Tag Archives: Drag Pageant Judging

ALL AMERICAN GODDESS AT LARGE 2012 IS CROWNED! AND THE WINNER IS…

Posted on 2012/03/29 | Leave a comment

It was in the conservative and quiet city of Dayton last week where front-runner Whitney Paige from Texas ripped up the stage and tore it down with her Whitney Houston production including four fine dancers clearing the way for her to snatch the coveted punchbowl crown of All American Goddess at Large 2012. But that’s the finale. This is the story as seen from my eyes.

It was Thanksgiving, I believe, when I first was in contact with promoter Scott Gonyaw about judging for him. I reached out because I was interested and he responded gratefully. We decided to play it by ear with high hopes of making it happen. Fast forward to mid-February when he sent me a message on Facebook asking if I was still interested in judging. Of course I was. Just love waking up and finding fun invitations in my inbox. I’m always ready to judge a drag pageant and one of such a grand scale as a national with 29 (!!!!!!) contestants, how could I say no?! You’re right… I couldn’t.

I really didn’t know what to expect with AAG but since judging other systems I figured I’d be just great. I’m honest and fair. I try not to get too tossed by emotions or persuaded by reputation. I really don’t know many of the girls since competitive drag isn’t really thriving on the West Coast. I’m there to find the best candidate for the position of said title and with that comes responsibly to do so. Bottom line is that is you can’t sell me a preliminary to the system you’re running for then you need to go back and do some more homework. It’s my place to tell you to do so. That’s why I’m there and I take it seriously. But I have fun, too! And I sure did in Gayton, err, gay Dayton, Ohio.

I arrived on Thursday where Scott and cutie Justin picked me up at United’s baggage claim with bells on. I was excited to finally meet after a slew of texts and emails planning the reservations, etc. and so were they. We grabbed some food and pressed it to the Dayton Grand Hotel. I was already checked in and handed my keys on the way in which I thought was quite fierce. I unpacked and unwound for a bit, made some “I’m here” texts and phone calls and decided to walk the streets and get a lay of the land.

Sorry to say that downtown Dayton was quite dismal and closed early but once I figured that out, I maneuvered the days and nights away. Luckily Club Masqué is close for convenience so it made sense we were housed in the area. Once back in my room, I was fooling around on my Macbook with the free internet and doing some networking on various sites when I met a local who offered to show me the town. I thought Why Not? and we made plans for him to swing by and pick me up.

As soon as I opened the door to his SUV it was as if we had known each other for years. It was the oddest most wonderful thing to have that immediate connection. John drove me around and showed me the few sights Dayton has to offer. We stopped in for drinks at Side Bar in the Oregon District Neighborhood as he explained that he designed the restaurant and bar. It was truly fierce. The staff knew and respected him well and I was just having fun soaking it all in.

After a delicious cocktail we pranced down to a fun place called Smokin BBQ on the corner where two good ole boys provided some much-needed grub to two new Besties. After feeding our faces we headed back and John dropped me back off at my door. Just Kei-Kei’ing – No Ki-Ki’ing. I had happily and surprisingly made a new friend. And a great contact in Dayton! I found my way back to Side Bar for brunch on Sunday.  The chicken and waffles were TO DIE!

I turned in early later that night and woke up to start judging the next morning. Of course, when traveling I’m always thrown a bit off my balance and kilter without the making of comfortable surroundings (i.e. espresso machine, loving dogs, doting husband, familiar peace.) It comes with the territory and I’ve traveled for so many years that I’ve got this. I actually love it but still face slight anxiety when I’m away.

Justin and I had some breakfast next door to the hotel and began judging interviews around 2:30 with groups 1 and 2, as groups 3 and 4 would be taking the chair on Saturday. I was actually very relaxed the entire time I was in Dayton taking the moments away from everything I know to appreciate it more which I needed to do. The contestants came in one by one and while some faltered by not being prepared with concise and smart answers, others knocked we judges’ socks off.

When it comes to the category of Interview, queens, here’s what’s the Tea… Walk in, shake hands down the line, genuine eye-contact and name introductions, be asked to sit down, sit like a lady if in drag and a man in not. Posture is key. Answer the questions to the point and on point, be prepared for anything to be asked and know why you are there. You are there to sell the system and represent it, carrying on the grand legacy laid forth before your humble arrival.

Back to the show! I met some wonderful people, saw some amazing friends that I haven’t visited with in many years, and watched season professionals duke it out on stage while newcomers to the art of female impersonation showed passion and aspirations to be greater than they were, becoming part of something that was continually described as “a family” – the All American Goddess Pageantry System.

During the two evenings of preliminary onstage competition, the groups of contestants performed a Talent and presented themselves in Creative Costume and Evening Gown categories. It’s hard to go into many details without favoring one girl and not the other (I wanna be asked back! – TeeHee) but I will say that I was forever impressed with many and can’t wait to see others grow into their true capacity of superstardom. Contact Versage for DVDs of the pageant for your very own!

I blessedly saw dear friends throughout the weekend from the “old school” days and made connections with others that were genuine and real. In the house serving pageant realness: Former AAG Goddesses Candi Stratton, Lawren LaMoore, Latoya Bacall, Kelexis Davenport, India Ferrah, the reigning AAG Alana Steele, the reigning AAGAL Dena Cass; Miss Gay Untied States Icon 2012 Jennifer Warner; the sexy man that is Scott Johnson; Shae Shae LaReese (who is a threat to show up somewhere!); Florida’s very own doll Brittany Moore and the fabulous Khori Ross; dear sister Miss Continental 2011 Chelsea Pearl; promoter and Nina West confidant Michael Bishop and many, many more!

I really had a wonderful time and can’t wait to go back! (Hint – Hint, Mr. Gonyaw!) So many details and memories, so little time to tell them all. The final 5 fell like this: 4th Runner-Up Envy Van Michaels had a “Big Time” with her dancers during talent doing a superb job; 3rd Runner-Up Delores T. Van Cartier brought Patti LaBelle to life and was my nominee for Most Beautiful dressed in stunning baby blue beads and feathers; 2nd Runner-Up Tonna Demore brought the judges to tears during interview also having a “Big Time” on stage; 1st Runner-Up Mercedes proved she is a qualified, smart force to be believed and respected; and winner Whitney Paige who came in admittedly nervous and walked out quite victorious as the new All American Goddess at Large 2012!

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WHY WAS WILLAM BELLI ELIMINATED?

Posted on 2012/03/22 | 3 Comments

It’s the question that has covered all lips who watch intently to the weekly laps of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo TV. Why was cocky and arrogant but experienced beyond belief Willam Belli eliminated from the show last Monday evening? I was just getting in from Dayton, Ohio, where I was judging All American Goddess at Large 2012 so I didn’t watch the drama unfold until Tuesday evening after hearing that it was the show of shows to see this season. After watching the episode, it was must-see-tv!

I took a break from blogging every episode of RDR4 because I became busy with other things and really mostly agreed with how the judges were sending Dolls home. In the latest showdown, the girls worked in teams of two singing duets with one thing in mind, their “frenemy-ship” that was exposed by a Mini Challenge of a answering a personal Q/A strapped to a lie-detector machine. During the Main Stage Challenge, the duos performed their duets and were judged on their Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent, by Oscar nominee Jennifer Tilly and Baywatch bombshell Pamela Anderson. Side note about Pammy, when I judged World’s Most Beautiful Transsexual in Las Vegas Ms. Anderson was there with David LaChappelle drinking the champagne and screaming for the contestants. She is very petite in person, even in stilettos! But back to the show…

When it was said and done, Latrice Royale and Willam Belli deservingly took top honors while Phi Phi and Sharon (Gasp!) were knocked wigs first into the bottom two. The girls turned it out during the “lip-sync for your life” round with O’Hara loosing her wig and Needles holding her own. However, this was only after Willam hurled chunks off the side of the stage, twice, I believe. Bad food? Perhaps. But sources tell me differently.

Rewind… Now, to know the show is to know that the real story happens during Untucked which is shown after the show but is filmed backstage during the judges’ private critique session after the girls perform. While the Dolls simmer in the Interiors Illusions Lounge, emotions run deep from a toss under a bus or an onstage read. Or, in this particular episode, numerous accusations of rulebreaking were being tossed towards Willam by frustrated fellow contestants while he sat calmly never once denying anything. In fact, owning up to it.

Obviously, the cameras were there filming. He knew the gig was up or would be soon enough. The Dolls squealing about Willam’s shade knew what they were doing by reading his beads. I believe that when he got back on stage and hurled the swirl, his nerves had gotten the best of him and knew that his time was nearly up and he had blown it. But at what cost and for what real reason?

After Phi Phi and Sharon did their final chance performance, RuPaul dramatically stops and asks Willam to come forth announcing that it had come to his attention that rules had been broken and that Belli would be leaving the contest. Shocked faces plastered themselves across Queen’s faces while Willam was backstage rubbing his bare ass on the mirror in lipstick. Class act. Personally, I’m glad a dose of karma checked her into attitude rehab. Bye-bye! I thought Sharon Needles won the showdown but her and O’Hara both were safe to stand another week of dragtastic drama in heels.

So what happened? Jokes came back to me from the RuPaul’s Drag Race Twitter Camp that Willam had eaten Jiggly Caliente. Rumors quickly circulated that he was on hormones or it’s because he got sick off the stage. Or was it his fierce Chick-Fil-A parody video on YouTube with Vicky Vox, Detox and gaggle of gorgeous gay men? Well, according to Willam himself, he says this to the Huff Post. He played fairly coy about it all but I’ve heard differently.

Oh, to tell or not to tell. To spill the scoop or to keep the Tea to me. Hmm. Well, sources close to the show tell me that allegedly someone was having their boyfriend come to the hotel where they are on constant lockdown while he was sneaking in their laptop and phone which is against the ironclad contract they sign before coming on board. You do the math. I wouldn’t want to get anyone in trouble. Oh, that’s right. It’s already been done. Karma worked that out. Oh, the gossip – the intrigue it creates. Am I right? Am I wrong? Who knows – we may never know. It was a good juicy moment that made for some fierce reality television. I was ready for him to go, honestly. It seems the contestants were, too! Was his shady behavior just a publicity ploy to promote his new single on iTunes? Perhaps. Eh – he’s gone now. The show was good with his character a part of it and even better because he’s gone. Could we be seeing Willam on the upcoming All Stars Cycle, perhaps? Stay tuned!

We’re in the final stretch. Scream your favorites! Go Team ____! (I believe heard every name!)

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JUST RETURNING TO LEAVE AGAIN

Posted on 2012/03/07 | Leave a comment

Here’s a quick blast! I just returned from Sin City and we had a truly fierce time. Since then I’ve had two columns due and tried to get back into the swing of work since being away to my personal Heaven, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. More details will follow but for now just know that I’m back and ready to head into March, full-throttle and full steam ahead. WHURK IT, ME!

Next week I leave for Gayton “Gay Dayton” Ohio to judge the All American Goddess at Large national pageant which should even throw me even more out of my element from the comfortable warm bubble I live in here in Palm Springs to the 180-degree turn and near freezing temperatures I’ll find in Dayton. I’m ready for the challenge and to see some really good drag. I need it, baby! BRING IT! X

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ALL AMERICAN GODDESS AT LARGE 2012

Posted on 2012/02/25 | Leave a comment

I love having a say! Inside joke, but basically it translates into “I love judging a drag pageant!” Especially when it’s a national panel for a system that has gained the respect that it deserves, being recognized as contender for THE title to have. I’ve previously sat on panels for Continental, USofA and World’s Most Beautiful Transsexual. This round I’ll be in Dayton judging this extravaganza for my good friend and promoter Scott Gonyaw who asked me to become part of his All American Goddess family. I’m thrilled and honored to take part.

As you can see by the advert above, it looks to be a sickening event for fabulous drag queens and competitive female impersonators. This, of course, is the sister companion to All American Goddess. The call from Scott just came to fruition last week so juicy details will follow but my adventure is right around the corner! Again, so damn excited. Just hope the contestants BRING IT! And a word front he wise… Entertain the crowd, have fun and prove why you stand before me. And own the spotlight! Is it really that hard?! WHURQ IT ♥

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RUPAUL’S LADYKINS TURN ANOTHER LAP

Posted on 2012/02/21 | Leave a comment

I’m watching Untucked and thought I’d blast a quick blog review of last evening’s RuPaul’s Drag Race. Gentleman, start your engines…

Willam and Madame LaQueer win the Mini Challenge of having the best mugshots and become team leaders for casting parts in their sitcoms called Hot in Tuckahoe. The humble but strong Latrice Royale turns the party out as the sassy warden and wins the Main Stage Challenge with Dida Ritz doing a great job acting, as well, but needs to “Lotion up, girl,” according to Michelle Visage. And I agree. Animosity grows between Sharon Needles and Phi Phi O’Hara. “Go back to Party City,” quipped Phi Phi to Sharon who responded, “I’m the future of drag.”

The versatile Chad Michaels gave us Florence and the Machine realness on the runway while Madame LaQueer found herself in the bottom spots with Milan. Pink’s Trouble played while LaQueer points a lot and Milan flops around like an under-painted fish out of water across the stage. In my opinion, after the first “death drop” Milan made her desperate point. It went on way too long and so I feel LaQueer was better and should have stayed. Her makeup was painted for the back row and I personally liked her dress. Then the wigs came off. Again, enough. Milan stayed. Madame LaQueer strolled back to paint the mirror with red lipstick and talk to the camera in a confessional. Another lap complete.

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GLAMAZONS VS. CHAMPIONS ON RUPAUL

Posted on 2012/02/14 | Leave a comment

Last evening the Dolls were giving The Princess time to erase Lashauwn’s departure note off the mirror on RDR before RuPaul delivered the inevitable She Mail across the screen basically plugging her albums Champion and Glamazon (available on Amazon and iTunes — wink!) Helping others is the theme for the Mini Challenge where the girls create butterfly headpieces for RuPaul super fan Piyah Martell who was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome that kept her spine and legs from fully developing inside her mother’s womb.

Through popularity and a fan base online and YouTube, RuPaul found this diva and brought her into the show to express that no limitation is to great to get around. Very Inspiring, she was. Butterflies flew and the winners were Phi Phi and Kenya with Jiggly who scooted on their bus because she was odd-queen-out, rather odd number of Dolls, so Mizz Caliente was able to choose which camp she wanted to be with. “The Pretty Girls,” she chose when everyone paired up and she was alone. They won! Piyah was lovely and the Pit Crew escorted her off with her new drag! GO GIRL!

The Main Stage Challenge was having two teams spilt up and create informercials for RuPaul’s albums with a theme in mind. Work. Wurq. Wherk! The teams get busy with Kenya as leader on one side with Dida taking over her role because she could and the other team with Chad Michaels turning out 80s realness with The Princess who struggled considerably. Phi Phi figured she’d give Sharon Needles a role in her usual “goth drag” which really stole the show. Some girls really felt their infomercial and others did not.

In the end, Glee diva Amber Riley and Natalie Cole sat with Santino and Michelle Visage on the judges podium while the Dolls delivered gold and platinum runway gorgeousness. When the announcements were made, Sharon Needles turned it! Chad and Kenya brought in the next top spots where as low queens on the totem pole this week were Dida and The Princess who would, of course, “lip-sync for their life.” As This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) played and Natalie knew the words (her song!) Dida worked that runway into her very own. Mamma owned that number, no question. The Princess couldn’t keep up and was instructed to “Sashay, Away!”

However, final thoughts… Michelle Visage is giving Chad Michaels the business about being “too perfect” like she was giving to Alexis Mateo last season. Here we go again! Also, do they provide razors to the Dolls? Hello, Five O’Clock Shadows…. There is a heavy base that would work for that! USE IT!

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ENGINE’S REV ON RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE 4

Posted on 2012/01/29 | 1 Comment

Thanks to Logo TV Online, I was able to see an early viewing of the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race a.k.a. RDR and this season is starting off with all the ego drama and catfighting one Main Stage can contain. Front runners the petite posing beauty Kenya Michaels and America’s favorite Cher impersonator Chad Michaels seem to be steering the pack of queens towards the title “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and the prize package including fabulous makeup, gay travel and a cash prize of $100K (reported earlier in my blog as being $125K – sorry!)

After the queens arrived one by one, we meet the characters and stories that got them on national television. There’s overly confident borderline obnoxious cocky Willam basically telling the rest to press it back home because she was taking the crown home. Old friend Latrice Royale from Ft. Lauderdale discussing how going to prison changed her life.  Extremists The Princess and Sharon Needles bonding over painting faces while Princess expressed her physical desire for Needles. Well, like a dear sister from Atlanta Amber Richards, may she rest peacefully, once said, “If you can’t F! your sisters who can you F!?” Other stories unfold as does the season.

RuPaul comes out and says Hello! to the Dolls personally as the Pit Crew from previous seasons bring out a wooden box on wheels. Camera pans to the girls and some are quite nervous. And surprise! Out pops Shangela for another try at the crown! Well, not exactly. After some quick witted dialogue about this being a new year and the possible apocalypse, Ru shoves LaQuifa’s head back in and off she goes into her budding career. Halleloo! The sweat beads stop their fall down contestants faces and the Dolls prepare for their first lap around the racetrack.

Latina mamma Jiggly Caliente won the Mini Challenge consisting of the Dolls maintaining their modelesque composure on a rotating platform while the sexy Pit Crew spray them down with fluorescent paints. Yes, apocalypse. Or, “RuPocalypse” as it was called. Reality show staple Mike Ruiz snapped his camera lens and photos we made, even ones of the girls who nailed the ground from their imbalance. It was Drag Queen roadkill off to the sides of rubble and dismay.

The Main Stage Challenge led the divas into a deserted location filled with zombie drag queens including former All-Stars Raven, Pandora Boxx, Shannel and Ongina holding fabrics and supplies for the perfect apocalyptic haute couture. Cue eerie music and fog. Back in the workroom sewing began and creations flowed. The Mistress of the Dark Elvira found her perfect place on the judge’s table besides mainstays Seduction lead Michelle Visage and the sassy but fashionable Santino Rice back for another season of judging. RuPaul strutted down the Main Stage runway and CUT!

Thanks Logo TV for pulling the plug just at the climax! UGH. I’ll be watching it for reals tomorrow (Monday) night but it sure was good getting a sneak peek. They weren’t going to give it all away… I’m dying to see who will “Lip-sync for their life!”

…flash forward to the premiere…

Watching it live on television gave it more layers we couldn’t catch watching it online. On the Main Stage runway, some girls simply got by while others soared. As I predicted, Sharon Needles won the challenge while Florida based Alisa Summers and New York’s plus-size Barbie doll Jiggly Caliente found themselves in the bottom two lip-syncing to Britney Spears’ infectious Toxic. In the end, Jiggly was clearly the winner as she nailed her words standing directly singing to the judges. Alisa took the more casual approach to a bored strut around the runway while insecurely glancing over at Caliente who was turning it out. Way to go, girls! We’re off to a fabulous season!

Until next week… We have Untucked!

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BROKEN DOWN DOLLS

Posted on 2011/04/12 | 1 Comment

It was a darker episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race last evening as front-runner Alexis Mateo nearly walked off set and stayed away, scaring everyone in the process. Getting to the nitty-gritty, the Mini Challenge had the Dolls advertising something they had created on the newest and queerest home-shopping network, RuVC. “Fake it ’till you make it,” Ru encouraged as each of the final four girls tried their hands at the challenge. Raja sold her sweet-smellling “gaft” which holds her manly bits in place between her legs. Manila sold some “MANila (hair and body) Spray” while Yara sold some ratted out hair braids and Alexis sold homemade hip-pads for your body. “But wait! Order now and you get these extra butt-pads, as well!” Alexis offered. Yara somehow won the challenge and was named choreographer and lead Doll on the Main Stage Challenge of creation of 3 fashions made from funny money: Bathing Suit in gold, Cocktail After-Five, and Evening Gown Eleganza for RuPaul’s “Make That Money Ball.”

Getting to the good stuff, Alexis Mateo has a mini-meltdown and walks off set because she wants to go home and is crumbling under pressure. The other Dolls wonder if that’s it, as Yara basically chases her down and tells her to get a grip and compete, which she does. All of the contestants have some drama pulling things together but in the end it all works out for the best. Judges Latoya Jackson and The Arrangement’s Gigi Levangie Grazier joined a hair-done-how Mike Ruiz and a Cher-looking Michelle Visage, who just doesn’t seem to care much for Mateo. In the Main Challenge, Raja wins the gown category,  Manila won swimsuit, and the cocktail creation was a toss-up.

The bottom two were un-surprisingly Mateo and Yara Sofia lip-syncing to Patti Labelle’s “I Think About You.” Starting out of the gate, Mateo had it down and was taking this, even with the manipulation that had reared its ugly head among the judges. Yara started to sing but turned around, dropped her gaudy gown of paper cash and collapsed on the runway. Alexis finished but it definitely was a darker final challenge than that of weeks past. Everyone was in shock at the outcome of Yara’s breakdown as Alexis humbly assisted her to her feet. Mateo was asked to stay and basically collapsed into Manila’s arms off stage from the emotional runway and strong-willed Yara Sofia was sadly asked to “Shantay… Away.” TOP THREE!

The best quote of the evening from from Raja who offered that the reason he does drag and wants to be “America’s Next Drag Superstar” is because he wants to give little boys the knowledge that there are other ways to express yourself and that it’s OK. “The Power of Fuck You” was his theme, and Ru and judges loved it, as did I.

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TWO LAPS, ONE ELIMINATION

Posted on 2011/04/05 | Leave a comment

As I always do during RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo TV, I make notes in my trusty iPhone App and prepare to transpose my thoughts into a blog for America to read the next morning. However, last week when I woke up after Monday evening’s show I realized that my trusty iPhone could not be trusted because it bestowed a fever in me that put me through it for the entire day until I figured out how to fix said problems. In a nut shell, I tried to do an iPhone update, a new security program gave me crickets, stopped me and there you have it. After a few phone calls to Apple Support and $29 later, problem resolved but no blog had been written because of the drama. Catching up now…

During last week’s episode, the Dolls “wigged out” and created three different wigs looks AND a couture runway piece entirely out of hair for the Main Stage Challenge. In the workroom Yara had ingested too much hairspray as she walked around clocking the other girls’ creations brushing out her yarn for a wig. She began acting really crazy and almost speaking in tongues. During the Mini Challenge, the contestants were instructed to create mini-dramatic headpieces from stuff you’d find at a gay beach. Front-runner Raja won and was feeling great going into elimination. The other girls were feeling the heat!

In the end, Yara won for the first time as favorites Shangela and Alexis dropped to the bottom two and started a lip-sync for you lives that was on-point. However, as Alexis shined brightest with emotion and pantomime, the camera found an unsure Shangela watching out of the corner of her eye at Mateo. The judges clocked and Shangie, the “Nancy Drew of Drag” was “Sashay’ed Away.” Camera pans to Raja who couldn’t be more pleased about the outcome. In a first-of-its-kind twist on RDR, Ru offered the judges the chance to bring back an eliminated Doll. The girls were DONE with this! Fade Out.

Last night on RDR, the girls and America waited to see who would be saved and given another chance to win. Before I say who it was, let me also say that this idea rarely works for the contestant because they usually go right back away because the judges were right in the first time of saying,” Goodbye.” This was no exception. I figured that it would be a big-girl like Stacy or Delta but alas, it was Carmen Carrera, a Heather. Raja and Manilla (Heathers) were pleased. The other two, pissed. Rumor had it that Shangela would have yet another life and come back. But, no. After the Mini Challenge of a “Queen Dunk in the Water,” Alexis BAMMED her way to victory and won rights to pair up the Dolls with their Main Stage Challenge of transforming jocks into drag queens.

The “straight” (questionable for some) jocks did a commendable job considering they were expected to fit their big man feet in tight girly heels, tuck away their masculine respect between their ass-cheeks and act like fish. (Translation: Fish=Girly) Man-wise, Matt was the sexiest but in drag gave me Priscilla Queen of the Desert, as did many. Alexis’ “sister” was a dead-ringer for her and really felt his/her moment with silicone titty plate and paint across his/her mug tipping down the runway for judges Mike Ruiz, Margaret Cho and Sharon Osborne to clock. RuPaul looked stunning, the best all season, in a sickening rainbow gown and makeup to die. Looking good Ru! Along with the Runway-Twin-Power activated, the Dolls and Dudettes had to also do a cheer for Safe Sex.” Funny stuff. Spliced with commercials about HIV and health, the theme was a strong message to a condom-wearing nation.

The Main Stage rundown: Alexis and friend were fierce. Raja couldn’t pull the butch out of her “sister” and found a way into the bottom two. Yara and company were alright and were safe. Manilla created the best transformation with her dude and won. Carmen again found her beautiful wig and body in the bottom (again) with fellow Heather, Raja. After what was considered a soft-core porn show, Raja and Carmen gave you slutty-realness during a Paula Abdul “Straight Up” lip-sync that was quite fierce. In the end, Carmen departed and with good reason. She is stunning to look at but it doesn’t go much further than that. TOP FOUR, Bitches! WERQ=]

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STEVEN SPILLS #81

Posted on 2011/04/03 | Leave a comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 81 (From the BEST OF “Steven Spills” for PULP archives)

STEVEN TAKES HOLLYWOOD 

Give me a seat on a judge’s panel and I’ll give you honest adjudication and heartfelt encouragement for the contestants. On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I judged the Pacific Coast Continental pageants held at the Circus Disco for former Miss Continental and reigning Miss Black America, Domanique Shappelle. When she asked I jumped on her offer because any rare chance to see great drag in an area that for some reason doesn’t care enough or know enough to support competitive female impersonation is an attractive opportunity for me.

After getting into West Hollywood around noon, I soon pressed it down Sunset out towards Venice Beach for the afternoon to catch some sweeping views and saltwater air. The drive is a path I love curling through when I have time because it takes you through Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and all the gorgeousness in between and presents you to the awe-inspiring ocean. 

Planning ahead, I had reserved a ticket to The Talk, the new talk show trying to oust The View from its throne. But when I found out the guest I opted for skipping it. So sorry that hosts Sara Gilbert and Sharon Osborne couldn’t get me out of Palm Springs through the morning commute into Studio City to CBS to catch special guest Natalie Cole. Now if it had been Nadine Coyle from U.K. pop-group Girls Aloud, you can count I’d be there. But sadly it wasn’t.

Once arriving at the beach, the waves crashing below sounded strong and peaceful under the cloudless blue sky. A muscled hunk was retreating from the water with his surfboard. Anticipation grew steady as he climbed the rocks to his truck parked feet from me. After a dozen or so lifts of the board over his head he turned around towards me. The next few minutes were a blur as he tossed a towel around his waist, dropped his board shorts from underneath and dried his ass. I almost fell off the rock I had climbed out upon as he slid wet transparent jockey shorts back on before departing. For some reason the view facing me was more curious than any other view to him and I appreciated the attention. 

That evening I strutted down Santa Monica Boulevard and caught Raven, Morgan McMichaels, and Sonique from RuPaul’s Drag Race performing at Micky’s. Great seeing them in person! After a stiff cocktail and a few tips to the girls, I strolled down to Here Lounge to catch the “Continental Preview” show including Tommie Ross, Tasha Long, Mercedes, Chevelle Brooks, and the four reigning national title holders for the Continental system: Mokha Montrese, Nick Gray, Roxxxy Andrews, and Electra, who were in town for the pageant.

The next day I grabbed breakfast at Mel’s on Sunset and headed over to Circus Disco to judge interviews. There were a total of eight contestants, two in each division for Miss/Mr./Elite (40+years)/Plus (200+lbs.) Domanique bravely had four crownings in one event and accomplished a respectable effort with amazing attendance. I judged with Rodney Chester from Logo TV’s Noah’s Arc. The entertainment alone was worth the price of the $20 admission and there was a small buffet of home cooked food since the show began slightly after the dinning hour of seven o’clock.

The crowns fell on the heads of the ones I believed in even though the contestant’s crotch I couldn’t stop staring at during interview, C.A. Lopez from Miami, didn’t win. But he looked damn delicious during swimwear. After some fierce competition, the final four standing were Miss Pacific Coast Continental 2011 Fontasia L’Mour; Kahlil Valentino Litter as the Mister representative; Alyssa Nicole Whitney as the Plus winner; and Carletta Couture as the Elite champion.

After saying goodbyes, I opted for hitting Swingers restaurant on Beverly for some pre-bedtime grub. I had decided to bring back my leftovers and leave them for a homeless man that slept around the corner from where I was staying. Times are hard for people and I didn’t see any point in wasting it. So after arriving, I parked and quietly placed the box down next to the man as his dog unexpectedly barked out from the darkness of where he lay. It naturally started me and him. I responded that there was some food for him and that he was lucky he had such great protection, trying to make light of the situation.

When I got inside the apartment, I can honestly admit that I completely lost it. I broke down. I felt more emotions in that one situation than I believed I could handle at once. I thanked my lucky stars right then that I was beyond blessed and the silly clutter that often fills my weary head is nothing in comparison to the challenges of some. Happy Holidays to everyone! Find something to be thankful for. Peace to you and yours!

2010 © PULP

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Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, JUDGING DRAG PAGEANTRY, MY WORDS IN PRINT, STEVEN SPILLS

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