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As Waymond Wang famously says in Everything Everywhere All At Once, “Please, be kind. Especially when we don’t know what’s going on.”
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (aka “The Daniels”) certainly took that advice from their character when they accepted the award for best directing at the 2023 Oscars on Sunday (March 12). Dedicating the award to “all the mommies of the world,” Scheinert especially thanked his parents for supporting his passion throughout his life. “Thank you for not squashing my creativity when I was making really disturbing horror films, or really perverted comedy films, or dressing in drag as a kid, which is a threat to nobody.”
That final comment seemed to come as a shot at Tennessee lawmakers, who earlier this month passed a law banning drag performances from taking place on public property, claiming drag posed a threat to children. While Tennessee became the first state to enact such a ban, a number of other states — including North Dakota, Texas, West Virigina, Nebraska and South Carolina — are currently advancing similar legislation.
The Daniels were the big winners at Sunday night’s telecast, as Everything Everywhere All At Once took home a whopping seven awards out of the 11 it was nominated for, including best picture, best direction, best original screenplay, best film editing, and three of the four major acting awards (best actress for Michele Yeoh, best supporting actor for Ke Huy Quan and best supporting actress for Jamie Lee Curtis).
Check out the Daniels’ full speech following their best directing win at the 2023 Oscars above.
Cyndi Lauper and The B-52s have joined a rising chorus of voices speaking out against new laws being passed by Republicans targeting the trans community and seeking to ban drag artists.
“Equality for everybody, or nobody’s really equal,” longtime LGBTQ alley Lauper told ITK according to The Hill. “This is how Hitler started. just weeding everybody out.” Hitler’s Nazi Germany tagged gay people as “enemies of the state” and many were jailed or killed in concentration camps and Lauper said it’s imperative that we keep “fighting for civil rights.”
In a sharply worded statement issued on Wednesday (March 8), the B-52’s — also longtime advocates for LBGTQ causes — wrote, “We, The B-52’s, are deeply concerned about the numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination against transgender individuals and drag artists, which have been introduced in the United States. We strongly denounce these bills and stand in solidarity with out LGBTQ+ community.”
The band went on to say that it is, “unacceptable that in the 21st century, we are witnessing such blatant attempts to undermine the rights of individuals based on their gender identity and sexual orientation. These bills not only violate the fundamental human rights of the affected individuals but also perpetuate a toxic culture of hate and intolerance that has no place in our society.”
The statement from Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider and Cindy Wilson came a week after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed two controversial laws — one banning gender-affirming care from being performed on minors, another aiming to prevent drag queens from performing in public spaces where the “adult cabaret performances could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.”
The legislation defines these displays as any performance that “features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration.” Critics of the legislation have called this statue a violation of the performers’ First Amendment rights, claiming the law is an unwarranted attack on LGBTQ performers who pose no threat to children.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, Tennessee has passed more anti-LGBTQ laws than any other state in the U.S.
MSNBC reported that just months into the year almost 300 bills aimed at discriminating against transgender people have been introduced in statehouses across the country. At last week’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), speaker Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire told the crowd, “for the good of the poor people who have fallen prey to this confusion, transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely.”
The comments came during a week in which numerous speakers at the conference lashed out at the LGBTQ and trans community at a time when governors in Utah, South Dakota, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas and Tennessee have banned gender-affirming care for minors, with 18 states passing laws banning trans students from playing sports on teams that align with their gender identities. The actions targeting the community also include a bill approved by the Oklahoma House last week that would prohibit insurance companies from covering any gender-affirming care for citizens of any age.
The B-52s then asked their followers to join them in denouncing the bills and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. “Together, let us work towards building a society that reflects our shared being and is truly just, inclusive, and welcoming for all.”
Their statement came after drag icon RuPaul called Tennessee’s new law banning drag artists from performing in public a “distraction technique” being employed by Republican lawmakers. “[It’s] distracting us away from the real issues that they were voted into office to focus on — jobs, healthcare, keeping our children safe from harm at their own school,” he said.
Calling drag queens “the Marines of the queer movement,” Ru urged viewers to take action rather than watching what happens next. “Register to vote so we can get these stunt queens out of office and put some smart people with real solutions into government,” he said. “And by the way — a social media post has never been as powerful as a registered vote.”
Paramore singer Hayley Williams, a native of Tennessee, criticized her state’s governor in an Instagram story this week, writing, “Once again our state has passed two regressive and unfathomably harmful bills. We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ family and local LGBTQIA+ orgs in this fight, not only for inclusion for our friends and family in the queer community, but for radical acceptance and empowerment for each of them. Drag is not a crime. Gender-affirming healthcare for all, including our youth, is a necessity.”
Williams will perform at the March 20 Love Rising benefit show supporting Tennessee-based LGBTQ organizations that will also feature Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, Brittany Howard, Julien Baker and many more.
Check out the B-52s’ statement below.
Dear fellow citizens,We, The B-52’s, are deeply concerned about the numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination against transgender individuals and drag artists, which have been introduced in the United States. We strongly denounce these bills and stand in pic.twitter.com/mzMROe4pxE— The B-52s (@TheB52s) March 8, 2023
There’s a reason drag performers call RuPaul “mother” — if you mess with her kids, she’s going to come right back at you.
In a video posted to his Instagram on Wednesday (March 8), RuPaul called Tennessee’s new law banning drag artists from performing in public a “distraction technique” being employed by Republican lawmakers. “[It’s] distracting us away from the real issues that they were voted into office to focus on — jobs, healthcare, keeping our children safe from harm at their own school,” he said.
The new law, signed by Gov. Bill Lee on March 3, prohibits “adult cabaret” performances from taking place “on public property or in a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.” The legislation defines these displays as any performance that “features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration.”
Critics of the legislation have called this statue a violation of the performers’ First Amendment rights, claiming the law is an unwarranted attack on LGBTQ performers who pose no threat to children. The Tennessee chapter of the ACLU added that government officials could “easily abuse this law to censor people based on their own subjective viewpoints of what they deem appropriate.”
In his video, RuPaul called out the governor and legislators responsible for pushing this bill through. “Bullies are incompetent at solving real issues,” he said. They look for easy targets so they can give the impression of being effective. They think our love, our light, our laughter and our joy are signs of weakness. But they’re wrong — because that is our strength.”
Calling drag queens “the Marines of the queer movement,” Ru urged viewers to take action rather than watching what happens next. “Register to vote so we can get these stunt queens out of office and put some smart people with real solutions into government,” he said. “And by the way — a social media post has never been as powerful as a registered vote.”
Check out RuPaul’s full video statement below:
As a continued wave of anti-LGBTQ bills are being passed in Tennessee, a number of artists are saying enough is enough with a new benefit concert.
On Tuesday (March 7), Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow and may other artists announced their participation in Love Rising, an upcoming benefit concert taking place in Nashville to support Tennessee-based LGBTQ organizations including Tennessee Equality Project, inclusion tennessee, OUTMemphis and The Tennessee Pride Chamber.
The show, which will take place at Bridgestone Arena on March 20, is set to feature performances from Morris, Crow, Jason Isbell, Hayley Williams, Brittany Howard, Julien Baker, Allison Russell, Brothers Osbourne, Amanda Shires, Joy Oladokun, Yola, Jake Wesley Rogers, Mya Byrne and the Rainbow Coalition Band.
Last week, Tennessee passed two controversial anti-LGBTQ laws — one banning gender-affirming care from being performed on minors, another aiming to prevent drag queens from performing in public spaces. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Tennessee has passed more anti-LGBTQ laws than any other state in the U.S.
In a statement released alongside the concert’s announcement, singer-songwriter Allison Russell wrote that as “a queer, intersectional artist and mother raising my child in Nashville,” she knows how valuable organizations like the ones being supported through the concert are. “LGBTQIA+ contributions and creativity are foundational to every genre of modern song and arts performance,” she said. “I think it speaks volumes that so many in our community are feeling the same call to support, celebrate and uplift!”
Meanwhile, Isbell used his statement to condemn the latest bills signed into law in Tennessee. “SB3/HB9 and SB1/HB1 are clearly targeted attacks on Tennesseans who haven’t done anything wrong,” he said. “These bills add up to an attempt to eradicate a valuable part of our community and force good people to live in fear. We can’t in good conscience just stand by and let that happen.”
Throughout her career, Morris has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community. Just last year, the singer called out Brittany Aldean (the wife of country star Jason Aldean) for posting misinformation about gender-affirming care on Instagram. Morris went on to raise more than $100,000 for transgender organizations fighting against this kind of misinformation by selling T-shirts bearing the words “Lunatic Country Music Person,” in reference to Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson referring to her as a “lunatic” on his show.
Tickets for Love Rising officially go on sale Wednesday, March 8, at 10 a.m. local time, with net proceeds benefiting the organizations listed above. Get your tickets here.
RuPaul’s Drag Race may not be dedicated to presenting the news of the day, but the latest episode of the series served up Diane Sawyer realness with ease.
Last week’s episode (aired Friday, Mar. 3) saw the queens getting to ask the tough questions in “50/50,” the show’s spoof of classic interview shows like 20/20. Splitting off into three groups, the remaining contestants got to partake in a series of interviews with a trio of celebrity guests, before offering up their best Sasha Fierce interpretations on the Night of 1000 Beyoncés runway.
Sasha Colby once again wowed the judges with her spot-on Bey look as well as her hilarious cooking segment with flamenco icon Charo, earning her third challenge win of the season. Meanwhile, Salina EsTitties and Malaysia Babydoll Foxx found themselves on the chopping block after failing to impress in their interviews of Love Connie and Frankie Grande, respectively.
Tasked with lip-syncing to Beyoncé’s forever iconic “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” Salina managed to pull out just enough moves to win her fourth lip-sync of the season, meaning Malaysia was asked to sashay away.
Billboard caught up with Malaysia following her elimination to talk about fans critiquing her runway silhouettes, making good television with some on-camera drama, and why she feels Sasha Colby’s theory about Beyoncé’s alter ego might be a “delusion.”
I want to say thank you for not being afraid to bring some drama this season — what was the experience like on set of going through the little tiffs you had with folks?
I mean … I didn’t plan on being the drama, but when you feel some type of way, it’s kinda hard to hold those emotions in. Honestly, after the first day there, you just get very comfortable, and you don’t even really care about the cameras being there — you’re just kind of being yourself. I’m a very expressive person when it comes down to it.
Just because I’m checking you or letting you know how I feel doesn’t mean I hate you or dislike you — I’m just letting you know. We can move on from it, which, in every situation on the show, I clearly moved on from it, I just needed my moment. Unless you did something extremely disrespectful, we’re good.
Right, arguing over who got to be in the fake metal group on national television is not a friendship-ending fight.
Completely. Also, I could’ve done anything in that challenge, but I’m not gonna back down from a good fight!
I have to tell you, I love that you have been trolling fans of the show right back when they comment on your silhouette. What has it been like dealing with that running commentary since joining Drag Race?
I mean, honestly, I thought there were many other things about me that would be talked about after being on the show. I never knew that wearing a dress would be the hot topic. I was shocked and appalled — but also, for me, I’m strong-minded in everything that I want to wear. So even when I work with designers, they can tell me that I should do this or that, but the final decision is mine. I treat the people out there who critique it the same exact way; there’s nothing you can say or do that will change my mind from what my vision is at the end of the day. It may be the same silhouette, but the idea and concepts are totally different. If you don’t have the imagination to go past the silhouette, then that just goes to show that you are a very close-minded person. I owe them nothing, I owe them no explanation, and I will forever troll people. I do drag for me, and that’s all that matters. If you love it, then thank you.
Also. wearing a similar silhouette each time worked great for Bianca Del Rio, why shouldn’t it work for you?
Right? We’re in a new era of Drag Race, where every little detail has to be commented on by the fans, I swear. If you let it get to you, it will bring you down to the lowest. If you love what you do, then you’ll be fine.
Let’s talk about the challenge this week — as someone who interviews people for a living, I understand the difficulty of what you were being asked to do in this episode. What was going through your head when you were on the cooking show set with Frankie Grande?
So, here’s the thing, it was forever ago, so I barely remember [laughs]. I was probably nervous! No, I was trying to focus on making sure I was doing everything right — we had cue cards, we had questions, we had all of these things — while also wanting to be as natural as possible. You don’t want to come across as a robot! All that is easier said than done. So that’s what was going through my head, just me saying, “Be natural! Be fun! Make a pizza! Ask a question!”
We get to the runway — your Night of 1000 Beyoncés look was one of my favorites! This 2018 Global Citizen look was spot-on, and it looked fabulous on you! What was it about that look that made you want to do it?
I think that I could relate to that one the most — being a queen of color, I knew it would be great to bring this look she wore in South Africa to the runway. And I knew there were a lot of looks from Beyoncé that … wouldn’t be appropriate on some of the girls, let’s say. So I was like, “Let me be the one to take this route and not take something that a typical person could do.” Plus, I like drag! I love all of the feathers and the patterns on this outfit. Also, it was a change of silhouette!
You changed your silhouette, and look what happened.
Exactly! As soon as I changed the silhouette they were like, “Nope, you’re out.” I knew I should’ve worn that damn gown.
I don’t know if you were listening in the work room, but I need to know your thoughts on Sasha Colby’s theory abut being the inspiration for the persona of Sasha Fierce.
Oh my god. Listen, I think queer people have inspired a lot of people when it comes to fashion, hair, makeup and art. We are very inspiring people. That being said, I think that was delusion [laughs]. No, no, no, I love Sasha! And maybe it is true — after all, Sasha’s old! [laughs] `
Not to bring the mood down, but I know this has been a hard week for queens around the country after everything that’s been going on in Tennessee — how have you been dealing with the news?
I … don’t indulge in the news if I can help it. I know what’s going on, but when you indulge in things like that, you’re making yourself a part of that. They [Tennessee lawmakers] are saying this is a problem, and what I love to do is not a problem. I love to spread love, and it sucks that we are being targeted as a community and as people. But we have to continue to do what we love to do, and I hope we can stand up to this and make a change where it counts.
Well said. What can we expect to see next from you, Malaysia?
Well, a lot of the same silhouette, of course. No, but listen, I don’t think I took a loss, I think I took a win. Like I said in that talent show, “I’m a queen, I’m a queen, I’m a queen/ I’m the fattest and the baddest on the scene.” This is just the beginning.
The thing about Drag Race is that it’s only a glimpse that the audience gets to see. But now that they’ve gotten the glimpse, they’re gonna want to know more. I’m excited to show folks everything that they didn’t get to see.
With queer representation on the rise in the music industry, GLAAD is ready to celebrate just how far we’ve come, with some help from Sony Music Group.
On Monday (March 6), GLAAD and Sony Music Group announced their partnership on “ICONS,” a new, three-part interview series that will explore the impact of the queer community on music. Each installment will focus on a different, modern LGBTQ performer, profiling Isaac Dunbar (March 10), Iniko (April 14) and MK xyz (May 12).
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According to a statement, each interview will hone in on the “deeply personal connection that exists between queerness and craft,” while also examining the ways in which the LGBTQ community has shaped pop culture at large, and how each artist broke through in the industry. The greater goal of the new series, both organizations say, is to “advance LGBTQ representation in music and within the industry at large.”
Tony Morrison, GLAAD’s senior director of communications, said in a statement that queer artists’ impact on the music industry is “undeniable,” which is what the series aims to explore. “It’s as important to honor the trailblazing legacies of LGBTQ icons in music, as it is equally imperative that we elevate new voices in music who have unique backgrounds and stories to tell,” he said. “‘ICONS’ establishes this path forward to increase the visibility of queer artists.”
Sony evp and chief diversity & inclusion officer Tiffany R. Warren agreed, highlighting the importance of using their “powerful platform” to uplift queer voices. “We believe that by exploring the impact that LGBTQ artists and songwriters have had on music, we can foster a deeper understanding of what it takes to break through as an LGBTQ artist,” she said. “This series is a testament to our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion while breaking barriers in the music industry.”
The first episode of “ICONS,” featuring Isaac Dunbar, will premiere on GLAAD’s YouTube page Friday, March 10.
Tennessee lawmakers may have passed their ban on drag performances in public, but Bonnaroo is ready to stand firm with its LGBTQ fans.
In a statement released on Friday (March 3), Bonnaroo indirectly responded to Tennessee’s new law, stating that it will not let the new legislation impact the annual festival, which takes place in Manchester, Tenn. “Bonnaroo has and always will be a place for inclusivity, a safe haven for people of all walks of life and a champion of self-expression,” the statement reads. “Rest assured The Farm will remain a sanctuary for those freedoms and Bonnaroovians will see no changes in programming or celebration of self-expression at the festival.”
The news comes after Gov. Bill Lee signed Senate Bill No. 3
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into law on Thursday (March 2). It bans “adult cabaret performances” from taking place on public property or in locations where they could be viewed by minors. The bill defines such displays as any performance “that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, or similar entertainers.”
The music festival is far from the only one in the industry to react to Tennessee’s drag ban. In an interview with GLAAD last week, Shania Twain said that she thought “drag shows are so fun,” adding, “I think we need this inspiration; we need drag queens to share their talent with us.”
Bonnaroo, which takes place each year at Great Stage Park (lovingly known by attendees as “The Farm”), is set to feature headliners Kendrick Lamar, Odezsa and Foo Fighters, along with a number of LGBTQ performers, including Lil Nas X, 070 Shake, Rina Sawayama and Girl in Red. Tickets for the this year’s festival, taking place from June 15 to 18, are available here.
Check out Bonnaroo’s full statement below:
March has finally arrived, meaning it’s time to break out those springtime playlists and add some new tunes from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From Demi Lovato’s spine-chilling Scream song to Kali Uchis’ thrilling new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Demi Lovato, “Still Alive”
There are a handful of modern artists uniquely suited to give us horror and thrilling pop music at the same time — Demi Lovato is one of them. “Still Alive,” the singer’s new track from the new film Scream VI, is a masterclass is balancing the scary vibes of the iconic franchise with a roaring rock sensibility, as they blast through the verses and chorus declaring that she “went to hell but I’m back and I’m breathing,” while asking you to “make me bleed while my heart is still beating.” It’s an excellent addition to Lovato’s renewed rock era, and still flexes the boundless vocal prowess that made them a star in the first place.
Kali Uchis, Red Moon in Venus
Are you ready to feel the love? If so, Kali Uchis has just the record for you. With Red Moon in Venus, the rising genre-bending star’s fourth studio album, Uchis dives head first into love’s many aspects, whether it’s letting someone you love go (“I Wish You Roses”), being treated right in a relationship (“Fantasy”), or the pain of heartbreak (“Deserve Me”). Featuring a supporting cast of stars like Summer Walker, Don Toliver and Omar Apollo, Red Moon drips with pleasure, pain and everything in between, showing just what a force of nature Uchis is.
Boygenius, “Not Strong Enough”
Indie rock supergroup Boygenius — a.k.a. Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus — has always thrived when it comes to emotionally devastating songs with a healthy mix of different rock ideas. “Not Strong Enough,” then, is a prototypical track for the trio; with Bridgers and Baker taking the majority of the lead vocals, the new song follows the group as they confess to their respective partners that, no, they cannot be the shoulder to lean on in the relationship. The track perfectly fuses all three artists’ distinctive sounds, making for a catchy, thrilling indie-rock anthem.
Arlo Parks, “Impurities”
Get yourself the kind of friends who love you for all of your insecurities — in this particular case, the kind of friends Arlo Parks has. The UK indie up-and-comer’s new song “Impurities” tracks Parks’ relationship with her friends, as she celebrates their acceptance of her in her entirety. The plinking guitars add a sense of drama to an otherwise tender song of platonic love, where Parks declares “You’re the rainbow in my soap/ You noticе beauty in more forms than most.”
Shygirl feat. Tinashe, “Heaven”
Welcome to the Pearly Gates, where Shygirl and Tinashe are ready to give you a guided tour of “Heaven.” This ethereal new track from the delightful pairing of LGBTQ R&B superstars is everything it’s title promises. With vocals that naturally complement one another and hypnotic production that will send you into pure bliss, “Heaven” is a slice of paradise that you’ll want to listen to again and again.
Peach PRC, “F U Goodbye”
If you listen only to the melody of Australian pop singer Peach PRC’s new song, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is another saccharine love song. But “F U Goodbye” instead creates a delicious juxtaposition through its lyrics — while the maximalist, 2000s-pop production suggests something sugary and sweet, the lyrics bite back, with the star insulting just about everything she can about her ex. Even with a sing-song performance, lines like “I hope you choke, go broke/ Lose your money” land perfectly on this excellent kiss-off.
Carlie Hanson, “LSE to LAX”
In the unforgettable words of Ms. Taylor Alison Swift: “It’s me … hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.” That’s, in a nutshell, the realization Carlie Hanson has on “LSE to LAX,” a mournful pop song about lost love and missed connections. Putting all of her emotions into her pen, Hanson nails the loneliness expressed through lyrics like “I promise everything then take it back the same night,” or “Got this weight on my chest/ Way too heavy to catch you.” It’s yet another stunningly vulnerable single from an artist continuing to show fans why she’s worth listening to on repeat.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
As Rep. George Santos continues to face accusations of boldly lying to his constituents and working as a drag queen, one performer is having the time of her life roasting him for it.
On Monday (Feb. 27), a video was posted on TikTok showing Dragula season one contestant Meatball performing as a part of Drag Race alum Sasha Velour’s New York drag revue show Nightgowns. In the clip, a series of news videos begin to flood the backdrop of the stage about George Santos’ ongoing scandal. As the first few notes to “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman begin to play, Meatball steps forward in head-to-toe George Santos drag.
As she performs a fierce lip sync to the song, Meatball slowly strips away her Congressman outfit, revealing a tight-fitting red dress, a long black wig and a feather boa, directly referencing a photo that has circulated online of Kitara Ravache, Santos’ alleged drag persona.
Meatball commented on the performance by reposting the TikTok to her Instagram on Tuesday (Feb. 28). “This is me. From @sashavelour @night.gowns last night was such an honor to be in the cast this month!” she wrote. “And thank you Sasha for letting me be a nightmare mess.”
It’s not the first time a drag queen has publicly mocked Santos. When the congressman complained on Twitter that late-night television impressions of him were “terrible,” former Drag Race All Stars winner Trixie Mattel responded saying, “Maybe the source material was weak.” When Santos replied trying to insult the queen’s acting chops, Mattel paraphrased a quote he gave to TMZ about his drag career, saying, “I am not an actor! I was young and I had fun at a festival!”
Check out the clip of Meatball’s performance below:
The category is … 200 episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race eleganza!
Last week’s installation of the hit reality show (aired Friday, Feb. 24) marked the series’ 200th episode! To celebrate such a milestone, Drag Race decided to throw a good, old-fashioned ball, tasking the remaining queens to showcase three distinct looks — a racing suit, an outfit inspired by one of the past ball challenges, and a crystallized look they had to make in the work room — in the first-ever Crystal Ball.
The front-runners of the season managed to stun the judges yet again, with Sasha Colby earning her second challenge win, while Anetra and Mistress Isabelle Brooks achieved high marks. Meanwhile, the judges remained unimpressed with the looks turned by Salina EsTitties and Spice, locking the pair into a Lip Sync For Your Life to Lil Nas X’s “That’s What I Want.” Salina managed to wow with her emotional performance, meaning Spice was sent packing to reunite with her sister, Sugar.
Billboard caught up with Spice following her elimination to talk about performing as a solo act for the first time on the show, how she approached the competition as a “producer,” and why she “never really cared” about Michelle Visage’s critiques regarding her iconic runway trot.
Congrats on making it this far into the season! How are you feeling about your time on the show?
I’m loving it, and I’m cringing, and I’m crying, and I’m laughing — it’s a full rollercoaster, for sure. I’m sure it’s not as weird for me as some of the other girls, because I’m just so used to watching myself back on camera and editing videos and all of that. But, of course TV’s different because you’re not in control of all of that, so it’s more like, “Oh, what are they gonna use?” I feel like me and Sugar gave them truly so much material, that there’s so many moments that ended up getting cut that made us go, “No, that moment was amazing!” But, it’s not the Sugar & Spice Show.
With this being a massive milestone as the show’s 200th episode, what was the vibe like on set? Were there any big celebrations or anything?
Yeah, it was really fun! Before we all did the runway, they came out with this cake and we all got to take a picture. It was giving birthday bash extravaganza realness. I don’t think I even got to have a piece of the cake, but it looked cute!
Let’s rewind for a little bit and go back to the moment that Sugar got sent home — while you were competing against one another, you two clearly had plans for the rest of the season together. What was the biggest challenge for you with Sugar not being there?
It was truly just feeling bad that she wasn’t there — we’d be doing the girl group challenge, and I was like, “Oh my god, Sugar would be slaying right now.” Or we’d be doing the design challenge, and she sews, and I was like, “She would be eating these girls up right now.” It was a lot of FOMO for her end. When she went home, of course I was sad that she left, but I was mostly the angry upset fan for her; I’m her biggest fan, so I was like that mad fan on Twitter riding for their fave.
There was a lot that went down after she went home that no one needs to know — I had a little bit of a breakdown. Now, there were rumors that I shut down the set for three days, and I was like, “Babes, that’s hilarious, no one on cast has the power to do that.” But I did have a little breakdown, for sure, but we had a three-day weekend, I got refreshed, and we picked it back up.
Last episode also saw the iconic moment where Anetra spared you in the final Lalaparuza lip sync, saying she didn’t think it was fair to lip sync against you. How’d you feel when you saw that?
Oh, I was absolutely living for it. I told Anetra and I told all of the girls, “I am not offended if you want to lip sync against me — this is what y’all do, this is not my wheelhouse.” Like, all of those girls were going to beat me in a lip sync. If they didn’t, that would be very embarrassing for them — and I’m not gonna lie, I actually came kind of close to winning some of those, so that’s … that’s saying a lot. [laughs] That’s when you know. But we all have different areas of expertise, and I love and respect what the girls do.
When Anetra saved me, I was so gagged. And her saying that it was unfair to lip sync against me? I completely agree! Look at what she can do — I can’t even bend down and touch my toes! I feel like she was like, “We are giving her one more life.” Sugar said in her song “A bimbo never dies,” and she was right, I guess … well, eventually she died … wait, no, I didn’t die!!
In the last design challenge, you mentioned that Sugar was the seamstress amongst the two of you, and you had planned on designing the looks while Sugar would actually construct them. How did you imagine that strategy working?
That was 100% our plan from the beginning. We were being little producers, Ms. Sugar and Spice — we were saying, “Oh, that would be hilarious, let’s lean into it; I’ll design, you’ll make it, and it will get all of the other girls mad that we’re working as a team.” We wanted to kind of start a little drama by doing all of that, and I feel like that would have been so fun. God, there were so many moments that could have happened with Sugar being there more.
Well, in the great tradition of the ball challenge, there are occasionally some seamstress queens who like to help out with those who might be struggling — did anyone come to your aid during this challenge?
Oh yeah, for sure. Especially for that first design challenge, I was kind of doing it all by myself, but Luxx finished quick — my “barely there” skirt I had, she helped me sew those pieces together. So, if you’re reading, thank you Luxx.
When it comes to the runway, did you ever find yourself getting annoyed at Michelle’s fixation on your little trot?
Honestly? No shade to her, but I never really cared what she said about the trotting. It just went in one ear and out the other, I was like, “This is just fodder, she’s getting her soundbite for TV.” I fully planned to trot off the stage regardless of what happened. I was like, “Baby, don’t give me more material, because I am definitely going to do it now.”
If you had the chance to go back into season 15 and do it all over again, is there anything you feel like you’d want to do differently?
No, I wouldn’t change a thing — it was meant to be how it was meant to be, it was already done, it was already in the cards. Especially on something like reality TV, you’re not in control, so you just sort of have to roll with the punches. I feel like I made the best out of every situation. I was … very aware of what time it was on this episode, if that makes sense. I easily understood my role, if you will. So, I leaned into that, and had the absolute most fun with it.