‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars’: Alyssa Edwards Returns With Some ‘Unfinished Business’ and the Other Queens Are Feeling the Pressure

As a seasoned cinema enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of drag culture on screen through various iterations of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” I can confidently say that the latest addition, “Drag Race Global All Stars,” is a game-changer. The grandeur and intensity of this production are reminiscent of the Olympic Games of Drag, if you will.


“I’m ready to share Alyssa Edwards again.”

Six years have passed, and now the drag sensation Alyssa Edwards has returned! Alyssa is among the 12 contestants vying for a spot in the international wing of the Drag Race Hall of Fame within “RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars,” which debuted on Paramount+ last Friday.

As a die-hard movie fan, I can’t help but feel that this contestant, despite some tough rivals, harbors an unresolved ambition. She yearns, with all her heart, to be hailed as the undisputed Queen of this fabulous realm.

However, one might wonder why the delay? Edwards attributes it to her instincts and the importance of timing. Thus, when the chance to feature on “Global All Stars” arose, she quickly grasped it. “I recall thinking then, ‘I’m prepared to test myself. I’m eager to exhibit my art once more.'”, she shared. She further stated, “This was an incomplete chapter that I felt needed resolution.”

The event will feature each of the 12 queens, who hail from various nations, displaying charm, courage, and skill on a global scale. Among them, Edward stands as the representative of the prominent U.S. production. “This is where it all started,” she remarks.

“Among the contestants in ‘Drag Race Global’, we have Athena Likis from Belgium, Eva Le Queen from the Philippines, Gala Varo from Mexico, Kitty Scott-Claus from the United Kingdom, Kween Kong from Australia, Miranda Lebrão from Brazil, Nehellenia from Italy, Pythia from Canada, Soa de Muse from France, Tessa Testicle from Switzerland, and Vanity Vain from Sweden.”

Edwards compares the newest version of the franchise to the pinnacle of Drag, similar to the Olympics. Instead of walking in via the traditional workroom, the contestants make their debut on the central stage, immediately placing them under the most intense spotlight possible.

The substantial stage plays a crucial role for queens as they showcase their nations and personal drag expressions; however, some find the weight of assuming this duty quite overwhelming.

As a Season 2 alum from “Drag Race Italia”, I’ve been feeling quite apprehensive. I believe that Italian drag queens are often underestimated. We may not have global recognition, and we don’t always get the same opportunities as our counterparts in other countries. Mostly, we perform in clubs rather than on TV or at premieres. However, being here to represent my nation and all of my fellow Italian drag queens is a unique opportunity. This could be the first time an Italian queen gets to demonstrate to the world that we are all equal. Perhaps I can serve as a voice for all Italian queens, advocating for more recognition and opportunities.

Scott-Claus confessed, “Initially, I thought, ‘This seems familiar, like the last time.’ However, it’s not just ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,’ it encompasses the entire United Kingdom. The scale is immense, yet that’s what also makes it thrilling. To display our drag on this global platform is a great honor.”

“Former contestant on ‘Drag Race France’, de Muse, finds it challenging due to her origin being a renowned fashion hub. However, she quips, “It’s just a stereotype,” yet it does intensify the expectation when creating her looks. She expresses, “I’m here to have fun because there’s so much talent around me, and we can all learn from one another,” she playfully hints.

Pythia hasn’t allowed her appearance on “Drag Race Canada” to shape any preconceived notions she might have. Instead, she plans to enjoy the experience and go with the flow. She promises a refined version of herself. She acknowledges that whatever has happened in the past is history, it served its purpose then. Now, it’s about the future, the present, and creating something fresh and new.

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2024-08-17 19:46