RuPauls Drag Race Season 12 Episode 12: Jackie

May 21, 2020

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In Season 12 Episode 12 Ru comes in and informs the “gurls” the top 5 they will be celebrating RuPauls Drag race Live. For the mini challenge they have to design an over the top one of a kind, showgirl headdress that screams Viva Drag Vegas. They have 30 minutes to create headdress and hget into quick showgirl drag. The winner is GiGi who wins a trip for 2 to Las Vegas including air fare, accommodations and tickets to RuPaul’s Drag Race Live.

For the Maxi challenge they will be performing a medley of songs from the critically acclaimed Ru Paul’s Drag Race live including a big opening number, a heartfelt first act closer and the spectacular disco finale. First you will record your vocals with RPDR live composer Leland, and then your own original rap verse. Then they will be working with RPDR Live director Jamal Sims.

The guest judge this week is Jamal Sims and the runway category is Eleganza Extravaganza.

Ru goes on to tell the top 5 that they are just the best, and the bottom 2 is really decided based on their track record. The winner of the challenge was Gigi, with Sherry and Jaida safe and Jackie and Crystal in the bottom two, and Jackie sashaying away.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Jackie for this exclusive Hotspots interview.

Q: At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?

I probably first encountered drag at a young age, but it didn’t click until after college, when I did the show Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Jackie Cox was a character my best friend and I made up in college, and then in 2010 when I did a drag competition, I brought Jackie Cox to life.

Q: How many times did you apply to be on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and how did it feel when you found out you got chosen?

This was my first time applying and it felt unreal to be chosen, as I know lots of queens who have tried many times. It felt very surreal, but yet very exciting.

Q: Tell us about your RuPaul’s Drag Race experience?

It was incredible being a part of this iconic show and lasting as long as I did. However, I wish it could have gone on forever as I had so much fun filming and being around so may amazing and inspiring people.

Is there something you wish you did different?

I certainly wish I would have worked on letting loose a little earlier, but I think I finally got there. I noticed Ru laughed more when I let go in the mini challenges and I wish I could have brought that energy to the maxi challenges.

Q: What’s your marital status?

I have had a partner for a long time. We are domestic partners and we have been together for 9 years.

What are you guys doing for your 10 year anniversary?

It’s in July so I am not sure. Hopefully we can do something outdoors, but if not we will order take out and enjoy it at home.

During filming we saw your culture is important to you. Has it always been?

It has always been a part of me, but for so long I thought it didn’t fit in my drag. However, with the 2016 election and the fall out and the racist policies of current administration, I had to speak out about my Persian/Iranian heritage. When I incorporated it into my drag it helped people understand me in a different way, and it gave a voice to many queer and non queer Middle Eastern people. Drag is power, and we as the artists get to decide what to do with the power, and I wanted to do something good with it.

Q: Who do you want to win?

I think all of the finalists are incredible, but I do have to route for my girl Crystal, who sent me home. I’m so excited to see what she is going to do next. However, I would be happy if any of the finalists win.

Q: What’s ahead for?

I’m working on a lot of things. Believe it or not, I am coming out with a single entitled You Wish,” which is pop single (it came out on World of Wonder last Monday). I worked remotely with everyone to put it together. This challenging time has given me an opportunity to push myself in new ways.