Madonna impersonator

A Madonna impersonator is a performer who imitates the American singer-songwriter Madonna. Since at least the mid-1980s, both professional and dedicated impersonators have been active, often categorized as tribute acts. Demand for these performers has been notable, with some appearing before crowds of thousands and touring multiple countries, as reported by various media outlets. Well-known Madonna impersonators include Chris America, Denise Bella Vlasis, and Venus D-Lite. Other impressionists, such as Tracey Bell, Charlie Hides, and Véronic DiCaire, have included Madonna in their acts, while Nadya Ginsburg and Alejandra Bogue have performed Madonna-inspired monologues.

The first impersonations of Madonna emerged from her fans, primarily young women, who copied and emulated her style as early as 1985, with thousands doing so worldwide. This trend was later called the "Madonna wannabe" phenomenon. Prominent look-alike contests drew press coverage; one example, organized by Macy's in 1985, featured judges including Andy Warhol and Nina Blackwood. The winner, a 16-year-old girl, gained brief national fame as "the best Madonna look-alike," according to MTV. Over the years, impersonations have been documented within her fandom through fan conventions, tours, themed parties, competitions, and TV shows.

In the early 2000s, J. Randy Taraborrelli described Madonna as "one of the most emulated female performers in show business history." At one point, American journalist Ricardo Baca estimated her as the most imitated woman in the world. The Guinness World Records registered 440 people as the largest gathering dressed as Madonna at a single event in 2014.

Madonna's early years inspired many fans to dress like her. The Madonna wannabe frenzy even led some retailers to open clothing departments based on her style. "Look-a-like Madonnas popped up all over the world," wrote European magazine *Music & Media* in 1985. The Macy's contest, which inaugurated Madonnaland that same year, also had Madonna's stylist Maripol and author Michael McKenzie as judges. Professor Santiago Fouz-Hernandez noted in *Madonna's Drowned Worlds* (2004) that a roadmap of designers, boutiques, and stylists existed for her emulators, adding that "the list drew a map that any Madonna impersonator, from a professional drag performer to someone merely dressing for a social engagement, could follow.