Interview & Article: Louie G
Photos: Luis Garay Sr.
Start your engines! RuPaul’s Drag Race returns to Logo with the series’ first All Stars edition, in which the fans favorite female illusionists from seasons past return to throw shade and lip-sync for their lives. An “all-stars” season had been speculated since the end of season 3 among many Drag Race enthusiasts. Four seasons and over thirty contestants later we have a cast of racers who all hope to possess enough Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, Talent and Synergy (newly added this season) to become the new Queen of Queens, and with $100,000 at stake the queens have a lot to prove in 6 episodes.
Drag Race kicked off with a surprise for both the contestants and the viewers at home. For the first time ever, the contestants would be competing in pairs. This meant that they would be eliminated two-at-a-time.
The 1st week the lip-synch battle came down to Shannell & partner Chad Michaels versus Pandora Box & partner Mimi Imfurst, a personal friend whose casting on the show erupted an outrage with some RPDR fans. In the end Pandora and Mimi were asked to leave the competition, Boxx declared, “If I was by myself I woulda won!”
This week, I had the amazing pleasure of sitting down with some of the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars at their exclusive press & premiere event at XL Nightclub – NYC’s newest and most ravishing new venue, owned and operated by the very talented John Blair and Beto Sutter. The event was hosted by the queen of mean herself, Bianca Del Rio, a staple in NYC nightlife. Check out what some of your favorite queens had to share!
ALL STAR: ALEXIS MATEO – SEASON 3
How does it feel being an ALL STAR?
Being an all star, makes you feel like you are the chosen one, because there has been so many great girls in the past, that when you get that phone call, you think “oh my gosh they thought about me”, this is amazing. It makes you feel like you made an amazing impact in your life. They remember you and that’s all somebody can ask for.
What do you think RuPaul expected of you with this second chance at the crown?
RuPaul picked me for a reason. This season, I attempted to be happier with myself. The first time around, I was trying to have fun and I forgot that because of the stress of the competition. So this time around, I want to have fun for myself. There was something I did right the first time around that made him take me back and I am going to be Alexis – the wonderful gorgeous pageant queen.
What do you plan to bring different to the table this time around different from your season?
This time around, I tried crazy looks that I would have never tried before. In Florida, they are fanatics for the “girl glam” look, and its not a crazy look. For me going into the competition, and pairing with Yara Sofia, I had to get out of my comfort zone to show them something more high fashion and crazy.
If you had one thing to tell the world about your drag persona – Alexis Mateo – what would it be?
Alexis Mateo is exactly like Alexis Pacheco, its something nobody really knows, I never change. Its always the same person, and I am not transformed personality wise at all.
ALL STAR: PANDORA BOXX – SEASON 2
What is it like being back on the main stage, in front of millions of viewers again?
Terrifying. Brought back a whole flood of emotions back. As fun and exciting as Drag Race is, it’s kind of grueling. As soon as Santino said something about my dress, I was like, again… really?
I know this is going to be a rough question, but what do you think about the pairing for this season?
I dont think any of us wanted to be paired at all. I really think that Mimi is a very talented entertainer and it was never about her specifically, like “oh my god I hate Mimi”, it was the fact that I felt that our chances were limited, that we couldn’t go very far. I feel like we were set up to fail.
You’ve travelled around the country touring from city to city, what do you find most rewarding about those experiences?
Meeting people, getting to entertain people. The travel is terrible sometimes, but it’s incredible to go to other cities and see how Drag Race resonates with people. To get to “entertaint” around the country is my passion.
Shifting gears – Who are you wearing this evening?
I think I’m wearing Forever 21.
Sickening.
How do you feel that the drag scene has affected the world of fashion?
I think it definitely affects it because a lot of trends starts underground and then come to the forefront. Drag queens are always outrageous in cities like New York and LA. Certainly that drag queen, Lady Gaga, has had a huge influence on everything. I also think Drag Race has started trends because the fans like this and that, and emulate it.
ALL STAR: SHANELL – SEASON 1
How does it feel being an ALL STAR?
Its crazy, when the opportunity came my way, there were two emotions. 1. I wasn’t surprised, 2. Oh my God, I can’t believe I am going to do this all over again.
What do you think RuPaul expected of you different this time?
Mostly wardrobe, because I know that Ru is all about what we’re wearing. Also, someone who was willing to learn more, with a more humble personality. The more success I attain, the more humble I become.
Who do you feel your biggest competition is on the show?
Myself. I think I am my own worst critic and my biggest competition. I would of said Chad Michaels, but since we’re together, it kind of worked out pretty good for both of us.
What are your views on the pairing this season, do you think it will benefit or damage some of the other girls?
With Chad and I, I think its benefits us. For others, I think it can be very detrimental. If one of you screws up, you’re both going to go home. You really have to rely on your own wit, creativity, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. So double the pleasure double the fun.
Whom are you wearing tonight?
My very good friend and costume designers in LA – Fontasia Lamour – she likes very couture, very pageant type stuff, and I love it too.
Who or what is your biggest influence in your drag style?
Thierry Mugler, I am a huge fan of corsets, peplums, and cinched waists. He has the ability in his fashion to transform women into unbelievable glamazons. Oh, and Alexander McQueen.
ALL STAR: TAMMIE BROWN – SEASON 1
How does it feel being an ALL STAR?
Oh, its wonderful being an all star, I am happy to be here, happy to be doing this interview with you all.
How does it feel to be back on the main-stage, 4 years later, in front of millions of viewers again?
This time I’m calmer; I’m not worried so much. I know it’s a part of the Hollywood machine so I just go with it. I am thankful for the exposure and I can reconnect with because of the show. My music, my album “Popcorn” and “Hot Skunx” is about to come to fruition, so that is really nice.
How do you feel about the pairing on this season?
I love it, I am happy to be with Nina Flowers, I think its fun. I told Nina that I don’t really care about this, I said “Eso me vale” which means I don’t really care; it’s a Spanish term. The funny thing is, she picked me and I picked her.
Who are you wearing this evening?
My outfit is by Christian LaCroix. Vintage Fashion Inc., a world known stylist, dressed me this evening.
The “Rupologist” reporter – Willam Belli – and former winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 2 – Tyra Sanchez – sent in their views about the new season.
Willam Belli
What do you think about the casting of the All Stars?
“it’s interesting” to quote Mariah Paris Balenciaga
Given the option, would you have gone back, to the main stage, in front of millions of viewers, all over again?
I had a very important pedicure I couldn’t reschedule.
What do you feel was expected from the girls this time around?
They want over the top and drama. Good TV.
How do you think the pairing will benefit or damage some of the girls?
I think the pairs aspect makes it more of a handicapped competition
Who are you rooting for? Which team would you like to be on?
I’m root-toot-tooting for Michelle Visage
If you were to be on this season:
What would be the one advantage you would have over the other queens?
I’m a rich Persian Woman
Who would you want to eliminate first?
Jiggly Caliente
Who do you feel would be your biggest competition?
Jiggly Caliente.
Tyra Sanchez
What do you think about the casting of the All Stars?
I think each girl chosen to compete was a smart choice.
Given the option, would you have gone back, to the main stage, in front of millions of viewers, all over again?
Yes I would have gone back, simply because I love my fans, I love to compete and it would have been good ah-mazing to be reunited with the girls.
What do you feel was expected from the girls this time around?
I feel that a lot more was expected from the girls this season… I’m eager to see if what’s expected will be perfected!
How do you think the pairing will benefit or damage some of the girls?
I think the paring will benefit each girl. Hopefully, it will bring them closer. After losing one of our girls I think sisterhood is very important.
Who are you rooting for? Which team would you like to be on?
Raven and Jujubee. duh!
If you were to be on this season:
My win would become the second most controversial win next to mine of course!
Who would you want to eliminate first?
Shanell
Who do you feel would be your biggest competition?
Latrice Royale
Images from XL Night Club Premiere
