It’s a long way from Queen Victoria to Doja Cat (a rapper), but Madame Tussauds is pulling back the curtain to provide a glimpse into the research process that may culminate in the iconic attractions’ next wax models.
For the first time ever, the museum has introduced an inaugural Hot 100, designed to be an annual index that features a collection of the world’s most influential people, spanning talents from acting, to music, fashion, sports, and culture, and celebrates their global impact and diverse achievements.
Founded by French sculpture Marie Tussaud, whose first figure was believed to be Voltaire, and who also counted Queen Victoria among early works, Madame Tussauds has been a major tourist attraction in London since 1835, and now boasts more than two dozen locations around the globe (sadly, none in Canada).
(Madame Tussauds is not to be confused with Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, which has a franchise in Niagara Falls, Ont.; Louis was Marie’s grandson, who started his own operation in 1890, which developed into a global chain now owned by Ripley’s Entertainment).
Collectively, Madame Tussauds (itself now owned by Merlin Entertainment) has historically served as a time capsule of popular culture as well as a historical repository of the world’s most famous people.
While the Hot 100 is not necessarily a direct indicator of future Madame Tussauds models, it represents a who’s who of talents on the institution’s radar.
Featuring stars like German singer Kim Petras, and Pedro Pascal of Game of Thrones and The Mandolorian fame, the list also highlights emerging talents such as Ayo Edebiri from The Bear, conservationist Robert Irwin, and artist Alok Vaid-Menon – “up-and-comers (who) bring fresh perspectives and undeniable talent to the global stage, hinting at the exciting directions fame might take in the years to come.”
Laura Sheard, Global Brand Director for Madame Tussauds says, “We’ve crafted this index to capture a diverse and globally representative snapshot of rising stars, celebrating iconic people from all corners of the world. While not a predictor of future exhibits, it highlights those who could become part of Madame Tussauds’ future displays. We’re thrilled to see how it evolves, keeping our finger firmly on the pulse of international stardom.”
Compiled by Madame Tussauds’ global team by analyzing a myriad of data points, from social media trends to significant career milestones, along with regional insights and instinct, the Hot 100 assesses each celebrity’s achievements, reputation, and digital footprint to spotlight the emerging icons of the current era.
“The selection also reflects popular demand from fan bases, ensuring the list resonates with what the public is talking about right now,” says Madame Tussauds, which adds, “Unlike other fame indexes, the Hot 100 blends Madame Tussauds’ historical expertise in recognizing lasting fame with cutting-edge data analysis, making it a distinct and anticipative guide to the stars shaping tomorrow’s cultural landscape.”
The Hot 100 is intentionally capped at 100 individuals to balance inclusivity and the prestige of making the list, ensuring it represents a diverse yet concise snapshot of global fame.