One of the world’s best known Lady Gaga impersonators, Penelopy Jean of Brazil’s uncanny resemblance to her inspiration has us all Abracadabra’ed. And on this very special week of our Mother Monster, she’s in town to cast her spell on NYC!
Thotyssey: Thank you for finding the time to chat with us today, Penelopy! We know you are a globally in-demand performer. Where in the world are you right now, and what were you just doing before you started answering these questions?
Penelopy Jean: Thank you so much for having me! I’m in Sao Paulo right now, at my apartment. I was just washing a wig and my paddings / stocking for the shows of the weekend. You know, right? We drag queens always need to smell good.
I just watched a clip of you flawlessly executing Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile” moment from Bad Bunny’s epic Super Bowl halftime show! How fun was it to do that number?
I really enjoyed performing it for the first time! I was studying and trying to embody all her manerisms and “hand coreo” during the week. Considering it was my first time doing this performance, it was kinda good… but I know it will be even better next time.
And how much of a GAG was it when you found out Lady Gaga was in the Halftime Show that night? It was a very well-kept secret!
You really defined it: I was GAGGED! I love Bad Bunny, and It was such a good surprise. I love seeing them together, their energy really matched.
I would think the entire period it takes for you to recreate a Gaga performance — from learning words and choreography to putting the look together — must take a month or longer, right?
It depends on how busy I am. I’ve even managed to recreate looks / performances just days after she did them! But I’m such a perfectionist; I prefer doing it with more time so I can focus on details and rehearse until I feel prepared.
Do you have any personal favorite gaga look and / or number that you have accomplished in your career?
I think the Copacabana one is my favorite right now, because of the impact and the emotional memories from that night as much as the fact I have evolved as a performer. And I also love the sequence: “Bloody Mary” / “Abracadabra” / “Judas” / “Scheibe.” Iconic!
Were you doing non-Gaga drag before you became known as a Gaga impersonator, and do you perform non-Gaga at all today?
I’ve always enjoyed performing as pop divas, but I’ve never done an impersonation on that level. It’s easy to find on YouTube videos of me doing Britney Spears, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, etc…
When did you realize that you do, or could, look exactly like Mother Monster?
Actually, It was people who warned me. I’ve been a Little Monster since the beginning, so I always dreamed of performing Gaga. When I had the opportunity I just did it, but I never thought I could look like her. People encouraged me, so I decided investing in that.
How many times have you seen her live, do you think?
Born This Way Ball in Sao Paulo (2012); Artrave in NYC (2014); Chromatica Ball in Miami (2022); Mayhem on the Desert (Coachella); on the beach (Copacabana); and Mayhem Ball in Amsterdam (2025). So, six times for now!
There was a viral moment from a few years ago during the Chromatica Ball tour where security staff at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami mistook you in drag for the actual Gaga and tried to escort you to her destination! Many nearby Little Monsters thought the same thing! How wild was that moment when you look back at it today, and do you think you felt more then what it was really like to walk in the super-famous Lady Gaga shoes more than ever before?
It was insane. When I was there I couldn’t believe It was really happening! It was crazy, like a Black Mirror episode, lol. Actually I got a little scared because suddenly, there were a lot of people shouting and chasing after me. Like, really? I’m a drag queen! I think in some situations people see what they wanna see, you know? The show had stopped, it was raining, she had left the stage… and perhaps people thought she might try to escape the lightning through the same spot. After all I laughed about it, but when I was going through that, I got scared.
I understand you met Lady Gaga in person! What’s she like, and do you think she still follows your career?
I had the privilege of meeting her in 2019 during “Jazz & Piano” in Vegas, and It was one of my biggest dreams coming true. It was really fast, but I managed to thank her for everything she has given me and tell her how much she inspires me as an artist. She’s been interacting with me on social media since 2015. It started on Twitter, then she posted some pictures of me on Facebook and on TikTok. She likes, comments on and share my stuff once in a while. I think that’s incredible of her–an A-lister who makes a point of interacting with fans through social media.
In general, what’s drag life like in Brazil these days? In America it’s under attack somewhat, but it still thrives in many of the big cities.
It’s not an easy task. Brazil is very rich culturally and in many other aspects, but unfortunately it’s also a country with a population that has a lot of prejudice–especially talking of the LGBTQ+ community. And this is reflected in the statistics; it’s the country that kills the most LGBT people in the world. But we continue to resist, seizing opportunities, creating ways to make a living from our art, and being happy doing what we love.
Have you ever performed in New York?
I’ve been twice, but I’ve never performed in NYC! It’s gonna be my first time, and I’m really excited.
You’re going to be back here in NYC for a number of shows, in celebration of Gaga’s final Mayhem Ball concerts here!
On Wednesday and Thursday (the 18th and 19th) you’ll be doing your first Rise Bar shows, turning Gaga numbers with resident drag divas including Drag Race’s Aquaria!
Friday’s a two gig night, starting at Hush Bar where you’ll join fellow Brazilian superstar Pietra Parker as well as Fonda Koxx and Freeda Kulo for “Reinas!” Then later that night, you’ll be headlining Luis Fernando’s “Mayhem Rave” at a secret location!
And then Saturday’s an epic two gig night as well. First you’re gonna turn it with New York’s own Miss Germanotta Impersonator Extraordinaire Nick Gaga, as well as Britney Bitch Kimmi Moore, for Balcon’s “Explicit.” And then you’re headed back to Rise Bar for late night shows!
I just can’t wait to perform for all of you. I’m really honored of being able to cross the ocean, taking my art with me. It’s gonna be awesome!
What else is coming up for you?
There are many new things coming soon, especially in the television field, so I invite everyone to follow me on social media and stay tuned!
Finally: who’s another diva you secretly fantasize about impersonating, but haven’t attempted to yet?
I’ve been obsessed with Zara Larsson. And summer isn’t over yet! At least in Brazil. Who knows?
Have a great time in NYC, Penelopy!
Check Thotssey’s calendar for Penelopy Jean’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Thotyssey 