Tag Archives: RuPauls Drag Race

WHO WON DRAG RACE SEASON 4 ON LOGO TV?

Posted on 2012/05/01 | 2 Comments

Getting right into it, I thought the stage from last evening’s Ru-union of RuPaul’s Drag Race was quite grand. I wish the show itself would have lived up to the grandeur. As many of us know, Madame RuPaul herself dragged us right up until the very end of the final season’s episode announcing that the winner would be revealed at the reunion show the following week on Logo TV. It was actually at that point I basically lost interest in the season, ready to move on to season 5. No Tea – No Shade. But I thought it was a tired ploy to get people to watch the reunion. We would have anyway but I get what they did it and why.

I enjoyed the opening production of season 4 Ladykins, seeing former Dolls from previous seasons in the audience and scattered celebrities among the theatre. With the fact that all of the girls were there in New York for the finale, one would figure that the show should have been two hours with ample time to speak with each girl instead of a brief flash of each. Only Madame LaQueer was able to get out a read towards Jiggly Calienté when RuPaul quickly opened the “Library for Throwing Shade.” The show felt quite forced during these parts. Rushed, in fact.

Then we had Willam come out kicking and screaming (so to speak) by the brute of the delicious Pit Crew for a solo chat with RuPaul. Willam did look good with her sheer latex dress and mega layers of blonde hair, I admit. Of course, everyone wanted to know why she was eliminated from the competition. Well, she says she was forthcoming with the producers that she was breaking the rules regarding the fact her partner was coming to visit for conjugal moments between the two. Love is love… But was it worth it for the prize of $100K?!?!

Well, guess what, I blogged the Tea that she was having her boyfriend coming to visit over a month ago. Sources told me and I shared with my readers. All on the ssh-ssh. Willam, of course, rebutted with a comment on my website saying that “the scoop I had was more like a scoop-on” (like a coupon, I assume.) Hmm, I may not have mentioned the romantic part but guess what… I got Willam’s attention and more Internet traffic because of it. People want to know about her! I was thrilled she replied with a read. I showered her with compliments about her career and we moved on. Regardless of what exactly went down it made for great entertainment. Of course, now Willam has come forward saying on the blog Reality Blurred that the reason she gave on the Ru-union was “false” and is looking for a deal with Logo TV for what I’m assuming will be her own show. You better work, Bitch.

Next up was Latrice “Mother F!%king” Royale. Standing ovation! The only one of the evening from my seat. Royale sat with RuPaul and expressed her feelings of overwhelming love and support she has felt from fans and new friends. Latrice was my winner for America’s Next Drag Superstar. She spoke of not being ashamed of her mistakes like some unfortunate time in prison and how she is treating each moment of her life like it’s gold. When she was eliminated I felt a sharp dagger in my heart for her. Like she said to RuPaul upon elimination, her “life has been changed forever.” All of their lives have. And conDRAGulations on a well deserved Miss Congeniality. Boom-Shaka-Laka-Boom!

SEASON 4 ON DVD

CATCH EVERY MOMENT!

The final three were brought out and poised for the crown. The ruthless youth of Phi Phi O’Hara, goth-spook inventive Sharon Needles and professionally polished Chad Michaels sat ready for the big finish while sister contestants shared thoughts and emotions about them, especially about O’Hara. She wasn’t the most popular contestant ever to sashay away from RDR. This is the truth. She defended herself, apologized to some but stood her determined ground. Willam had the quote to the night when she said that she had “no Ru-pologies” for what she had done. No she obviously doesn’t. And Sharon offered that when you’re being boo’d while on stage it’s actually applause from ghosts. The shade, the shade of it all.

In the end, Sharon Needles was awarded the tiny tiara and seemed fairly complacent while the punchbowl crown sat quietly beside the the three. If the story comes to me correctly, RuPaul filmed three endings which explains the strange energy level of the show’s end and lack of excitement. Since shady queens couldn’t keep their mouths shut about last season’s winner, RuPaul refused the spill. I heard Sharon say that she’s “been humbled by it all” and I really hope that she stays humble through the fame. These girls have people coming at them now, more so than ever. Their performance fees jump considerably because of the show and popularity soars. But we should realize the reality of being a reality star. Enjoy the glory, girls! You deserve it all, every single one of you!

Signing up for classes at Drag U now. Professor Latrice Royale, please. Teach me tonight.

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Posted in FIERCE TELEVISION, HERE'S THE TEA, JUDGING DRAG PAGEANTRY, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, REALITY TV RECAPS

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LATRICE ROYALE SPEAKS TO HER FANS!

Posted on 2012/04/11 | 1 Comment

That’s my girl! L-U-V the Doll, Latrice Royale. I’m waiting ever so patiently on answers to interview questions I hope she has time to answer during her hectic schedule of travel and stardom. Will post them as soon as I can… I know that we, her fans, want to know the hard hitting answers on what her life is like now with the show propelling her into another fierce success story, how it felt to be eliminated (I felt a knife in my heart when she “Sashayed, Away,” I was devastated.) and the true Tea or shade about filming reality TV. Can’t wait to see what she can share!

I just think the YouTube clip above is a wonderful and honest moment of Latrice “M*th*r F*ck*ing” Royale speaking to her legions of diehard fans. Since knowing her for a good ten years now it is fabulous to see her blossom into the star she has become. She is forthcoming with the fact she’s lived a hard knock life with a brief time in prison and learning from her lessons of trusting the wrong people. Her heart is huge and grand personality, too! People can relate to her and she is approachable. Not sure if she set out to be a role model for so many, many people, but that’s what she’s become after being on RuPaul’s Drag Race. We’ve loved seeing her week after week beat expectations and shatter molds of what entertainment is.

The glorious image below is her final moment on the Main Stage before leaving. Tears filled eyes, for sure. Something tells me this is only a true beginning for Madame Royale. Keep your eyes on this one. Trust. You better work, Bitch.

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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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MICHELLE VISAGE TWEETED ME!

Posted on 2012/02/28 | Leave a comment

Yes, the lead singer of 80s girl-group Seduction responded to a tweet I sent out to her and Sharon Needles about Needle’s fierce portrayal of Michelle during the Snatch Game last evening on RuPaul’s Drag Race saying that she “Lived!” and that it was her time to impersonate Needles. (Side Note: L-U-V Seduction’s “Could This Be Love” and Visage’s “It’s Gonna Be (A Lovely Day) with SOUL System. WORSHIP!) Celebrities don’t always respond to my tweets (hey – being honest) but when they do like Josh Wolf, Sarah Colonna, Loni Love and LaurieAnn Gibson have, I appreciate the fact they took a minute to shout back. I’m not asking for an engagement ring (already have that!) but some love for this Media Maven would be respected and in their best interests. Just saying…

Where is this all coming from?! Last evening on RDR the Dolls played a hellacious round of Ru’s take on the 70s game show Match Game appropriately titled Snatch Game. She does it every season and for these girls to come on the show and not have a character ready then they haven’t done their homework and should go back home. Back it up… a Mini Challenge of egg laying and feather blowing took winner Phi Phi O’Hara past the other Ladykins to be called winner. Selflessly she offered her prize of a much-coveted phone call home to Chad Michaels who was celebrating her anniversary and was desperate to speak with her man. Props and pearls to O’Hara for keeping it real. That good karma saved her ass later on but I’ll get to that.

Ross Matthews who I hope to met this weekend in Las Vegas at Share Nightclub’s Grand Opening and the lovely Loretta Devine sat in the guest judges thrones next to Visage and fashion guru and quick-lipped Santino Rice. However, it was just Devine and Matthews who were the contestants in the Snatch Game. And the game (and antics) began…

Breaking it down ever so quickly, Sharon Needles did Michelle Visage D-O-W-N and Visage lived for it as did we all. I squealed watching Needles laugh and serve critique. RuPaul was obvious in her comfortable banter with Sharon. Next was Milan as a whacked-out Diana Ross that I sorta didn’t mind but knew Ross would never act or look that crazy and cross-eyed. Willam served vapid Jessica Simpson realness and did a great job. Latrice Royale played a very bothered Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin to the hilt. Why was she so bothered? Getting to that.

Jiggly played an obnoxious and obvious Snooki next to Phi Phi O’Hara’s Lady Gaga. From a seat in the back row of a Lady Gaga concert she possibly gives you Mother Monster but Gaga is demure, quiet, on her game, genuine, professional in interviews and O’Hara’s bizarre silly antics were not good. Dita Ritz gave us Wendy Williams for a bit while Kenya Michael’s Beyonce was horrendous and painful to watch. First, she should have done J-Lo, Lil Kim or Nicki Minaj because she looked nothing like Beyonce nor acted like her.

Then there was Chad Michaels as Cher, costume and wig changes galore and a performance that rocked our worlds. Mamma IS Cher. She is so on-point that it’s like BAM! Alright, Bitch (Being In Total Control of Herself.) She whurqed it, D-O-W-N. Did I leave someone out?! Anyway, it was all about Chad Michaels. And she won the Main Stage Challenge, with Sharon and Willam in a close second. Phi Phi barely escaped the dreaded bottom two which consisted of Milan and Kenya. Safe were Latrice who snapped on the other Dolls after the embarrassing antics she witnessed during the Snatch Game because that was not what she signed on for, Jiggly and Dita. Right on, Royale! I agreed. It was pure immaturity among the few.

After Madonna’s Vogue played until he very end, Milan stayed and Kenya went away. An obvious choice from this judge’s seat but you never know. Just some advice to the girls who find themselves in a “Lip-sync for your life!” moment. Find your place in the middle of the stage, sing to those judges and that spotlight and don’t be looking over at the other queen worrying about what they’re doing. Kenya is a goddess but she needs a bit more experience and growth. But girl’s mug is no punk. Translation: She’s pretty. Another lap complete!

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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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RUPAUL REWIND IN FAST FORWARD

Posted on 2012/02/07 | Leave a comment

Last night’s episode of Logo TVs RuPaul’s Drag Race… in a flash. Credits roll. An airbrushed RuPaul sings. Dolls arrive. Jiggly erases Alisa’s outgoing message in lipstick off mirror. She Mail is delivered. For a Mini Challenge, queens must have “back,” made of foam, styrofoam peanuts and stuffing. Bootylicious! Willem, Chad and Phi Phi (I believe) won. Wresting teams are picked by these three as leaders. Latrice Royale is picked first. Madame LaQueer, last. The sexy Rick Fox and John Sailey happily judged the Dolls. Some really acted as silly as the challenge called for. Others tried to be cute, stay pretty and safe. In the end, Chad Michaels and Madame LaQueer are deservedly victorious! Sharon Needles gave me Lana Del Rey. The Princess out lip-sync’s a young Lashauwn for the final spot of the week. The end.

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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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OUR GAY CULTURE

Posted on 2012/01/05 | Leave a comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 108

JUST IN JANUARY

How are those resolutions going?! You know that if you’re going to change something you should just start now not later. When you are serious about the switch from what’s-happening-wrong to make-it-better-you then you’re not going to wait. Just do it! (As the Nike campaign instructs.) If slowing down and taking that needed breath is what’s on order, take that few seconds to hit the breaks on the chaos of life. When a fire could perk up your work speed or dream chasing, imagine walking on hot coals barefooted and get moving.

January brings in tons of popular culture collectables including devastating drag queens, salacious British extremists and red carpet gowns on award-winning actresses. Where do we begin? There’s so much going on that calendars are full and people busy. What more can we ask for? And as Joan Crawford, err, Faye Dunaway commanded in Mommie Dearest, “Now, let’s get to work.”

Well, Sweetie Darling. You do know that brand new episodes of that 90s smash cult hit Absolutely Fabulous are hitting Logo TV, in association with BBC America, throughout January. Everyone’s favorite duo is back! Edina and Patsy bring that absolute fabulousity that we’ve come to expect from them. In conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of their original production, three new episodes bring our party mavericks into an era of Kardashians and having to realize results of past indiscretions.

Watching our women portray these iconic tawdry extremists so deliciously brings back brilliant memories of my life in Atlanta. I would sit around with my group of best confidants watching the series, circa mid-90s, recovering from a long weekend of excessive hardcore celebrating like our Madame Monsoon and Diva Stone would pull off in a night. I’ve seen one of the newest episodes at press time and find their delivery as impeccable as ever and already yearn for more! Set the DVR, Sweetie! Alright?!

Joyful Noise starring two of our favorite ladies of stage and screen, Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah, hits theaters on January 13. “It’s ladies night. Oh, what a night. What a night.” Just saying this is a lesbian’s wet dream come true. Parton’s pretty and curvaceous style and Latifah’s undeniable sass and witty grit come together on film to try and save a struggling gospel choir win a national competition. Both artists have talented voices so I would bet the soundtrack will be a must-hear! Maybe we’ll even see our ladies on the red carpet during our upcoming award show season turning heads with other stunners dressed in the likes of Tom Ford, McQueen and Versace.

On January 24, speaking of struggling choirs, our hardworking cast of Glee will be delivering an entire episode of Michael Jackson smashers dedicated to the late King of Pop including Brittany and Santana singing “In the Closet” and Darren Criss’ character Blaine crooning “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” With the series having both its high notes and low registers this season, I’m looking forward to seeing what they produce with this episode. Guaranteed, the results will be detailed and dissected by critics and fans alike. Us included!

Do you consider yourself a Heather or a Booger?! Watch the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and figure it out. Now I love a good drag pageant and by the looks of the previews running on Logo TV, the new season of RDR is going to be bigger and better than ever before. The prize money for top spot as America’s Next Drag Superstar has been yanked to $125K so these other reality programs need to step up their games. It has even made me contemplate shaving my chest, taping ‘em up, tucking it back, painting my canvas and competing for the crown. Would that be so bad?!

This season’s premiere is January 30 and brings the likes of edgy competitors Sharon Needles (love that name!) and bald but beautiful The Princess; fierce mammas of size South Beach’s Latrice Royale and the self-proclaimed “Asian plus-sized Barbie” Jiggy Caliente from Queens, NY; and legendary Cher impersonator Chad Michaels from San Diego, to name just a few. There’s thirteen divas vying for the title this round and my score card is anxious for some at-home judging. Join me, please!

Toss in a few moments on the calendar for the “weird but wonderful” happening in January and we have our month: Milk Day (01/11), the Frisbee’s birthday (01/13), National Dress Up Your Pet Day (01/14), National Popcorn Day (01/19), and (my favorite) Hugging Day (01/21).

2012 © PULP

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THE JIG IS UP! | THE ALEXIS MATEO INTERVIEW

Posted on 2011/08/11 | Leave a comment

THE JIG IS UP! | THE ALEXIS MATEO INTERVIEW

This past season of RuPaul’s Drag Race just completed its third fabulous lap on Logo TV and crowned a winner who became what RuPaul has dubbed “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Each vibrant contestant brought their own style of “Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent” (spell it out, girl!) and dominated their place in the competition until they were asked to “lip-sync for their lives” in hopes to stay one more week of crown chasing. Not to mention the $75,000 that was the prize booty, too! That buys a lot of rolls of duct-tape, fierce batwing eyelashes and a new breast plate, trust. I heard through a good source that they’ve just finishing casting season four which I’m really looking forward to.

After sitting on acclaimed judges’ panels across the country, I can attest that what we judges may see up close may differ greatly from what the audience may see. Same goes for reality television. The editors, writers and producers of said shows piece the puzzle together to form storylines and conflict that drive us viewers crazy and pull us in deeper with every turn.

Florida-famed superstar Alexis Mateo came into RDR with her sequined hot-glue guns blazing draped in beads each week dressed in something fiercer than the time before. Madame Mateo made many of the other girls step aside as she heard “Condragulations” and won challenges, consistently excelled and impressed by her bright smile and pageant-ready ways. While keeping it real the entire time, especially as a brilliantly played Alicia Keys during the Snatch Game. We were “Team Mateo” from the beginning and remained that way throughout the competition even though routed for many of the other queens, as well. I appreciate seeing someone who has the entire package. Alexis has it.

With close connections and a few quick emails, I was able to connect with Alexis about life after the show and what it was like behind-the-scenes. I luckily saw her perform in Ybor City recently and like I saw on the show, she gives you BAM! with every step she takes. Here’s what Miss Mateo had to say about her future in pageants, thoughts on Raja winning the title and who she really connected with during taping the show.

Steven Michael (for The Bottom Line): Alexis, let’s get right to the tea, girl. What did you find being your biggest hurdle on RuPaul’s Drag Race? In life? And as a drag superstar?

Alexis Mateo: I had a hard time being a drag queen in a supermodel competition. I went to the show as a performer and they wanted a runway queen with fashion designer talent. Not my thing. It got me frustrated but I’m happy that I got to show who I am in real life. I second guess myself a lot. It makes me insecure in life but I always come out with the right answer for me. Being fresh and new is very important because drag changes every day and you have to be always ready for tomorrow!

What’s the biggest misconception of you as Alexis? And the biggest misconception people have of drag queens?

I think the biggest misconception with me and drag queens is that people think we want to be women. For me this is an art. I love the transformation and the idea of being somebody else for a short time, and love the attention on stage. But it has nothing to do with my sexuality.

What did you do on your time off from the show during filming? And how long were you in LA shooting?

It was around two months. In my time off I learned all the music for the show and I tried my best to loose weight.

I’m sure that the producers had you sign a confidentiality clause in your contracts. How hard was it not to call your sisters and spill the tea?

Oh, my gosh! It’s so hard but you always have to remember that if you say something it will ruin the surprise.

Getting into some good ‘ole grease. What was Michelle Visage’s deal with you, girl? She gave you greater fever during the season. I’m surprised you Dolls never had to lip-sync to one of her songs. You know she was in the 80s girl-group Seduction. Finally she gave you some props at the end which made you happy.

Oh, she got music? (laughing) I didn’t know. Thank God we didn’t have to lip-sync to that. Honestly, she had her favorites in the competition and I was not one of them. That’s it.

How did you girls feel about the high-school “Heathers vs. Boogers” childishness that was going on behind the scenes?

It was fun to watch, honestly. A lot of people learned my name because I didn’t hide behind a “group.” It was good for me, so thank you Heathers!

Ever get really homesick? It looked like you were ready towards the end to throw in the wig and quit. You became close with which girls during the show?

I’m always home sick. My family is in Puerto Rico and I miss them. I became really close friends with Yara, Shangela and Mariah. They visit me at home and we go shopping, to the beach and Disney together. It’s great to know that we became really good friends out of all this crazy competition.

How do the other girls treat you now that the show is over and you‘re booked together?

We all really professional and love to tour around with each other. The drama is over and we are now sisters. Only fun times!

Did you Dolls ever get good and cocktailed in the Interior Illusions Lounge? They offered up the Absolut Vodka!

Always! (laughing) That was the time to relax and enjoy the competition. But never too drunk we are very professional.

Who are your inspirations? How did you start doing shows and becoming Alexis Mateo?

I have “godmothers in drag.” They took me by the hand and helped build Alexis Mateo: Calvin of Orlando, Kori Stevens, Alicia Markstone, Esme Russell and Coco Montrese.

Alexis, you are definitely a prepared pageant girl. It truly shows. Do you prefer competition in pageants or doing shows? And what’s next along those lines for you?

I prefer doing shows. It’s more relaxing. But this year I had planned on competing at the Miss All American Goddess Pageant in Dayton, Ohio in June but changed my mind due to business opportunities elsewhere. I hope to become a national queen one day. That is my true dream!

I bet being on the show has really opened the doors for you! What other plans are in the near or far away future for Alexis Mateo?

Just working towards my many. I would love to have my own dating reality television show to find my true love, release a CD, travel around the country and become the first Hispanic gay drag queen President of the USA.

Maybe we should pitch that dating show to Logo TV, gal. Want to share any candid thoughts on the winner of RuPaul‘s Drag Race?

Raja is different and creative. I still don’t think he’s a female impersonator but he will be a great superstar.

Anything else you want to share with our readers and your fans? Final thoughts…

Thank you for following me in the show! I love all of your emails and comments, and for giving me the time to show you my passion and my life. Visit my web page http://alexismateo.com and “like” my official Alexis Mateo RuPaul’s Drag Race Facebook fan page.

2011 © The Bottom Line

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