Onya Nurve Wanted to Be Drag Race’s ‘Moment of Surprise’

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In a surprising move, the winner of season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Onya Nurve, initially kept a low profile upon entering the competition. Unlike some other contestants, she didn’t boast about her theater background or debate skills, nor did she seek attention from the cameras. In her debut performance, she maintained a safe position. However, as the season progressed, she began to shine brightly, eventually becoming the clear favorite to win. Throughout the competition, Onya won four challenges, primarily due to her natural charm and eloquent speaking skills, and was praised in another four challenges. Despite this, Onya seemed to be the only one who recognized her strong position, while other competitors focused on Suzie Toot. Regardless, RuPaul took notice of her talent and became deeply invested in her performance. “RuPaul is all that matters,” Onya says now, acknowledging that this focus helped her excel during the competition.

When it came to preparing for the final round, my focus was on expressing myself and having a good time. By that stage, I had already accomplished everything necessary to prove my worthiness for the crown. Approaching the finale, I thought, “This is another chance to let them see who I truly am. I don’t need to change anything because I’ve already done everything I needed to do.” There was so much pressure, but I didn’t have time to worry about it more.

How did the development of your final song-and-dance piece unfold? What aspects were you aiming to emphasize with the track?

I shared an idea of the sound I envisioned with my team, they returned a song for us to sing. I had faith that they understood perfectly what my song should embody. I was focused on creating an atmosphere of soul. I desired it to evoke a sense of being from a Black individual. I wanted the dance moves to resonate with Black culture, and I aimed for it to carry a vibe similar to Lizzo or Bruno Mars.

I prefer taking on the acting and performing roles rather than directing. I enjoy handing over control to others and focusing on the tasks assigned to me, which is bringing a script to life. I have faith in their abilities, and once I receive the final product, I feel confident that I can deliver. They are aware of my singing skills, so I trusted they would provide something suitable for me to perform.

As I prepared for the role of Onya Nurve on television, I had one thing in mind: “Stay true to yourself.” I didn’t want to overplay my character or let the bright lights change who I am at heart. The person you saw on screen is just a reflection of me – raw, real, and unapologetically authentic. It was liberating to see myself being myself in this role, and it made the viewing experience all the more enjoyable for me as a reviewer.

Indeed, there was a point where certain aspects about you were not immediately apparent. For instance, I wasn’t aware at the start that you had a strong connection with theater. You see, I didn’t want people to categorize you as just one type of ‘queen.’ In truth, you are many different types of queens. I chose not to reveal my background in singing, theater, or speech and debate during our initial interactions. Throughout my life, I’ve been involved in various stage activities. I trusted that my actions would tell a more compelling story than any words could, and I wanted each moment to be a delightful surprise for the audience.

Did you intend to keep your performance a secret from the judges and fellow contestants? That way, I could aim lower in their expectations, allowing me to consistently surpass them. Since they were unaware of my capabilities, there would be no preconceived notions about what I might do.

Were you anticipating entering as a dark horse contestant?

Indeed, that was my expectation. Prior to joining the competition, I only had around 1,300 followers and none of the other contestants knew me. The same was true for myself regarding them.

What was the main point you wanted to convey through your talent performance, which happened to be your debut showcase? Initially, I intended to present my vocal skills right off the bat, but due to copyright issues, that wasn’t an option. Given this constraint, I chose to create a unique twist instead. Given Cleveland’s affinity for line dances and humorous songs, I opted to compose a line dance number. This performance allowed me to showcase my talent without relying on tricks or gimmicks. I could take the stage alone, with no props or backup, yet still command attention and capture the spotlight.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_NIEUh5cH4E?si=bUDbNLRzvn0N-ixv&t=86

It was a special experience for me to create an authentic rap track, as many queens engage in rapping, but not as many produce full-fledged “songs.” Rap has always been close to my heart with my family members being rappers too. Crafting that song brought joy, and I’m thankful to my cousin Huck Peshi for producing it, which I showcased at the talent show. Seeing his happiness and pride was truly heartwarming.

It seemed reminiscent of a Cleveland hip-hop tune. It made me think, “She must be a fan of Kid Cudi.” Was it done on purpose? Absolutely!

Were there any other queens with whom you had lengthy conversations while preparing for the show?
I conversed a lot with Saphirra Crystal, Heidi N Closet, Kornbread, and Jaida Essence Hall, all of whom have been extremely supportive before and after the show. My Black sister queens also reached out to me through DMs, expressing their love and support.

What essential insights did they share with you prior to your appearance? Well, I found out that authenticity was key on that show and I should just be myself, not feel compelled to overdo anything. I realized I needed to embrace my unique identity as Onya Nurve.

It’s true that at the start of the season, there was an element of caution towards the other queens. I wanted to understand each one better and gauge when would be the right moment to assert myself. Until then, I remained alert and observant, waiting for the opportunity to rise above the rest in the building.

What time did you think the event occurred? That was likely when Crystal and Kori departed. Their energies were quite potent in the room, and many girls admired Kori, particularly in the workroom dynamic. She’s an exceptional performer. With their departure, I had the opportunity to truly take charge and be the dominant figure. Prior to that, they definitely set the tone for the room. It was only fitting!

Initially, as I began to secure victories during the contest, my relationship with the other contestants was uncertain. I was considered an underdog, but surprisingly, I performed exceptionally well. It wasn’t until my fourth win when they seemed to realize, “Whoa, wait a minute! How did we get here? How has she already won four times?” At that point, the competition was practically over.

It seems that during the competition, you appeared to align well with the judges’ expectations. What do you think made this connection possible? I’ve been following the show since I started doing drag, and I simply understood what the judges were seeking. In the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent monologues, RuPaul emphasized that this was not a place for sincerity, and you should leave earnestness at home. That moment stood out to me as I realized, “I fit exactly what they’re looking for since my drag is devoid of any earnestness.” I sensed in that challenge that they were searching for something else, so I thought, “I have a good idea of what the next breakout star should be.

In other words, I had to rely on my gut feelings to determine when they wanted a more light-hearted performance. Given it’s Drag Race, that’s usually most of the time. At that stage in the competition, some contestants thought this was their moment for a dramatic monologue. However, sensing that everyone might be going dramatic, I decided to stand out by being especially silly and entertaining instead.

Indeed, I’ve had my fair share of victories in speech and debate competitions, which suggests that I might have honed my skills in articulating thoughts effectively to an audience.

Could you share some details about your achievement? Back in 2011, I emerged victorious at the State of Ohio Speech and Debate competition. I even qualified for the nationals! I’ve had quite a bit of experience speaking on various stages over an extended period.

It wasn’t something that was necessary for them to know, which is why I was taken aback when nobody contested my claim for the monologue role in RDR Live! Frankly, I thought they might not give it to me so easily. I mean, I was ready to seize this challenge with determination, like a dog following its master’s lead.

Is it accurate that your performance throughout the season was largely shaped by your journey of forming friendships with fellow contestants and learning to navigate the competitive environment while maintaining authenticity? That resonates with me. During the competition, I discovered that my ability to connect with others was somewhat stifled due to the high-stakes nature of the event. If given another chance, I would be more open and genuine throughout the entire experience.

What impact do you believe the two major conflicts we encountered throughout the season had on our journey? They served as opportunities for us and my siblings to show that we are human, with the capacity to make mistakes. In friendships, it’s not just about the good times, but also the bad times and how you navigate through them. It was fascinating to witness us not only grow closer as friends, but strengthen our bond as sisters.

During filming, were the fights significant enough to influence your perspective towards the competition?

No, I made sure not to let the conflicts affect me too deeply as we had to work together again the following day. Additionally, being a Gemini helped me avoid harboring grudges. It’s far easier on my energy to forgive and continue loving than it is to carry resentment and bitterness.

How did you develop that sense of calm and self-assuredness? Well, it’s something I’ve cultivated over time through constant practice. Whether it’s auditioning for roles, participating in speech and debate competitions, or facing elimination on the first day or winning a crown, I’ve become accustomed to these experiences. Regardless of the outcome, I always trust in my abilities.

It seemed quite possible to me that I’d get eliminated on the first day due to the nature of the competition and the fact that it was judges who were evaluating my talent. I was actually amazed that I wasn’t even close to being in the bottom group that week.

It seemed as if Ru would’ve placed you among the top two contenders, but remember, Ru wasn’t making the decision. If Ru had been judging, there was a possibility I could have been in the top two. However, considering it was the girls who were judging, there was also a risk that I might have ended up in the bottom. After my performance, I noticed expressions of approval on Ru, TS Madison, and Doechii’s faces, which gave me hope. I did wish they had seen the judges’ reactions, as it could have helped.

What was your response when Latrice inquired about your five-year plan? Well, I’m planning to buy a home soon. Although I adore Cleveland, I’ve resided in Ohio all my life, and I’d find it refreshing to relocate somewhere with more sun or that’s closer to Broadway.

Are you inclined to consider yourself as a performer on stage or screen? Indeed, it’s something that I have always been, merely awaiting the right platform for expression.

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2025-04-23 00:55