In Week 6 of the 7th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race the girls were put in teams by mini challenge winner Ginger and the teams had to recreate theatrical versions of Ru’s Hollywood Story. Gingers team won and the overall winner was Katya. Guest judges were season 1 judge Merle Ginsburg and Florida’s own Arianna Grande (I live for her voice). In the end Jaidynn and Kandy (yes, again) were the bottom two and Kandy Sashayed away.
At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?
I started doing drag about nine years ago and originally it didn’t interest me at all [because] I did it as a fill-in for a talent show. A while later, friends of mine were doing the Pussycat Dolls for Puerto Rico Pride and they needed an extra “girl.” To be a good friend, I tried drag again and I started to enjoy the process and kept doing it.
Because I am a sweet person, I picked Kandy, but Kandy was too simple so I had to pick something raunchy and that’s where the Ho came in.
How many times did you apply to be on RPDR and how did it feel when you found out you were chosen?
I auditioned once, and when they told me I was on the show I went a bit crazy. I started crying, screaming and had to call my mom. To be cast the first time was something special.
Is there an additional pressure now that RuPaul has been on for six seasons?
Yes, people expect more not only from the girls but from the whole production. It’s pretty tough this season on all the girls!
Tell me about your RuPaul’s Drag Race experience.
It’s something that I am so happy I had the chance to do because as a performer I have done some pageants, but this was something I knew I had to do to take it to the next level. Being on the show was so amazing. I loved meeting all the other girls, learning from them and becoming friends with them.
So many Puerto Rican girls have tried…how are we going to get one to win Drag Race? Any advice?
Just be yourself and don’t try and go all out just because they are recording you. I also think people shouldn’t overthink themselves. Know where you are coming from and know what you want to do and don’t hesitate. Have fun with it.
Who do you want to win?
I would love my girls Kennedy or Ginger to win. I am rooting for those two as they are wonderful people and great competitors.
Tell me about the man behind Kandy.
Frank Diaz worked in sales for about eight years and he is laid back and loves to be home with friends watching movies or being around his family. Frank loves life!
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I don’t know, I think I am an open book.
What’s ahead for Kandy?
I base my career on performing and being on stage, so hopefully I will have the chance to tour and go to many cities around the country and show the public who I am. I also want to live each day and each moment and enjoy them.
For more information about Kandy go to Kandyho.com or visit her on social media at Facebook/Kandyho; Instagram/Ho_Kandy or Twitter/Kandy_Ho.
