Wild Avril Lavigne Doppelganger Theory That Just Won’t Die (8 of 8)

Even people who know it started as a hoax still kind of want to believe it. There’s something irresistibly juicy about the idea of a secret industry cover-up involving a teenage punk princess, a secret death, and a musical body double. It’s like a mix of The Parent Trap, Black Mirror, and Hot Topic all in one cute punky package.

And let’s be real: pop culture has no shortage of identity-switching theories. Paul McCartney’s been “dead” since 1966, apparently. People have accused Beyoncé of having a twin. And Miley Cyrus convinced the internet she’s a clone cooked up in a Disney lab. Avril’s version just happens to be one of the most detailed, enduring, and oddly creative of the bunch.

Through it all, Avril has stayed true to herself. Whether she’s dropping new music, going on tour, or poking fun at internet weirdos, she hasn’t let the rumor mess with her vibe. In fact, her ability to take it all in stride and laugh about it has only deepened fans’ admiration. Because whether you think she’s the real deal or a masterfully trained Melissa, she’s clearly in control of her own narrative.

So, is the real Avril Lavigne still out there? Most likely, yes. But if Melissa is real, she deserves some serious credit for pulling off the longest-running performance in pop music history. So, theorists, why complicate things?