Tuesday, September 30, 2008

DragShowcase Interviews Erica Andrews

There are few people that have earned the title legend. Erica Andrews is one of those people. Enjoy our interview with this true legend in the world of drag.

Can you to tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
I was raised in Mexico but have grown up in the states. At this time I live in San Antonio, Texas where I work at The Saint Night Club.
Who helped you or inspired you the most when you first started your career as an entertainer?
Tandi Andrews and Raphael Velasco
How did you first become involved in the art of female impersonation?
My first boyfriend did drag and rest is history [laughing].
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Living life as woman with my family’s support.

You have won many titles can you tell us some of them ?
Miss Texas USofA,Miss Gay USofA,Miss Texas Continental,Miss Continental,Miss Texas EOY,Miss EOY,Miss Universal ShowQueen (Hawaii) ,Miss Transexual America,Miss International Queen( Thailand).
What was your first pageant and how was that experience?
A local bar jukebox pageant, Miss Just Us [laughing]; I won and felt like Miss Universe.
Are there any more pageants in your future that you would like to compete in?
Yes!


What was it like going to Thailand for the Miss International Queen pageant?
It’s run like the real Miss Universe with many hours of work before the big night. Thailand is the land of smiles and people are very friendly. We [drag queens] are known as “ladyboys” and are very accepted in their society. An amazing, overwhelming experience!
Can you tell us more about your drag mother Tandi Andrews?
She was an amazing person; a true professional and great inspiration! I pay tribute to her every day, my mother!
Do you have any drag daughters and if so can you tell us about them?
I have a few which are great girls and very talented.
Are you a full time entertainer or do you have a second career?
I am a make-up artist as well and am working on some television pilots [fingers crossed]. You can see me on “Trantasia,” the documentary film about eight transgendered girls. It’s now on Amazon.com.

Where would someone be able to see you perform?
On Thursdays at The Saint in San Antonio, Texas. Once a month I perform in Tampa, Florida at Flirt and twice a month at The Rose Room in Dallas Texas; additionally, I always perform at every national pageant I’ve won.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as an entertainer?
Do things your way, it’s the only way in this business. Take criticism in a constructive manner and not to heart.
What are some of your favorite cities either to perform in or just visit?
Chicago; New York; Los Angeles; Honolulu; Pattaya, Thailand; Tokyo; and Toronto.
Who are some of your favorite designers and where do you like to shop for clothes?
Chanel; Vera Wang; Roberto Cavalli; and my favorite local designer is Rodrigo Virgin of San Antonio. I also like to shop just about anywhere from boutiques to vintage stores to the airport. It’s a problem.

Describe what a normal day in your life is like?
I try and look for new material for work, but mainly it’s the office, emails, gym, lunch, and phone calls.
Favorite Movie(s)?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Favorite Singer(s) / Favorite Song(s)?
Cher; Selena; The Way of Love; and Con Tanto Amor Medley
Favorite Television show(s) past or present?
Desperate Housewives


In closing, what would you like to say to your fans?
My career as an entertainer has had its ups and downs, but my family, friends and fans have always supported me through thick and think. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and God Bless. Thanks for dropping by and hope to see [you] soon!
Love,Erica


Supermodels


I found this old Revlon ad on the internet. Very 80's. It features one of my favorite supermodels, Iman.

Miss Gay Ybor Pageant 2009


Miss Gay Ybor 2009 pageant is a preliminary to Miss Gay Florida FFI.

Miss Gay 90's 2009


Sunday, September 28, 2008

Miss NYC FFI 2009

Miss NYC FFI & Miss NYC FFI @ Large 2009 Pageants were held on Saturday, September 27, 2009 @ The LGBT Community Center.
Categories were Group Interview, On-stage Question, Talent and Evening Wear.

The Results :
Miss NYC FFI WINNER - Amethyst Diamond
1st Alt. - Angelique Ali
Miss NYC FFI @ LARGE WINNER - Juliza Alezae
1st Alt. - Teri Courtney
The winners get to ride in the NYC Gay Pride Parade next June.

The Contestants :

Miss NYC FFI:
01 Angelique Ali
02 Bianca
03 Amethyst Diamond
04 Naomi DiamondMiss

NYC FFI @ Large:
01 Juliza Alezae
02 Teri Courtney
03 CeeMour Cox
04 Lady Dezire
05 Cyndy Woods

Court Blocks "Project Runway's" Move


LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- The reality fashion show "Project Runway" will not be able to strut its stuff on the Lifetime TV channel, a judge ruled Friday.

A preliminary injunction was ordered by New York Supreme Court Justice Richard B. Lowe in a lawsuit filed by NBC Universal against the Weinstein Co., which produces the hit reality series hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum.

NBC Universal had aired the series on its Bravo channel. It sued Weinstein after the production company made a reported $150 million deal with Lifetime for the show.

The temporary injunction bars Weinstein from taking "Project Runway" or any spinoff to Lifetime and contended that evidence showed that Weinstein violated NBC's "right of first refusal" for the show.

Weinstein Co. said in a statement that it intended to appeal the decision, which was applauded by NBC Universal.

Lifetime said it was disappointed with the ruling and that it will "pursue all measures" to uphold its agreement with Weinstein for the show's sixth season.
Also part of the judge's ruling, Lifetime and Weinstein cannot promote, market or air "Project Runway."
NBC was ordered to put up a $20 million bond; Weinstein had asked the court to set a $200 million bond, which it said was the value of its deal with Lifetime.
In its lawsuit, NBC alleged that Weinstein moved "Project Runway" because NBC balked at the attempt to bundle the series with other Weinstein properties that NBC wasn't interested in.
Weinstein said that there was no right of first refusal in the contract and that NBC Universal was offered the deal and was outbid.
The parties were ordered to return to court Oct. 15.
"Project Runway," now in production in Los Angeles, was expected to start airing in January on Lifetime.

Dee Ranged


Our Diva of the Week is Dee Ranged.

Shae Shae LaReese




Miss Gay USofA Classic 2008 Shae Shae LaReese performing at Miss Universal ShowQueen

Miss Gay Ocala 2009

Oh Happy Day

Friday, September 26, 2008

Sydney Harbour Bridge


The QE2 near the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Miss Gay Indiana 2008 Ginger Ale


Congratulations to Ginger Ale the new Miss Gay Indiana 2008 !
2nd runner up Erica King
1st runner up Holly Luyah
The first Miss Gay Indiana was Amber Richards in 1979.
They have many of the past pageants on DVD for sale. Visit their website at http://www.missgayindiana.org/ for details.

Leyla O'Hara




Leyla O'Hara has made a name for herself this year by winning the Miss Texas FFI and Miss Texas USofA titles. I predict major things for this Texas Diva.

ANTM Episode 5 Recap

Hannah


Isis


On tonight's episode of America's Next Top Model, Clark and a few other girls in the house banded together to say that they hoped Isis would be the one to get eliminated. Hannah felt fed up with the way that Analeigh and Marjorie stressed about their chances of getting eliminated. It seems that the girls are starting to get a little sick of each other. No worries because tonight was a double elimination so two models are headed home. Between blind runway competitions and using only their eyes for their photo shoot, the models were definitely challenged tonight.


Bow Legs

Tonight, the girls met up with Miss J . at a bowling alley, who was ready with pairs of modified bowling shoes. One by one, each model makes the alley their runway, showing off how well they can walk in heels on a slippery floor. Miss J. criticized Samantha for her bow legs and even bowled a ball through her legs as she stood still at the end of the alley!

The Blind Leading The Blind

The girls were excited to learn that tonight would be their first runway challenge, walking for Jeremy Scott. However, they were hit with two pieces of shocking news. First, they’d be walking blindfolded and second, one of them would be eliminated right after the runway show. Joslyn won the challenge and for her prize, she gets to do a Seventeen photo shoot wearing clothes designed by Kira Plastenina. She chooses two friends to come along, bringing Isis and Sheena. Hannah is eliminated because Mr. Jay says he can’t keep a model in the competition who doesn’t have a strong walk.

Smile With Your Eyes

We’ve heard Tyra say it time and time again: “smile with your eyes”. Tonight, the models literally had to do just that. With Nigel Barker shooting them, the girls had to climb into a pool and only show their face from the middle of the nose up. Clark came alive and won the photo challenge, with her picture being displayed in the Top Model house as digital art for the next week. Other standout performances came from Analeigh and Lauren Brie. Isis and Samantha were left in the bottom two. Isis was there because she has gotten sleepier with each passing week and Samantha is there for offending Jeremy Scott by lifting up her dress on the runway. Tyra gives Samantha another shot but says goodbye to Isis.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Miss Gay Indiana 2008

The Miss Gay Indiana 2008 pageant is taking place tonight.

Contestant list:
01 Brittney Monroe
02 Macy Kirkland
03 Chelsea Nicole Parker
04 Courtney Anderson
05 Lola Palooza
06 Erica King
07 Holly Luyah
08 Skyler Blackwell
09 Veronica Cruise
10 Kameila Merlot
11 Ginger Ale

Sable and Ruby DeMoore had qualified but did not make it.
Interview was today and pre-judging of Gown is at 8 and the contest starts at 9.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Diva Erika Norell



Our Diva of the week is the beautiful Erika Norell. She is a former Miss Gay USofA & Miss Continental. She currently lives and works in South Florida.

Emmy Awards 2009 Fashions

Cynthia Nixon


Eva Longoria


Heidi Klum


Mariska Hargitay


Here are a few of the fashions from last nights Emmy awards. In this first group, I would say the best dressed is Mariska. I will be adding more soon.

Miss Gay America 2009


Miss Gay America 2009 is fast approaching. The preliminaries are now over and 50 contestants have qualified. They are :
Miss Gay Arizona America
Sache' Van Cartier Miss Gay Arizona America 2008
Dottie Miss Gay Arizona America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Arkansas America
Stephanie Richards Miss Gay Arkansas America 2008
Zia D'Yor Miss Gay Arkansas America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay D.C. America
Victoria DePaula Miss Gay D C America 2008
Jessica Jade Miss Gay D C America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Delaware America
Karyn Thomas Miss Gay Delaware America 2008
Sierra Spaulding Miss Gay Delaware America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay East Coast America
Chantel Reshae Miss Gay East Coast America 2008
Kristina Kelly Miss Gay East Coast America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Florida America
Crystle Chambers Miss Gay Florida America 2008
Alexis Mateo Miss Gay Florida America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Heartland America
Maya Alexander Miss Gay Heartland America 2008
Lady Jade Rockell Miss Gay Heartland America 2008-alternate
Miss Heart of America
Jade Sinclair Miss Heart of America 2008
Coco Montrese Miss Heart of America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Keystone America
Tiffany Deveraux Miss Keystone 2008
Victoria Barrera Jaymes Miss Keystone 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Louisiana America
Anastacia Davenport Miss Gay Louisiana America 2008
Brittney O'Bryan Miss Gay Louisiana America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Maryland America
Tatiyanna Voche' Miss Gay Maryland America 2008
Sue Nami Miss Gay Maryland America 2008-alternate
Miss Mid America
Sasha Nicole Miss Mid America 2008
Sasha Leigh Chambers Miss Mid America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Mid Atlantic America
Miss D. Meaner Miss Gay Mid Atlantic America 2008
Sierra Leone Miss Gay Mid Atlantic America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Mid East America
Coti Collins Miss Gay Mid East America 2008A
lyssa Edwards Miss Gay Mid East America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Mid West America
Alana Steele Miss Gay Mid West America 2008
Melody Michaels Miss Gay Mid West America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Missouri America
Sparkle Iman Miss Gay Missouri America 2008
Tabbi Kat Miss Gay Missouri America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay North Carolina America
Victoria Parker Miss Gay North Carolina America 2008
Shana Nicole Miss Gay North Carolina America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Ohio America
Hellin Bedd Miss Gay Ohio America 2008
Beverly Ford Miss Gay Ohio America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Oklahoma America
Adrienne Fischer Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2008
Shantel Mandalay Miss Gay Ohio America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Oregon America
Stephanie Lane Miss Gay Oregon America representative
Veronica Leigh Taylor Miss Gay Oregon America representative
Miss Gay Pennsylvania America
Vicky Dominatrix Miss Gay Pennsylvania America 2008
Domiana Dupre St James Miss Gay Pennsylvania America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Tennessee America
Ivy White Miss Gay Tennessee America 2008
Anita Cocktail Miss Gay Tennessee America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Texas America
Sally Sparkles Miss Gay Texas America 2008
Miss Gay Texas America 2008-alternate
Miss Gay Tri States America
Shawn Tyler Andrews Miss Gay Tri States America 2008
Deja Brooks Miss Gay Tri States America 2008-alternate
Miss Western States America
China Collins Miss Western States America 2008J
essica Deveraux Miss Western States America 2008-alternate

Miss Tri - County National Newcomer 2009


Miss Tri-County National Newcomer will be held October 5th in Jacksonville, Florida.

Miss West Virginia Continental Plus 2009

Miss West Virginia Continental Plus 2009 will be held November 21st. Brianna Nicole Carter will be giving up her title. This was the preliminary of the year for Miss Continental Plus.
The national contest, Miss Continental Plus 2009, is usually held around Easter each year in Chicago.

Miss Venus 2008


This pageant is held in Hawaii.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Hello !


I have been so busy the last few weeks with work that I have not had much time to update this blog. I will try and do better. :)
There will be a few changes coming to this blog. I have decided to expand and start covering Hollywood, fashion, gay and lesbian news and a few other things.
We will still cover the drag scene. That will not change.
If you have any news about pageants, show nights or other drag news, just send it to us and we will post it.
Have A Great Day!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

New York City


I love photos of skylines. I have visited NYC twice and I hope to visit again next Spring.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Miss Old Street 2008


Miss Texas USofA at Large 2009 Update

Miss Texas USofA at large 2008 Donet McKim


Upcoming Prelims :



Miss Corpus Christi USofA @ Large (Club Sixx) 9/14
Miss Inergy’s USofA @ Large (Club Crystal) 9/21
Miss River City USofA @ Large (Bonham) 9/25
Miss Austin USofA @ Large (Charlie’s) 9/28



Miss Texas USofA @ Large (The Saint) 10/8 – 10/10


Presentation “Black & White Masquerade Ball”


http://www.%20usofacomputers.%20com/Texas/home.%20asp





QUALIFIED CONTESTANTS:


Michelle Phifer : Miss Gay San Antonio USofA at Large
Gizelle B Ashton : 1st Alternate



Yesenia St James : Miss Gay Houston USofA at Large
Tersenia St James : 1st Alternate



Cirtine : Miss Gay Houston Int. USofA at Large
Danielle Whitney : 1st Alternate



Cassandra Page Jones : Miss Gay San Angelo USofA at Large
Nikki Lauren : 1st Alternate



Nadine Hughes : Miss Gay South Texas USofA at Large
Beyonce Mykles : 1st Alternate



Alaya Christian : Miss Gay South Central USofA at Large
Odysse N Whitney : 1st Alternate

Erica Andrews







Erica Andrews is one of the most popular and respected entertainers in the buisness today.
A true DIVA...


The Golden Girls Version Of "Clueless"


I love this video. Three of "The Golden Girls ; Estelle Getty, Rue McClanhan and Betty White do a great parody of the movie "Clueless".

Friday, September 5, 2008

DragShowcase Interview - Yesenia E. St James

DragShowcase presents the current Miss Gay Houston USofA at Large Yesenia E. St. James...


Can you to tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
Well, I’m originally from Dallas, I was born April 27, 1980 to 2 loving parents with the given name of Patrick Pearson. Can you imagine how I was teased with the initials of (PP) lol . I have one sister who is 5 years older than I am, she’s been married for 5 years and has 2 beautiful and loving children. So I live me straight life vicariously through her.(lol) I’m, the show director @ Club Bartinis where we have a show every Friday @ 12:15 sharp…


Who helped you or inspired you the most when you first started your career as an entertainer?
I would have to say that , I first saw Tommie Ross at the Forum a club in Austin, Texas. I found her to be so elegant, poised and sophisticated and she caught and peeked my interest. But, my drag mother Victoria Necole St. James of Austin, Texas, my drag Grandmother Vega Marie St. James of Dallas, Texas and the late Tracey M. aka Julia St. James (the original triple threat, for hair, makeup and sewing) mostly inspire me the most.


How did you first become involved in the art of female impersonation?
I believe it was the idea that, in female impersonation there’s a sense of illusion. A male can transform into a beautiful woman, and that captivated me. So I got my start at a local talent night my Junior year at an HBCU in Austin, Texas (Historically Black College or University).


What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
I feel my greatest accomplishment, is when I accepted who I was and really began to love myself. At a point I really was very uncomfortable with myself, I felt I was too large, too dark not living to my full potential. Yet, one day I woke up and said, you got to love u regardless of what minor imperfections you have, and when I did that I really had achieved my greatest achievement.
What pageant systems have you competed in and what titles have you held?
For the past few years I’ve primarily focused on the USofA Pageantry system: Last October I made the top 12 @ Miss USofA@Large 2008, when Mahogany Knight won. I’ve placed in the top 12, since first competing at Miss Texas USofA@Large. 3rd r/u Miss Texas USofA @ Large 04-05, 2nd r/u05-06, 1st r/u 06-07, and back to 2nd r/u 07-08. I’ve placed 1st r/u to Miss Texas Continental Plus 2006 and 2007, also 1st r/u to Miss Texas FFI 2007 to Kelexis Davenport. I’m the current reigning Miss Houston USofA@Large 08-09, Miss D.O.I. 08-09,. I’m a former Miss Dallas USofA @ Large 2007-2008, Miss Houston International USofA@Large 2006-2007, Miss Inergy’s USofA @ Large 2005-2006, Miss Club Bartinis 2006-2007, Miss Club Vivianas just to name a few

What was your first pageant and how was that experience?
My first pageant was a local bar pageant, which was Miss Club Metro Newcomer, and the experience taught me in the heat of competition you really learn who your true friends are.

Do you have a Drag Mother or any Drag Daughters ? If so can you tell us about them?
Yes, my drag mother is Victoria Necole St. James of Austin Texas.. She’s a member of the show cast at Charlie’s nightclub in Austin, Texas.. No , I don’t have any drag daughters, but I have for sons, Tre C, Travis, Terrez and Boo Boo. I found that having sons are easier..

How did you get your drag name ?
I got my drag name from my drag Grandmother, Vega Marie St. James of Dallas, Texas.. She performs around the city of Dallas, Texas.

Are you a full time entertainer or do you have a second career?
At the time I have a full time job where I’m a manager for a high end Boutique. I perform part time around the city of Houston and throughout the country. But, I would love to switch, the two roles and allow my craft to be my full time career.

Where would someone be able to see you perform?
I can be seen @ Club Bartinins every Friday, for Yesenias Fabulous Fridays @ 12:15a.m. sharp @ 1318 Westheimer As well as through out the State of Texas.


What advice would you give to someone just starting out as an entertainer?
Normally, the advice I give someone who’s inquiring about performing, is be sure this is what you really want to do. Because once you begin to perform your stereotyped and as negative as it sounds you are marked a s a drag queen. But be strong and believe in your self and find your own niche. Granted we all can learn from such greats as Donna Day, Tommie Ross, Erica Andrews, Chevelle Brooks, Kelexis Davenport, Danielle Hunter, and Whitney Paige, just to name a few, however in order to be successful and taken serious you have to be your own person.



What is your best quality or feature ?
My best quality is the I’m very approachable and I hope that people still find that I’m as friendly as I was from when I first began my career in the art of female impersonation.. As I gain notoriety and my name gets out and people recognize me, I want to remain as grounded, and loving as I am now. As a freebie, I’ll throw in that my smile is my best feature..

What famous person, dead or alive, would you most like to meet and why ?
Honestly, I would love to meet my deceased Grandfather, granted he is not a known celebrity beyond my family. However, I’ve heard such great things about him and have never had the pleasure to be in his presence.

If you were on a desert island, what would be your most have item ?
A hunky male, to carry my coconuts (lol)

What is something that most people do not know about you?
That I am very afraid to do makeup for someone else. I believe I found the technique to make me look really nice, but I might not be able to do that for someone else.

What is your motto ?
My motto is in all things be happy with yourself and the choices you make, that in turn will allow you to think openly thus allowing you to be successful in what ever you strive to do and be..

If you could change anything about drag or the pageantry systems, what would it be and why ?
If I could change anything about drag , I would change the level of respect our performers receive from our very own community, its odd to me that we are just as educated, well spoken and intelligent as the next person. We are lawyers, doctors, educators and vital images of our community just as anyone else. I don’t believe many people understand, the level of dedication it takes for female impersonators and male leads to do this, with all of the odd stares and whispers about who they think we are.


What are some of your favorite cities either to perform in or just visit?
Of course, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Nashville and many others..

Favorite Movie(s) ? Favorite Singer(s) / Favorite Song(s)?
Jazzmine Sullivan, Who you don’t know who she is, GOGGLE her she has an amazing voice. I love R&B, Neo Soul, Oldies and Jazz. But I listen to all types of music

Favorite Television show(s) past or present?
Different World


In closing, what would you like to say to your fans?
In closing I would like to say for those of you that have supported me and helped to develop Yesenia thank you and I love you. To my Supporters(fans) thank you most of all, your kinds words, and criticism helps me to develop and mature as an entertainer. Hope to see you guys in San Antonio for Miss Texas USofA@Large, October 08,09,10 2008 @ The Saint…

Hugs and Kisses YES



THANK YOU !

Miss Gay Iowa USofA at Large 2008

Miss Gay Iowa USofA at Large was held on August 2, 2008 at Jones Street Station Nightclub in Sioux City, Iowa.


They had 3 contestants :

01 Martina Shakers (for talent did "ress is my strongest suite")
02 Mia Adams (did eartha kitt for talent )
03 Elizabeth Raines (did a great dance mix talent )






Winner : Martina Shakers
1st Alternate : Mia Adams
2nd Alternate : Elizabeth Raines



Martina Shakers won Interview & Talent

All three contestants will be going on to nationals.

Miss Gay Florida America 2008

Miss Crystle Chambers is the NEW Miss Gay Florida America for the second time. Crystle won the Miss Gay Florida America title for the first time back in 1998.





The Miss Gay Florida America pageant was held at the Parliament House Resort in Orlando Florida on June 2nd and had 13 contestants.Winner: Crystle Chambers1st Runner-Up: Alexis Mateo (Miss Gay Lakeland America)2nd Runner-Up: The Minx (Miss Gay Orlando America)


Congratulations to Crystle Chambers as she travels to the Miss Gay America 2009 Pageant that will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, October 8-12, 2008 at the Grand Ballroom of the Millennium Hotel, in Downtown St. Louis.

(We would like to thank Swamp Pussy for the information !)