SONGBIRDS

 I have seen the premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race, and will most likely watch the second half, before deciding if I'll watch the whole season. But if like so many other people, if your burnt out of Drag Race and want to watch something of a different flavor, I highly recommend Queen of the Universe. I just finished watching most of the season in one weekend, and I have to say it is far more superior to Drag Race. Queens from across the globe come to battle it out in a live singing, not lip synching, competition to see who will reign supreme. Now this is a breath of fresh air, with no drama, no editing, no bricking, no filler, no staging and just plain old performing, and the best thing to having a front row seat at a drag show. And these bitches are creme of the crop, while some of the queens, not necessary well known. The talent is undeniable, and the style of these queens is all over the board and top notch, I dare say old school drag. And the judges' panels is excellent, and judges that actually make sense. We have Michelle Visage, Vanessa Williams and Lenoa Lewis as the singing experts, and Trixie Mattel,  the drag judge on the style and wigs, not to mention the singing as well. Graham Norton rounds out the ensemble as the host. I would have hated to be a judge on this show, as all the queens are so talented and sound amazing, which takes drag to a whole new level. If this were to replace Drag Race one day, I wouldn't mind that at all. Some of my stand outs for me of the jaw dropping queens, in some snippets.

Leona Winter. Leona is probably one of the most talented drag queens from France, this queen has her act together, nice and tight, and was a force to be reckoned with in this competition. She is after all a countertenor baritone with a three-octave voice. Her costuming was very top notch.

Grag Queen was one of the youngest queens on the show and is a social media personality, of which is where he started doing drag, and has become one of Brazil's jewels...and was ultimately the winner of the season. He often sang the songs by various artist,  but would add his own take to each one as well. Every song and style he did was simply amazing.

Gingzilla, is a 7' bearded glamazonian from Australia, and is no stranger to the big stage having completed on The X Factor and America's Got Talent. but when his premier song started, Human, jaws hit the floor including mine. A very nontraditional queen and he pulls it beautifully.

La Voix, I have had the pleasure to meet on several occasions, as her cabaret act has brought her to New Hope several times. La Viox hails from the UK, her shows are always top notch and extremely entertaining, and she has no problem performing to huge crowds or drag royalty having come face to face and performed for the Royal Family.

Ada Vox is also no stranger to performing to large crowds as she too was on America's Got Talent, and to sold out cabaret shows in her hometown of San Antionio Texas. Talk about a pristine and well put together queen. I thought for sure she was going to be the crowned winner. I'd pay a mint to see one her shows. This song brought the house down. WOW.

Woowu is a self-taught singer, inspired by the likes of Christina Aguilera and Cher and others. I absolutely loved her, even though she didn't make it pass the third show. But by taking part she is hoping that she shined a light on drag in China, where it can still be frowned upon, and also break some of the barriers. I adored her take on Material Girl.

And finally, I loved Chy'enne Valentino. Talk about some old school drag kids. This queen is soooo polished and has her shit together. Chy'enne hails from the windy city of Chicago, where she is no stranger to the pageant systems, and is very active in the Miss Continental Plus pageants. And henny, can she sing!!!! Loved her version and take on Wreaking Ball.

If you get a chance, check this show out. So much more entertaining and something fresh to showcase some real talent.