RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under finally revealed the ten drag queens who will compete in the spinoff reality series’ inaugural season! During a video hosted by Michelle Visage and comedian Rhys Nicholson, queens Anita Wigl’it, Art Simone, Coco Jumbo, Elektra Shock, Etcetera Etcetera, Jojo Zaho, Karen from Finance, Kita Mean, Maxi Shield, and Scarlet Adams showcased their werkroom entrance looks
The eight-episode first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under will stream later this year on WOW Presents Plus.
Say "G'Day" to these fierce drag queens!
Anita Wigl'it
First up is an Auckland queen who's no stranger to the drag scene. Anita Wigl'it owns and performs at Caluzzi Cabaret. She also hosts the TVNZ show 'House of Drag' as well as the comedy show Drag Wars. Since the start of her career, Anita's long list of achievements includes winning both Vancouver's next top Drag Superstar and Drag Entertainer of the year in 2013, before returning to Auckland.
Art Simone
Also known as the reigning "Queen of Australia," Art Simone came to defend her crown. Even more, this Melbourne queen is the current "Drag Performer of the Year," two years running. Aside from performing for her adoring fans, Simone dabbles makeup artist and producing. From feature films to television commercials, Simone always finds a way to showcase her art.
Coco Jumbo
After performing on Australia's Mardi Gras party main stage, Coco Jumbo aims to snatch the Drag Race crown. However, competition is nothing new to this multi DIVA (Drag Industry Variety Awards) award winner. In fact, she was voted Entertainer of the Year in 2017, Sydney's Favourite Showgirl in 2016-2019 and Rising Star in 2015. Coco previously worked with Absolutely Fabulous' Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, with Australia's very own Sandra Sully.
Elektra Shock
She's electrifying! Elektra Shock is excited for the world to get a sense of drag from down-under, saying "For years we've watched with envy as RuPaul has launched the careers of so many talented queens. And now I get the amazing opportunity to showcase my drag on this huge platform."Since Elektra began her drag career in 2012, she has performed at many venues along Aucklands Karangahape Road. While her looks are killing it, we think her dancing chops are sure to come in handy during the competition. Either way, this dancing queen is sure to wow the judges.
Etcetera Etcetera
Although Etcetera is only 22 years old, this non-binary performer is already making a name for themselves. When they are not working the stage, Etcetera is running shows at the popular Sydney club, The Imperial Erskineville. Also known as the "glamour bug" Etcetera will leave you wanting more!
Jojo Zaho
While some queens get into the game for the love of the art, Jojo Zaho catapulted into drag as a political statement after a council member claimed homosexuality was not part of the indigenous culture. Since her start in 2015, Since then, she has made her first television cameo on Get Krackin, competing in the inaugural Miss First Nation Indigenous drag queen pageant, the documentary Black Divaz, and hosting the VIP party for the Newcastle leg of Cher's Australian tour.
Karen from Finance
If you don't know who Karen from Finance is, then you're missing out! This "corporate" queen skyrocketed to international fame after touring the world with her office themed persona. Not to mention she was one of the original members of the cult queer cabaret YUMMY. Karen has even done some stints in the US— including headlining RuPaul's DragCon for three years. In 2019, she debuted her first ever full length one-woman-show ‘Out Of Office’ in which toured sold-out shows throughout Australia & New Zealand. But this year, Karens holding out that big promotion: Next Drag Superstar!
Kita Mean
According to Kita, her drag journey began on New Years Eve party! She later joined Anita Wigl'it as a drag duo where the two started a monthly event which gave local kiwi drag artists a platform to perform on Drag Wars. Now, Kita co-owns the iconic Caluzzi Cabaret and Phoenix Venue in Auckland and has since hosted two series of TVNZ's House of Drag as well as maintaining her position as resident Drag Queen at Family Bar and Club.
Maxi Shield
For nearly 23 years, Maxi Shield has been performing drag and is praised for her work in the community. Many may recognize her from "Drag Storytime." Over her career, Maxi has won Entertainer of the Year at the Drag Industry Variety Awards in 2015, has been named Madonna's National Hostess for her Australian Rebel Heart Tour. Additionally, she's even had the opportunity to close both a straight Olympics (Sydney 2000) and open a gay one (Gay Games 2022). We expect to see great things from "Sydney's drag de jouer" this season.
Scarlet Adams
At just 18 years-old, Scarlet Adams snuck her way into the nightlife scene and never looked back! She is well known for her high fashion glamour and camp musical/comedy numbers, but also slays the classic and current dance hits. Scarlet is anything but a one trick pony. With a background in poledancing, burlesque performing and costume designing, this Perth "party girl" is ready to showcase her talents on RuPaul's runway.