As promised, here is the first version of the ultimate guide to get to know this year's new queens. The final (and updated) one will be posted in /r/rupaulsdragrace after the cast announcement.
The links, in general, are arranged based on what I recommend more / what I think is more relevant appearing first. If you find anything wrong or out of place, let me know so I can correct it. If there's content (new or not) that is not included here and you think should be, comment below. Same goes for the text entries: if you know relevant information that's left out or stuff I wrote that's incorrect, let me know.
Take the opportunity to comment what are your favorite looks, which performances you recommend most, the most interesting interviews etc.
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A'KERIA CHANEL DAVENPORT
Texas pageant drag at its finest, A'keria – or The Ruler, as she frequently calls herself – is the first queen on Drag Race to represent Houston, having lived in Dallas before that. She serves incredibly tight lipsync, polished over-the-top drag looks and a lot of poise. Having Armani Nicole Davenport as her mother, she's linked to Kennedy and Sahara as their drag niece and specializes in slow, controlled R&B numbers. Some of her titles include Miss Black Universe and Miss International Vogue.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Performances: "Take Time" by Ledisi, "Air Mail Special" by Ella Fitzgerald, "How Can I Ease The Pain" by Lisa Fischer, Lil Kim number, "Crazy" number, Gospel number at Miss Black Universe, "Beggin & Pleadin" by Brandy, "Back & Forth" by Aaliyah, "Tired" by Kelly Price, "Be With You" by Beyoncé, "Window Seat" by Erykah Badu, Xscape mix, "We Can't Be Friends" by Deborah Cox, "Bodak Yellow" by Cardi B, "Love Under New Management" by Keke Wyatt
Personality/Interviews: Hanging out on Facebok Live, short video of her winning Miss Black Universe
ARIEL VERSACE
Self-proclaimed New Jersey's life sized Bratz doll, Ariel is known for huge fluffy hair, expertise in makeup and colorful outfits. She's a YouTube and Instagram sensation, with a variety of makeup tutorials and polished drag looks, describing herself as sexy, campy and energetic. Even though she comes from Cherry Hill, NJ, she is currently based in Philadelphia, where she's made a name for herself in the local drag scene. She makes her own hair and has a custom wig company called Drag by Chariel.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos, her wig company's Instagram and Facebook photos
Makeup Tutorials: Soft Pink Glam, Peachy F**king Queen, Starry Eyed, Bubble Gum Bitch and basically this entire YouTube channel
Performances: Princess Peach mix, "Havana" / "I'm a Slave 4 U", Telephone mix, "New Rules" by Dua Lipa, "When I Grow Up" by The Pussycat Dolls, "Lose My Breath" by Destiny's Child (snippet), Jester mix
Music: "Venomous"
Personality/Interviews: What's In My Mouth Challenge with Farrah Mascara, Transformation video with Laganja, Old video from Drag4Wars, Queerty article about her controversial 9/11 number, also check the "Makeup Tutorials" section above as she also shows her personality in those
BROOKE LYNN HYTES
Brooke is a real life ballerina who found her way to drag through dance, which she had been doing professionally for over ten years and in three different continents. Her talent and pursuit of perfection have earned her the title of Miss Continental on her second try, when she was still relatively new to the drag world. She's the first canadian queen on the show, having moved to Nashville to further her drag career. Even though she's most known for the delicate ballet numbers, she's able to pull off several different styles of performance.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos, Eyebrow blocking tutorial
Performances: Black Swan number at Miss Continental 2013, Disco mix, "Chandelier" by Sia, Britney mix at Miss Continental 2014 (she won), "Telephone" by Lady Gaga, "Elastic Heart" by Sia, "Frozen" by Madonna, "Feed Me Diamonds" by MNDR, "Ready For It?" by Taylor Swift, "Applause" by Lady Gaga, "Cold" by Annie Lennox at Miss Continental 2015, "Lean On" by Major Lazer
Personality/Interviews: At Shot With Soju with Jasmine Masters, on the Hey Human podcast, at Out & About Nashville, on DailyXtra magazine, on the Drew Rowsome blog
HONEY DAVENPORT
One of the big names in the NYC scene, Honey is a dedicated performer and has navigated through very different styles of drag in her career, starting off as more of a genderfuck performer (hence also being known as Sir Honey Davenport) and having won several pageants. She is a singer and has been part of an electro/pop/rock band in drag, also regularly singing in her talent presentations. She is the drag mother of Monét X Change and has Kennedy and Sahara as her drag aunts, having mentioned Sahara as her biggest inspiration.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Performances: "Revolution" by Diplo, "Easy Love" by Sigala, Sex mix, "Bodak Yellow" by Cardi B, "BURNITUP!" by Janet Jackson, "American Boy" by Estelle, Pray mix, "I Can't Wait" by Stevie Nicks, "Gypsy Woman" by Crystal Waters, "Whip It" by Nicki Minaj, "Let's Dance" by David Bowie
Music: Singing live "I'm Here" from The Color Purple, singing and dancing "History Repeating", "T.R.O.U.B.L.E" music video, "Indestructible" music video, rapping on "Body" by Jayse Vegas, singing "I Am What I Am", singing and dancing in an Ella Fitzgerald number, performing "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris with her band, performing "Dangerous" live with her band, singing "Indestructible" live
Personality/Interviews: In-depth interview for Grizzly Kiki, Interview for Randy Rainbow, Reviewing Drag Race episodes at The Finish Line: S06E01, S07E01, S07E12, S08E01, S08E02, S08E03, S08E04, S08E05, S08E06, S08E07-08. Talking about her band, Interview at The Latex Ball
KAHANNA MONTRESE
This year's Vegas queen is a performer first and foremost, specializing in choreographed numbers of divas like Beyoncé and Janet Jackson, while also giving you glamour and fish face. She is Coco Montrese's daughter and started drag eight years ago because of a bet, having had experience as a professional dancer before that. Besides Coco, she's worked regularly with other past seasons' Vegas alumni like Shannel and India Ferrah.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Performances: Janet Jackson impersonation number, a bit of gymnastics, "Don't Cha" by The Pussycat Dolls, Beyoncé mix, "Rolling In The Deep (snippet), "Acapella" by Kelis, another Beyoncé mix, "Hot Sugar" by Tamar Braxton, "Problem" with Coco Montrese, "When I'm Dancing" by Soraya Vivian, "Can't Remember To Forget You" with Mariah Spanic, another Janet number
Personality/Interviews: Livestream getting ready
MERCEDES IMAN DIAMOND
Minneapolis' own Mercedes Iman Diamond is fun, charming and lighthearted, being the show's second african queen and first muslim one. Her name is not for nothing, as she makes jewelry and likes to wear a lot of jewels herself. Despite her short stature, she can make an impact on stage with her moves. She's won local pageants like Miss Gay 90's and Miss City of the Lakes, having also been second alternate to Miss Minnesota Continental.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Performances: Indian performance, Talent at City of The Lakes Pageant 2017, "S&M" by Rihanna, Nicki Minaj mix, "Right Now" by Rihanna and David Guetta, "I Remember" by Keyshia Cole, another Nicki Minaj mix, Cardi B mix
Personality/Interviews: Hanging out with friends on Facebook Live (1, 2, 3), Livestreams doing her makeup (1, 2, 3, 4), also all these 26 other videos
NINA WEST
Fun, shameleslly campy and community oriented, Nina truly is a drag icon in the US. Having won Entertainer of the Year in 2008, she's known for her old school camp, her intricate musical numbers and organizing big drag productions in Columbus. A philantropist for at least 16 years, she has raised over $2 million to charity through her shows and the Nina West Fund. Her list of celebrity endorsements include Lady Gaga, Barbra Streisand, Adele and Sia, besides being somewhat of a local hero in Ohio, praised by the community and state representatives.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos, Dress reveal at Entertainer Of The Year 2008 (the one Sia copied and credited her for)
Performances: "Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious" from Mary Poppins, Amish Dance Medley, "This Is Me" by Keala Settle, "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé, "Scientology", "Cheap Thrills" by Sia, Mommie Dearest mix, "Hello (Trick or Treat)", "You Only Talk In #Hashtag"
Comedy: Nina West Pop Star?, Impersonating Paula Deen, "Laundromat of Love", Angel Wings (acting), Shart-Nado Trailer, Nina West For President?, The Wrestler spoof (acting), The Bearded Clam (acting), Hesitation (perfume ad)
Music: Singing Usher's "O.M.G." with a twist, "I Kissed a Bear" ("I Kissed a Girl" parody), singing "Born This Way" (acoustic), "James Franco", "Dumber" ("Umbrella" parody), "Jeni's (Ice Cream Shop)", "Hitchcock" ("Peacock" parody), "Pizza Shop" ("Thrift Shop" parody)
Personality/Interviews: News report about her achievements, Hallmark Ornament Day, Interview for Michelle Visage, Interview for Dragaholic, The Man Behind the Queen with The Columbus Dispatch, Interviewing people at pageants (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), all the episodes of DragCast (her podcast)
PLASTIQUE TIARA
Soft, sexy and sophisticated, Plastique can give you the illusion of a lady like very few others, with her polished looks having gotten her a big following on social media. She is not just a look queen, being able to turn tricks on stage, including splits, dips and hair flips. She is 21 and the youngest queen this season, works as a hairstylist by day and makes her own wigs. Alyssa decided to adopt her after buying one of her wigs and seeing her perform, making Plastique officially part of the House of Edwards.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Performances: Drag Race mix, "Break Free" by Ariana Grande, "One Last Time" by Ariana Grande, "Let It Go" / "Hello Bitches", Feather fans number at Rose Room
Music: Singing "Ðâu Chi Riêng Em" by MY TÂM, Singing "Duyên Mình Lõ" by Huong Trâm
Personality/Interviews: Livestream answering fan questions, Interview for Soju at DragCon 2017, First livestream after filming S11, Livestream from March 2018
RA'JAH O'HARA
This Dallas queen can own a stage with controlled and precise dance moves and has been doing drag for at least eleven years. She is connected to Kelexis Davenport (and as a result the rest of the Davenport family) through her mother, Silkie O'Hara Munro, and A'keria refers to her as "big sis". She is a seamstress and does paintings, with her artwork being available for purchase on her social media. Ra'jah won several local and regional pageants, including Miss Texas FFI, a title that Kennedy, Asia and Alyssa have all won.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Performances: "Do It Well" by Jennifer Lopez, "When Love Hurts" by JoJo, "1 Thing" by Amerie, "Partition" by Beyoncé, "Chandelier" by Sia, "Sorry Not Sorry" by Demi Lovato, "Why Don't You Love Me" by Beyoncé, "Like This" by Brandy, "I Decided" by Solange, "Radio" by Beyoncé, "Videophone" by Beyoncé
Music: Singing "Diamonds" by Rihanna, singing Happy Birthday
Personality/Interviews: Hanging out with CoacHCouture (in 2010)
SCARLET ENVY
Self-titled the cheapest woman with the highest price tag, Scarlet looks like a glamorous old Hollywood actress, but without losing the irreverence that is characteristic of Brooklyn. Hailing from Kentucky, she moved to NYC to study in the Fashion Institute of Technology and drag made her stay, starting to work as a full time queen not long after graduating. She can do silly, tongue-in-cheek lipsyncs as well as more gracious numbers, while also frequently playing with androgyny.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Performances: "Young And Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey, Comedy lipsync sketch with Daphne Always, "A Piece of Sky" by Barbara Streisand, "Alive" by Sia, Mandy Moore / Cascada / Gwen Stefani number, "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" by Sonny Bono, "Bring On The Men" from Jekyll & Hyde, "Sweet Dreams" / "Swish Swish", "For Good" from Wicked with Ruby Roo, "Manicure" by Lady Gaga (snippet), "We Can't Stop" by Postmodern Jukebox
Personality/Interviews: Talking about Princess Diana, Talking to Grizzly Kiki at Bushwig 2015, In-depth interview on Grizzly Kiki, At Straight Talk with other queens (she's the one with the Ariel top) (1, 2, 3, 4), Asking people questions on with Daphne Always, Acting as honest Hillary Clinton (the one in white)
SHUGA CAIN
Shuga is one of the main up-and-coming queens in the New York drag scene nowadays, taking the city by storm with her charm, sass and captivating performances – which often incorporate live singing. Self described as "just a latin boy in drag tryna make it in this world", she's originally from California and won Bob's club competition Miss Look Queen, like Aquaria and Dusty before her. Out of drag she is a triathlete and loves everything sweet, baking cakes professionally.
Looks: A selection, Instagram
Performances: Voodoo Witch performance, Gaga Superfan mix, Bellatrix Lestrange number at Look Queen, Nasty Woman mix, Janet Jackson mix, "Run The World" (group number), Mexican Alarm Clock number, Don't Touch My Hair mix, Dreamgirls number with Dusty Ray Bottoms (snippet), Opera number (snippet), "Blazin" by Torqux, Chola Snatched number, Celia Cruz tribute, "Wings" by Little Mix, "Lady Marmalade" as Lil Kim, Ariana Grande / Cupcakke number
Music: Singing Shangela's "Uptown Fish", Singing / lipsyncing as the substitute teacher, "Rumor Has It" / Benita Butrell number, Rap verse for "Read U Wrote U" (starting at 12min10sec)
Personality/Interviews: Livestream with Dusty Ray Bottoms, Hosting at a gig (starting at 2min50sec), Backstage interview for WERRRK, Drag Babies project with Bob, Peppermint and Chi Chi, Interview for the Broke-Ass Stuart blog
SILKY GANACHE
Fun and silly, Silky Nutmeg Ganache is at the same time your regular friendly church lady and a grade A entertainer, being one of the big girls that are known to dance and give energy on stage. She's well versed in pageants, having won Miss Latina Continental Plus, Miss Unlimited Newcomer and Miss Gay Indiana University. With a powerful voice, she has a degree in music and can play the piano. She's originally from Mississipi, but now lives in Chicago.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos, Evening Gown at Miss Continental Plus 2018
Performances: "Last Dance" / "Can't Turn You Loose", Precious number, Talent at Miss Unlimited 2015, "Last Dance" / "Can't Turn You Loose" (baton version), "Disco Inferno" from Glee, "Schoolin Life" by Beyoncé
Music: Singing "Summertime" / "Over The Rainbow", Singing gospel music and chatting
Personality/Interviews: Fooling around at traffic, Talking about wearing nails, Facebook livestreams (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and many more), Having fun with "Last Dance"
SOJU
Known in the drag world for her YouTube interviews with other queens, Soju is a Chicago girl who built her own platform by giving one to her peers. She likes to incorporate her korean origins to her drag, using her black belt taekwondo abilities and frequently performing K-Pop songs – to the point of creating a K-Pop drag party in her home town. With a characteristic way of drawing her lips, she can also serve polished looks and creative makeup.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Makeup Tutorials: Korean Drag Look, Anime Inspired Look, Green Halo Eye
Performances: "Fate" by Sohyang, Nunchaku K-pop number, "Taking Chances" by Céline Dion, Grimes medley, "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" by Céline Dion, Old School K-Pop Medley, "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera, Barbra Streisand medley, "Everytime We Touch" by Cascada, "Loved Me Back to Life" by Céline Dion, Performing as Lil Poundcake with Alaska
Music: "So Juicy" Music Video, "Together Alone"
Personality/Interviews: Interview at Hey Qween!, Look At Huh!, Talking about Shot With Soju, Livestream answering questions, "So Juicy" Music Video Behind The Scenes, DragCon LA 2018 Walkthrough and the entire rest of her YouTube channel
VANESSA VANJIE MATEO
This one needs no introduction. After originating arguably the biggest meme of the franchise, she traveled the country, became a fan favorite and is now one of RuPaul's most notable obsessions. She's been developing her style since Season 10 and, besides the outstanding charisma, has in her sleeve considerable experience as a trained dancer and a professional makeup artist from before getting on the show.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos, Makeup tutorial for VH1
Performances: Miss DragCon 2018 number, "I'm Beautiful" medley, "Call Me Mother" mix, Performing with Alexis Mateo, "Dirrty" by Christina Aguilera
Music: "I'm Vanjie"
Personality/Interviews: Whatcha Packin with Michelle Visage, Talking about her elimination, Queen To Queen with Kalorie Karbdashian Williams, Talking to Soju at DragCon, Interview for Mic, A livestream, Another one, In-depth interview for Grizzly Kiki, Interview for Bob and Monét and much much more
YVIE ODDLY
This queen likes to push the boundaries of drag and is known for outrageous looks – which can range from a pretty lady to terrifying alien creatures – and her signature loud cackle. Her flexibility, strength and long limbs make for entertaining and energetic performances, always willing to give the audience something they haven't seen before. Representing Denver, she's worked with Nina Flowers, who has actively tried to uplift Yvie in the local scene. She calls herself a cheap queen and constantly works with unconventional materials.
Looks: A selection, Instagram, Facebook photos
Performances: Mix for Ultimate Queen competition, Aerial Adele number, Drag Toons performance, Performing as RuPaul, "Needed Me" by Rihanna, "That Laughing Track", Queen Cake performance at Drag Nation, "Barbie Girl" by Aqua, Number at Denver Pride 2015, "I Am The Best" by 2NE1, "Amazing" by Hi Fashion, Rihanna mix, CL medley
Personality/Interviews: Talking about her drag, Another similar interview, Participating on Met on Weekend, Interview for W3 Live News, Interview for Westword, Article on Out Front Magazine, Article on The Denver Post (paid)
Submitted July 23, 2018 at 12:10AM by leonoretta https://ift.tt/2uWzoWb
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