The Ultimate Drag Pageant is about to conclude an incredible season with a grand finale on Wednesday, September 6th at 11:00pm at The West End. Showcasing some of New York's newest batch of drag talent, five fierce competitors are about to do battle to snatch the season 4 crown as well as a monthly gig at the host venue. Hosted by Marti Gould Cummings and Nedra Bella, The Ultimate Drag Pageant finale will feature Bijoux, Didi Cumswell, Haireola Grande, Poppy, and Vanna Deux. Before they wow you at The West End, get to know a little about the girls!
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Bijoux
What is the best thing about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The best thing about being in the Ultimate Drag Pageant this season has been the personal growth that’s come out of it. Being fairly new to drag and entering an 8-week long competition is not easy, and it really forces you to work your ass off. Luckily there has been a surplus of talent surrounding me, and I’ve learned so many things, not just from the hosts and guest judges, but also from the other 7 girls who entered. This season has created some extremely tight-knit bonds, and I can’t wait for us all to work together in the very near future.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: I would have to say that my favorite number to perform was actually my first number. The confidence/performance level wasn’t as polished as it is now, but I’m really excited to revamp it and bring it back to new audiences. I danced, I lip-synced, and I was fairly naked with a French theme, so it feels like a very accurate representation of what I love to do.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: For the finale, I’m headed back to my roots. I’ve definitely shown that I can dance, and that I’m a fun, sexy, energetic queen, and now I want to really show the technique that I have. I didn’t get that dance degree for nothing!
@bijoux.xo
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Didi Cumswell
What is the best thing about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?:The best thing about being a part the Ultimate Drag Pageant has certainly been the connections. I have met so many talented people through the competition and have made lasting friendships with these girls. These new connections all offer diverse insights into drag and performing. It's been a wonderful, enriching experience and I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to perform with.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: My favorite performance of the first seven weeks has to be my Serial Mom mix that I did for 90's week. I was given a note the week prior that I could go even farther with my actions and be even more extreme, fully commit. In doing the Serial Mom mix I was able to take that note immediately and really delve into performing at an even more heightened level and it was (personally) a great performance because I fully committed to the actions, and I didn't let myself get in my way. I let go of everything and had fun.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: You can expect Didi to be true to herself in the finale. She's gonna come in strong with Golden Age Hollywood. She will be serving period inspired looks that she constructed herself (with the help of her historically accurate boyfriend). You will be entertained!!!
@didicumswell
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Haireola Grande
What is the best thing about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The best thing about being involved with the Ultimate Drag Pageant other than gaining some amazing new sisters would most certainly be pushing myself creatively! I have always thought of myself as a creative individual but it was not until this pageant that I pushed the envelope.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?:My favorite performance thus far from the first 7 weeks was by far week 3, cartoon week! I had my mother in the audience and it was the first time I created my own mix and had a reveal!
What can we expect from you in the finale?:In the upcoming finale you can expect to see what I've been giving week to week. Super tight lip synchs with an irreverent and comedic edge!
@shitsngreggles
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Poppy
What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?:Learning from the other contestants and judges each week.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?:My Black Swan number, where I bled and ripped my skin off.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: Malicious gay faggotry
@thecolorpoppy
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Vanna Deux
What has been the best thing about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?:Getting the opportunity to showcase my creativity. I'm an actor, stylist, musician, and singer and this competition has given me the platform to showcase all that and then some.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: That's tough - I loved my Janet Jackson megamix from 90's week, but I think I'd have to ultimately go with my winning Hedwig mix from Broadway week. I also got to do something really special for week 7, which was play and sing a song that I didn't get the chance to perform at my dear friend's memorial service. I passed around a bucket to raise money for the Jimmy Fund - the organization that helped care for Bryan. I ended up making about $100 in one 4-minute song and that felt pretty cool.
What can we expect from you in the finale?:You can expect Vanna's signature showstopping buffoonery. Tricks, stunts, gaggery. And you know she always slaughters the runway.
#DoTheDeux
@kylevanzandt
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MEET THE QUEENS
What is the best thing about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The best thing about being in the Ultimate Drag Pageant this season has been the personal growth that’s come out of it. Being fairly new to drag and entering an 8-week long competition is not easy, and it really forces you to work your ass off. Luckily there has been a surplus of talent surrounding me, and I’ve learned so many things, not just from the hosts and guest judges, but also from the other 7 girls who entered. This season has created some extremely tight-knit bonds, and I can’t wait for us all to work together in the very near future.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: I would have to say that my favorite number to perform was actually my first number. The confidence/performance level wasn’t as polished as it is now, but I’m really excited to revamp it and bring it back to new audiences. I danced, I lip-synced, and I was fairly naked with a French theme, so it feels like a very accurate representation of what I love to do.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: For the finale, I’m headed back to my roots. I’ve definitely shown that I can dance, and that I’m a fun, sexy, energetic queen, and now I want to really show the technique that I have. I didn’t get that dance degree for nothing!
@bijoux.xo
What is the best thing about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?:The best thing about being a part the Ultimate Drag Pageant has certainly been the connections. I have met so many talented people through the competition and have made lasting friendships with these girls. These new connections all offer diverse insights into drag and performing. It's been a wonderful, enriching experience and I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to perform with.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: My favorite performance of the first seven weeks has to be my Serial Mom mix that I did for 90's week. I was given a note the week prior that I could go even farther with my actions and be even more extreme, fully commit. In doing the Serial Mom mix I was able to take that note immediately and really delve into performing at an even more heightened level and it was (personally) a great performance because I fully committed to the actions, and I didn't let myself get in my way. I let go of everything and had fun.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: You can expect Didi to be true to herself in the finale. She's gonna come in strong with Golden Age Hollywood. She will be serving period inspired looks that she constructed herself (with the help of her historically accurate boyfriend). You will be entertained!!!
@didicumswell
What is the best thing about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?: The best thing about being involved with the Ultimate Drag Pageant other than gaining some amazing new sisters would most certainly be pushing myself creatively! I have always thought of myself as a creative individual but it was not until this pageant that I pushed the envelope.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?:My favorite performance thus far from the first 7 weeks was by far week 3, cartoon week! I had my mother in the audience and it was the first time I created my own mix and had a reveal!
What can we expect from you in the finale?:In the upcoming finale you can expect to see what I've been giving week to week. Super tight lip synchs with an irreverent and comedic edge!
@shitsngreggles
What has been the best part about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?:Learning from the other contestants and judges each week.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?:My Black Swan number, where I bled and ripped my skin off.
What can we expect from you in the finale?: Malicious gay faggotry
@thecolorpoppy
What has been the best thing about being a part of the Ultimate Drag Pageant?:Getting the opportunity to showcase my creativity. I'm an actor, stylist, musician, and singer and this competition has given me the platform to showcase all that and then some.
What was your favorite performance of the first 7 weeks?: That's tough - I loved my Janet Jackson megamix from 90's week, but I think I'd have to ultimately go with my winning Hedwig mix from Broadway week. I also got to do something really special for week 7, which was play and sing a song that I didn't get the chance to perform at my dear friend's memorial service. I passed around a bucket to raise money for the Jimmy Fund - the organization that helped care for Bryan. I ended up making about $100 in one 4-minute song and that felt pretty cool.
What can we expect from you in the finale?:You can expect Vanna's signature showstopping buffoonery. Tricks, stunts, gaggery. And you know she always slaughters the runway.
#DoTheDeux
@kylevanzandt
