Now that we’ve met the Season 8 queens, get some scoop on what to expect from them on this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race – and some insider advice to the girls from fan favorites of seasons past.
And tune in to Logo on Mondays at 9/8 Central for the new season.
BIANCA DEL RIO
METROSOURCE: Bianca, are you still based in New York?
BIANCE DEL RIO: Not anymore, I actually moved to LA. I made the switch.
What does it feel like to be back?
Well it’s exciting and a little surreal. You know, we did our premiere here so it’s kind of like déjà vu.
Do you know a lot of the queens this year?
I’ve met several of them but I don’t know them on a personal level. Through Drag Race and traveling you get to meet so many people in different cities. I’ve met Derrick Barry, of course I know the New York queens…Acid and Bob and Thorgy, and I’ve met some of the other girls on my travels so it’s great to have the opportunity to see them all here.
What have the past few years been like for you?
You know, it’s been surreal. Great. You get to ride this amazing wave. I have twenty years of working leading up to this and it just gave me the golden ticket out there.
Do you have any tips for the new girls?
Don’t be an idiot. Don’t feel you’re entitled, now is when you have to work.
Can you tell me about Hurricane Bianca?
Well we filmed it in July, Alan Cumming is in it, Margaret Cho, RuPaul, and my absolute favorite Rachel Dratch is in it. We filmed it, they’re editing it now, I don’t know when it’s going to be released but all of the information will be on hurricanebianca.com.
In addition to hurricanebianca.com where else can we find you?
I’ll be starting my new show in Australia in May, then I’ll do a couple of gay prides in the summer, but I’m taking a short break to assemble my thoughts and get everything together. I’m starting a new tour which is called Not Today Satan in Australia in May and then I’ll come to the US for forty-two cities in September.
Your last show, “Rolodex of Hate” did extremely well.
Yes! It’s great; we did 93 performances all over here, Australia, and the U.K. It’s now available on Vimeo, just type in Rolodex of Hate and you can find it there! [Or, for the lazy, let us do it for you.]
You’re definitely a fan favorite; I’m definitely a huge fan.
Well you have good taste!
I’ve seen your shows all over the city for years and you’ve always been such a hard worker, and I feel like everybody respects you because you put in the time and the work.
Listen, I appreciate the compliment, but you have to have the opportunity and go after it. For me working is the best thing there is. I never sit back and eat bonbons, getting out there and doing the work is what I enjoy.
You’ve been able to keep a level head in this business. How can you in this industry?
You just have to; you’ve got to believe in what you’re doing. People will rip you up and give you this great spot to be in but none of it really lasts. It’s always what you’re doing and what’s going to matter to you. Your work ethic is most important because you go around to every bar and every venue and it’s all about what you put out there. I can be a nasty cunt on stage but you have to be a human being offstage. A lot of people forget that, they feel they’re entitled and that they deserve something. They can get any queen to come in here and lip synch, show them you’re a human being and be gracious because not many people who are lip-synching and actually getting this moment. So be good.
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JIGGLY CALIENTE
Photo by Jeffrey James Keyes
METROSOURCE: Jiggly, what is it like coming here tonight and seeing all these new queens?
JIGGLY CALIENTE: It’s nostalgic because I know how they feel, the excitement, the anxiety; everything is so exciting in the moment. Enjoy it now…because soon the hate will come.
Do you have any advise for them?
Try to not read every comment because they’re hateful. If you do decide to read the comments the power of delete and block is going to be your best friend. I’m just sayin’
Which of the new girls do you know?
Bob. [laughs]
I obviously know the New York queens. I’ve seen them out, performing, and working. I’ve worked with Bob before; I’ve worked with Thorgy. I’ve seen Acid in passing and she’s really cool, I love her. Her whole aesthetic is gorgeous. It’s bright, it’s fun, and I love looking at her stuff. I know Ms. Naysha Lopez because she’s a former Miss Continental. Gorgeous…gorgeous queen. I’ve worked with Cynthia Lee Fontaine on tour. You know, I’m excited to see all the girls and check out what they’re going to bring. Baby, this season looks like a lot of fun. I just hope the fans enjoy the girls.
Love it.
Don’t break them down yet!
Okay, so I have to ask you because I think we’re friends. We’re friends, right?
Yeah, I think so. I follow you on Instagram.
And you’re such a fan favorite, and a favorite of Ru’s too. It comes across in the episodes and RuPaul’s Drag Race RuVealed.
Well I would certainly like to think so!
In hindsight what helped you to really emerge as someone we want to get to know and see more of?
I’m an around the week kind of girl. I’m someone you want to hang out with, I’m fun, I’m silly, I’m stupid. I don’t take anything too seriously (unless I’m hormonal that day) but I’m just a big ball of fun. I’m open and people respond to that.
What other tips do you have for these girls?
Be generous and great to your loyal fan base. They are the ones that are going to stick by you through thick and thin. I may not have the most followers and fans but the ones I do have are very “ra da da” with me. You get me? They just love me with all my flaws. Enjoy your fans because they’re going to love you too.
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MRS. KASHA DAVIS
METROSOURCE: Hello, darling.
MRS. KASHA DAVIS: Hello my dear.
It’s nice to see you.
It’s nice to see you!
What is it like being here tonight? Is this your first time meeting all of these queens?
You know, I got to know a few of them on the road; I didn’t know who’s on the show. You know, the gals chat but it’s so much fun to be here talking with the girls tonight. I’m just excited for what the year’s going to be for them…and beyond.
What has the year been like for you?
Oh my god, it’s been such a fucking whirlwind. It’s red carpet events and then off to the races. You get out and do all the viewing parties for the shows and then it’s like what do you want to do with this platform? Do you want to sing, do you want to do theatre, or just be out at the clubs…what is it you want to do? I’ve been able to leave my full time job as the director of a call center to just be Mrs. Kasha Davis: International Celebrity Housewife.
Amazing.
It is amazing! That’s what I want to tell people, dream it, do it. It’s there for you if you want it.
Where are you based these days?
Rochester, New York. Same place as Darienne Lake.
Really?
Yeah, she’s one of the Great Lakes. [wicked laughter]
What is something that’s been surprising for you in the past year?
The biggest thing I didn’t anticipate was getting sober. I used to say there’s always time for a cocktail, and it worked until it didn’t. It took the best of me, I decided to take a moment to say is this what I want to do as a career? You really can’t drink on the job, and it was time for me to face that reality. It’s been the most wonderful experience.
Do you feel like navigating through the industry sober is a completely different experience? Do you have more control?
Absolutely. The clarity is amazing, I’m able to do what I’m doing right now with you and it used to be more about the party before. There’s a time and a place for that, I’m not judging it at all, it’s just not for me right now.
And this is your husband, right?
This is Mr. Davis.
What has this year been like for you?
MR. DAVIS: Oh god, it’s been…Super fun.
You two seem like such a rock solid couple.
MRS. KASHA DAVIS: Listen, I could never do any of this without Mr. Kasha Davis. He is my rock, we are a team, and there’s no Mrs. Davis without the mister…I mean…I’m a married lady. We’ve been together for 12 years now. It’s just the beginning.
What’s your secret?
MR. DAVIS: Communication.
MRS. DAVIS: Boom Chica Pop Popcorn! [laughter] And The Golden Girls before bed.
Looking at the new season are there any girls you really like?
I love Robbie Turner. I love Bob. Everybody’s got something to offer. I don’t like to say I have a favorite because just the opportunity to get on this show and have that platform is amazing. But I do love Robbie Turner’s style.
What are your hopes for this season?
It’s just the beginning, there’s a lot to come. Ru’s got a lot up her girdle.
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BOB THE DRAG QUEEN
Bob The Drag Queen
METROSOURCE: Hey Bob, how’re you doin?
BOB THE DRAG QUEEN: We’re starting? I can’t call you names now.
No, you totally can.
Okay, good.
What does tonight feel like?
I’ve been waiting forever. This is the longest any cast has had to stay quiet. I don’t know how we did it. Especially me, I have a speech impediment I can’t shut the fuck up sometimes. I don’t know how I fucking did it but I kept my mouth closed and I’m here, ready to serve the children.
Congratulations! For people who don’t know Bob the Drag Queen, enlighten us.
Honestly the best thing you can know about me is that I’m a bit irreverent and not as dumb as I look.
We had a name change a few years back.
Yeah, my slave name is Kitten With A Whip but I’m emancipated and free now. I took the name because it just suits me better than Kitten With A Whip, which was a reference to an old Ann-Margaret movie but no one got it and I feel more like a Bob: Big Ogre Bitch, whatever you need to help you remember it better.
Where are you from originally?
Atlanta, Georgia.
How long have you been doing drag?
Almost seven years.
What made you step into drag?
RuPaul’s Drag Race. I watched the very first season and I was like man, I can do that. I went online and ordered a Ben Nye stage makeup kit and then went around town doing terrible drag shows.
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ACID BETTY
METROSOURCE: Acid Betty, are you still based in New York?
ACID BETTY: I’m in Brooklyn, yes.
How long have you been in the city?
Twelve years.
What does tonight feel like?
It’s excitement, anxiety, chaos, and I have to convince myself that it’s actually here. It’s been a year later and we can finally be sisters in public. It’s nerve wracking!
How was keeping quiet for you?
It was really hard, I felt gross lying to people. Everyone had a lot of elusive questions like “so how was LA, and how’s Ru?” and I would just be like “what did you do for the summer?” and attempt to change the conversation. I could not answer questions like that.
What did you tell people when you went on the show?
I told them I went to Florida because I was over New York and didn’t want to deal. It didn’t work.
People were onto you?
Of course they were.
What should we know about Acid Betty?
Oh my god, that’s a loaded question. I’m actually a really nice guy; I’m not a total cunt.
Who is Acid Betty?
Hopefully a provocateur, someone that will make you think.
☻
THORGY THOR
Thorgy Thor
METROSOURCE: Congratulations, Thorgy!
THORGY THOR: Well thank you.
I met you a few years ago at a release party for Gloria Estefan’s “Hotel Nacional” video at Splash.
Don’t even get me started; I was just talking about that event with my friend!
You looked so amazing that night.
I remember exactly what I was wearing that night. Every single piece.
I love it.
Did you see the musical On Your Feet?
No.
I hear it’s really good. Gloria keeps calling me saying I’ve got to come, gurl.
Really?
No, I’m not really friends with Gloria Estefan. [laughter] I’m pulling your chain, gurl, I’m puling your chain.
What has this year been like?
Such a good question. The show is wonderful so anticipation for the show is always like “oh my god I’ve got to do my sit ups”. You want to look good on TV, you want to feel good, you want to run around like a crazy person and get everything taken care of and then you get on the show and you’re like okay now I can’t say anything.
Then the news came out and it was such a relief but now everyone is like “who gets eliminated first”, “what are the challenges?” and you have a moment and then are like oh shit. I really can’t wait until March 7th; I’m so excited about it. The show is going to be very entertaining.
Tell us a bit about Thorgy Thor.
I’ve been working for a very long time, and I’m actually really proud I’ve been able to keep a who cares, have fun attitude. It’s drag and you never know who your audience is. Try things you’re not comfortable with. I’ve worked in every venue; you brought up Splash, what was that, seven years ago? I’ve worked for almost every promoter, every queen, I’ve traveled a lot, but when people meet me sometimes they’re like “who is this new queen” and it’s not like that. See if I showed up in some Swarovski gown and came really chiseled they’d be like ooooh who’s that? Is that what it really takes? You have to push your boundaries. I like a good challenge. I’m happy to present Thorgy and try something new. I’m also everyone’s best friend; I’m everyone’s OCD freak. You’ll see that on the show a lot.
I can’t wait. How many times did you try out for the show?
I’ve been trying out for RuPaul’s Drag Race since Season 1. A friend of mine told me I would be perfect for the series and encouraged me to audition. I literally tried out every single season. On seasons three and four they wrote me back and were like “gurl, you’re going to be on the show” and I freaked out and cancelled everything, cleared my summer plans, and they even used me on that first episode where they were like “let’s take a look at some of the losers that didn’t make it” and I’m like “really, really”? I’ve been trying out every year. I don’t know if that makes me look pathetic or somebody that loves this opportunity and knows this is where I belong. I’m a part of this family. I always felt that way so it’s a pleasure that I’m here.
Last modified: October 16, 2017
