The Finish Line
New Yorkers weigh in on which queen they think should snatch the ‘Drag Race’ crown.
May 28, 2015
Gentlemen, start your engines… and may the best woman win!” We’ve been hearing Ru say that for months as we’ve gathered in gay bars to watch the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and it’s almost time to find out who that best woman really is. They’ve been conjoined twins, John Waters characters, and even Hello Kitty gurls, and this crop of queens has been whittled down to just three: Ginger Minj, Violet Chachki, and Pearl. New Yorkers will kiki June 1 at Logo’s live screening of the finale, hosted by Bianca Del Rio. Before the finale, local drag stars and promoters are placing their bets on who will take home the crown.
MISTY MEANER:
“It’s not about who I think is gonna win because I can’t stand any of them. But the only one that actually deserves to win is Ginger Minj.”
SHAWN PAUL MAZUR:
“It’s like Sophie’s choice! I’m very happy with the remaining three queens. They were my favorites from day one. I feel Ginger Minj has the best chance of winning and is the most entertaining, but Pearl and Violet are both very talented. It’s going to be a close call!”
SEVERELY MAME:
“I’m partial to Violet Chachki. She has so much style. Her hair and looks are always on point. She’s also extremely sweet. I’ve been following her since before Drag Race and have always been excited by what she’s doing! Winner or not, I can’t wait to see what she does when this is all done!”
STEPHANIE STONE:
“It’s Season 7, so a lot of the show is kind of paint-by-numbers and hard to trust. Most contest or game shows have this air of distrust about them—and rightfully so, since the audience can now see the padding and scripting—but I think that RuPaul wants Violet to win, and that’s all that matters.”
FIFI DUBOIS:
“I think Ginger Minj will take it home. She’s funny, charming, and she has the experience to handle the title. The other two finalists are aesthetically pleasing but lack the charisma it takes. I like Violet as a performer but she just doesn’t have the personality. As for Pearl, meh.”
BRENDA DHARLING:
“Drag is an art form. It’s performance art, and the end result for me is entertainment. If I look at the season as a whole, the performer who kept my attention was Ginger. If I had to pick someone’s show to sit through for an hour, Ginger would be it.”
LEXI THOMAS:
“To win Drag Race you have to be well rounded and still stand out in a crowd. I really think that Violet offers a little bit of everything in more of a public package: costuming, confidence, diversity, face, sass, performance—and don’t forget the rhinestones!”
HAMM SAMWICH:
“As far as TV narratives go, Ginger cannot win, because she is Cthulhu and her victory would unleash a hundred thousand years of darkness. Pearl is the realest contestant, the most beautiful, and the least likely, having won, to put out an album. For that reason alone, she must win”
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7 Finale and Coronation at Stage 48, 605 W 48th St (btwn 11th/12th Aves), June 1 at 8pm; $40. Visit vossevents.com for more info.
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