Amber Claire:
Hi Laura, so lovely to meet you and also get the chance to know you, the person behind the Mariah Carey Look-alike and tribute artist. First of all, how did you first start out in this occupation?
Laura Pasqualoni:
Greetings Amber, it is an honor to meet you. I was working at a car dealership as an administrator and one of the customers was watching the Ricki Lake Show in the waiting room and suggested me for the show. At the time, they were looking for Celebrity Look-alike's.
AC:
What do you remember the most like the rest of the world when you first heard Mariah sing "Vision of Love" in 1990?
LP:
Obviously the ultimate high note that she hits in the song which she is still able to do, of course. Also, the meaning behind her music. It is very inspirational and I can relate to it on a personal level.
AC:
You have appeared on quite a few TV shows including The Ricki Lake Show, Maury Povich, Access Hollywood and others. How did this all happen for you?
LP:
After the Ricki Show, I decided to do this as a professional Look-alike and I created my own official website and it seemed to explode from there. A lot of other talk shows were following this theme of people who look like celebrities and I even booked a performance in Japan through my website which was the best experience I ever had. I would never have been able to travel the world or go to any of the places I've been to if it wasn't for this unique talent I have and I feel truly blessed.
AC:
When did you first realize you wanted to make a career out of being a Celebrity Look-alike?
LP:
I was at one of the talk shows and someone said that I could get hired to do this as a regular job/gig etc. I never thought aside from the iconic Elvis's and Marilyn Monroe's or the dress up characters like Barney or Clowns you hire for a kids birthday party, that this was even possible. I found out it is a huge industry of all types of entertainers and I love it. I get to travel the world and meet all kinds of great talent.
AC:
Who or what inspired you growing up to get into the entertainment industry?
LP:
I would have to say my late parents (sending them love up to heaven) because as a child, I was heavily bullied and picked on, so my self esteem was extremely low and my parents always encouraged and inspired me to go after whatever made me happy and to not care about what others think and to be unique and different. Well, I certainly turned into that because being a Celebrity Look-alike is both unique and different.
AC:
What is one of the most bizarre encounters you have had so far, with a Mariah Carey fan?
LP:
The one that sticks out the most in my mind at this moment was when I was handed a CD from one of the promoters of the (now) famous Drake on the street who begged me to please listen to it (they thought I was Mariah as I was doing a TV show in NYC and surrounded by crowds. I did send the CD to the actual Mariah though, I just don't know if she actually ever got it. Also, there was this time I was doing a fundraiser and a woman came up to me and said I did a wonderful job "singing" but did not quite hit the "high note" like Mariah did (laughs), that's because I was lip-syncing and that was actually Mariah singing. So it just goes to show that I must be doing my mannerisms fairly good to have her question whether it was me or the real Mariah.
AC:
What is one is your favorite Mariah songs to perform?
LP:
I love her classic song of all time "Hero", which is definitely the best!
AC:
Have you ever met Mariah herself?
LP:
No, sadly I have not, the times I've had the opportunity, I was booked on a gig, so I missed out. As strange as this sounds, I really hate being in crowds (laughs), I don't know what it is, but I can get all dressed up and get up in front of thousands performing and can walk through a crowd but to be in the middle of one for hours at a concert or venue or something of that nature, I just can't do. Maybe I have a phobia.
AC:
What are your Top 5 favorite Mariah Carey songs?
LP:
"Emotions", "Hero", "We Belong Together" "Mariah's Theme", which is my personal favorite and of course "All I Want For Christmas Is You". However, I do a lot of what fans want to hear, but those are my top personal favorites
AC:
What is one thing you would love to accomplish as a performer that you have not fulfilled yet?
LP:
A lot of performers who are Celebrity Look-alikes get that rare moment to meet the actual star who they look like. I would love to meet Mariah and actually have that side by side photo of myself and be made up by her makeup artist's next to her. That would be the ultimate moment for me and a memory to cherish.
AC:
It was so great talking to you, Thank you so much for your time Laura. Happy Holidays!
LP:
It was a pleasure answering your questions and Happy Holidays to you and yours as well!
For more information on Mariah Carey Look-alike Laura Pasqualoni and to find out how to book her for you next event, go to: www.laurasmariah.com