Is Jacob Elordi's Singing Voice in Priscilla Authentic?

Several actors have portrayed Elvis Presley on the big screen over the years, including Jacob Elordi in Priscilla. After watching the movie, many wonder if the star is actually singing in the project or if someone else provided his singing voice. The 2023 biographical drama film, directed, written, and produced by Sofia Coppola, is based on Priscilla Presley's memoir Elvis and Me. Whereas many Elvis biopics are told from the King of Rock and Roll's point of view, Coppola's movie tells Priscilla's side of the story, with the real-life ex-wife of Elvis serving as an executive producer on the project.

Elordi's Elvis wasn't the focus of Priscilla, so several aspects important to his character that are typically shown in biographical films were missing in the 2023 drama. However, that doesn't mean that Elvis wasn't heard singing at all over the course of the movie. One particular scene in Priscilla features a recording of Elvis singing. The only question that remains is whether it was Elordi behind the voice or if another performer had to step in to record the song.

Jacob Elordi Did Sing As Elvis Presley In Priscilla

Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi) and Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) pose together for a photoshot in Priscilla. - Jacob Elordi Did Sing As Elvis Presley In Priscilla

One scene in Priscilla portrays Elvis and Priscilla listening to some of the singer's demo records in his home office. However, when Elvis seeks her opinion on the song and she offers honest feedback, he becomes upset and hurls a chair against the wall near Priscilla's head, revealing the volatile nature of their relationship. This scene also serves as a preview of Elordi's rendition of the iconic performer's singing voice in the 2023 biopic. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Elordi shared his approach to the role:

"I am fortunate to naturally fall into [Elvis'] vocal range. However, my goal was to imagine how he would sound in private, as everyone has a different voice when performing versus speaking."

Elvis had a very distinct voice, which, combined with his skills onstage and catchy tunes, turned him into one of the most iconic and celebrated musical artists in history.

So, trying to emulate the King of Rock and Roll's voice would be daunting for anyone, but Elordi seemingly did it with ease. As a result, many praised Elordi for his performance as Elvis in Priscilla, even though the actor technically couldn't sing any of Elvis' actual songs.

Why Priscilla Couldn't Use Elvis Presley's Real Songs

Elvis (Jacob Elordi) in Priscilla. - Why Priscilla Couldn't Use Elvis Presley's Real Songs

Sofia Coppola faced challenges in including Elvis Presley's songs in her film Priscilla due to branding and music rights issues. Despite reaching out to Elvis Presley Enterprises for permission, the director was denied the use of his music for her 2023 biographical drama. As a result, Coppola had to find alternative ways to create the soundtrack, which included incorporating Jacob Elordi's singing in the absence of Elvis' discography.

Jacob Elordi's performance in Priscilla earned him a nomination for Drama Movie Star of the Year at the 2024 People's Choice Awards. However, he ultimately lost out to Jenna Ortega for her role in Scream VI.

Source: Vanity Fair,

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes details of "Priscilla," a biographical drama that explores the life of Elvis Presley from the perspective of his ex-wife. The focus on Jacob Elordi's portrayal of Elvis and his ability to sing in the film is particularly captivating. It's fascinating to learn that Elordi's vocal range naturally aligns with Elvis's, and that he approached the role with a unique understanding of how Elvis's voice would differ in private settings.

The article also sheds light on the challenges faced by the film's director, Sofia Coppola, in acquiring the rights to Elvis Presley's music. The fact that she was denied permission to use his songs underscores the complex legal and financial considerations that can arise in biographical films. Despite this obstacle, Coppola found creative ways to incorporate Jacob Elordi's singing into the soundtrack, demonstrating the film's commitment to authenticity while also showcasing Elordi's talent as a performer.