“If I had one wish to come true, it would be to win this crown. Because I’m desperate. Really desperate. » It is with a lot of humor that La Grande Dame presents herself in the promotional portrait posted online on Monday following the announcement of her participation in season 2 of “Drag Race UK vs The World”. The competition which, as its title suggests, will feature British drag queens alongside queer artists of other nationalities, will be launched on February 9 and visible in France on the WOW Presents + platform. Here’s what you need to know…
What is the concept ?
The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” galaxy continues to expand. In addition to international adaptations – France entered the track in 2022 – the brand has been available in recent years in “All Stars” versions (Spain will deliver its own in a few months) and “vs The World”. Season 1 of “Drag Race UK vs The World”, produced by BBC Three, aired last year. It pitted candidates from the first season of “Drag Race UK” against each other, somewhat artificially, and drag queens who had participated in the original American seasons or the Canadian, Thai and Dutch adaptations. It was won by the British Blu Hydrangea. If the elimination mechanics may be different from those used in the regular versions, the maxi-challenges, including the “Snatch Game”, correspond to what aficionados of the program already know.
Who is The Great Lady?
At 24, La Grande Dame will be the youngest in the competition. His CV is already extensive. The drag queen from Nice, also a model, finished second in the first edition of “Drag Race France”, behind Paloma and tied with Soa de Muse. “French drag has this authenticity in creation and I want to represent that,” she says in the promo video revealed Monday, emphasizing her wish to show “the new French avant-garde”. For this portrait, she wears a wig with a hairstyle by Parizhair and an outfit created by Kevin Germanier, a stylist originally from Switzerland and based in Paris, where he launched a brand in his name, eco-responsible and specialized in upcycling. “This is fresh, this is French,” says La Grande Dame, who seems to have made this phrase her slogan.
Who are the candidates?
Eleven drag queens will compete in “Drag Race UK vs The World” season 2. Gothy Kendoll, Tia Kofi, Choriza May and Jonbers Blonde, who participated in seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively of “Drag Race UK” , will defend the British chances. Facing them: Arantxa Castilla-La Mancha (“Drag Race Spain”, season 1), Australian Hannah Conda (“Drag Race Down Under”, season 2), Keta Minaj (“Drag Race Netherlands”, season 2 ), Marina Summers (“Drag Race Philippines”, season 1), the Americans Mayhem Miller and Scarlett Envy (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”, seasons 10 and 11) and therefore, La Grande Dame (“Drag Race France”, season 1) .