LONDON — Residents of London have spotted numerous individuals resembling Pitbull throughout the week. Characterized by a bald head, goatee, and sleek suit, these sightings have piqued the curiosity of many.
Upon closer examination, it’s evident that the true Pitbull isn’t making simultaneous appearances everywhere. Instead, fans are transforming into clones in anticipation of his performance at the O2 Arena. The signature goatee is simply drawn on, while bald caps are donned to emulate his smooth head.
Now over twenty years into his musical journey, the Miami sensation known for hits like “Hotel Room Service,” “Timber,” “Give Me Everything,” and “El Taxi” continues to amass a fervent fan base across the U.K. and globally. Pitbull first noticed attendees resembling him at shows around 2021, as pandemic restrictions eased.
“Out of 20,000 or 30,000-strong crowds, you’d spot about a thousand,” Pitbull reflects on past concerts. Yet, this was before his stint in the U.K.
“We crossed the pond to London, and it was an entirely different experience. A brand-new movement emerged, elevating everything,” he remarked after his recent Monday performance in the city.
This look-alike trend has escalated sharply, transforming from a rarity to a prevalent scene — a concept Pitbull equates from a “negative to a positive.” Unlike typical look-alike contests where people mimic celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet or Ernest Hemingway, it’s more about channeling Pitbull’s essence. Interestingly, most impersonators at Monday’s event were women, earning the playful moniker of “Pitbelles.”
These enthusiastic admirers could be seen en route to North Greenwich, partaking in dance-offs near the arena to a live DJ’s tunes well before the concert commenced. With photoshoots in front of Pitbull posters and friends applying mock goatees, the transformation was complete upon donning sunglasses. Rebecca Petrie and Jamie Lee Hart traveled from Scotland, investing hours to secure tickets, and observed that women are more inclined to go all-out in costume.
“Women possess more courage,” Hart stated, a sentiment Pitbull values greatly. “Having more women in the audience proves they resonate with what the most influential woman in my life taught me,” referring to his mother, “which is being a respectful man who knows how to enjoy life — a bit mischievous at times, but above all, a good person striving for right.”
During Pitbull’s February London show, social media platforms buzzed with footage showing numerous look-alikes jamming to anthems like “On the Floor” and “Fireball.” For his upcoming June “Party After Dark” tour, the message was clear: either blend in with the crowd or stand out for not dressing up. On Monday, the arena’s main floor resembled a sea of bald-capped beans, as spectators in the stands sported white shirts and haphazard black ties, reminiscent of a quirky school excursion.
“To truly experience the energy of a Pitbull concert, you must have a bald cap and suit,” declared attendee Keeley James Elliot, capturing a photo with inflated globes inspired by Mr. Worldwide outside the venue.
Similar scenes are anticipated across his forthcoming European dates, traversing Paris, Prague, and Poland. Following these, he’ll venture back to the U.S. with performances in South Dakota, Las Vegas, and an appearance at the Iowa State Fair, continuing with a tour in Australia by October. Although 305 signifies a specific area code, its influence extends far beyond South Florida.
Pitbull sincerely acknowledges his fans’ dedication and makes it a point to observe the characters arriving at his shows. He considers himself a fan in return, expressing, “Seeing people exhilarated and dressed as me — it’s just amazing.”