In episode 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11, Michelle Visage told the girls to add their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to RuPaul’s latest club track “Queens Everywhere.” They needed to write and record a sickening solo and then be challenged with the most ambitious choreography of the season with choreographer Todrick Hall. They had to dance their asses off to the world debut of the video “Queens Everywhere.” In addition, they were special guests on RuPaul’s “What’s The T” with Michele Visage. The video was fabulous. The runway look was “Your Best Drag.”
After the critiques, Ru brought out pics of the contestants as young kids and asked the girls what advice they had for their younger self. As is the case every season, this is a Kleenex moment for everyone!
Only four girls could move on to grand finale…Yvie is called first, and then A’keria, followed by Silky, which left Brooke and Vanjie in the bottom two and they had to lip sync for their lives. Vanjie sashayed away.
We caught up with Vanessa Vanjie Mateo to dish on her RuPaul’s Drag Race experience.
At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?
I started around season one of Drag Race, when I was in middle school. I got my first name “Vanessa” from The Little Mermaid movie, and Mateo from Alexis. I really wanted to be called Vangie but I was told no….and now look!
How did it feel when you found out you were being brought back for Season 11?
I was so excited, I couldn’t believe it. That is something that rarely happens; I felt so lucky, like I won the lottery.
Tell us about your RuPaul’s Drag Race experience?
I got to experience basically the full journey and I pushed myself and I felt like I learned so much about drag and about myself.
Is there something you wish you did different and/or is there a certain look you wish we could have all seen?
I showed everything I brought because I got to do every runway, but I do wish I didn’t bring as many swimsuits as I did.
Was it hard to lip sync against Brooke since you guys have something going?
Yeah it was, because we had such a tight bond.
Are you still involved with Brooke?
I love Brooke, and you will have to tune in for the rest of the season to find to the answer to that.
Who do you want to win and why?
They are each sickening, and it could go in anyone’s favor. They each bring something different to the table. I am so glad I don’t get to pick.
What’s ahead for Vangie?
Everything….I want to embrace all the opportunities. I really want to be on American Horror Story. Do you or anyone you know have a contact for Ryan Murphy?
For more information on Vangie follow her on: Instagram.com/VanessaVanjie
