Madonna impersonator

{{distinguish|text=Madonna wannabe, a term used also for a person who dresses or acts like Madonna and as a nickname of her fandom}}

File:Madonna's cosplay I.jpg-cosplay at the High Heel Drag Queen Race 2007]]

A Madonna impersonator is an entertainer who impersonates American singer-songwriter Madonna. Professional or dedicated Madonna impersonators have existed since at least the mid-1980s, and were sometimes sorted as "tribute acts". As an established artist, Madonna impersonators have seen a notable demand, many of them performing in front of thousands people and visiting several countries in their professional Madonna career as some media outlets have reported. Notable Madonna impersonators include Chris America, Denise Bella Vlasis and Venus D-Lite. Others impressionists have included Madonna in their repertoire, such as Tracey Bell, Charlie Hides and Véronic DiCaire, while Nadya Ginsburg and Alejandra Bogue dedicated Madonna-inspired monologues.

First impersonations on Madonna started with her fans, mainly young female audience when they copied and emulated her no later than 1985, and which were counted by thousands around the world. This phenomenon was later defined as the "Madonna wannabe". Prominent look-alikes contests were made and received press coverage. An example occurred in 1985 led by Macy's and had Andy Warhol and Nina Blackwood among others as judges. The winner gained nationwide briefly fame as "the best Madonna look-alike" according to MTV. Over the years, impersonations on Madonna have been documented among her fandom, through fan conventions, tours, and themed parties among other cultural manifestations, such as competitions and TV shows.

In early 2000s, J. Randy Taraborrelli considered Madonna as "one of the most emulated female performers in show business history". At some stage of her career, American journalist Ricardo Baca also estimated her as the most imitated woman in the world. Madonna herself, have dedicated the song "She's Not Me" from her 2008 album Hard Candy, which talks about of being emulated by another woman. The world record as the largest gathering of people dressed as Madonna at the same time in a single event is 440, registered in the Guinness World Records in 2014.

Background and origins

File:Rebel Heart tour 2016 - Melbourne 2 (26260458546) (cropped) (cropped) (cropped).jpg-style during the Melbourne gig of the Rebel Heart Tour (2016)]]

Madonna inspired a substantial number of her fans to dress like her in her early years.{{cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235624344|title=The Semiotics of Performance and Success in Madonna|journal=The Journal of Popular Culture|pages=173–195|doi=10.1111/j.1540-5931.2011.00917.x|date=February 2012|access-date=February 7, 2022|last=Prieto-Arranz|first=José Igor|via=Research Gate|volume=45|number=1|url-access=limited}}{{cite web|url=https://www.efeeme.com/placeres-culpables-like-virgin-de-madonna/|title=Placeres culpables: "Like a virgin", de Madonna|work=Efe Eme|date=February 28, 2015|access-date=May 5, 2022|language=es|first=Óscar|last=García Blesa|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150607233526/http://www.efeeme.com/placeres-culpables-like-virgin-de-madonna/|archive-date=June 7, 2015}} The frenzy also called the Madonna wannabe phenomenon, made possible to some retailers opened up clothing departments inspired in her style. "Look-a-like Madonnas popped up all over the world", wrote European magazine Music & Media in 1985.{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1985/M&M-1985-12-23.pdf|title=Madonna: Single selling Artist of the Year (Sire)|magazine=Music & Media|date=December 23, 1985|access-date=May 4, 2022|page=20|volume=2|number=50/52}} One of the most significant contests was made by Macy's when they inaugurated Madonnaland the same year, having Andy Warhol, Madonna's stylist Maripol, MTV contributor Nina Blackwood, and Madonna: Lucky Star author Michael McKenzie as the judges. The winner, a 16-years-old girl, gained nationwide briefly fame as the best Madonna look-alike around according to Nicole Guanlao from MTV.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1586958/madonnas-1985-look-alike-no-longer-rocks-the-lace-gloves-but-shes-still-madges-biggest-fan/|title=Madonna's 1985 look-alike no longer rocks the lace gloves, but she's still madge's biggest fan|publisher=MTV|first=Nicole|last=Guanlao|date=May 6, 2008|access-date=May 2, 2022|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414083150/http://www.mtv.com/news/1586958/madonnas-1985-look-alike-no-longer-rocks-the-lace-gloves-but-shes-still-madges-biggest-fan/}}

Professor Santiago Fouz-Hernandez wrote in Madonna's Drowned Worlds (2004), that for her emulators, there was a roadmap of designers, boutiques, stylists and personal shoppers, further saying "the list drew a map that any Madonna impersonator, from a professional drag performer to someone merely dressing for a social engagement, could follow".{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xiYxDwAAQBAJ|title=Madonna's Drowned Worlds: New Approaches to her Cultural Transformations, 1983-2003|first=Santiago|last=Fouz-Hernandez|access-date=May 2, 2022|url-access=limited|publisher=Routledge|date=2017|orig-date=1st pub. 2004}} Since that year, part-time or full-time Madonna impersonators have existed.

Levels of imitations

=Types and reviews by authors=

File:Nicola Marie N.jpg participant (2012) and tribute act, channeling Madonna at Rotherham Pride parade in 2015]]

Over her decades-long career, Madonna impersonators have been look-alikes, cosplays, sound-alikes also incorporating drag performance, pastiche or parody. Various of her impersonators are tagged as tribute bands and even impressionists. Throughout amateur and other flattery forms, various fans have channeled the singer.

Journals or other authors have dedicated commentaries and analysis, including Australasian gay & lesbian law journal in 1993, and Joanne Garde-Hansen from University of Warwick in her book Media and Memory (2011).{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T9hRAQAAIAAJ|title=David Fraser: Oral sex in the age of deconstruction|journal=Australasian Gay & Lesbian Law Journal|access-date=May 4, 2022|page=13|url-access=limited|volume=3–5}}{{harvnb|Garde-Hansen|2011|page=128}} Justyna Stępień from University of Szczecin, also analyzed Madonna's case of impersonators and tribute bands such as all-males acts, "Mandonna" and "The Madonna". The first band, choose a kitsch representation of Madonna, in their fashion and vocal, which led Stępień to call it a "camp impersonation".{{harvnb|Stępień|2014|page=195–198}} Talking about gender differences, authors of Intercultural Communication: A Reader (2014) illustrated this point using Madonna's case: [A] female impersonator will attempt to look and sound as much like Madonna as possible, to create the illusion of Madonna as a tribute to her talent. The drag queen, on the other hand, will portray an exaggerated version of Madonna, playing with her persona to distort it in humorous or ironic ways.{{harvnb|Samovar|Porter|McDaniel|Roy|2014|page=197}}

=Selected cultural depictions=

File:Johnny Knoxville with a Madonna's impersonator.jpg with a woman channeling the Madonna-Blond Ambition Tour style]]

In 2014, an editor commented she is one of the "classics" female celebrities names who accumulate "numerous" impersonators in U.S contests. Coty Alexander, for example, have appeared in Legends in Concert, Las Vegas' longest-running tribute show according to Los Angeles Times in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/lasvegasnow/la-tr-lvn-las-vegas-shows-legends-in-concert-20150730-story.html|title='Taylor Swift' and 'Frank Sinatra' join 'Legends in Concert' tribute show|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Susan|last=Stapleton|date=July 31, 2015|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228181900/https://www.latimes.com/travel/lasvegas/lasvegasnow/la-tr-lvn-las-vegas-shows-legends-in-concert-20150730-story.html}} In Ibero-America, she has been performed in programs such as Mi nombre es...,{{cite web|url=https://www.soychile.cl/Santiago/Economia-y-Negocios/2012/07/20/106205/Elvis-Presley-y-Madonna-avanzaron-en-Mi-Nombre-es-Vip.aspx|title=Elvis Presley y Madonna avanzaron en Mi Nombre es Vip|publisher=SoyChile|date=July 20, 2017|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301021009/https://www.soychile.cl/Santiago/Economia-y-Negocios/2012/07/20/106205/Elvis-Presley-y-Madonna-avanzaron-en-Mi-Nombre-es-Vip.aspx|language=es}} Buscando una estrella,{{cite web|url=http://www.venevision.com/programa/super-sabado-sensacional/exclusivo-web/rafael-duran-doble-de-madonna-0|title=Rafael Durán - doble de Madonna|publisher=Venevisión|date=November 25, 2014|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301021030/http://www.venevision.com/programa/super-sabado-sensacional/exclusivo-web/rafael-duran-doble-de-madonna-0|language=es}} or both Chilean and Peruvian TV series Yo Soy.{{cite web|url=http://www.chilevision.cl/yo-soy/clasificados/madonna-paso-a-la-siguiente-etapa-de-yo-soy/2019-06-23/220345.html|title=Madonna pasó a la siguiente etapa de Yo Soy|publisher=Chilevisión|date=June 23, 2019|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301021007/http://www.chilevision.cl/yo-soy/clasificados/madonna-paso-a-la-siguiente-etapa-de-yo-soy/2019-06-23/220345.html|language=es}}{{cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/espectaculos/657383-yo-soy-madonna-pedro-suarez-vertiz-y-daddy-yankee-fueron-eliminados/|title=Yo Soy: Madonna, Pedro Suárez Vértiz y Daddy Yankee fueron eliminados|work=La República|date=September 4, 2012|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301021008/https://larepublica.pe/espectaculos/657383-yo-soy-madonna-pedro-suarez-vertiz-y-daddy-yankee-fueron-eliminados/|language=es}} In Tu cara me suena from Spain, she has been imitated multiple times, included performers by Anna Simon, Carolina Ferre, Llum Barrera, Rosa López and Lucía Jiménez.{{cite web|url=https://www.antena3.com/programas/tu-cara-me-suena/batalla-clones/que-imitacion-de-madonna-es-tu-favorita-de-la-historia-de-tu-cara-me-suena_201810035bb46e2b0cf2bf7c01077917.html|title=¿Qué imitación de Madonna es tu favorita de la historia de 'Tu cara me suena'?|publisher=Antena 3|date=March 10, 2018|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301021006/https://www.antena3.com/programas/tu-cara-me-suena/batalla-clones/que-imitacion-de-madonna-es-tu-favorita-de-la-historia-de-tu-cara-me-suena_201810035bb46e2b0cf2bf7c01077917.html|language=es}}

Satirical imitation have been also documented. Actor Joaquín Reyes made a Madonna impersonation at La Hora Chanante, which Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia later included as one of his best imitations on TV.{{cite web|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/television/20180225/441001332855/joaquin-reyes-mejores-imitaciones.html|title=Las seis imitaciones más memorables de Joaquín Reyes en TV|work=La Vanguardia|date=February 25, 2018|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301022735/https://www.lavanguardia.com/television/20180225/441001332855/joaquin-reyes-mejores-imitaciones.html|language=es}} Mexican trans woman performer, Alejandra Bogue ("La Bogue") dedicated a monologue series called No soy Madonna pero soy la Bogue which led to be toured in several theaters around the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.shock.co/orgullo-lgbtiq/la-bogue-la-diva-trans-mexicana-conserva-su-reinado-ie10265|title='La Bogue', la diva trans mexicana conserva su reinado|publisher=Shock|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621075619/https://www.shock.co/orgullo-lgbtiq/la-bogue-la-diva-trans-mexicana-conserva-su-reinado-ie10265|archive-date=June 21, 2020|language=es|date=March 18, 2020}} In 2022, Brazilian performer Michele Da Costa also personified Madonna at Melbourne International Comedy Festival with her show called Like a Virgo.{{cite web|url=https://www.artshub.com.au/news/reviews/theatre-review-like-a-virgo-2589867/|title=Theatre review: Like a Virgo|publisher=Artshub|access-date=November 24, 2022|first=Amy|last=Loughlin|date=October 31, 2022}} Others satirical references, include videos like "Just Lose It" by Eminem or "Like a Surgeon" and "Perform This Way" both by "Weird Al" Yankovic.

A tribute show is also vaguely another form. Spanish actress Claudia Molina was hired to be Madonna in the Spanish tribute show, Remember. Live tribute to Madonna. Although Moline clarified she was an actress, not "a Madonna impersonator".{{cite web|url=https://www.lanuevacronica.com/claudia-molina-yo-soy-actriz-no-una-imitadora-de-madonna|title=Claudia Molina: "Yo soy actriz, no una imitadora de Madonna"|work=La Nueva Crónica|date=November 11, 2019|access-date=May 1, 2022|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229220215/https://www.lanuevacronica.com/claudia-molina-yo-soy-actriz-no-una-imitadora-de-madonna|language=es|first=Joaquín|last=Revuelta}} Advertised events, such as when Tao Group Hospitality opened its restaurant Cathédrale in New York with famed attendees included Indya Moore, G-Eazy and David Arquette, used Madonna impersonators.{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/tao-group-hospitality-celebrates-grand-opening-of-cathedrale/|title=Tao Group Hospitality Celebrates Grand Opening of Cathedrale at Moxy East Village|work=Us Weekly|date=September 13, 2019|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220504005234/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/tao-group-hospitality-celebrates-grand-opening-of-cathedrale/}}

File:Remember tributo a Madonna (19).jpg during the 2019 tribute tour Remember tributo a Madonna]]

Others adopted Madonna as their identity in real life while receiving press coverage. "Madonna Badillo", a travesti woman who adopted Madonna's as her "alter ego" in her life, was a Venezuelan-born LGTB activist living in Maicao, Colombia. She was often called by the press as the "Colombian Madonna" or "Madonna from Maicao".{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2018/04/03/venezolanos-lgbt-encuentran-refugio-en-colombia/|title=Venezolanos LGBT encuentran refugio en Colombia|work=Washington Blade|date=April 3, 2018|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320223130/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2018/04/03/venezolanos-lgbt-encuentran-refugio-en-colombia/|language=es|first=Michael K.|last=Lavers}}{{cite web|url=https://www.diariofrontera.com/noticias/la-madonna-de-colombia-ayuda-a-personas-lgbtq-que-huyen-de-venezuela/|title=La 'Madonna' de Colombia ayuda a personas LGBTQ que huyen de Venezuela|work=Diario Frontera|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320223122/https://www.diariofrontera.com/noticias/la-madonna-de-colombia-ayuda-a-personas-lgbtq-que-huyen-de-venezuela/|language=es|first=Sofía|last=Carada}}{{cite web|url=https://www.elheraldo.co/la-guajira/murio-madonna-mujer-trans-y-defensora-de-los-derechos-de-la-poblacion-lgbt-690816|title=Murió Madonna, mujer trans y defensora de los derechos de la población LGBT|work=El Heraldo|date=December 30, 2019|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215074258/https://www.elheraldo.co/la-guajira/murio-madonna-mujer-trans-y-defensora-de-los-derechos-de-la-poblacion-lgbt-690816|language=es|first=Sandra|last=Guerrero}} A similar case was documented by Pedro Lemebel. In his book Loco afán: crónicas de sidario (1996), referred to "Madonna Mapuche", another travesti who adopted Madonna as their identity.{{harvnb|Lemebel|1997|p=33}} Italian TV personality Paola Barale was sometimes referred to as a Madonna look-alike.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-20-wr-498-story.html|title=Tuning In The Global Village : ‘Wheel’ Making a Fortune : The world’s most popular TV game show symbolizes America’s dominance of the airwaves|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 20, 1995|access-date=February 9, 2024|url-access=subscription|first=Rone|last=Tempest|author-link=Rone Tempest}}

Various other examples were featured in books and noted in films. In 1994, author Frank Ching wrote about a 25-years-old male impersonator in China, called Wang Zheng, in a context of a conservative culture.{{harvnb|Ching|1994|p=47}} Ukrainian activist Ulyana Bostwick as cited in Tatiana Mamonova and Chandra Niles Folsom's book Women's Glasnost Vs. Naglost: Stopping Russian Backlash (1994), talks about a Madonna-lip sync imitator from Latvia called Medea, who received coverage by several foreign and Soviets newspapers, but her appearances as a Madonna impersonator caused her some problems in the conservative Soviet culture of her time.{{harvnb|Mamonova|Folsom|1994|pages=75–76}} William Gibson refers to a pornographic virtual reality program featuring a Madonna impersonator named "McDonna".{{harvnb|Henthorne|2011|p=123}} Films such as Without You I'm Nothing (1990) includes a brief scene of Denise Bella Vlasis as Madonna,{{harvnb|Martin|1997|p=114}} and Like a Virgin (2006) which plot is about a trans woman Madonna impersonator.{{cite web|url=https://www.clarin.com/ediciones-anteriores/grandes-filmes-corea_0_HJoEhWY0pYe.html|title=Cine: Comenzó un ciclo en el teatro San Martín|work=Clarín|date=December 8, 2009|access-date=May 12, 2022|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220512011747/https://www.clarin.com/ediciones-anteriores/grandes-filmes-corea_0_HJoEhWY0pYe.html|language=es}} In Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022), Evan Rachel Wood plays Madonna.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/movies/tiff-2022-evan-rachel-wood-watched-madonna-videos-for-weeks-before-weird-role-exclusive/|title=Evan Rachel Wood Says She Binged Madonna Music Videos for Weeks Before 'Weird' Role: 'She's a Genius'|work=People|date=September 9, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2022|first=Benjamin|last=VanHoose}}

Examples of dedicated Madonna impersonators

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| caption1 = Chris America performing Madonna in the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in 2010

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| caption2 = Verônica Pires performs onstage as Madonna in 2017

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| caption3 = Venus D-Lite at the Augusta Pride 2017

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| caption5 = Jimmy Moore during an interview in 2018, doing Madonna

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| caption6 = Rinaldo Borba in 2019

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The following is a list of notable Madonna impersonators garnering significant press coverage:

Chris America: She began professionally in 1984.{{cite web|url=https://www.revistavanityfair.es/sociedad/celebrities/articulos/hablamos-con-cher-madonna-y-jonny-depp-bueno-no-exactamente/19482|title=Así me gano la vida siendo el doble de una superestrella|work=Vanity Fair|access-date=May 2, 2022|date=September 11, 2016|first=Guillermo|last=Alonso|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228190223/https://www.revistavanityfair.es/sociedad/celebrities/articulos/hablamos-con-cher-madonna-y-jonny-depp-bueno-no-exactamente/19482|language=es}} America has performed as Madonna at venues around the world including the White House and appeared in television programs of hosts like Oprah Winfrey and various documentaries.{{cite web|url=https://news.uams.edu/2016/03/14/madonna-tribute-artist-to-headline-uams-cancer-institutes-rockstar-lounge-april-21/|title=Madonna Tribute Artist to Headline UAMS Cancer Institute's RockStar Lounge April 21|publisher=University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences|access-date=May 1, 2022|date=March 16, 2016|first=Susan|last=Van Dusen|archive-date=May 2, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220502233926/https://news.uams.edu/2016/03/14/madonna-tribute-artist-to-headline-uams-cancer-institutes-rockstar-lounge-april-21/}} In 2013, Meredith Hoffman from DNAinfo called her the world's "top Madonna impersonator"{{cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130816/williamsburg/10th-annual-madonnathon-fill-brooklyn-bowl-with-lace-cone-bras/|title=10th Annual 'Madonnathon' to Fill Brooklyn Bowl with Lace and Cone Bras|work=DNAinfo|access-date=March 6, 2023|date=August 16, 2013|first=Meredith|last=Hoffman|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307030948/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130816/williamsburg/10th-annual-madonnathon-fill-brooklyn-bowl-with-lace-cone-bras/|url-status=dead}}
Denise Bella Vlasis: Denise began her Madonna career professionally in 1985. In 2009, Greek Reporter named her the most successful Madonna impersonator,{{cite web|url=https://hollywood.greekreporter.com/2009/12/11/the-most-famous-madonna-impersonator-is-greek/|title=The Most Famous Madonna Impersonator is Greek!|publisher=Greek Reporter|date=December 1, 2009|access-date=May 2, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228065449/https://hollywood.greekreporter.com/2009/12/11/the-most-famous-madonna-impersonator-is-greek/}} while a contributor in The Florida Times-Union recognized her as "the top Madonna look-alike", also noting her industry forays, including founding the Tribute Productions{{cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2009/02/27/hes-a-celebrity-or-at-least-he-looks-like-one/15994851007/|title=He's a celebrity - or at least he looks like one|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=February 26, 2009|access-date=March 6, 2023|first=Danny|last=Murphy}}
Melissa Totten: She started around 1991 or 1992. In 2013, Totten released a tribute album called Forever Madonna.{{cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/madonna-tribute-artist-melissa-totten-9233399|title=Madonna tribute artist Melissa Totten to perform at Birmingham Pride 2015|work=Birmingham Mail|date=May 11, 2015|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503004347/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/madonna-tribute-artist-melissa-totten-9233399|first=David|last=Bentley}} In 2012, The Indian Express referred to her as "arguably the best Madonna impersonator in the world".{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the-other-madonna/986193/|title=The Other Madonna|work=The Indian Express|date=August 10, 2012|access-date=May 2, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503004242/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the-other-madonna/986193/|first=Suanshu|last=Khurana}} As of 2011, she visited more than 30 countries and performed front a 2 million attendance.{{cite web|url=https://www.laopinioncoruna.es/contraportada/2011/08/28/melissa-totten-durante-horas-dia-madonna-propia-madonna/526325.html|title=Melissa Totten: "Durante dos horas al día soy más Madonna que la propia Madonna"|work=La Opinión A Coruña|date=August 25, 2012|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228061607/https://www.laopinioncoruna.es/contraportada/2011/08/28/melissa-totten-durante-horas-dia-madonna-propia-madonna/526325.html|first=Vanessa|last=Sánchez|language=es}} Sometimes, Totten replaced Madonna in official events and acted as her "official double"{{cite web|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/08/24/baleares/1314200949.html|title=La doble de Madonna lleva al Auditorium un musical sobre la cantante|work=El Mundo|date=August 25, 2012|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228061607/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/08/24/baleares/1314200949.html|author=EFE|language=es}}
Coty Alexander: According to Legends in Concert, her Madonna portrayal has been recognized by media outlets such as MTV, Travel Channel, Los Angeles Times and The New York Times among others.{{cite web|url=https://legendsinconcert.com/performers/madonna-landing-page/madonna-coty-alexander/|title=Madonna, performed by: Coty Alexander|publisher=Legends in Concert|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503214306/https://legendsinconcert.com/performers/madonna-landing-page/madonna-coty-alexander/|archive-date=May 3, 2022|url-status=live}} In 2023, The Daily News touted her as "one of the most sought-after Madonna tributes in the United States"{{cite web|url=https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/lifestyles/entertainment/2023/02/madonna-tribute-at-the-island-resort/|title=Madonna tribute at the Island Resort|work=The Daily News|access-date=March 6, 2023|date=February 23, 2023}}
"Carolina Baily" (b. Elías Figueroa): Is a cross-dresser Madonna look-alike impersonator. He is known as the "official" Chilean Madonna double.{{cite web|url=http://www.economiaynegocios.cl/noticias/noticias.asp?id=494908|title="Los que somos fans le vamos a aguantar todos los caprichos a la reina"|work=El Mercurio|access-date=April 30, 2021|date=August 11, 2018|language=es|first=Sofía|last=Maluenda|archive-date=June 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621164451/http://www.economiaynegocios.cl/noticias/noticias.asp?id=494908}} According to The West Australian, he started professionally since 2001.{{cite web|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/madonna-lookalike-is-actually-a-man-ng-ya-241503|title=Madonna lookalike is actually a man|work=The West Australian|access-date=May 3, 2021|date=August 12, 2009|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503012802/https://thewest.com.au/news/madonna-lookalike-is-actually-a-man-ng-ya-241503}} Baily gained nationwide attention after Madonna's first concert in Chile, Sticky & Sweet Tour in 2008, and quickly received the attention of international outlets such as Rolling Stone, Daily Mail or The Sun as well.{{cite web|url=https://www.lacuarta.com/cronica/noticia/british-rallan-la-papa-con-madonna-chilena/24234/|title=British rallan la papa con Madonna chilena|work=La Cuarta|access-date=May 3, 2021|date=July 15, 2009|language=es|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228061609/https://www.lacuarta.com/cronica/noticia/british-rallan-la-papa-con-madonna-chilena/24234/}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eldia.com.bo/index.php?cat=368&pla=3&id_articulo=38282|title=Un hombre hace de doble de Madonna|work=El Día|access-date=May 3, 2021|date=July 25, 2010|language=es|archive-date=June 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621071502/https://www.eldia.com.bo/index.php?cat=368&pla=3&id_articulo=38282}} Around this time, he had weekly performances up to three times in front of crowds of up to 20,000
"Venus D-Lite" (b. Adam Guerra): Media outlets such as MTV and VH1 have called Guerra the number one Madonna impersonator{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-wknd-et-venus-dlite-20170427-story.html|title='Drag Race' ex-contestant hung up on playing Madonna now has a business plan|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 27, 2017|access-date=May 2, 2022|archive-date=May 2, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220502232810/https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-wknd-et-venus-dlite-20170427-story.html|first=Margherita|last=Beale|url-access=subscription}}
Rinaldo Borba: A male impersonator, according to La Stampa is the official Madonna cosplayer in Brazil.{{cite web|url=https://www.lastampa.it/torino/2015/11/19/news/aspettando-madonna-barricata-in-hotel-1.35208453/|title=Aspettando Madonna "barricata" in hotel|work=La Stampa|date=November 19, 2015|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503014933/https://www.lastampa.it/torino/2015/11/19/news/aspettando-madonna-barricata-in-hotel-1.35208453/|language=it|first=Cristina|last=Insalaco}} He started in the late 1990s{{cite web|url=https://www.diariodaregiao.com.br/_conteudo/2018/08/cultura/danca/1119178-sesc-rio-preto-recebe-cosplay-da-cantora-madonna.html|title=Sesc Rio Preto recebe cosplay da cantora Madonna|work=Diário da Região|date=November 19, 2015|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=June 22, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200622071500/https://www.diariodaregiao.com.br/_conteudo/2018/08/cultura/danca/1119178-sesc-rio-preto-recebe-cosplay-da-cantora-madonna.html|language=pt|first=Beto|last=Carlomagno}}
Verônica Pires: Official Brazilian impersonator approved by Warner. She started her Madonna professional career in 1990{{cite web|url=https://radiojornal.ne10.uol.com.br/noticia/2018/08/25/cover-oficial-de-madonna-no-brasil-confessa-que-nunca-conseguiu-chegar-perto-da-cantora-60408|title=Cover oficial de Madonna no Brasil confessa que nunca conseguiu chegar perto da cantora|work=Rádio Jornal|date=August 25, 2018|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=June 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622061415/https://radiojornal.ne10.uol.com.br/noticia/2018/08/25/cover-oficial-de-madonna-no-brasil-confessa-que-nunca-conseguiu-chegar-perto-da-cantora-60408|language=pt}}{{cite web|url=https://g1.globo.com/Noticias/Musica/0,,MUL784573-7085,00-COVERS+DE+MADONNA+TEM+AGENDA+CONCORRIDA+ANTES+DA+CHEGADA+DA+CANTORA.html|title=Madonna covers have a busy schedule before the singer's arrival|publisher=Grupo Globo|date=July 10, 2008|access-date=March 7, 2023|language=pt|first=Luciana|last=Bonadio}}
Jimmy Moore: Moore debuted in the industry personifying Madonna, although expanded his catalog of personifications.{{cite web|url=https://www.lavoixdelest.ca/2021/08/31/jimmy-moore-artiste-a-choix-multiple-video-9e25b1bc5a6f4c8511462c834b4a2c49|title=Jimmy Moore, artiste à choix multiple|work=La Voix de l'Est|access-date=March 6, 2023|date=August 31, 2021|language=fr|first=Olivier|last=Pierson}} He has recorded approval from singer's inner circle, like her manager Guy Oseary.{{cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/famed-montreal-madonna-impersonator-jimmy-moore-gets-thumbs-up-from-madges-inner-circle|title=Famed Montreal Madonna impersonator Jimmy Moore gets thumbs up from Madge's inner circle|work=Montreal Gazette|access-date=May 3, 2022|date=September 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229005641/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/famed-montreal-madonna-impersonator-jimmy-moore-gets-thumbs-up-from-madges-inner-circle|archive-date=February 29, 2020}} In 2012, Montreal Gazette headlined him as a "Fame Montreal Madonna impersonator", while another website called him the best Madonna impersonator{{cite web|url=http://www.qfq.com/article&ID=113762|title=Jimmy Moore personnifie "Madonna : The Confessions Tour"|publisher=Qui fait Quoi|access-date=March 6, 2023|language=fr}}
Tasha Leaper: Leaper, from United Kingdom, defined herself a tribute act, rather than an impersonator. In 2019, Rachel Lopez from Hindustan Times named her "one of the most recognisable Madonna impersonators",{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/madonna-dances-like-me-my-husband-says/story-l5doaFF17KEE2pBYgv8BdL.html|title='Madonna dances like me, my husband says'|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=May 3, 2022|date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401085303/https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/madonna-dances-like-me-my-husband-says/story-l5doaFF17KEE2pBYgv8BdL.html|archive-date=April 1, 2020|first=Rachel|last=Lopez}} while Carlos Sala from La Razón referred to her as "Madonna's most recognized impersonator"{{cite web|url=https://www.larazon.es/local/cataluna/llega-la-era-de-los-impersonators-AL13091302/|title=Llega la era de los "impersonators"|work=La Razón|access-date=May 3, 2022|date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200622060015/https://www.larazon.es/local/cataluna/llega-la-era-de-los-impersonators-AL13091302/|archive-date=June 22, 2020|first=Carlos|last=Sala|language=es}}
"Miss Madonna" (b. Jodie Jackson) According to The Guardian she started in 2009, and Jackson identifies herself more a tribute act rather than a look-alike. The same publication, in their 2022 article, describes she found "success", and in 2013, she was recognized in her industry as UK's number one Madonna tribute by The Agents' Association of Great Britain{{cite web|url=https://www.quinnartistes.com/acts/madonna-tribute-act-jodie-based-in-hull/|title=Madonna tribute act jodie is brilliant soundalike and lookalike!|publisher=Quinnartistes.com|access-date=May 5, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220505212313/https://www.quinnartistes.com/acts/madonna-tribute-act-jodie-based-in-hull/|archive-date=May 5, 2022|date=June 10, 2006}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jul/03/double-take-the-weird-and-wonderful-world-of-celebrity-lookalikes|title=Double take: the weird and wonderful world of celebrity lookalikes|work=The Guardian|access-date=March 7, 2023|first=Francisco|last=Garcia|date=July 3, 2022}}
"Queerdonna" (b. Greg Tanian): Drag Madonna impersonator knew in the New York nightlife of the 1990s and for his "super-sized" 400-plus-pound weight. American journalist Michael Musto commented that "Queerdonna proves that anyone can be Madonna and, conversely, that Madonna is in everyone"{{cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/1999/08/17/ny-mirror-69/|title=NY Mirror|first=Michael|last=Musto|date=August 17, 1999|work=The Village Voice|access-date=April 30, 2022|author-link=Michael Musto|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225235223/https://www.villagevoice.com/1999/08/17/ny-mirror-69/}}
"Beardonna": (a portmanteau of slang word bear and Madonna) is a satirical impersonation of Madonna made by Rob Donadio.{{cite web|url=https://www.townshipjournal.com/entertainment/triversity-s-got-talent-BJ931232|title=TriVersity's got talent!|work=Township Journal|access-date=May 5, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220505205813/https://www.townshipjournal.com/entertainment/triversity-s-got-talent-BJ931232|archive-date=May 5, 2022|date=February 25, 2020|first=France Ruth|last=Harrismilford}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boyculture.com/boy_culture/2015/06/index.html|title=173 posts from June 2015|publisher=BoyCulture|access-date=May 5, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220505210613/https://www.boyculture.com/boy_culture/2015/06/index.html|archive-date=May 5, 2022|date=2018}} Beardonna has received press citations by media outlets such as Asbury Park Press (AAP) and Philadelphia magazine, for his Madonna personification or tribute shows such as "Like a Bear"{{cite web|url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/events/2014/08/15/asbury-park-bear-weekend-brings-bigs/14125429/|title=Asbury Park Bear Weekend brings in the bigs|work=Asbury Park Press|access-date=March 6, 2023|first=Chris|last=Jordan|date=August 15, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/07/31/gay-philly-nightlife-august-2015/|title=17 Gay Philly Nightlight Events for August 2015|work=Philadelphia|access-date=March 6, 2023|first=Bryan|last=Buttler|date=July 31, 2015}}
Sandra Amato: From Argentina, she was described by national newspaper La Nación in 1996, as an "apocryphal" and "very vernacular" version of Madonna.{{cite web|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/espectaculos/el-show-estuvo-en-la-calle-nid167183|title=El show estuvo en la calle|work=La Nación|access-date=May 3, 2022|date=January 21, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229021444/https://www.lanacion.com.ar/espectaculos/el-show-estuvo-en-la-calle-nid167183|archive-date=February 29, 2020}} In 2019, she was part of the TV special program Dobles de por vida by Telefe Noticias{{cite web|url=https://telefenoticias.com.ar/informes-especiales/dobles-de-por-vida/|title=Dobles de por vida|work=Telefe Noticias|access-date=May 3, 2022|date=November 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228190758/https://telefenoticias.com.ar/informes-especiales/dobles-de-por-vida/|archive-date=February 28, 2020}}
"Diana Groissman" (b. Pablo Moscoso): Chilean cross-dresser Madonna impersonator, whom started in the late-1990s.{{cite web|url=https://www.lacuarta.com/cronica/noticia/diana-groissman-fanaticos-lloran-porque-creen-que-soy-la-verdadera-madonna/121448/|title=Diana Groissman: "Fanáticos lloran porque creen que soy la verdadera Madonna"|work=La Cuarta|access-date=May 4, 2022|date=August 29, 2008|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220504010727/https://www.lacuarta.com/cronica/noticia/diana-groissman-fanaticos-lloran-porque-creen-que-soy-la-verdadera-madonna/121448/|archive-date=May 4, 2022|language=es|first=Claudio|last=Sanz S.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.revistacloset.cl/web/2018/10/15/realizaran-tributo-a-diana-groissman-la-madonna-chilena/|title=Realizarán tributo a Diana Groissman, la Madonna chilena|publisher=Revista Closet|access-date=May 4, 2022|date=October 15, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220504010734/http://www.revistacloset.cl/web/2018/10/15/realizaran-tributo-a-diana-groissman-la-madonna-chilena/|archive-date=May 4, 2022|language=es}} He performed in several locations in Chile, and also in Argentina, and appeared in advertisements
Johni Ray: According to a 1995 article from Nevada she started around 1987. At the time of that publication, she had visited 15 countries{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lgaDpBlEI8gC|title=Material Girl|date=1995|magazine=Nevada|access-date=March 2, 2022|page=118}}{{cite web|url=http://www.classicbands.com/JohniRayInterview.html|title=Gary James' Interview With Madonna Tribute Artist Johni Ray|publisher=Classic Bands|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414155957/http://www.classicbands.com/JohniRayInterview.html|archive-date=April 14, 2016}}
Lisa Antoinette: Madonna impersonator from the United Kingdom, was voted in her native country as "the best female pop star look-alike in the United Kingdom" according to a 2006 article of The Malta Independent{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2006-06-10/local-news/Madonna-Tribute-show-on-16-June-92574|title=Madonna Tribute show on 16 June|work=The Malta Independent|access-date=May 5, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220505211527/https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2006-06-10/local-news/Madonna-Tribute-show-on-16-June-92574|archive-date=May 5, 2022|date=June 10, 2006}}
Kelly Michaels: According to Sherilyn Connelly of SF Weekly, Kelly is known "as one of the better Madonna impersonators in the late '80s". She received media citations by publications like Icelandic newspaper Tíminn in 1991,{{cite web|url=https://timarit.is/page/4065590#page/n12/mode/2up|title=Madonna hefur nád tökum á honum|work=Tíminn|language=is|page=13|access-date=March 7, 2023|date=October 9, 1991}} and Connelly described her as having a "serious Madonna fixation"{{cite web|url=https://www.sfweekly.com/topstories/the-divas-diaries/|title=The Divas Diaries|work=SF Weekly|first=Sherilyn|last=Connelly|access-date=May 5, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220506005401/https://www.sfweekly.com/topstories/the-divas-diaries/|archive-date=May 6, 2022|date=February 7, 2018}}
"Madiva": A MTV personality, gained a brief notoriety after being mentioned by Madonna around 2003. Her official website, Madonna.com called him "New York's most infamous Madonna impersonator"{{cite web|url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/re-invention-ball-in-toronto-july-16th|title=RE - INVENTION BALL IN TORONTO JULY 16TH|publisher=Madonna.com|access-date=May 3, 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/madonna/news/madiva-is-madonna.s-number-one-fan|title=Madiva Is Madonna's Number One Fan|publisher=Contactmusic.com|access-date=May 3, 2022|date=April 24, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229005639/http://www.contactmusic.com/madonna/news/madiva-is-madonna.s-number-one-fan|archive-date=February 29, 2020|author=WENN}}

In 1993, Los Angeles Times reported about Blond Exhibition, a group of Madonna impersonators who "do every look Madonna has ever done"{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-08-08-vw-21588-story.html|title=Invitation to Madonna Mania|work=Los Angeles Times|url-access=subscription|access-date=July 7, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220707222957/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-08-08-vw-21588-story.html|archive-date=July 7, 2022|date=August 8, 1993}}

=Others=

File:Tracy Bell (impersonator) as Madonna.jpg as Madonna]]

Various full and part-time celebrities impressionists have included Madonna in their repertoire, including special segments like Nadya Ginsburg and his web series The Madonnalouges. Following a non-exhaustive list:

Tracey Bell{{cite web|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/cher-and-janis-come-to-pride-and-tracey-bell-comes-home-to-edmonton|title=Cher and Janis come to Pride, and Tracey Bell comes home to Edmonton|work=Edmonton Journal|date=June 3, 2016|access-date=March 6, 2023|first=Liz|last=Nicholls}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vancouverpresents.com/twenty-questions-with/20-questions-tracey-bell/|title=20 questions with Tracey Bell|publisher=Vancouver Presents|date=October 9, 2014|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220504012307/https://www.vancouverpresents.com/twenty-questions-with/20-questions-tracey-bell/|archive-date=May 4, 2022}}
Charlie Hides{{cite web|url=http://hellogiggles.com/from-boy-to-diva-an-interview-with-charlie-hides/|title=From Boy to Diva: An Interview with Charlie Hides|work=HelloGiggles|date=March 13, 2013|access-date=May 4, 2022|last=Jankuloska|first=Maggie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227153006/http://hellogiggles.com/from-boy-to-diva-an-interview-with-charlie-hides/|archive-date=February 27, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.revistavanityfair.es/sociedad/celebrities/articulos/el-imitador-que-conquisto-a-kylie-minogue/17902|title=El imitador que conquistó a Kylie Minogue|work=Vanity Fair|date=August 7, 2013|access-date=March 6, 2023|last=Alonso|first=Guillermo|language=es}}
Véronic DiCaire{{cite web|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/veronic-dicaire-imite-lady-gaga-madonna-et-adele-15-04-2016-5718021.php|title=Veronic DiCaire imite Lady Gaga, Madonna et Adele|work=Le Parisien|date=April 16, 2016|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220504012526/https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/veronic-dicaire-imite-lady-gaga-madonna-et-adele-15-04-2016-5718021.php|archive-date=May 4, 2022}}
Elaine Chez{{cite web|url=https://observer.com/2014/08/the-multiple-lives-of-new-yorks-celebrity-impersonators/|title=The Multiple Lives of New York's Celebrity Impersonators|work=The New York Observer|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160354/https://observer.com/2014/08/the-multiple-lives-of-new-yorks-celebrity-impersonators/|archive-date=August 21, 2018|first=Matt|last=Mullen}}
Athena Reich{{cite web|url=https://www.gigroster.com/listings/athena-reich-as-lady-gaga-cher-marilyn-celine-alanis-and-madonna|title=Athena Reich as Lady Gaga, Cher, Marilyn, Celine, Alanis and Madonna|publisher=Gigroster.com|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503230937/https://www.gigroster.com/listings/athena-reich-as-lady-gaga-cher-marilyn-celine-alanis-and-madonna|archive-date=May 3, 2022}}
Nadya Ginsburg{{cite web|url=https://www.spreaker.com/user/feastoffun/fof-nadyaginsburg-thefaceofmadonna-02192|title=Nadya Ginsburg Takes on the Evolving Face of Madonna|publisher=Spreaker|access-date=March 7, 2023|date=2023}}
Fátima Flórez{{cite web|url=https://tn.com.ar/show/basicas/fatima-florez-una-amante-de-los-rolling-stones-madonna-y-michael-jackson-que-suena-con-la-maternidad_859184|title=Fátima Florez, una amante de los Rolling Stones y Madonna que sueña con la maternidad|publisher=TN|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200621075058/https://tn.com.ar/show/basicas/fatima-florez-una-amante-de-los-rolling-stones-madonna-y-michael-jackson-que-suena-con-la-maternidad_859184|archive-date=June 21, 2020|language=es|first=Alejandra|last=Peñalva}}

On the other hand, Chad Michaels known for his Cher performs, confessed he tried first to do Madonna, but was not convinced and preferred to focus on Cher.{{cite web|url=https://www.elmundo.es/loc/2014/07/05/53b6ee17268e3e073c8b4595.html|title=Las travestis que mejor imitan|work=El Mundo|first=Jesus|last=del Río|date=June 7, 2014|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228190216/https://www.elmundo.es/loc/2014/07/05/53b6ee17268e3e073c8b4595.html|language=es}}

Impact

File:Madonna at Sticky & Sweet Tour with a Like a Virgin impersonator.jpg-era style]]

In 1991, a Hollywood-based company of more than 30,000 look-alikes, lumped Madonna and Michael Jackson as "big moneymakers", being appeared in the top one percent requested of the company, according to Orlando Sentinel.{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1991-12-02-9112010352-story.html|title=Michael Jackson vs Madonna|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=December 2, 1991|accessdate=March 11, 2023|first=Suzan|last=Bibisi|archive-date=September 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903235439/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1991-12-02-9112010352-story.html|url-access=subscription}} Madonna impersonators appeared again in the annual 1993 list, within the top ten of the most requested celebrities look-alikes according to Time magazine.{{cite magazine|url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,979829,00.html|title=The 10 Most Requested Celebrity-Look-Alikes From Ron Smith's L.a. Look-Alikes Firm*|magazine=Time|date=December 13, 1993|access-date=February 9, 2024}} In 2019, Rachel Lopez from Hindustan Times commented that "for a woman tribute artist, there's probably no better muse than Madonna", adding that there are costumes, and also music, from "over three decades of chartbusters".

American journalist Ricardo Baca estimated Madonna as the most imitated woman in the world at some stage of her career.{{cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2008/11/05/25-questionable-things-about-madonna/|title=25 questionable things about Madonna|work=The Denver Post|first=Ricardo|last=Baca|author-link=Ricardo Baca|date=November 5, 2008|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210215730/https://www.denverpost.com/2008/11/05/25-questionable-things-about-madonna/}} In Madonna: An Intimate Biography (2001), J. Randy Taraborrelli has concurred that she is "one of the most emulated female performers in show business history".{{harvnb|Taraborrelli|2001|p=326}} In 2017, Spanish-language website Algarabía, included her among their list of the "most imitated celebrities in competitions, shows and television programs".{{cite web|url=https://algarabia.com/top-10/los-mas-imitados/|title=Los más imitados|publisher=Algarabía.com|first=Astrid|last=García Oseguera|date=August 28, 2017|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420144323/https://algarabia.com/top-10/los-mas-imitados/|language=es}} Madonna was aware of being often emulated; during the promotion of her 1994 single "Secret", she shared in internet, an audio file where she recorded a part saying: "It's Madonna. Often imitated, but never duplicated".{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/horoscope-for-3-may-check-out-what-the-universe-has-in-store-for-you-this-tuesday-10624381.html|title=Happy 53rd to the Queen of Pop|work=First Post|date=August 16, 2019|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503204923/https://www.firstpost.com/living/horoscope-for-3-may-check-out-what-the-universe-has-in-store-for-you-this-tuesday-10624381.html}} Journalists from media outlets such as Los Angeles Times and Wonderwall have used a same description.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-10-08/madonna-tonight-show-jimmy-fallon|title=Madonna makes Jimmy Fallon very nervous as she flashes her backside to audience|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 8, 2021|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211009012400/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-10-08/madonna-tonight-show-jimmy-fallon|first=Nardine|last=Saad}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wonderwall.com/celebrity/photos/madonnas-life-in-pictures-29913.gallery|title=Madonna's life and career in pictures|publisher=Wonderwall.com|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503204947/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jul/15/barbara-ellen-on-madonna-sexist-slurs-pop-surivor|first1=Marisa|last1=Laudadio|first2=Jessica|last2=Wedemeyer}} At the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, there was a special tribute to Madonna with dozen Madonna-dressed drag queens. Her response was: "All I have to say is that it takes a real man to fill my shoes".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/6121549/drag-queen-divas-photos-katy-perry-lady-gaga-cher-madonna|title=Music Divas & Their Drag Queen Look-Alikes|magazine=Billboard|date=May 27, 2015|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629010344/https://www.billboard.com/photos/6121549/drag-queen-divas-photos-katy-perry-lady-gaga-cher-madonna}} A year prior, in 1998, "The Blonde Exhibition" was a dedicated tribute show in Las Vegas by 11 professional impersonators.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/madonna-mania-impersonators-honor-singer-vegas/docview/281794483/se-2|title=Madonna Mania; Impersonators Honor Singer In Vegas Vein|work=Daily News|date=August 6, 1998|access-date=October 6, 2024|page=L3}} In "She's Not Me", from her 2008 album Hard Candy, she explored the idea of being emulated by another woman.{{harvnb|Davisson|2013|p=96}} Finally, the world record as the largest gathering of people dressed as Madonna at the same time in a single event is 440. It occurred on 30 August 2014, by the 2014 Fool's Paradise Drag Party in Fire Island Pines, New York. This feat was listed by both Guinness World Records and World Record Academy.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldrecordacademy.com/mass/most_people_dressed_as_Madonna_Fire_Island_party_breaks_Guinness_World_Records_record_214079.html|title=Most people dressed as Madonna|publisher=World Record Academy|date=September 27, 2014|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503194159/https://www.worldrecordacademy.com/mass/most_people_dressed_as_Madonna_Fire_Island_party_breaks_Guinness_World_Records_record_214079.html}}{{cite web|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/115507-largest-gathering-of-people-dressed-as-madonna|title=Largest gathering of people dressed as Madonna|publisher=Guinness World Records|access-date=May 3, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220503194204/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/115507-largest-gathering-of-people-dressed-as-madonna}}

= Tributes by Madonna =

{{multiple image

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| footer = Madonna has channeled female figures such as Marilyn Monroe (left). Some noted it benefited her career, and others also noted it benefited Monroe as well.

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Madonna has paid tributes to other historial and modern woman.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O-gCAAAAMBAJ&dq=Madonna&pg=PA58|title=Art mark Stevens: Performance Anxiety|date=July 7, 1997|magazine=New York|access-date=September 20, 2023|page=59}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/madonnas-most-iconic-looks-throughout-the-years/|title=Madonna's Most Iconic Looks Throughout The Years|date=July 27, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2022|magazine=Billboard|author= }}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/music/madonna-fashion-evolution/?slide=6066967#6066967|title=Madonna's fashion evolution|date=June 28, 2022|access-date=July 1, 2022|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Mary|last=Sollosi|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220701081206/https://ew.com/music/madonna-fashion-evolution/?|archive-date=July 1, 2022}} In 2012, she told the audience during a concert of the MDNA Tour, "imitation is the highest form of flattery".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-144-1261712|title=Madonna continues Lady Gaga feud: 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery'|work=New Musical Express|date=September 17, 2012|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220504034439/https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-144-1261712|first=Nick|last=Levine}}

In the 1990s, a scholar described her as a "replicant" in the sense she is an "image of images, mirror of mirrors", who "re-multiplies and re-changes and dissolves itself". Most notably, she personified Marilyn Monroe with assistant professor S. Paige Baty, and historian Robert D. Richardson concluding in 1995, that she reproduces herself as Marilyn in outfits, hairstyles, and mannerisms.{{harvnb|Baty|Richardson|1995|p=72}} However, Madonna was also identified by some as the "Queen-of-Seeming-as-Being herself".{{harvnb|Rieser|Phillips|Fuchs|2013|p=122}} In this regard, Italian professor Massimiliano Stramaglia from University of Macerata explained in 2022, that some had reported she "never stops looking like other stars, including Monroe".{{cite journal|url=https://revista.uclm.es/index.php/cuadernosdeinvestigacionmusical/article/view/2817|title=Madonna's Music Videos as Audiovisual "Performances".|date=May 11, 2022|journal=Cuardernos de Investigación Musical|access-date=July 7, 2022|first1=Massimiliano|last1=Stramaglia|first2=Tommaso|last2=Farina|pages=151–162|number=15|publisher=University of Macerata|doi=10.18239/invesmusic.2022.15.13|doi-access=free}}

Though she largely benefits from Monroe's image, others noted Madonna's impact on Monroe's image in her generation. Scholars Robert Sternberg and Aleksandra Kostić said "Madonna's TV-pictured soft-tousled blond hair popularized the sexy, Marilyn Monroe look of the 1950s".{{harvnb|Sternberg|Kostić|2022|p=125}} "The woman who will not die", recalled Gloria Steinem, echoing Madonna's representations of Monroe, and saying she further puts her as "an ever-present fixture in everyday American culture". Steinem also claimed she subtracted Monroe's image of "vulnerability". Similarly, in Shiny and New (2021), English journalist Dylan Jones mentioned the theme of "vulnerability" and said that she was "referenced whenever Madonna was mentioned by the press".{{harvnb|Jones|2021|p=online}} Similar perceptions were mentioned by music critics Anthony DeCurtis in Present Tense: Rock & Roll and Culture (1992) and, Simon Frith in Sound and Vision: The Music Video Reader (1993).{{harvnb|DeCurtis|1992|p=265}}{{harvnb|Goodwin|Grossberg|Frith|2005|p=121}} Some other entertainers, have channeled or have been compared to both Madonna-Marilyn Monroe styles, including Camila Cabello at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards,{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/iheartradio-awards-camila-cabello-channels-madonna-havana-performance-1093664/|title=iHeartRadio Music Awards: Camila Cabello Channels Madonna With "Havana" Performance|date=March 11, 2018|access-date=February 8, 2023|first=Andrew|last=Unterberger|work=The Hollywood Reporter}} Paris Jackson during her modelling debut in 2017,{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/paris-jackson-channels-madonna-in-sexy-shoot/news-story/17d5151d1e1479d5a4a66e50d1bf8a5d|title=Paris Jackson channels Madonna in sexy shoot|date=January 19, 2017|access-date=February 8, 2023|first=Bryan|last=Hood|work=The Advertiser}} or Paris Hilton.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a552054/paris-hilton-channels-madonna-marilyn-monroe-in-new-music-video/|title=Paris Hilton channels Madonna, Marilyn Monroe in new music video|date=February 18, 2014|access-date=February 8, 2023|first=Robert|last=Copsey|work=Digital Spy}}

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{{cite book|last=Taraborrelli|first=J. Randy|author-link=J. Randy Taraborrelli|title=Madonna: An Intimate Biography|publisher=Simon & Schuster|year=2001|isbn=0-743-22880-4}}