The state of Florida has been killing it the last few years in the National Drag pageantry scene and our latest winner is the beautiful Amanda D’Rhod, your new National Showgirl. Therefore, I thought it appropriate to sit down with one of Central Florida’s finest for this interview:
What was the first drag show you saw and tell me about the experience?
The first time I saw a Drag Show was in a club name Faces in Hormigeros Puerto Rico. The performer was Luis Madonna and she performed a Madonna mix in a shower getting wet on stage. I was so excited and also shocked by the performances that I fell in love with Drag
When did you decide you wanted to do drag and when did you realize it would be a profession?
After seeing my Drag mother getting in drag for Halloween I told her that I wanted to try Drag, so she invited me to perform in a thanksgiving show, and I did it. After that I was determined to become a professional drag queen. Many years later, after I moved to Orlando Florida and after working at Parliament House’s Latin night, I started getting bookings in bars like Revolution and Valentine’s in Tampa and it became my profession.
Who is your drag mother and who is your favorite queen other than your drag mother and why?
My Drag mother is a Puerto Rican diva named Wilary D’Rhod and I get a lot of inspiration from Esme Russell who I also call my drag mother for everything that she has helped me and guided me in my career. Both of these entertainers have helped mold Amanda to what you see today!
What’s your favorite number to perform and why?
I don’t have just one song that I love, but I do love everything from Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé. I’m a high energy dancing diva and those two entertainers inspired me on stage.
What’s the best thing that has happened to you in drag?
About 6 weeks ago, I won my first national title in Daytona Florida. I am very excited about being National showgirl 2018 and traveling the nation. I have always wanted to be a national title holder and finally I get to reign!
What differentiates you from other Queens (Makes you Unique)?
I have love and passion for this art. I work hard, I challenge myself to be better and everywhere I go, I give you 100% Amanda D’Rhod.
What does the future hold?
I’m excited to start promoting my new title: National Showgirl, make the system grow and bring my Latin community closer to it. I am going to represent my brand at every national walk this year. I also love working at Hamburger Marys in Brandon Florida, so come out and enjoy us there and also at Honey Pot in Tampa. I’m very blessed to have 2 home bars. Maybe I will get to return to my island, Puerto Rico, and perform there for all my friend and family.
