By: The Dana Agency and Scott Holland
R House Wynwood, the landmark Miami destination known for its chef-driven drag brunch and entertainment, is proud to announce that two of its headline performers, Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion, will appear on Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, premiering Friday, January 2. To mark the occasion, the venue will host a full lineup of celebratory programming, including live performances, a blowout premiere party, and weekly viewing events throughout the season.
Athena and Juicy Love Dion are two of the most defining figures in Miami’s drag scene, and their rise has been rooted at R House. Known for her glamorous stage presence, sharp humor and commanding performance style, Athena (affectionately known as the “Mother of R House”) has shaped the identity of R House’s award-winning brunch through her creative direction and mentorship of local performers. She also leads House of Dion, a celebrated drag collective, or family, known for its polished, high-energy performers. Juicy Love Dion, Athena’s drag “daughter,” began her career on the R House stage and quickly became known for her bold and athletic-style dance talent, charismatic stage presence and internet-breaking viral lip-syncs. “This is a defining moment not only for Athena, Juicy and R House but for South Florida drag as a whole,” said R House co-owner Owen Bale. “We couldn’t be prouder of Athena and Juicy, who have poured years of passion and artistry into our stage. Their casting reinforces what insiders already know: R House is the birthplace of some of the best drag talent in the country, a testament to the community and creative legacy we’ve built in Miami.”
In celebration of this milestone, on Friday, January 2, R House will host an immersive viewing party that brings together three of the season’s queens—Athena Dion, Juicy Love Dion, Fort Lauderdale fan-favorite and R House alum Mia Starr, and a surprise guest queen to be revealed closer to the event. The event kicks off with a meet and greet with the queens from 6:30-7 p.m. This will be followed by a live hosted viewing party led by Athena from 7-10:30 p.m. with episode commentary, Q&As and crowd engagement during commercial breaks. The night continues with a dynamic after-party from 11pm to 3am featuring live performances by Athena, Juicy, Mia and other special guests. Guests can choose from tiered ticket options, including reserved seating, VIP bottle service tables and standing-room access, with food and beverage packages available throughout the night.
This moment not only shines a national spotlight on Miami’s drag scene but also reinforces R House’s role as a springboard for top-tier talent. Over the years, the venue has earned a reputation for launching drag stars and redefining the intersection of performance, hospitality and LGBTQ+ culture. From brunches that fill the room with hundreds to its latest culinary innovation—a full lineup of decadent burgers launched this fall—R House continues to evolve. The combination of creative food and beverage offerings from Executive Chef Rocco Carulli and a cast of powerhouse entertainers has made it one of the most sought-after destinations in the country.
I was so excited to sit down with our home town girls, Athena, Mia and Juicy for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
- At what age did drag become an interest and how did it happen?
Athena – It all started at a young age in the 90s when I first saw the movie The Birdcage with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. The vibrant south beach life and the successful drag club was like a fantasy I knew I wanted to live. When my life led me to South Florida in my teens and I saw legendary drag entertainers like Adora, TP Lords, Vegas Dion, Daisy D, and Erika Norell, that passion lit up inside me again and I knew I absolutely had to be a part of that world.
Mia – At the age of 22, drag became an interest for me. I used to dance for the legends in my community, Daisy Deadpetals, T.P. Lords, Erika Norell, Poizon Ivy, and Kennedy Davenport. I saw the art they created, and I was infatuated by them. I also dated someone who was obsessed with Drag Queens, so to me it was a win-win, haha. In 2008 Fernando of Miami asked when I was going to let him paint my face. At that same time, I auditioned for ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ and I told him that if I didn’t make it to the actual show, he could paint me (I made the top 32), and that is how it all started.
Juicy – Well I started watching season 7 when it came out so drag was an interest since early high school years, but I never really put myself in those shoes. I guess you can say I’ve led up to drag all my life but finally got the courage to start at 17. I’ve always wanted to do everything that drag incorporates as its core characteristics, makeup, fashion, performing and overall creativity. One day when I was still in high school and 17 years old Morphine asked me to be in her drag number and it snowballed from there.
- How did you pick your drag name?
Athena — I wanted to pay homage to my Greek heritage and my favorite goddess Athena. Dion comes from my drag mother Vegas Dion and the queen of all queen’s Celine Dion.
Mia – I got my Drag name from a friend of mine when I was 20 years old. We were on tour with a Bachata group named Fulanito, and my friend told me he had my name stored in his phone as Mikey STARR. It made me laugh, and I said “who me, a star?” I told him that if I ever did drag, that would be my name MIA STARR.
Juicy – My drag name was inspired by a very fierce dancer I used to compete against in high school. I thought she was the coolest person in the room and carried the name like a true icon so when it was time to choose a drag name I really couldn’t think of anything else.
- Before Drag Race, what was the best thing that happened to you in Drag?
Athena – Gosh, I could spend a lot of time here. I have had a very amazing career in drag and have achieved so many things I could have never dreamed of. Definitely my Mykonos residency was a highlight, or forming an amazing loving and extremely talented drag family, or winning local pageants, hosting and producing the best drag show at R House Wynwood , performing for Gloria and Emilio Estefan, being a guest on The View for my friend Ana Navarro’s birthday , and just building a platform for myself and being a voice for the Miami and South Florida community which I love with all my heart.
Mia – The best thing that happened to me in drag before Drag Dace was able to perform in Rihanna’s halftime Apple commercial. Even though the commercial was never released, being able to film it was so incredible.
Juicy – I got the opportunity to audition for So You Think You Can Dance Season 18 and it was also a childhood dream of mine. To have my talents be recognized by the show and the judges is something so validating and honestly makes me want to work even harder to incorporate dance and technique more into my routines
- How did it feel when you found out you were chosen for Season 18?
Athena – It came at a time when I was in a very low place in my life, as I had suffered loss and heartache amongst other challenges. It was the light I needed at a very dark time and the push I needed to get my head back into the game. It was life changing, in more ways than one, and all I could think after 13 auditions, is FINALLY!!!!!!!!
Mia – When I got the call to be on season 18, I just knew that my life was about to change. This is something I’ve worked so hard for, and for it to happen is truly a dream come true.
Juicy – It was surreal, immediate butterflies and goosebumps. I couldn’t help but cry my eyes out and yell into my pillow…lol.
- Before taping, tell us why you thought you should be America’s Next Drag Superstar?
Athena – There was a point in time when I decided I was probably never going to get cast for the show, even though I still auditioned I thought they wouldn’t pick me. So, I said I am going to do everything in my power to be America’s biggest drag superstar regardless. I made that my mantra and applied it to everything I did. It helped me build an amazing career, become a queen of my city, travel the world, and mentor others. So, I said honey I am already Americas next drag superstar, I’m just here to pick up my crown.
Mia – I should be America’s next Drag Superstar because I’m bringing a different level of experience that I have never seen someone bring to the show before. I’ve experienced dancing with all the stars in our industry and now it’s time for me to be the STARR!
Juicy – I should be America’s Next Drag Superstar because I represent all the first-generation kids who dream of a successful life in the arts and will stop at nothing to get it. My family tried to tell me you need to be a doctor or have a “real job,” but my heart told me I needed to be on stage and I listened.
- Without revealing anything that we are not allowed to know, tell us about your RuPaul’s Drag Race experience?
Athena – It was more than I could have expected, beyond my imagination, and it taught me A LOT about myself.
Mia – It honestly was everything I imagined and more. I was overwhelmed in the best way possible. I felt like a little kid on Christmas day.
Juicy – Get ready for a rollercoaster my loves. My experience is definitely a journey. We laughed, we cried, and we learned SO MUCH.
- Who is your favorite former Ru Girl, and why?
Athena – Props to our hometown girls Latrice Royale and Kennedy Davenport! I mean, c’mon, no explanation needed! I also love Alyssa Edwards and Raven.
Mia – Monet X Change and Alyssa Edwards are my favorite Ru Girls because they had to work for it. They are proof that if you don’t give up, you will get to where you want to be. Not only are they super talented, but they have a good heart, and they check all the boxes for me.
Juicy – I can’t name just one because I have more than just one but I’ve always really loved Monet x Change and I can’t wait to play Marvel Rivals with her one day. Also really look up to Violet Chachki, so fierce, such a visionary and her work with Crazy Horse Paris is so inspiring, I really see myself on that stage one day hopefully.
- How has the Press Tour been?
Athena – I’ve never felt more correct in my life! A week dedicated to talking about myself, SIGN ME UP LOL
Mia – The press tour was amazing. There wasn’t much sleep, but it was so worth it. Getting to be with my season 18 sisters was the best part. We are a cast that really love each other, and I am so grateful for each and every one of them.
Juicy – The press tour has been fun! It is so exciting to feel this celebrity fantasy with all the interviews and press…haha. Definitely, a lot of early mornings, but nothing coffee and red bull couldn’t fix.
- What’s ahead for you?
Athena – I’m doing a lot more television in the future, hosting my own show, guest starring on talk shows and podcasts, speaking at college campuses about chosen families and the art of drag. I want to create a place where people can come and feel welcome and happy and mix and mingle. I have a long to-Do list, and we are just getting started.
Mia – What’s ahead for me? Tune in to MTV January 2 at 8pm, haha. On a serious note, I am going to be focusing more on my music and performing a lot more. The sky is the limit, and I am ready to fly.
Juicy – I have so many dreams and so many goals. I want to see myself everywhere; on tour with artists, brand campaigns, fashion shows, theater shows, Juicy Love solo princess tour, Dancing with the Stars, you name it, I want to do it. You only get one shot at this life, and I want to look back at everything I did and say to myself. “Juicy, I ate that.”
For tickets to the January 2 premiere party visit https://www.rhousewynwood.com/rpdr-s18. For more information, visit rhousewynwood.com
Following the premier, R House will host Drag Race viewing parties every Friday with rotating hosts, surprise guests and extended performances. These events offer a space for fans and the community to gather, celebrate and witness Miami drag her-story in the making.
By: The Dana Agency and Scott Holland
