On Friday night, executive producer Randy Barbato, co-executive producer/judge Michelle Visage, and judge Jamal Sims teamed up with former guest judge and fan Leslie Jones for a special panel during the ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ FYC Emmy Pool Party Extravaganza event. Alongside Season 17 winner Onya Nurve and the top six queens, Jewels Sparkles, Sam Star, Suzie Toot, Lana Ja’Rae, and Lexi Love, they discussed topics such as drag inspiration, representation, and the significance of a supportive family. Jamal Sims, who has been a guest judge and choreographer on ‘Drag Race’ since 2014, emphasized that confidence is crucial for a successful queen. He shared that he doesn’t meet the queens until they appear on TV as filming takes place concurrently. “What I look for,” Sims admitted, “is confidence. The moment I see it in someone, I know they’re going to make it far.”
Onya Nurve, the winner of Season 17, also highlighted that self-confidence and belief in herself were essential factors in her victory. “Everyone knows ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ was a dream for me,” she said, “and something I wanted to achieve when I began doing drag four years ago.
My dad’s participation on the show demonstrates the importance of pursuing dreams, self-belief, and trusting one’s instincts. I hope that my success on this show serves as an inspiration for every entertainer who shares my background.”
In a special episode of “Drag Race,” Nerve’s father, along with the parents of other contestants, joined in a makeover segment. Finalist Jewels Sparkles shared her father’s eagerness to participate in drag for the show.
“My dad is a heterosexual Latin man,” Sparkles said. “They invited him to appear on national television in drag for his son, and he replied with an emphatic ‘Yes!’ My mother was helping him practice walking in heels, perfecting his runway walk, rehearsing his entrance line, as he eagerly awaited the event.
1. “She went on, stating, ‘He truly embodies a real man,’ referring to his commitment to support his child wholeheartedly. Both Onya and Jewels’ parents, who are individuals of color and appeared on the same show, have also demonstrated courage by cross-dressing on national television. The least one can do, she argued, is accept their own children.”
2. “In season 17, Lana Ja’Rae’s relationship with her parents, particularly her mother, plays a significant role in her drag persona. Lana draws inspiration for her style from sources that bring her joy and happiness, such as her mom, childhood cartoons, and black supermodels like Naomi Campbell from the 90s.”
3. “Lana Ja’Rae finds motivation in the women of her life, while Suzie Toot looks to Broadway’s legendary actresses for creative guidance.”
4. “Ja’Rae’s drag is rooted in joy and happiness found in her personal life, with her mother serving as a key inspiration. She aims to bring smiles to people’s faces through her performances, believing that spreading joy is the greatest gift one can give.”
5. “Suzie Toot finds inspiration in some of Broadway’s biggest stars for her creative endeavors.”
6. “Lana Ja’Rae transforms the negativity she faced as a child into empowerment and positivity through her drag persona.”
7. “The hardships Lana Ja’Rae experienced as a child, which were often negative in nature, are embodied in her drag character, serving as an inspiration for others to turn adversity into triumph.”
8. “Lana Ja’Rae finds solace and creativity in the memories of her childhood cartoons, black supermodels from the 90s like Naomi Campbell, and the strong women in her life, particularly her mother.”
9. “Suzie Toot draws inspiration for her performances from some of Broadway’s most iconic actresses.”
10. “Lana Ja’Rae’s drag is a testament to her ability to transform personal hardships into sources of strength and inspiration.”
Many theater enthusiasts who watch the show recognize themselves in a character like me, whom I refer to as a ‘theater queen.’ These are individuals reminiscent of famous figures such as Gwen Verdon, Sutton Foster, Debbie Reynolds, Shirley MacLaine – iconic, powerful women known for their musical theater prowess and tap dancing skills. I proudly wear my admiration for these inspiring women on my person, shaping who Suzie Toot is.
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2025-06-10 03:17