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In recent weeks, an intriguing trend has taken hold in the UK and US: lookalike competitions, where individuals take the stage to emulate their favorite celebrities. This phenomenon exemplifies a bold move as participants assert their claim to resemble some of the world’s most prominent heartthrobs, including former One Direction member Harry Styles.
This wave of lookalike contests gained momentum following a Timothée Chalamet competition held in New York just three weeks ago, which unexpectedly drew the actor himself. Since then, various similar events have unfolded, featuring hopeful contestants embodying stars like Dev Patel and Paul Mescal, with large crowds gathering for a chance to witness the excitement. The allure of these events lies not only in the chance to achieve fleeting fame but also in the modest cash prizes offered to winners.
‘It was a free event, why wouldn’t I go?’
The idea of celebrity impersonation is hardly a novel concept; shows like “Stars in Their Eyes,” which highlighted amateur lookalikes and their performances, aired successfully for over 16 years. The revival of this concept as “Starstruck” in 2022 illustrates a continued fascination with celebrity culture. However, the current round of competitions appears to specifically spotlight young, attractive males.
Avani Johnson, a participant at the inaugural Timothée Chalamet contest, shared her insight that this newfound trend allows women to take the reins in a playful shift of societal norms. She noted, “Women are relishing the opportunity to objectify men, turning the tables on traditional dynamics.” Additionally, she commented on the comedic elements that these events bring, providing a welcome distraction from the pressures of daily life.
Miles Mitchell, a 20-year-old student who secured the title of best Timothée Chalamet lookalike, recounted how the resemblance was first suggested to him while studying abroad in South Korea. The success of this contest was partly due to its appeal as a free social event during a time when attending outings can be cost-prohibitive for students.
“This was an opportunity to do something a bit quirky and fun,” he remarked, reflecting on the spirit of the competition that even drew attention on social media, with many hailing it as a monumental pop culture event.
‘I entered the contest for publicity’
Oscar Journeaux, a 22-year-old musician, discovered another facet of the competitions; he utilized the Harry Styles lookalike contest in London to cultivate some publicity for his music career. He candidly acknowledged, “The industry is tough to break into, and opportunities like this can be a valuable avenue to gain some recognition.”
Others, like Keenan Gregor, shared similar motivations, expressing a desire to participate in something that might capture attention on social media. Journalist Katrina Mirpuri, who organized the Harry Styles event, remarked on the need for light-heartedness amidst a largely negative news cycle, noting that the turnout surpassed her expectations.
Despite not all contestants bearing a striking resemblance to Harry Styles, the enthusiasm and excitement from the audience highlighted the core purpose of the event—celebrating fun and positivity.
‘I made new friends at the contest’
In San Francisco, Jaipreet Hundal emerged victorious as the most convincing Dev Patel lookalike. He humorously noted that some attendees initially mistook him for the actor himself, showcasing the blurred lines between fantasy and reality in celebrity culture. Jaipreet emphasized the social aspect of these competitions, stating they foster connections among participants and attendees, particularly in a time needing community interaction.
Another competitor, Sudev Namboodiri, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that for many, the experience was less about winning and more about making new friends in a space filled with energy and enthusiasm. After a lengthy and contentious electoral season in the US, he felt events like these offered a necessary reprieve toward collective enjoyment.
‘I don’t get called my real name any more’
In a different part of the country, Julyus Odreman, who has spent years being compared to Zayn Malik, shared his experiences of having his identity overshadowed by the resemblance. He humorously recounted past encounters, including needing to impersonate Malik for an excited child. Ahead of his own lookalike competition, he expressed the unique fun that such events bring to communities, emphasizing their role in fostering a sense of belonging amidst the chaos of urban life.
Jaz Arnold, the organizer behind the upcoming Zayn Malik lookalike competition, hopes to continue this trend, highlighting its potential as a light-hearted escape from current societal challenges. These events provide a unique backdrop for connection and celebration, with participants and audiences alike craving a break from everyday stressors.
Source
www.bbc.com