The woman making a living out of pretending to be Kylie Minogue

SHE’S carved out a career as the world’s most popular Kylie impersonator. But despite constantly mimicking someone else, Lucy Holmes still has a strong sense of self.

Professional Kylie Minogue impersonator Lucy Holmes tells Stellar about living life in someone else’s shoes (and hot pants).

SHE’S carved out a career as the world’s most popular Kylie Minogue impersonator. But despite constantly mimicking someone else, 37-year-old Lucy Holmes has managed to maintain a strong sense of self.

I have loved performing since I was a small girl, but it wasn’t until

I was 12 and saw Jesus Christ Superstar with John Farnham that I had an epiphany: “This is what I want to do.” I felt transported to another time and place, and I wanted to be able to make others feel that, too.

I used to pull out the odd Kylie track when I was working as a singer. I knew the audience would get a rise out of it as I look like her and can mimic her voice. It always went down a treat. So my business partner and I created the show about 15 years ago thinking it would be this little act. Now it’s a full-time job, we tour the world and employ a bunch of people.

Of course, I’ve been mistaken for her a lot. I was once stopped by a lady in the shops who said, “Oh, hi Kylie! I used to babysit you and Dannii.” That was strange. There have been times overseas when people have genuinely believed I was her. They’ve been crying and, sure, sometimes I haven’t wanted to break it to them because I don’t want them to feel stupid. So I just play along. You need to let them have that enjoyable moment.

Lucy Holmes acclaimed 100% Kylie show features a full band and dancers and faithfully replicates the Kylie experience.

But, of course, I’m not her, I’m just pretending. We’re all striving for a level of “success” in life, motherhood or our career, and we need to cut ourselves some slack. When you get into your 20s, you start thinking, “Am I just faking it till I make it?” I think most people go through that. So you go out and you put on a face saying you’ve got it together.

I got back onstage seven weeks after having my daughter – which I don’t recommend. It was insane! But returning to work made me feel more myself, so when I was at home with my baby, I had more to give her. I find a lot of identity and pleasure in my job.

You need to find those moments where you lose yourself, when your soul sings. Because the happier you are, the more happiness you can sow into your children and those around you.

In my other job, I’m a breakfast radio host [for Light FM in Melbourne] and when I’m on air, again I’m presenting a side of myself that could be called acting. Just like my Kylie act. But, of course, it’s a role for Kylie herself as well. As Shakespeare wrote, all the world’s a stage. It’s all deception. Acknowledging this should help us chill out and love ourselves a bit more.

LUCY’S ADVICE FOR MAINTAINING YOUR IDENTITY

1. Just do you. Learn to love the person you are, not the career title you have.

2. Realise your job is not your life and never lose sight of the things that matter most – love and family.

3. Don’t let external things fill your internal needs.

Lucy’s show, 100% Kylie, is touring now; 100percentkylie.com.

Originally published as The woman making a living out of pretending to be Kylie Minogue