RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5 – Alyssa Edwards

Week 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5 was all about acting and Tele Novela’s. The mini challenge which was telling a dramatic story and crying was won by Detox and Alyssa who were the team captains for the Elimination Challenge of the week.  In the end Ro-Laska-Tox got back together and none of them were in the bottom 2. The drama could not write itself better as …

Week 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5 was all about acting and Tele Novela’s. The mini challenge which was telling a dramatic story and crying was won by Detox and Alyssa who were the team captains for the Elimination Challenge of the week.  In the end Ro-Laska-Tox got back together and none of them were in the bottom 2. The drama could not write itself better as Alyssa and CoCo (I didn’t feel CoCo deserved to be there) were in the bottom 2 and battled to stay. CoCo killed the lip synch and worked her outfit to clearly win. When she pointed to her lips during the hard lip synch part to show the judges that she knew every word it was over! That  has definitely become one of the stand out moment of the season (alongside Roxxxy removing her top wig to have another wig underneath before her Lip synch for her life a few weeks ago). This meant it was time for Alyssa to sashay away.

At what age did female impersonation become an interest & how did you pick your name?

I was probably 19 seeing all the gay people and was confused. I walked into the Rose Room, but didn’t know it was one of the most well known female impersonators bar. I was extremely fascinated and at age 20/21 I got the fever and started doing drag.

Alyssa came from Alyssa Milano from “Who’s the Boss” and Edwards came from my drag Mom, Laken Edwards.

How many times did you apply to be on RPDR and how did it feel when you found out you got chosen?

This was my second time applying and I will never forget when they called me. They Skyped me and I was filled with so much anxiety as I was sure they were going to turn me down. I couldn’t believe it when they said “Season 5 would be incomplete without you.” I was so anxious, scared, eager, etc as I only had days to prepare myself.

Tell me about your RuPaul’s Drag Race experience?

The experience is one that is a hallmark of my life; the journey to get there; walk in the work room, meeting the queens and even the day I left. It’s unforgettable and never in a million years can I replace that experience. I will hold it near and dear to my heart and that’s the win.

What is your relationship like with Coco now?

We were friends prior to the show and the show rekindled that friendship. We have definitely realized things that happened in the past will stay there. We are friends now!

Who do you want to win?

Jinx Monsoon because she embodies what a drag superstar should be. She has all the qualities and is an entertainer through and through.  I admire and respect that in her.

Tell me about the man behind Alyssa Edwards?

Totally opposite; Alyssa is a fictional character. Justin is a teacher. Growing up I was very shy as I was 1 of 7 children. Justin is a lot more realistic and Alyssa lives in a fantasy world. That’s the beauty of creating a character; you can be anything you want.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.

Justin is kind of a shy and boring person, Alyssa is not. 

What’s ahead for Alyssa Edwards?

The rest is still unwritten, but I believe my book of life will include many things.  I am going to ride the rollercoaster. I am definitely ready to travel and venture outside of my comfort zone. I am ready to have fun and explore the opportunities.

Alyssa would like to say thank you to all the fans for all the messages and the overwhelming response. She says “I didn’t realize how much of an impact we as entertainers can make on people’s lives and I am thankful.”

To find out more about Alyssa Edwards go to:  Facebook.com/AlyssaEdwards orTwitter.com/AlyssaEdwards_1

Ian Maloney

Ian Maloney is from Delmar, DE. He lives in Miami Beach with his husband Alan and their dog Goldie. He loves learning languages, history, and writing about politics. He holds a Master's Degree from Wilmington University and a Bachelor's from the University of Delaware.

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