Hailing from the geographical heart of England, Birmingham, Sum Ting Wong won our hearts on the inaugural episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
The talented queen, born Bo Zeng, is best known to UK fans for her impressive pies, telling told the Radio Times that “My drag comes from singing. I can’t be a singer out of drag. I am a Chinese male who’s overweight and losing his hair. I’m never gonna make it like that so drag helped me finally live out my dream of performing and singing.”
While Sum Ting didn’t get to prove her singing prowess on Drag Race, she just released a new single, “Crossfire” that showcases her delightful voice. We were able to speak with the recently eliminated queen about her experience on the show, her inspiration, her memorable meetup with a Spice Girl and much more. Get to know this delightful queen in our exclusive interview.
Socialite Life: How did you react when you found out you were cast on Drag Race?
Sum Ting Wong: I literally was like “Is this a joke?” I thought they were lying.
Had you been a fan of the show before? Did you have a favorite queen from previous seasons?
I have watched the show since season 1. My favorites are the OG’s like Ongina. I met Blair (St. Clair) before and she is so sweet! I also like Jiggly, Monet, and Katya.
Who inspires you?
Musicians!
If you had Snatch Game to do again, would you have chosen a different celebrity?
I am a Taurus and stubborn. I would have stuck with David (Attenborough) and feel I did him justice.
What will you take away as your favorite Drag Race memory?
Getting nine new sisters and the support from around the world.
The guest judges rarely interact with the queens and when Geri came backstage to chat with you, I honestly teared up. What was the moment like for you?
I thought it was a joke and they were pulling a prank on me! I wrote my note on the mirror and she was there, and I was like “what is happening?” My next thought was that it happens in every Drag Race UK episode, but later I found out it had never happened in Drag Race history!
What’s been the coolest thing that’s happened to you since Drag Race?
Making music! Also, some of the US Drag Race stars have reached out like Katya. I was fangirling.
What is your dream lip sync for your life song?
Anything Whitney or Mariah.
What type of music or artist that you listen to frequently do you think your fans would be surprised to learn that you're a fan of?
Panic at the Disco.
You talked a little bit about your childhood on Drag Race, which was one of the most touching moments on that episode. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would that be?
Coming out doesn’t need to be rushed.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Everything happens for a reason, and that as LGBT people, we choose our own family.
If you wrote your autobiography today, what would be the title?
I don’t know what the title of this book should be, so this is it.
If they made a movie of your life, who would you cast to play you?
Someone really regal and beautiful and stunning and like a model… so Baga!
What three things could you not live without?
Pizza, lasagna, and chips.
What’s your favorite beauty tip?
Don’t use white around your highlighter because it looks like you are wearing a mask – thanks Michelle!
What’s next for you?
My new single “CrossFire” is available to download, the first single of my new EP is coming really soon and I’m so excited to share it with you all. I will be touring my music in the UK Europe and globally and with a few all ages shows in the works too, all dates and updates will be on my website. You haven’t ‘heard’ the last of me, get it because music?…. Ah I’ll let myself out x
Do you have a message for our Socialite Life readers?
Thank you for your support!
Who else misses Sum Ting already? Make sure this isn’t the last we’ve heard of this fierce queen! “CrossFire” is now available wherever you get your music and follow Sum Ting Wong on Instagram and Twitter.
