The word "legend" is bandied about frequently, but a true legend entered the “RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10” main stage when Phoenix returned after a decade plus.
Drag and the competition has changed a bit, but some things never go out of style, such as the professionalism and experience that Phoenix brought to the competition. While she has not moved forward in the competition (so far), Phoenix definitely made her impact on “All Stars 10.” I sat down with Phoenix to dish about returning to “All Stars,” the challenges in the competition this year, and what she learned from one of her “All Stars 10” sisters.
What was the “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10” experience like for you?
It was so exciting, overwhelming. As someone who has not been on “Drag Race” in almost 15 years, coming back to such a huge phenomenon was intense, it really was. You really don't know what to expect. Season 3 was just a very different show, I think even us walking into the Werk Room on Season 3, we still didn’t fully understand how big the show was about to be and what we were walking into it. I think I walked in like, "Hey guys" (laughs). Now, people walk in with an entrance line, ready to go; it's crazy! It was overwhelming but so much fun, it really was.
Did you find that after all these years, your inner saboteur was as present as ever?
I understand what it is like to get in your own way and to be your own enemy at times. I think that you can be the most confident person in the room and there is still going to be a moment in your life or a situation where you are going to get in your head and in your own way. I experienced it, I watched Deja [Skye] do it and sometimes you just need to be shaken a little bit and kind of call them out and help maneuver them out of their own way.
Phoenix, after seeing you live several times, it's a fact that you are a stunning performer. It was great to see the drag that we know from you as a live performer being seen on the Drag Race main stage. We recently have seen how you responded to one certain critique from Ice Spice online, but what was it like returning all these years later and getting critique from the judges panel week after week?
You know it’s difficult. Obviously I know what I signed up for, but it’s difficult … it really is. I think that you can be confident and know that you’re great at what you do and I don’t have to explain what I've done to people and I know my career. I know my resume and what I've contributed to the community and the art form. So going in there and having someone critique you … it is tough to hear, especially if you’re not feeling the most confident.
To have your art, talent and passion critiqued in front of some the judges panel truly is a facet of “Drag Race” that requires bravery and a confidence in yourself and what you’re presenting.
Not only that, but on one of the biggest television shows in the world; that’s a tough one.
What were your thoughts on the format change for “All Stars 10?” Fans are truly giving it a fantastic response.
I have some different thoughts with it. I did like walking in and there not being so many girls. It gives everyone a moment to shine and I think that is a huge part of it. All six of us were just so different and we have very different styles of drag, our personalities and emotions are different, everything is different. I think that made great television because I think you can relate with someone but when you’ve got 10 or 12 people, it's harder to get to know people. The thing that makes it a little tricky is if you’re not good at something and it's not one of your strong suits, if that is one of the ones you are hit hard with and you only have three challenges, it makes it a little tricky.
I am a creative individual, I make costumes, I design, all of that is what grew up loving with drag. When I started drag almost 25 years ago, I didn't come out as a vocalist (laughs). I grew up making hair, making costumes, I love the creative part of it. If you don't really get a lot of it in your few episodes, it makes it a little tricky. When you have a full season of “Drag Race,” you do get those moments. That is kind of the negative part of it in my opinion, because it definitely has its good and its bad.
Phoenix, you and Deja Skye seemed to bond during the season. What is one thing about her that you learned or will remember about her?
The Mug! Here's the thing, it is even down to a certain product that Deja told me about on set, that I never in a million years would have used and now its in my makeup box every time I get into drag!
Follow Phoenix on Instagram @phoenix_atl
