TOPEKA (KSNT) – Tara Berry, a Topeka native, has achieved a significant milestone this May by earning a Guinness World Record (GWR) for her collection of Madonna-themed tattoos.
Berry’s journey began in 2014 when she learned that Madonna was seeking fans to appear in one of her music videos. Although she missed that opportunity, Berry started getting tattoos of the pop star, aiming to break the world record for the most tattoos of the same musician.
Previously, Nikki Paterson from Aberdeen, Scotland, held the record with 16 tattoos of rapper Eminem, set in 2020.
In 2021, Berry submitted her first application to GWR, claiming she had 23 Madonna tattoos. Her initial attempt was not successful, so she reapplied in early 2023. In 2022, 27 News interviewed Berry about the lengthy and challenging process.
“It’s difficult,” Berry stated. “I got the process down the second time. It’s a demanding, lengthy process.”
Berry needed to provide evidence, including authentication by a licensed tattoo artist and video and photographic proof. Finally, in 2024, she received the confirmation she had been waiting for.
On May 22, Berry received an official certificate from GWR, recognizing her as the new world record holder for “Most tattoos of the same musician on the body.” The GWR confirmed she set the record on May 31, 2023, with 18 of her 23 Madonna tattoos.
“I am so shocked, it really hasn’t sunk in,” Berry said. “The whole reason I started this was to meet Madonna. Then it morphed into this.”
Berry’s lengthy journey to set the record encourages others to pursue their dreams with GWR.
“Go for it,” Berry advised. “It’s a process and nothing that’s done overnight. If I had to do it all over again, I said I wouldn’t but I would.”
With her record now official, Berry hopes Madonna will notice her achievement. Meeting the pop star remains her ultimate goal.
“I have no doubt that I’ll meet Madonna, it’s just a matter of time,” Berry said.