No, you weren't seeing double — Toronto's Drake impersonators, who gathered in the West Queen West neighbourhood on Saturday, were just that good at imitating their favourite rapper.
The city’s first-ever Drake lookalike contest brought more than 200 participants and attendees together at Apt. 200, a bar on Queen Street West.
Around 20 Drake impersonators, representing his numerous eras, hit the dance floor and showed off their best impressions of Champagne Papi. Participants got the celebrity treatment as dozens of attendees wanted photos with the fake Drakes.
Drake lookalike contestant Jonathan Puent told TorontoToday he travelled all the way from New York just to attend the contest. He mentioned that he gets mistaken for the superstar rapper constantly.
“I get it all the time bro — you can’t escape it,” he laughed. “I didn’t have to change much, maybe just the braids and a few things to match the aesthetic. I feel I have a pretty good chance of winning.”
The contest made headlines earlier this week when Drake found out about the event and messaged organizers on Instagram to offer up a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the contest.
The event was hosted and organized by Casuals Cakery, a newer local business that makes cake-inspired treats.
“I'm not gonna lie, I had an anxiety attack,” said Casuals Cakery owner Lillianna Brown. “I was literally texting my boyfriend: ‘What do I say to him? How do I not seem like a fan girl?’ It's been very crazy.”
After 90 minutes of dancing and rapping, judges narrowed the field down to ten finalists.
Each finalist walked down a runway to Drake’s music before they answered questions like “What Drake era do you represent?” and “What's your favourite Drake song?”
The contestant who received the loudest combined reaction — from the runway walk to the prompted cheers at the end — won the competition.
The winner — Makayla Chambers — had an underdog rise to the top. One of just two females in the top 10, she earned huge cheers from the crowd for her dance moves and positive vibes. Chambers overcame other tough competitors like Puent, who finished in second.
In addition to the $10,000 grand prize, the winner received a “Toronto Manz” pack which included a beef patty, a bottle of Hennessey and a pack of Backwoods. Organizers said Drake will also be awarding prizes for second and third place finishers.
Lookalike contests have been gaining steam in recent months. American actor Timothée Chalamet showed up to his own lookalike contest in New York in October, and a Jeremy Allen White lookalike competition brought hundreds to a Chicago park last month.
Inspired by other events in the U.S., Brown was thrilled with Saturday’s turnout.
“This is a community gathering — we're just honouring and loving the Champagne Papi and the six god,” Brown said.
“Everyone's gonna be the most Drake they can be.”
Drake did not appear at the lookalike contest, but no one appeared too disappointed.
