The Ultimate Drag Pageant is about to wrap up their fifth season on Thursday, December 14th at 11:00pm at The West End. Hosted by Marti Gould Cummings and Nedra Bell, this competition is one of New York's finest showcases for emerging drag talent. This season's finale will feature Allegra White, Cholas Spears, Edie James, Helluva Bottom Carter, Miz. Diamond Wigfall, and Petti Cake. Let's meet them!
MEET THE QUEENS
What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The best part of being in Ultimate Drag Pageant for me has been utilizing all of my creative skills that I basically haven't touched in a couple years (and learning some new ones too!). I really enjoy performing, dancing, mixing music, crafting, putting together looks, doing makeup, and basically everything else that goes into this, so being willingly forced to do all these things week after week has made me a happier person overall. Huzzah!
What was your favorite performance of the first 8 weeks?: Personally my favorite performance was last week where I did my Honey Boo Boo into Roman's Revenge mix. I've always imagined a performance of "Roman's Revenge" done by one person with costume changes back and forth between Nicki and Eminem, so I wanted to make that a reality - even if my costume changes weren't as polished as I ideally want. Then in order to fit the weekly theme (Pageant) in, I mixed in the Honey Boo Boo/Toddlers and Tiaras quotes which made the number even more ridiculous. But even on top of that, I went into Week 8 coming for blood because I didn't want to be on the bottom again, but at the same time not giving any fucks because if I were to be eliminated I would at least go out on a performance that I loved and felt strongly about. It ended up being so much fun!
What can we expect from you in the finale?: Up until this point most of my numbers have been very quirky and charactery. I've channeled Spongebob, Dracula, Courtney Stodden, Honey Boo Boo, among others. For the finale I am going to be 100% myself without any gimmicks, so I have no idea how that will go over. I do, however, know that my looks and accessories will be glorious as usual.
What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The best part of UDP is how much material I pulled out of myself for the competition. I came into the competition with one or two mix ideas in my head and once the pageant started, my juices started flowing and I started making mixes and then the costume ideas came to me, yadi yada... and now Chola has some good material!
What was your favorite performance of the first 8 weeks?: Edie James did a Lana Del Rey cover as Donald Duck and it was the funniest thing ever. It was totally not where I thought the mix was going and Edie's facial features throughout the performance were so on point! I dunno how you can serve Lana Del Rey and Donald Duck comedy realness at the same time but she did that shit.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: For the finale, you can expect CHOLA . Chola was born at a Punk Show covered in blood wearing short shorts and a bandana top. Last week was Pageant Queen realness and it was the first time Chola was in a dress! I think I'm going to bring back a little of that grittiness that Chola was birthed from.
What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The best part about being part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant has been the opportunity to discover different sides of myself and to express them openly to a supportive audience and panel of judges. Marti and Nedra have really put together a great space for baby queens like myself to learn and grow and I can't thank them enough for allowing me to be apart of it!
What was your favorite performance of the first 8 weeks?: My favorite performance of the first 8 weeks would have to be week 6. The theme was Childhood and I decided to do an autobiographical piece where I came out as my younger (boy) self, and eventually revealed my true nature as a budding drag queen, changing out of my overalls, into a flowered sun-dress. I just remember walking out from behind the curtain after the costume change and hearing the crowd cheer. Really solidified that I was getting my message across/telling my story properly.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: In the finale I want to continue to develop my character and give you her take on the current state of the world. The theme is Activism, and I'm going to be channeling a historical figure, who lead her people to glory in times of darkness. Like always I'll be aiming to tell a story, so please be sure to come and see how it turns out!
What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The best part of UDP was definitely developing a more finite and richer character throughout the weeks. My drag is fully inspired by being a trained actor first and drag queen second so being able to explore that was incredible.
What was your favorite performance of the first 8 weeks?: I think my favorite performance was “Roses Turn” for Broadway week. It was just the closest I’ve gotten to being able to play a fully realized character, and also Patti LuPone, I mean, WHO could deal?!
What can we expect from you in the finale?: The finale definitely has everything I’m just beginning to become known for; Acting beats galore , crazy eyes, fierce dancing, and being a hot mess.
What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: I’ve loved all of the challenges and how to really apply what “Classic Hollywood” is to Miz. Diamond. Also all of the amazing queens that are connected to this competition have been so amazing to work with!
What was your favorite performance of the first 8 weeks?: I think the 90s week with my friend Kyra was just so much fun to do! It was really just us being friends and having a great time onstage.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: Well this is one of my favorite numbers that I have. I was so glad when Marti added this week because it didn’t feel right forcing it into another category. I love that we get to have an activist challenge. There is so much going on in the world , Drag is one of the best artistic outlets. I’m excited to make some statements and see what the other competitors have in store. This is it honey
What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: I loved how incredibly supportive everybody was. From Marti and Nedra, to the other girls, and to the crowd. I am so proud to have made my debut here and I never could have imagined such amazing support system.
What was your favorite performance of the first 8 weeks?: I LOVED comedy week where I got to channel Marti. Any chance to poke fun at somebody I look up to is great. The only downside was having to listen to Marti's voice on repeat during my rehearsal period. This week really challenged me to push outside my limits and to tolerate voices with strong nasal qualities.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: You can expect something very simple, heartfelt, and super Asian. Also glitter. Everywhere. You were warned.