Ru comes in and tells the girls that America’s next drag superstar must have a JOB if she wants to be fierce. She needs to be prepared for whatever pops up, especially if it is the Pit Crew. The mini-challenge is a game called: “Are You Smarter Than the Pit Crew.” The queen with the most answers wins, and that queen is Kandy who wins a $2,500 Gift card to JJ Malibu.
For the Maxi challenge, the queens will be using all their natural effervescence to create and brand their own soft drink. They need to name the soda, come up with flavor, design the can, and produce and star in a 45 second commercial, and create a catchy jingle.
While creating in the work room they get a video call from Season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall.
On the main stage it is all family with Ru, Michelle, Carson and Ross, and the runway look is Beast Couture.
The winners are (yes it was a tie) Symone and Rose, and the bottom two are Utica and Tina Burner, with Tina Burner sashaying away.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Tina for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
HS: At what age did drag become an interest for you and how did you pick your name?
TB: Probably when I was in 3rd grade and I went to school dressed as my mom for Halloween. Tina Turner is my idol, she is a legend with legs, and in her song the lyrics go Proud Mary Keep On Burning…. that’s where I got my name from.
HS: How excited were you when you got the call that you were cast, and what was the first thing you did?
TB: I was super excited, and I cried, and I really don’t cry much. The only way I cry is if its about my mom, or after all these years of applying I finally got on “Drag Race.”
HS: How hard was it to keep the secret that you were on “Drag Race”?
TB: I am actually pretty good at secrets, and for me it was so important there was no way I was going to mess it up.
HS: Tell us about your “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 13 experience?
TB: Have you ever wanted to be inside the monopoly game, well that’s what it was like. You are inside this fantasy world and it was great! It was also an amazing learning and growing experience. I learned a lot about myself and other people. It also taught me patience. It was a master class in drag.
HS: Is there something you wish you had done differently?
TB: I wish I would have let loose a little more. In competition mode, I get my blinders on.
HS: Without revealing anything you may know, who do you want to win and why?
TB: Aren’t we all winners? I am going to have to stick with Kandy and Gotmik, my girls. The three of us are so different, but we bonded so well.
HS: Where did the red, orange, yellow combo come from and how long have you been sporting it?
TB: It came from Hell apparently. Honestly it came from fire…burning up, and I slowly morphed into it. However, seeing it on the show I thought maybe I should have brought a few different colors.
HS: I was there the night you won Comedy Queen at The Parliament House. Tell me about that journey?
TB: That night was the true representation of taking constructive criticism and growth and applying it to your art form. I was top three the two years prior, and I came back and won with the largest point spread ever in the history of the pageant. I was still me, but I upgraded. I took some of the pieces from Comedy Queen and used them in “Drag Race,” as I don’t think you should ever lose sight of who you are or where you came from.
HS: What’s your marital status?
TB: Single, so single. Please someone marry me.
HS: What’s ahead for Tina?
TB: It’s limitless. I want to see how far I can push myself and take it all the way. I have two songs coming out soon. Maybe you will see me on Broadway soon.
For more information on Tina Burner go to: Instagram.com/thetinaburner
