Photo Credit: Shangela
Does Shangela have what it takes this season to be crowned “America’s Next Drag Superstar?” You’ll have to watch VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3” to find out if Shangela Laquifa Wadley (D.J. Pierce), the first and currently only queen to ever compete on three different seasons of Drag Race, can bring home the crown.
After moving to Los Angeles, Pierce choreographed a number for a friend and was then asked to perform regularly at Here Lounge where the name Shangela Laquifa Wadley was born. After five months of performing, Shangela was contacted by the producers of RuPaul’s Drag Race and became a contestant for RuPaul’s “Drag Race Season 2” where he was the first queen to be eliminated.
It was then that Pierce decided to master the craft of drag and returned for Season 3 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” where he made it to the top five. After creating SAY WHAT ENTERTAINMENT, a booking agency for drag queens, he is back once again and determined to take home the crown.
Photo Credit: Shangela
This season premiere got underway last night and we caught up today with Shangela to talk about RuPaul, slaying the crown this season and Boston’s drag scene.
Tell us what made you decide to become a drag queen and start up your own LGBT entertainment management group.
I always wanted to work in entertainment and started in PR. I chose to move from Dallas to LA to pursue a career in entertainment then I got a role on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
This is your third appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Why did you want to make a go of it again?
When RuPaul calls, you answer. It has been amazing to have the support of my fans from all around the world and the support of RuPaul. I wanted to show the world that if you are told no in life, you just pick up the pieces and try harder next time.
Photo Credit: RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars
How have you grown since the first season?
Anyone who has cable can tell you that one! I am now super excited for this season. I am excited, as Beyonce says, to be a grown woman.
What do you want to show RuPaul this season?
I definitely want to show that he has invested in me well with his support and belief in me. I listened, I watched and I evolved.
You are set to star in Bradley Cooper’s upcoming film “A Star is Born” alongside Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, and Dave Chappelle. How did your role come to be?
RuPaul’s Drag Race gave me the confidence to walk into audition rooms. I am always working on my craft as an actor. To work with legendary stars like Mr. Cooper, as I call him, and Gaga was amazing. I’ll admit I am a fan first and was so happy to be a part of it. I can’t wait for it to come out.
Photo Credit: Malpaso ProductionsWhat else are you working on?
I have appeared on FOX’s “The X-Files,” “Bones,” and Lifetime’s “Dance Moms.” I am working on “Hurricane Bianca II” for Netflix and also have a new music project. I am excited to give some more back to my fans.
Have you been to Jacques Caberet in Boston? Any haute spots you like to check out when you are in town?
I was just in Boston for New Year’s Eve. It was negative two degrees there! Boston has some of the best food. I love the queens in that city and Jacques is great. Jujubee from Season 2 was from Boston. I also love to go to Club Cafe when I am in town. I just launched a 60-city tour, so I will be on the road a lot coming to a city near you!
Fitness
January 26, 2018The James Hotels Just Launched A Property Wide Holistic
