American Idols and their celebrity dopplegangers.
During the first three seasons of American Idol, I watched the show religiously. But then the lazy days of college were replaced by the hectic schedule of medical school. So needless to say, spending two hours per week watching Simon and Paula flirt while Jessica Simpson wanna-be’s belted out Earth, Wind, & Fire tunes was no longer a priority. However, it just so happened that I had a rare Tuesday evening with nothing to do, so I decided to delve into one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I was absolutely stunned by what I saw during that episode of American Idol.
My surprise was due partly because this American Idol cast had a greater collection of talent than any I’ve seen. But mostly, I was just dumbfounded by the staggering amount of celebrity look-alikes that had managed to make it to the final twelve. Of course, I had to create a section of my site dedicated to this amazing phenomenon. Below you will find some side-by-side comparisons of the American Idol hopefuls and the celebrities they resemble.
Simon Cowell and Alan Thicke
“Show me that smile again…” When American Idol premiered, Simon Cowell immediately took me back to the sitcom glory days of “Growing Pains”. Even though one played everyone’s favorite dad, Dr. Jason Seaver and one’s a cocky metrosexual Brit, it’s amazing how similar they look.
Randy Jackson and Jabba the Hut
This is one that I’ve noticed since the start of American Idol. Of course Randy Jackson has managed to shed some pounds over the years, but the resemblance is still there. And to take things a step further, Randy and Jabba generally both require an interpreter to understand what they’re saying. The two also share the tendency to hang out with people of questionable character. (Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown for Randy Jackson, and Boba Fett for Jabba the Hut)
Elliott Yamin and Sloth from “The Goonies”
One loves Stevie Wonder. One loves Chunk. But they’re both an orthodontist’s worst nightmare!
Bucky Covington and Jessica Simpson
I’ll give Simon Cowell the credit for picking up this look-alike tandem. It was an unbelievable observation. Most people would fail to see any resemblance at all between Bucky and Jessica Simpson, but it’s definitely there. And for those of you who are still having trouble making a connection between American Idol’s resident red-neck and this buxom babe, I’ve worked a little Photoshop magic on Jessica Simpson to help you out.
Kevin Covais and Chicken Little
This is another look-alike combo that I can’t take credit for. I saw it on a sign that one of Kevin Covais’ fans was holding up. Before I move on, I’d like to take a minute to say how much I enjoyed little Kevin’s performance. There’s high comedy, and then there’s Kevin Covais singing “Part Time Lover” in front of a million people. And the fact that his being in the American Idol competition is driving Simon insane is an added bonus.
Ace Young and Jake Gyllenhaal
Not only will Ace Young not “quit you”, he’ll also put you to sleep as the worst performer of the American Idol final twelve. Ace’s on stage act is about as riveting and original as his contrived nick name. But on a positive note, there’s always the potential of becoming Heath Ledger’s boy-toy.
Taylor Hicks and Jay Leno
If you added about three more inches to the length of Taylor Hick’s chin and took away all his talent, then you’d have yourself the host of the Tonight Show.
Paris Bennett and Gary Coleman
This look-alike combo was the one that really inspired me to make this section. When Paris Bennett got up to sing, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something wrong. And about halfway through her performance, I realize what it was – I was watching Gary Coleman with extensions.
Chris Daughtry and Vin Diesel
Chris Daughtry and Vin Diesel both share the bald-headed tough guy look. Although, I’m pretty sure that Vin Diesel would whoop Chris down in a fight anyday.
Katherine McPhee and Katie Holmes
One is one of American Idols biggest stars. One is being held hostage by Tom Cruise and the Church of Scientology. Just further proof that you don’t have to be alike to look alike.
Mandisa and Diane Amos “The Pine Sol Lady”
When Mandisa came out on stage, I momentarily thought American Idol had cut to commercial. But I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why the Pine Sol lady was singing a Stevie Wonder tune. Then I realized that it wasn’t a commercial and Mandisa was performing. Then I laughed.
Visitor Submitted Look-Alikes:
Taylor Hicks and Bea Arthur:
Submitted by Sarah Ellis and Gary Whalen
Kudos to Sarah and Gary for thinking outside of the box and coming up with this unlikely combo. When they proposed that Taylor Hicks and Bea Arthur of the “Golden Girls” were look-alikes, I thought they were crazy. But the proof is in the photos above! I can’t wait to hear Taylor Hicks’ rendition of “Thank You for Being a Friend” this week!
Randy Jackson and Al Roker:
Submitted by Lori Nga
Dawg! As your look-alike and fellow gastric bypass survivor I don’t mean to criticize, but your last weather report was a little pitchy. I don’t know. It was just a’ight for me.
Elliot Yamin and Mr. Tumnus the Fawn:
Submitted by Calli
I thought I had Elliot pegged with Sloth from the Goonies. However, Tanya managed to come up with a closer resemblance, especially in the wake of Elliots decision to grow out his facial hair. While pairing him with Narnia’s Mr. Tumnus doesn’t hold the comedic potential of Elliot blurting out “Hey You Guys” onstage, the two make a quality look-alike combination nonetheless.
