Celebrities: the fine line between inspiration and obsession

Imagine having an identical twin who takes an exam in your place when you're unprepared—cool, right? But would you still find it enjoyable if they also took credit for all your achievements and gradually merged their life with yours? We've already discussed mirror friendships and the importance of identity in today's world. A recent article published by State of Mind explores the more complex psychological aspects of being identical twins, such as the frustration of not having a unique individual identity in the eyes of others. The constant presence of an "I-We" dynamic can overshadow the perception of a singular "I," creating an internal echo that makes it difficult to establish personal boundaries. This identity mirroring can be particularly confusing during critical life phases like adolescence, a time when developing an autonomous self is crucial. But what if, all of a sudden, you discovered a hidden twin somewhere in the world who was about to visit you? In reality, there is a widely loved internet phenomenon that evokes this sensation: celebrity lookalikes. We’ve previously discussed doppelgängers, people who, from birth, bear an uncanny resemblance to famous personalities.

The look-alike phenomenon and plastic surgery to resemble celebrities

However, a growing trend reminiscent of Black Mirror is sparking debate: more and more individuals are undergoing plastic surgery to look identical to their favorite celebrities. These procedures are becoming increasingly specific, drastically altering their facial features and physical attributes. But it doesn’t stop there—they also modify their hairstyle, hair color, and even adjust their body weight to mirror their idols' transformations. One of the most notorious cases of celebrity transformation is Toby Sheldon, who spent thousands of dollars on plastic surgery to resemble Justin Bieber. His procedures included facelifts and Botox injections. Other striking examples include Sahar Tabar, who made headlines for her numerous surgeries in an attempt to look like Angelina Jolie, and Pixee Fox, who underwent extreme modifications—including rib removal—to resemble cartoon characters, specifically taking inspiration from Jessica Rabbit.

Paige Neimaan: the case of the Ariana Grande lookalike that sent the web into a frenzy

Have you ever scrolled through social media and stumbled upon a profile that seemed to belong to Ariana Grande, only to realize it was a look-alike? Paige Niemann, with her uncanny resemblance to the pop star, has gone viral, but not without sparking some confusion among fans. Her ability to recreate Ariana's iconic looks, from the Victorious days to her recent successes like Wicked, is truly impressive. But things became more complicated when Paige decided to take her imitation to OnlyFans, triggering a wave of controversies. And as if that wasn’t enough, her recent red carpet appearance at the Companion premiere left everyone stunned—or should we say “terrified”? Paige’s photos, featuring her in a black dress and make-up and hair that closely resemble Ariana's, circulated online, generating comments of awe and even some unease.

The Rise of Paige Niemann: The Celebrity Doppelgänger Phenomenon

According to Mail, Paige Niemann was first compared to Ariana Grande at a playground when she was just 10 years old. Over the years, she capitalized on her similarity to the Hollywood star and began creating content that emphasized her resemblance. The first photo on Niemann's Instagram account dates back to 2017, where she wears a red wig to imitate Cat Valentine, the character she portrayed in Victorious and Sam & Cat.

Between 2018 and 2022, she also replicated Ariana's "brunette phase". Over time, Niemann amassed millions of followers, with 10.3 million followers on TikTok today. In 2019, Ariana herself commented on one of Paige's videos on Twitter: "I just wonder why she chose to use the sound of Cat Valentine. I’m sure she’s the sweetest, so sweet really!! But it’s definitely strange to see people mix my two worlds haha." Today, Paige's case has become one of the most iconic, as she undergoes aesthetic changes to resemble the actress at every stage of her life.

Why Do People Want to Look Like Celebrities? A Psychological Perspective

Recently, videos from Paige's childhood surfaced online, showing that she displayed a kind of obsession with Ariana even as a young girl. In one video, she doesn't just recreate Ariana's hairstyle but shows her room covered in photos and posters of her idol. This made us wonder: what leads people to abandon their own identity in favor of emulating someone else's?

Paige Niemann's case has reignited the debate about how healthy and sustainable it is to alter one's body to resemble a celebrity. Psychologist Sara Cutrale weighs in: "Celebrity imitation on social media is an increasingly common phenomenon that raises many issues. Some people, in fact, don't limit themselves to emulating naturally similar traits but consciously modify their appearance using makeup, hairstyles, weight loss, and even cosmetic procedures just to resemble certain celebrities." The quest for perfect resemblance, fueled by social media, can lead to significant psychological risks, such as identity dysphoria, where the individual may lose their sense of self by constantly living in the reflection of someone else. It can also cause body image disorders, where the need for change stems from deep dissatisfaction that can’t be solved by surgery or make-up.

The Risks of the Doppelganger Career

Although some doppelgängers manage to build careers based on their resemblance, it's a precarious success. "However, this is a career I would mostly define as fragile, as their success depends on external factors, not even related to them, such as the celebrity’s image changing. If the star changes their look, the doppelgänger risks losing their 'role' or having to adapt to the change, which can be very stressful," Cutrale explains. “Also, public interest can wane, and it's important to remember that these individuals aren't building careers based on personal talents, but on a resemblance that may not last forever."

The reasons behind someone pursuing this path are many: some seek attention and validation on social media, where fame is rewarded; others are genuinely fascinated by the celebrity and want to incorporate their identity into their own. There are also financial motivations—those who resemble a star can make money by attending events or doing sponsorships. However, this pursuit of imitation may hide deep insecurities.

The impact on impersonators and original celebrities

The impact is not only felt by the doppelgängers but also by the celebrities themselves, who may react in different ways to the presence of their look-alikes. Some find it funny or harmless, while others see it as an intrusive disruption of their public image. There may be a sense of unease, as seeing an almost identical version of oneself can feel like being “replicated,” losing one’s uniqueness. Another potential problem is the distortion of fan interactions, as followers might confuse the doppelgänger with the star, spreading false information. Ariana Grande, for example, has expressed discomfort with how Paige Niemann replicates her image and expressions, finding it unsettling and even reductive compared to her true personality.

Psychologist Cutrale emphasizes the importance of being aware of the manipulation on social media and valuing individuality, rewarding authentic and personal content. "We must always remember and be aware of the manipulation that social media entails, because not everything we see is authentic. Moreover, we should never forget to value individuality and, instead of rewarding people who want to resemble a celebrity, we should give space to more personal and authentic content. The trend of celebrity doppelgängers is a reflection of the power that image and fame hold in the digital age. On one hand, it shows how social media creates new career opportunities, but on the other, it highlights the risks of a society that rewards appearance over individuality. The fundamental question remains: how far can one live as 'someone else' without losing oneself?" The case of Paige Niemann shows the positive and negative sides of the celebrity look-alike phenomenon. While the web offers unprecedented opportunities for those who can exploit their image, it also reminds us how important it is to maintain one's own identity. The advice for those who follow these phenomena? Admire, but without losing sight of one's authenticity.