‘Drag Race’ Winner Onya Nurve Reveals Shocking Finale Moment and Ambitious Dream Roles!

Onya Nurve did it.

After several days, Nurve (real name Justin Woody), triumphantly crowned as the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 17, has yet to fully sink in. The queen, who’s been reveling since last Friday and is now wide awake at sunrise, is busy fielding interviews from the media.

Without a doubt, Nurve is beaming with pride following her victory. This season has been nothing short of remarkable for her. She reigned supreme with an impressive four Main Challenge victories, left everyone amazed with her spot-on Eddie Murphy impression during the Snatch Game challenge, and outshone Jewels Sparkles in the final lip sync battle to clinch the crown.

[In this version, I’ve tried to maintain the original meaning while making it more conversational and easy to read.]

Nurve had a conversation with EbMaster to talk about her victory, her energetic performance of Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” during the finale lip sync, and her future plans.

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Nurve chatted with EbMaster about her triumph, her thrilling rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” in the finale lip sync battle, and what she intends to do next.

Or:

In a discussion with EbMaster, Nurve touched on her win, her captivating performance of Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” during the finale lip sync, and her future aspirations.

It’s been a few days since you won ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ how does it feel?

I’m really drained, I’m utterly exhausted. It seems like everything I’ve worked on culminated in just one weekend, and it feels like a tremendous burden has been lifted from me. However, I’ve been bearing this burden for quite some time now, which has left me both mentally and physically fatigued. Though the full realization of what I’ve accomplished hasn’t quite sunk in yet, and that’s alright, because I managed to do it myself.

You mention weight, and that’s something people don’t realize, what that weight is and what it means. It’s different for everyone. What was that weight for you?

Regardless of the outcome, keep feeling proud of yourself. Pride can be a heavy burden for your mind, as you’re both elated about your performance on the show thus far and aware that there’s still more to achieve. It’s tough to maintain this dual emotion, but it’s something many contestants have experienced before. As top four finalists, we hadn’t had a chance to reflect on our success until that weekend, which was an unexpected shock for us all.

Have you had a moment to tell yourself, ‘I am proud of what I’ve done?’

Indeed, I have accomplished it. Every single day, I find myself feeling immensely proud of my actions. Let me repeat it here and now – I am incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved, and if given the chance, I wouldn’t alter a thing about my journey.

You’ve tweeted this in the past, but you said you’re incredibly proud of your growth. How did you grow throughout the series from where you began to where you ended up?

In my everyday life, I usually present myself as an outgoing person who isn’t afraid to express my thoughts openly. I wear my emotions on my sleeve, if you will. However, during the competition, I found myself building some emotional barriers due to the competitive nature of it all. I was so focused that I felt the need to keep others at arm’s length. But after reflecting on the experience, I realized that many environments, such as “Drag Race,” are safe spaces where I can let my guard down and allow people in. This newfound openness has brought more joy into my life, and I believe “Drag Race” played a significant role in fostering this change.

One word, Liza. In the finale, what was that like seeing Liza Minnelli on the show being on the finale?

It was otherworldly, yet incredibly captivating. I’m an ardent admirer. You might have noticed this online, but “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret” is one of my all-time favorite songs, and the version I always revisit is Liza’s. Thus, I’m quite a dedicated fan. I’ve even had the privilege of being part of the “Cabaret” production myself. I admire her work immensely and the shimmering legacy she has left within the LGBTQ+ community. I believe that without her, many of us wouldn’t be where we are today. Needless to say, it was a truly extraordinary experience.

What does this mean for the young kid growing up in Ohio?

From the start, I’ve been a person driven by success. Following high school, I was determined to attend college, earn my degree, and achieve success in some way. I hold a bachelor’s degree in painting, but there came a time when I was unsure about my future plans. I struggled to find the source of my greatest joy and it was challenging because I wasn’t earning much money. However, when I discovered “RuPaul’s Drag Race” later in life, I was drawn to its unique blend of queerness, camaraderie, and artistic expression. Once I began exploring drag, I felt like a missing piece of my life had finally fallen into place, regardless of the financial rewards. I placed “Drag Race” on my vision board and dedicated three years of my life solely to mastering the art of drag, which was undoubtedly one of the most daring decisions I’ve ever made. I consider myself self-taught through my own version of a “drag college,” eventually earning my “degree” by winning “Drag Race.” On the day I told my brother that I was going to be on “Drag Race” and win, I had never been more focused. I attribute drag as the driving force behind my success because it provided me with unwavering focus and determination. Nothing could sway me from my goal, and my single-minded pursuit of victory became an almost irrational obsession that ultimately propelled me forward.

Talk about performing the final lip sync to Lady Gaga’s ‘Abracadabra,’ what was that like?

Lady Gaga made it clear that the category was ‘dance or perish,’ and by the close of day, it was all about delivering the song. I truly aspired to convey the essence of the track. I’m not a connoisseur of unveilings or numerous jokes in everyday life, except for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ I simply didn’t feel the need for them. And it paid off. I was the joke in the spotlight.

Once you had done that final lip sync, were you able to take a little breath, given the pressure of what that moment entails?

Absolutely! Performing the song brought about a sense of relief. Regardless of the outcome, I managed to accomplish it.

What are you hoping that this win does for you, and what it symbolizes for your fans?

I fervently wish that admirers of drag and others understand that drag transcends mere physical adornments. Material possessions can provide glitter and style, yet they cannot create an outstanding individual. Ultimately, drag is about the essence of one’s character, the positivity they bring into the world, and it should consistently revolve around this fundamental truth. May my victory serve as proof of this, and may it inspire numerous entertainers to embrace their authentic selves.

We’ve seen the success queens can have after winning, they’ve gone on to Broadway, TV shows and movies, what can we manifest for you?

I’d love to join the latest season of “Abbott Elementary” starring Quinta Brunson and also appear on “SNL”. Additionally, my dream is to collaborate with some outstanding actors such as Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Denzel Washington, and others in a movie. This wish list also includes Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, and many more talented individuals.

I want to be part of the new season of “Abbott Elementary” with Quinta Brunson, perform on “SNL”, and make a movie with great actors like Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, and others.

Are you going to get some rest now? Are you even able to?

There’s no stopping for the unrepentant, dear one. It’s constantly moving on to the next venue, the next watering hole, the next destination. I’ll catch some z’s once I’ve checked out.

2025-04-22 00:17