Celebrity lookalike contests have blossomed recently, igniting excitement and creativity across various cities around the globe. This year, following the viral Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest held recently in New York City, similar events have sprung up, celebrating the likeness of other A-list stars like Harry Styles and Zayn Malik. Each competition showcases fans—some of whom dress up and passionately embody their favorite celebrities—often with comedic flair.
On November 9, 2024, London’s Soho Square buzzed with energy as doppelgangers of Harry Styles gathered to strut their stuff for the chance to win £50. Social media played a pivotal role, with journalist Katrina Mirpuri, the contest organizer, sharing flyers around the city, piquing interest and anticipation. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is so cool’ seeing the excitement generated over Chalamet. We needed to one-up them,'” Mirpuri enthused, reflecting on the initial inspiration behind the Styles event.
Meanwhile, the event itself was not just about picking the best lookalike; it evolved to include categories like best style, hair, overall lookalike, and even the ‘worst lookalike.’ While the grand prize was £50, winners of other categories took home beer, wine, and haircare products—adding extra layers of fun and competition to the atmosphere.
Not all contestants shared facial similarities with Styles, but the whimsy of it all was ever-present. Hilarious mixes of interpretations emerged, from the blonde “Harry” to unexpected variations like “Daddy Harry,” which elicited laughter from the crowd. Styles’ own hits rang out through Soho Square, leading to impromptu singalongs from fans and supporters alike.
Across the Atlantic, on October 27, 2024, chaos erupted during another lively lookalike contest featuring Timothée Chalamet at Washington Square Park, NY. Just as the frenzy peaked, the actor himself arrived, surprising fans and contestants alike, providing spirited moments as he began signing autographs.
This contest developed more drama than expected, with police attempting to disperse the growing crowd. “This is an unlawful gathering without permits,” police reportedly signaled to attendees. Still, many persisted, gathering still at nearby Mercer Playground for more festivities. One unfortunate contestant even found themselves handcuffed, leading to chants from the crowd urging for their release.
What started as fun competitions emerged as platforms for camaraderie among fans and participants. “I think it gives you as viewers some peace of mind, knowing these stars aren’t perfect; they have doppelgangers like you living normal lives,” Reed Putnam, another lookalike, shared. He mentioned how he’d driven seven hours from Ogdensburg to join the NY contest, gaining some fame of his own.
Chalamet’s surprise appearance garnered extensive media coverage, drawing comparisons to how other celebrity lookalikes are not just mimicking appearances but also embodying the essence of their Hollywood heroes. Following Chalamet’s unexpected drop-in, public interest suddenly spiked, setting the stage for the rise of lookalike contests.
Then there’s Paul Mescal, the star from Normal People, who had his own lookalike contest held shortly after Chalamet’s. Dublin’s Smithfield Square erupted with participation as fans entered to imitate Mescal’s signature casual style. Joyfully donning gym shorts and hoodies, participants stopped traffic and drew attention as lively DJ Marcus O’Laiore remarked, “We’re certainly in a Paul Mescal era!”
A unique twist on lookalike contests emerged when the prize for the Zayn Malik lookalike competition announced to happen on November 17, 2024, included free tattoos as awards, pushing the boundaries of prizes even more creatively. Located just hours from Brooklyn, this event highlighted yet another dimension of fandom where the personalization of the experience took center stage.
Timothée and styles’ recent events have paved the way for what seems to be the next big trend—tapping the rich vein of celebrity admiration to create memorable, albeit offbeat, gatherings. Each contest, blending elements of fashion, comedy, and community, encourages participants to express their fandom through creativity and good humor. Clearly, the lookalike dominance sweeping through cities isn’t just about resembling the celebrities. It’s about the shared joy of connecting through humor, spontaneity, and cultural admiration.
With this playful spirit driving events worldwide, fans can expect more contests celebrating their favorite stars. It’s safe to say we haven’t seen the end of lookalike competitions; who knows who will be next?
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