Inside Pitbull mania as Mr Worldwide convinces 20,000 fans to wear bald caps and suits

Daily Mirror

a day ago

"He's been baptised by the girlies as the latest daddy of the internet, our therapist, and world leader": Pitbull fans reveal why they enjoy dressing just like the beloved rapper
One of the best parts about living in London is deciphering who is playing in the O2 based on what women are wearing on the Tube. Western boots and sequins for Taylor Swift, pink cowboy hats for Chappell Roan. But picture this: a sea of young women in bald caps, svelte black suits and aviators, as far as the eye can see.
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In June 2025, Pitbull lived up to his stage name of Mr Worldwide, and started a global movement amongst his fans, in which women attending his concerts (and it does appear to be largely women) have elected to dress exactly as the singer. Distinctive elements of his appearance include the bald head, black suit and facial hair.
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In fact, according to TikTok's recent The Big Shop Report, Pitbull's 2025 Party After Dark tour saw a 420% spike in costume sales, which includes the bald caps and fake soul patches, while #PitbullConcert views increased by over 6000% between May 25 and June 25.
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From Paris to Dublin, TikTok videos have gone viral of large groups of women in this exact uniform making their way from bus stops and train stations. They have accumulated millions upon millions of views, even inspiring their own 'Pitbull concert FOMO'.
But what is it actually like to attend one of these concerts? And why has the 44-year-old Miami rapper inspired such a loyal, young, female fanbase keen to cosplay as him? I spoke to two Pitbull fans behind some of this year's most viral TikTok bald-cap videos.
Nicole, who posted her viral video under @whatnicolebakes, attended Pitbull's concert in the O2 London with a close friend in June. She says they spent under £100 each on the costumes and tickets. 'Everyone was dressed as Pitbull in suits, bald caps and drawn on facial hair,' she tells The Mirror. 'If you weren't dressed like that, you stuck out."
But what inspired Nicole to become one of the bald-capped masses? She claims she's been a fan of the Worldwide star since 'the very beginning'. Nicole reveals: 'I grew up listening to his music and the love really started from his earlier popular releases like Hotel Room Service, I Know You Want Me, and International Love, and it's continued ever since.'
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Where does the appeal come from? Nicole says: 'Pitbull's songs are timeless. They're catchy and get everyone dancing instantly, and you can't not sing along to some of his greatest hits!'
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Plus, it's not just about the music. Although she's never met him, Nicole believes he's 'genuinely a great, inspirational person.' She declares: 'He's been baptised by the girlies as the latest daddy of the internet, our therapist, and world leader.'
It might sound somewhat implausible to the casual Pitbull listener. After all, doesn't he mainly sing about drinking, hooking up in hotel rooms and 'dale'? But the term 'Pitbull therapy' has been running around online circles for a while now, with fans sharing videos of his feel-good sayings.
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Nicole explains: 'His Pitbull-isms and lyrics are iconic and have been ingrained into the brains and hearts of people everywhere. My personal favourite is 'This for everybody going through tough times. Believe me, been there, done that. But every day above ground is a great day, remember that.''
Saff (@saffronleijs) attended Pitbull's O2 concert last November and has a similar story. She says her bald cap, sunglasses and tie only came to about £10. As for Pitbull's music, she says she's been listening to it for years and has loved it since she was '18 and clubbing'.
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She describes the night: 'The whole experience getting to the concert dressed as Pitbull was so funny and then getting closer to the O2 seeing more and more Pitbulls was hilarious. The whole energy of the concert was incredible and still the best concert I've ever been to!'
Of course, there is something nostalgic about Pitbull's music. He encapsulates a specific kind of 2010s party essence: a never-ending fiesta of good vibes, free-flowing drink and unselfconscious fun . Who else would inspire so many women to ditch the opportunity to get dressed up for a night out and instead imitate the artist himself?
But there remains the big question: what does Pitbull himself make of his thousands of doppelgangers? He recently told the BBC that it makes him 'very, very happy'. He added: 'Every time I'm at a show, I let them know that when you put on a bald cap, I hope you're ready to have the time of your lives – it feels deeper than just music.'
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