Drag Superstar Episode 5: The Finale
Diamond: Hello and welcome to the finale of Drag Superstar! Tonight we will be catching up with all of the contestants and finding out who will be crowned this season's Ultimate Drag Superstar!
As always, I'm joined by my fantastic panel of judges. Please welcome Diego Lobo, Penny Pizzazz, and Izzy Fabulous! Judges, who do you think will be taking home the crown tonight?
Diego: For me, it has to be Lady Astrid! The artistry she's brought is unmatched!
Penny: I love Lady Astrid, but I haven't been able to get Vapore LaWave out of mind mind since the acting challenge!
Izzy: I'm rooting for Velvet Envy. She's serving up glamour on a silver platter, and I'm eating it up!
Diamond: Thank you, judges! Before we crown our winner, let's see what life has been like for our queens since the season started. First up, it's Kylee Kouture. Kylee, your time on the show was short, but you've had social media buzzing.
Kylee: Yes, the internet can't get enough of my looks--and okay, maybe I've been running my mouth a bit, too!
Diamond: I heard that you and Jacqueline had some beef on Social Bunny. Can you tell me about that?
Kylee: Well, apparently some old, bitter queens can't handle us younger girls getting attention.
Jacqueline: I'll tell you exactly what happened, Diamond. All I've heard from the clubs I've been performing in is how Kylee is always late, she's being a diva, she's cancelling gigs...so yes, I had some words with her on SB about how you have to earn your dues in this business.
Kylee: Yeah, whatever. Jealousy is an ugly trait. Anyway, my follower count shows who the public really loves.
Jacqueline: The followers you bought?
Diamond: Ok, let's move on. Darla, how has life been for you after the show?
Darla: It's been great, Diamond! Despite our conflicts in the girl group challenge, I've gotten close to Vixen and Vapore. And I'm releasing a single!
Darla: Yes, I took some voice lessons and I've really improved!
Jacqueline: I've heard they're doing amazing things with autotune these days!
Darla: [laughing] Okay, I'll admit there was a lot of autotuning, but it's a fun track!
Diamond: I can't wait to hear it! Vixen, how is your ankle?
Vixen: It's doing fine! I had some physical therapy and it's healed well. I'm happy that it hasn't impacted my burlesque act!
Diamond: I'm so happy to hear that! And I want to let you know that you're welcome to rejoin us next season to have another shot at competing!
Vixen: Thank you so much! No more injuries, I promise!
Diamond: I'm going to hold you to that! Valerie, when you left the show, you were dealing with some difficulties at home. How are things going now?
Valerie/David: Well, Diamond, everything has been wonderful! My son was going through a rough time, but he really turned it around. I'm really proud of him! I'm proud of all of my children. My oldest daughter is getting married and touring with her band, and my younger daughter is starting a business.
Diamond: That's fantastic! It seems like you didn't have anything to worry about after all.
Valerie/David: That's right. It's a relief knowing that I've set my kids up with a good foundation. Even when times get tough, they know how to pull through. I've learned I can't control everything, but I also don't need to.
*I forgot to take a solo pic of Jacqueline, oops
Diamond: What a wonderful lesson to learn! Thank you Valerie. Now it's time to catch up with our finalists, starting with Jacqueline Galloway. Has your life changed since the show?
Jacqueline: Well, you've already heard about my conflicts, but there have been a lot of positives as well. I've been booked and busy. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Diamond: Tell me about it! Any more social media fights in your future?
Jacqueline: I'm going to try to let my career do the talking from now on.
Diamond: Wise decision. Lady Astrid, how has the show impacted your life?
Lady Astrid: In the best ways, Diamond! I have more time and money to work on new looks and it's really pushed me as an artist. Plus, I've had a lot of trans youth tell me I've inspired them to express themselves freely.
Diamond: That must make you feel good!
Lady Astrid: It really does. It shows how important visibility is to our community.
Diamond: Absolutely! Thank you, Lady Astrid. Next up, Vapore LaWave. How has life after the show surprised you?
Vapore: Well, going into this competition, I never thought of myself as being a funny person. But everyone really loved my campy performance in the acting challenge!
Diamond: You were hysterical!
Vapore: Thank you! Since the show, I've been taking acting lessons. I'm always up for expanding my skill set!
Diamond: That's great! Best of luck to you! And last but not least, it's Velvet Envy! Velvet, how do you feel about your performance on the show?
Velvet: I'm feeling very proud! I didn't know what to expect going in, but I'm happy that I not only won a challenge, but I've made it all the way to the finale.
Diamond: It's well deserved!
Velvet: Thank you! I never thought I would come this far when I started doing drag on a whim years ago!
Diamond: And look at you now! Thank you to all of my queens for making this a season to remember.
Diamond: And now it's the moment you've all been waiting for. I've taking the opinions of the judges and the viewers into consideration, but ultimately this was my decision to make. The winner of this season of Drag Superstar, our Ultimate Drag Superstar, is...
[confetti falls from the ceiling as everyone applauds]
Condragulations, Lady Astrid! Do you have any words to share?
Lady Astrid: This is for anyone who's ever been told that they can't be who they are. Let our voices of love drown out the hate!
Thank you to @sirianasims for sharing Lady Astrid and Velvet Envy with me, and @invisiblequeen for Vapore LaWave! I enjoyed having them in this project!