith helped me carry out the plan….” he said, smiling.
“I clearly didn’t take him seriously! But now that I see that shiny new car standing outside our door, I regret it.”
“Honestly, I tried to refuse him, darling,” Cynthia told Gregory. “But this boy wouldn’t listen to me! And it was so hard to play along! I.m terrible at acting, aren’t I?” she asked, scrunching her nose, and Jack laughed.
“I don’t think so, Mrs. Smith!”
Gregory shook his head repeatedly. “So this old man was being played and he had no clue? Oh, what do I even say….”
Both Cynthia and Jack laughed. “Alright, alright, enough talking,” Cynthia finally said. “Now, because Jack has come all the way here for us, we can’t just let him go. Come in and join us for breakfast, Jack, and there is no need to go to the store, Gregory. We have groceries that will last at least a week…It was all part of the plan,” she chuckled as she walked inside, Jack close behind her.
As everyone sat at the dining table, Cynthia served breakfast and Jack began to recall his first encounter with Gregory. Cynthia knew bits and pieces of their story, but she wasn’t aware of the entire episode.
“So three weeks ago, Mrs. Simpson,” Jack began. “I met your husband at the airport. I was meant to fly the same flight as him to see my wife. She was in labor and I was very worried. In my anxiety, I didn’t realize I got the date wrong on my ticket. It was for the next day. I only realized it while checking in.
“Because there were no more seats available that day, Gregory offered me his ticket and said, ‘Boy, you NEED to be with your wife! Use my ticket and I’ll use yours.”
“Okay,” Cynthia said slowly, nodding. “I know about the ticket swap. But what about the cars? I’m still wondering what this car exchange has to do with anything….”
Gregory chuckled. “That’s another interesting part…Before we went to the check-in, Jack and I had met in the waiting room. We were casually talking, honey, and I mentioned that we were still paying off loans, so we can’t afford a new car, and how our old one is giving us problems… After we exchanged tickets, this boy said, ‘Today we switched tickets; in a few weeks, we’ll exchange cars, that’s a promise!’
“I clearly didn’t take him seriously! But now that I see that shiny new car parked outside our door, I regret telling him we wanted a new car. Before departing, he took my address, and look what he’s done! We can’t keep it, Jack. We value your intentions, but this is unnecessary, boy…”
Cynthia nodded. “Gregory is right. We won’t be able to keep the car. I didn’t think much when you met with me yesterday and told me about this whole surprise, but I regret saying yes. Please, this isn’t necessary….”
But Jack shook his head. “Trust me; it’s nothing in return for what you did. Because of your husband, I got to be with my wife and baby. Please, I would feel bad if you turned down my present. I insist….”
Gregory and Cynthia couldn’t say no to Jack. They accepted the car, but Jack’s generosity did not end there. He was aware that after Gregory retired, he and Cynthia were struggling to pay off their loans, and as a result, they’d been unable to complete their house repairs.
So Jack took care of it for them. And one day, he came to visit them with his wife and baby daughter.
While they live in different cities, the Smiths feel like they’ve become a blended family with Jack. The young man checks on them every now and then and makes sure they don’t miss out on anything, especially after learning the old couple didn’t have any children of their own.
What can we learn from this story?
Kindness never goes unrewarded. Gregory offered his plane ticket to Jack so he could be with his pregnant wife, and in return, he and Cynthia received so much love and respect from Jack that they had not even thought of. Jack was like a son to them and cared for their smallest needs.
Help someone whenever and in whatever way you can. Gregory could offer Jack his ticket to help him, and he did that. In return, he and his wife were blessed with the love of a son they never had.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
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