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RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under is back, and Season 2 wouldn’t be the same without Ru’s best Judge Judy, Michelle Visage. She talks to Oliver Hall about what ‘down under’ drag can teach the US, Drag Kings competing and moving to New Zealand.

Michelle Visage is sitting in the makeup chair getting her hair done, when we connect on Zoom mid-way through the filming of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 2 in early February. She has survived MIQ in Christchurch and is already planning to fly straight to the UK when she leaves NZ.

We immediately start discussing what we can expect from Down Under Season 2. The novelty of Drag Race being filmed in NZ still feels palpable and Michelle assures:the level of talent on Season Two is so good!”

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Why Judge Drag Race Down Under And Not Drag Race Canada?

It is surreal to think that Michelle and the legendary RuPaul have flown to NZ twice now to film Drag Race, particularly when you consider that neither signed up to film Drag Race Canada (now in its third season).

“Timing!” She replies when asked why they chose to film a season so far from their American homes, when Canada is so close.

“I would 100% be a judge full-time on Canada’s Drag Race but the timing of when we film other shows just didn’t work out. But I would do it in a heartbeat. I would do every single series if they let me.”

But Michelle’s looming flight to the other side of the world, highlights her diary is full! She admits, “As much as I would love to do a Drag Race Mexico, Drag Race Brazil, Drag Race Israel… It’s not a reality.” Confirming that between Drag Race US, All Stars, UK and Down Under we are extremely unlikely to see her fill a judging slot on any other seasons.

What US Drag Race Can Learn From UK And Down Under?

Michelle’s Drag Race seasons continue to go from strength to strength. After Down Under Season 2 graces our screens (starting 30 July on TVNZ+), we will be treated to a Season 4 of Drag Race UK, All Stars has just delivered its ‘All-Winners’ season (a triumph that has highlighted Jinx Monsoon is a star that truly transcends drag) and the internet is filled with rumoured cast-lists for an eighth season, while regular Drag Race US is remaining fresh a remarkable 14 seasons in, by offering some of the most diverse casts the franchise has seen.  

However, Michelle does feel the original US version of Drag Race can learn from its newer franchisee siblings.  

“UK and Down Under are very similar in the sense that for them, it’s all about the heart!” She tells us.

“US tends to be more concerned with the aesthetic. I really want them to understand that it’s so much more than being pretty. Drag is about the total package.”

Is Drag Race Ready For Drag Kings?

In Season 3, Drag Race UK made ‘herstory’ recruiting the franchise’s first AFAB hyper-queen Victoria Scone, who quickly became a fan favourite! Meanwhile, Season 14 of Drag Race US included five trans performers among their queens; leaving many asking when we will see a Drag King compete on Drag Race, or whether an all-King season is coming?

“Everybody is welcome to audition. Everybody! We encourage all types of drag. Every form of drag is valid. Every form of drag is welcome to audition,” assures Michelle, before implying that the auditions supplied by Drag Kings so far, have not been the best.

“One thing I say is that your audition has to be good! And here’s the most important part, this is the biggest takeaway: your audition needs to be authentic!”

“A lot of these kids pay people to make their auditions for them. They pay people to do their hair, their makeup and costume. And then, let’s say they get on the shortlist… They can’t deliver it, because they didn’t do any of that!”

“So make sure your audition is good. Make sure your audition is authentic. And you can deliver on the main stage what you did in your audition. Then, guess what, boom, you’ll be on the show, and you’ll do great!”

Her Time in NZ with Ru:

During the filming of the first season of Down Under, Michelle’s Instagram showed her venturing as far north as Albany, as far south as Papatoetoe, as well as visiting Waiheke Island and the Big Gay Out.

This trip seems more subdued. She tells us she ventured into Devonport and has talked about going to Queenstown, but is yet to go. Her photos show her venturing out to dinner with fellow judge Rhys Nicholson (she tells us, “he’s an actual friend, which is lovely.”) and international members of the Drag Race crew including alumni and make-up artist Raven.

Absent from the pictures is RuPaul, who has yet to have been spotted out in public in NZ.

‘Does Ru come too?’ we ask, as Michelle lists the places she has visited. “Sometimes,” she replies sheepishly.

Is NZ Too Expensive For A Superstar?

Michelle raves so much about her time in Aotearoa; our people, our weather, and our chocolate, that she tells us she is considering bringing her whole family over for a holiday this Christmas. But would she ever consider moving here?

“It’s quite expensive!” She says of our house prices.

“I know people think I’m this multimillionaire, but I’m not… It’s not Michelle’s Drag Race! So until then, we can let Bill Gates buy up all the property here!”

A frightening prospect!

You can see Michelle Visage’s judging talents displayed on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 2 streaming on TVNZ+ with new episodes at 6pm every Saturday.

All of the queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season’s 1 and 2 will be performing in a town near you this October on the RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Tour – click here for more info and to buy tickets.

 

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