Hello, hello, hello and welcome to another Week in Drag packed with recaps, reviews and lots of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.
The queens weigh in on the latest episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drag Race UK and there are lots of standout fashions and performances coming to you from both sides of the pond. We’ve also got updates and news from your favorite queens. We are bursting at the seams with queens, so let’s bring it to the runway!
Let’s kick off the reviews of last week’s acting challenge and train-themed runway on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Trixie Mattel and Jaida Essence Hall talk all things episode 4 in “The Pit Stop.”
Bob the Drag Queen and Monét X Change discuss the episode on “Sibling Rivalry”
Yuhua Hamasaki is back to weigh in on the episode with “Review with a Yu.”
Jujubee talks about the RuPaulmark Channel challenge and all of the drama on episode 4 on “Extra Lap Recap”
Raja and Raven “toot” and “boot” the choo choos – the train-themed fashions on the runway on “Fashion Photo Ruview.”
Yuhua Hamasaki and Heidi N Closet talk about the train fashions on last week’s runway on “Bootleg Opinions”
Nina Bo’Nina Brown as always brings us a new look, anime tribute as she talks about episode 4 (and so much more) on her latest “Rawview”
Since we’ve eliminated our first queen, this means we are treated to a new season of “Whatcha Packin.” Michelle Visage talks fashion, sewing and spending a lot of time applying makeup with the Bob Mackie Barbie, Kahmora Hall.
Our eliminated queen Kahmora Hall shows you how she created her entrance look and, Kahmora being Kahmora, this is a long video, but she looks like a million bucks.
Gottmik blesses us with another makeup tutorial, showing how she created her runway look from the “Trains for Days” challenge and shares some insider information about the episode.
Dahlia Sin, our first eliminated season 12 queen, shares a message for season 13’s first queen to sashay away in this video.
Tamisha Hall kikis with Elliott and Kahmora on her very own talk show.
Denali showcases some of Chicago’s best drag performers, including Drag Race alums Kahmora Hall, The Vixen, Laila McQueen, Detox, Didi Ritz in a lip-sync of Crystal Waters‘ “100% Pure Love.”
Let’s jump over to Drag Race UK coverage! Bob and Blu Hydrangea discuss episode 2 – from the performance of “Rats: The Rusical” and the surprising runway fashions (of which Bob has a lot of thoughts about) on “Purse First Impressions.”
It’s no surprise that Raja and The Vivienne have thoughts on the revealing fashions on the Drag Race UK runway and they “toot” and “boot” the queens’ looks on “Fashion Photo Ruview.” I am living for Raja’s headpiece and The Vivienne looks gorgeous as a Marilyn-esque blonde.
If you want to know which UK queens did “much betta” than the others on the runway this week, watch as Yuhua and Frock Destroyer Baga Chipz review the surprise fashions on “Bootleg Opinions.” I don’t know about you, but I am loving these US/UK collaborations. Wouldn’t an international All Stars be awesome?
After we missed out on the fabulousness last year (thanks, Miss ‘Rona), Alaska’s Drag Queen of the Year Pageant Competition Awards Contest Competition is back for 2021. This pageant’s mission is to put drag inclusivity at the forefront, creating a space that was open to any and all drag performers— regardless of their anatomy, gender identity, or experience level. Eight stunning queens will compete for a chance to win a crown, a sash, a bouquet of very nice flowers, and a prestigious title. Oh, and also $10,000 (via PayPal). Celebrity judges Nicole Byer, Peppermint, Jiggly Caliente, Vinegar Strokes, Shea Coulee', Willam and 2019 contestant Aurora Sexton will be tasked with the vital role of judging and scoring the contestants. On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 2:00 pm PT/5:00 pm ET/ 10:00 pm GMT, a new Drag Queen of the Year shall be crowned. Get tickets and more information here.
The lovely Mariah Balenciaga is not only one of my favorite queens of all time (and not just because she’s from Atlanta), she’s also Jonny McGovern’s latest guest on “Hey Qween!”
The supremely talented Divina DeCampo is the latest queen to be “Exposed” by Joseph Shepherd. She talks about growing up, her experience on Drag Race UK and so much more. If you slept on this queen before, check this out, because she is truly fabulous – and the Frock Destroyers definitely need to compete in Eurovision.
I had the pleasure of talking to the fabulous Crystal from Drag Race UK last week (check out our interview) about her new podcast “The Things That Made Me Queer.” On this week’s episode, she speaks with Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and record producer MNEK, who produced the Frock Destroyer’s “Break Up, Bye Bye”. MNEK discusses his love for That’s So Raven, his first time in a gay club at 17, and how he overcame the stigma associated with being gay in a Nigerian, religious household. You can hear the episode here.
Peppermint has released a new video for her song “Every Morning.” The song is off her album A Girl Like Me: Letters to My Lovers and features vocals from actor and model Laith Ashley. Peppermint says, “This song is a fantasy against the back drop that 2020 was the deadliest year on record for trans women and most murders are committed by our boyfriends and lovers who are ashamed of us. Many trans people have to overcome a lot of personal and social obstacles just to survive. Discrimination, violence can stand in the way of leading a healthy and productive life. “Every Morning” is the opposite of that. This video depicts a couple in the throws of love and romance and a partnership where the leading man adores his partner rather than being ashamed of her…which again is the norm for many.”
Trixie once again shows us she can laugh at herself, watching some embarrassing old makeup tutorial videos. I know she hates them, but I think it’s so much fun to watch her style evolution and, hey, I think we have all used glitter from Claire’s at some point in time (guilty!)
The Vivienne and Monét X Change are queens who like to watch, and this week, they watch the second season of the BSDM series, Bonding.
Jaymes Mansfield recreates a style I attempted as a kid, Farrah Fawcett’s iconic (and angelic) feathered ‘do.
Willam gets into some hair raising fun as 6 works some wig magic and gives a huge wig a new layered look on “Cut Me Bitch.”
From makeover-ee to makeover-er, WIllam paints her former bandmate Rhea Litre (fun fact: their band opened for Steel Panther at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip) on the latest “Paint Me Bitch.”
“Race Chaser” is still one of my favorite podcasts, and it’s a five-star show in my book. Some people apparently disagree. Willam and Alaska take on some of their harshest critics (and fans) and address Alaska’s habit of eating while on the microphone as the get ready on “Journey Into the Comments Section.”
Whew! So. Many. Queens. We will be back with even more next week, so, until then, stay safe, stay healthy, wear a mask and say LOVE!
