After a fierce season of challenges and dramatic eliminations the finale of RuPaul’s All Star Drag Race arrived. It was down to Shannel, Chad Michaels, Jujubee and Raven, who were no longer competing as teams but rather individually. After a long day rushing around Los Angeles for 3 challenges they were back on the main stage for judges comments.
After a fierce season of challenges and dramatic eliminations the finale of RuPaul’s All Star Drag Race arrived. It was down to Shannel, Chad Michaels, Jujubee and Raven, who were no longer competing as teams but rather individually. After a long day rushing around Los Angeles for 3 challenges they were back on the main stage for judges comments. Ru then eliminated Jujubee and Shannel and it was Chad and Raven who lip synched for the title. In the end Chad Michaels won the title and was entered in to the Drag Race hall of fame. Since they taped 2 endings neither girl knew who won until the show aired. Less than 12 hours after finding out she was the winner it was a pleasure to sit down with Chad for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
How has your life changed since you were on Drag Race Season 4?
More so then anything, the response and support of the fans has changed my life in a very positive way. Its life affirming and it’s shown me that I have made the right choices on what to do with my life.
How exciting was it to get called back for All Stars?
It was exciting but a little intimidating. I got the call at the airport going home from the finale party for season 4. It basically was diving from season 4 directly into All Stars. I only had a few days to prepare mentally and physically but it was a great test of my endurance.
What was your favorite challenge on All Stars?
The Gas In challenge which was a takeoff of Laugh in. I got to do what I love most which is celebrity impersonation.
You are famous for doing Cher, but I didn’t realize you did other characters. Your Betty Davis was awesome during all stars. What other characters do you impersonate? Which impersonations are your favorites?
Cher, Celine Dion and Marilyn Manson are my holy trinity and the ones I most resemble. I also parody a lot of other stars, but those 3 are the ones I love the most.
Did you expect to win and how exciting was it to hear your name called?
I certainly didn’t expect to win, but I did expect to work my ass of for what I wanted and I am very pleased how it turned out. It felt surreal to hear my name and it was quite a climax to my year. I felt disbelief and a lot of gratitude. It was very emotional to work all year long and to have it pay off.
If you couldn’t win, who would you have wanted to win?
Raven as I think we were neck and neck, and if it wasn’t me, then it should have been her.
What’s the first thing you are going to buy?
A trust fund for my nephew, as he is awesome and he deserves it!
What’s ahead?
I couldn’t say, as it is so hard to predict anything in this business. It’s gig to gig and always hoping that the phone rings. I have recently started merchandising and I am cautiously approaching a single. I know a lot of doors will be open for me and for this I am so thankful to RuPaul and the entire Drag Race production team.
For more information go to: www.ChadMichaels.com
Check out next week’s magazine for an interview with the 3 runner ups – Raven, Jujubee and Shannel.
