Celebrity Lookalike Contests: The Rise of Fun, absurd, and Joyful Competitions
Celebrity Lookalike Contests Rise in Popularity
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In late October, a new trend emerged: celebrity lookalike contests. This began in New York with a Timothee Chalamet lookalike event. Many lookalikes appeared in Washington Square Park to compete for a small trophy and a $50 cash prize. The event attracted large crowds, resulted in four arrests, and even saw Chalamet himself in attendance.
Since then, similar contests have popped up worldwide. In Dublin, fans aimed to prove they resembled Paul Mescal. Alternatively, in Chicago, lookalikes of Jeremy Allen White vied for $50 and cigarettes. San Francisco hosted a Dev Patel lookalike contest, drawing in a mix of handsome South Asian men and women.
New Zealand plans its contest next, scheduled for November 30 at Auckland’s Mission Bay. Participants will compete to be the best Jason Momoa lookalike, with a prize of $1,000.
These contests play on the idea of celebrity culture. Thomas Watts, an AUT communications lecturer, notes that impersonators have existed for a long time. However, lookalike contests are simpler; they just require a resemblance.
Watts explains that these events are popular because they are fun and easy to understand. Contestants either look like the celebrity or they don’t. This simplicity and the element of competition makes it entertaining for the audience.
The Joy of Competition
Celebrity lookalike contests bring people together for low-stakes entertainment. Watts argues that they provide a silly, engaging way to compete. Participants face challenges that create excitement and emotional investment for the audience, despite the outcomes being inconsequential to daily life.
Criteria for judging remains a mystery. What makes one person more like Jason Momoa than another? Factors could include hair, size, or even tattoos.
An Imbalance in Celebrity Choices
Most lookalike contests feature male celebrities, with a notable exception being a small Zendaya contest in Oakland. Watts mentions that this discrepancy may stem from discomfort in judging female lookalikes due to beauty standards, leading to feelings of objectification.
Future of Lookalike Contests
Watts predicts these contests may peak soon. They might lose their charm if they become corporate events instead of organic, fan-driven gatherings. He refers to the initial viral nature of online trends, noting that when big companies step in, public interest often wanes.
Public Spectacle and Community Engagement
The rise of these contests resembles the early exposure of flash mobs. Both involve organized events that create excitement in public spaces. Spectators often show curiosity about the competition, making it enjoyable for everyone involved.
In conclusion, celebrity lookalike contests enable everyday people to engage with celebrity culture in a lively way. They are a fun outlet for fans to connect and celebrate their likeness to beloved stars.