Eminem Stan Lookalike Contest Sparks Frenzy In NYC

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Must a wide swath of the city be painted with starch blonde hair and unmitigated mania? From street-pasted posters on a busy pole in Manhattan, the event promises the presence of special guests, some merchandise, but mostly mayhem. The poster pays tribute to the very early 2000s feel when Stan-type hair was essentially short platinum hair with dark eyebrows accompanied by the most unhinged stare Eminem gifted the world in that Stan video.

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Once this was aired, reactions started flooding: should contenders look more like Devon Sawa (Man in the video) or Eminem? A user joked, “Are they supposed to look like Devon Sawa or Eminem? 😂😂❤️” to set forth a mini show-down. A second user said it’s because of the song: “But Slim Shady died. Some guy shot him right between the eyes,” which goes to show how deep Marshall Mathers lore still goes, even after 20 years.

There were some clashes against it. One wrote, “I just left NYC. Not fair,” whereas another added with regret, “Damn I wish there was more notice!” FOMO was indeed at its peak: one wrote in Italian, “No way I wanna gooooooooo,” and the other would contribute with sobbing, “missing all the fun cause i was born in another country 😭😭😭😭😭why god why🥹🫠🫠🫠.”

What happened with all these Stans ready to mingle, one joked, “I feel like my future husband will be there,” and another brings in the contest vibe, “@d.sawa please man! Make this competition legendary.” The Devon Sawa of it really did resonate with someone, “a devon sawa lookalike competition??? HELL YEAH.”

The absurdity of the program brought laughs: “If I’m standing there with bleach blonde hair and no one else shows up 😭,” while a late ’00s wave came in with, “This was every fraternity during rush week in early 2000s.” It was clear that everyone wanted this to be broadcast live: “This need to be streamed live 😂😂😂” with many agreeing.

A Russian comment (translated) quite intriguingly seemed to ask, “Interesting. Will I see you in Moscow? 🔥,” potentially indicating that the Stan invasion might begin on a worldwide basis. Another user likened it to the celebrity lookalike art projects of Alison Jackson, demonstrating how Eminem’s imagery remains a subject of pop-cultural commentary.

This weathered poster wheat-pasted onto a street pole captures everything Eminem seemed to cultivate early on in underground culture. The January 1, 2000, black and white design with that oh-so-killer stare yanks the spirits right back to the time when Stan was as much a terror as a mesmerizing character for the audiences.

Is this going to be an annual thing, or just a one-time crazy spectacle? That remains to be seen. But what will certainly happen: next Wednesday, Broadway will be flooded with blondes, extra-large hoodies, and at least one person holding a “Dear Slim…” sign. Now, which one of you guys has thought about bringing along his pregnant girlfriend tied in the trunk? (Too soon? It’s been 24 years. We’re allowed to laugh now.)

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This event is set to draw many fans and curious onlookers alike.