While countless fans view Halloween as an opportunity to dress up as their favorite musicians, the holiday is a chance for those same celebrities to be someone else, if only for a night.
Perhaps that’s why so many pop stars love to go all out on October 31st every year (well, that and the disposable income they can use to invest in the best makeup and costumes). Many musicians even do full-on photo shoots to show off their spooky seasonal looks, much to the delight of their followers.
And, like everyone else, famous musicians have different tastes in costumes. Some prefer bold and sexy, some prefer silly and playful, and some gravitate towards the super scary rather than the cute and cute; someone chooses a simple and quick option, while others believe that the more detailed and thoughtful the better. The examples on this list alone range from hyper-realistic cartoon characters to politicians, horror movie protagonists, and children’s book villains.
However, the best examples of Halloween costumes worn by musicians may be those where famous singers and songwriters dress up as their favorite artists, be they modern peers or legendary Hall of Famers. Ciara, for example, has dressed like everyone from Selena Quintanilla to Janet Jackson to Cardi B, and Harry Styles’ most iconic Halloween costume must have been his homage to Elton John’s Dodger Stadium look, but more on both of them later.
Keep reading to see BillboardMusicians’ favorite Halloween costumes from the past few years featuring Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Rihanna and more.
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Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift had some completely random Halloween costumes, from Frozenthis is the snowman Olaf to the main character Dead Pool (the outfit for which she borrowed from her closest friend Ryan Reynolds). But her most iconic Halloween look may have been her simplest: a baggy squirrel costume that allowed her to play with her best friend Blake Lively’s kids without getting caught in too many paparazzi’s sights. “Hot squirrel shit,” indeed.
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Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is a certified scream queen (she even appeared on Ryan Murphy’s show of the same name!), long wowing fans with her epic costumes as a couple with the late rapper Mac Miller, as well as her recreations of creepy retro characters from Twilight Zone And Creatures from the Black Lagoon. But the Halloween costume she worked the hardest on (and that’s saying something) was her and Lise Gilles’ recreation of scenes from the movie. Best in Showfeaturing fully accurate depictions of the characters Jane Lynch and Jennifer Coolidge.
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Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
In happier times, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner lived the life of a good couple. Their tribute to the 2021 Lizzie McGuire film – with Game of Thrones actress as Isabella in Jonas’ Paolo – was arguably their best, although Gomez and Morticia Addams’ 2018 cosplay is a close second.
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Katy Perry
Katy Perry never shies away from wacky costumes, no matter how wild they may be (check out her frighteningly authentic Hilary Clinton outfit here). However, her most iconic Halloween look is still an homage to the hot Cheetos of 2014.
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Olivia Rodrigo
Say hello to Olivia Rodrigo, who will be channeling Michelle Pfeiffer in 2021, dressed in the actress’ perfect look.” Face with a scar character Elvira Hancock.
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Lizzo
Lizzo always goes all out for Halloween, with her past costumes including Miss Piggy and Baby Yoda. But her 2022 ode to Marge Simpson wins thanks to her attention to detail and total commitment to body color yellow.
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Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ Elton John costume in 2018 was so iconic that even Sir Elton approved of it. “Now that’s what I call a Halloween costume,” the legend wrote on Instagram, sharing photos of the new pop star wearing a replica of his 1975 Dodgers Stadium concert costume.
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Rihanna
Many people dragged Gunna for his New York Fashion Week 2021 outfit, but it was Rihanna who had the last laugh. The Fenty mogul not only wore Gunna’s exact look for Halloween—down to every quirky accessory—but also recreated his slightly awkward poolside photos. “I was very honored and humbled,” the rapper said. Billboard a hilarious tribute at that year’s American Music Awards.
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Rosalia and Rauve Alejandro
Rosalia looked absolutely stunning in her colorful version of Asuka Langley Soryu from the Japanese anime. Neon Genesis Evangelionperfectly complemented by her then-boyfriend and fellow Latin star Rau Alejandro’s matching Shinji Ikari costume.
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Megan Thee Stallion
Even Pinhead can make friends with some hot chick. Megan Thee Stallion is known for always ringing in the spooky season with her lavish costumes and traditional annual pumpkin head photo shoot, but her nod Hellraiser towers above the rest.
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Ed Sheeran
All of Ed Sheeran’s best Halloween costumes were centered around his signature red hair. BillboardHis favorite has to be his 2012 paint-free Chucky look, but his 2013 Gingerbread Man look follows closely behind.
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Weekend
The Weeknd constantly experiments with edgy prosthetics and weird alter-egos in his music videos and album covers, so you better believe Halloween is his time to shine. In years past, Abel Tesfaye has performed as startlingly realistic versions of the Joker, Beetlejuice and even Don Vito Corleone from Godfather; however, his wildest costume might just be Eddie Murphy’s character Sherman Klump from The crazy professor.
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Lil Nas
Lil Nas X Harry Potter The cosplay was simply terrifying: the Industrial Child star donned a bald cap, ghost makeup and a prosthetic nose to transform into Lord Voldemort. Avada Kedavra; he absolutely killed it.
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Beyonce and Jay-Z
Bay and Jay saw a golden opportunity and took advantage of it. With the “Break My Soul” singer playing the roles of Suga Mama and Trudy, and Mr. Carter playing the role of Oscar, the two superstars and their three children Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir perfectly imitated the Disney Channel show. Proud family – for which, as you may remember, Solange Knowles and Destiny’s Child wrote the opening song back in 2001.
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Ciara
Ciara practically rules Halloween, often using the holiday as a chance to pay tribute to other female music icons. In 2020 alone, she dressed up as Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and Janet Jackson and even recreated Jackson’s song “What’s It Gonna Be?!” music video – with husband Russell Wilson playing Busta Rhymes.
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Rita Ora
There’s nothing more iconic than a costume that’s so good that some people don’t even realize it’s not the real thing. Rita Ora even seems to have been confused with her by some media outlets 2018 avatar Post Malone, face tattoos and all.
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Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga looked stunning on Halloween 2017, marrying the lead character in the Tim Burton film on the night. Edward Scissorhands.
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Adele
Adele’s Dolly Parton tribute was so beautiful Billboard had to include it (even though it wasn’t published until after Halloween). Her best Halloween look has to be her incredibly accurate recreation of Jim Carrey. Mask although the character – see here.
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Chance the rapper
Chance the Rapper transformed into Tupac, the 2017 Halloween Rapper, looking flawless as he recreated the famous photo of Pac with Jada Pinkett Smith.
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Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey covered 180 genres in her 2019 costume as she performed an old-school metal band with friends. But of course, Mrs. Songbird Supreme is the Queen of Christmas, and as soon as midnight struck on November 1st, she switched gears for the winter holidays (see her video below).