One of the most beloved alums of the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” franchise — and uncoincidentally one of drag’s greatest and most recognizable entertainers working today — Roxxxy Andrews is bringing her whole bag of superstar tricks (including dance, comedy and pageant perfection) to Bushwig this month. [Cover photo: Erika Wagner]
Thotyssey: Hello Roxxxy, thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us today… it’s an honor! Where in the world are you at this moment, and how has your summer been?
Roxxxy Andrews: Hello! I’m so happy to be able to chat, thank you for having me! I just arrived home from Texas, where I had an amazing time in the valley like always! The people there are so great! But I’ve been busy, busy, busy touring, and enjoying the extreme heat here in Florida whenever I’m home!
I saw you recently had to cancel / postpone a gig due to an airline snafu. That sort of thing is only becoming more common for everyone these days. Is it agonizing when something like that happens, or do you just have to take it in stride because it’s out of your hands?
Yes, they had a problem with the bathrooms… and as frustrating as it is, I try not to get too upset because I know that safety is their first concern. It’s the little things that we see as simple, but that just can’t be fixed; [the airlines] have to assure that everyone will get there safe. The thing that bothers me the most is letting people down — they were excited to see me. But when it’s out of your hands, you have no choice. You just try to reschedule.
You’re widely regarded as one of drag’s greatest live performers, and certainly one of the greatest Drag Race alums ever! You must have hundreds of stage numbers in your repertoire at this point… is it ever a challenge to figure out what exactly you’re going to do for certain gigs, or do those decisions come easy for you?
I never know what I’m going to do, but I definitely like to throw in a little bit of sexiness with entertainment! Sometimes I bring a little bit from the show to them live! I never wanna let anyone down in what they’re waiting to see. They always say: give the people what they want, be nice to the staff, and be thankful to all of your fans. That’s what’s most important. I never take a minute of this life for granted!
What’s your favorite aspect of drag at this point: is it the looks, the performance, connecting with audiences, learning new stuff, etc.?
Honestly, it’s everything! I don’t think I could just pick one. To me it starts with the look — and you know I love to sew, so I guess I could say that my favorite is creating. Then being able to go on stage and show what I made, and watch the audience‘s reaction, gets me every time.
You’ve seen so much of the business and art of drag change over the decades, lots of that change stemming from Drag Race’s ever-growing popularity. What have been some of your favorite changes to the drag world that you’ve seen, and what have been your least favorite?
The best change I can speak of firsthand was teaching the world all different types of drag that there are. I used to see drag as face value, but there’s so much more than just looking like a pretty girl! The creativity that people put into this craft is insane, and it’s so amazing to watch! My least favorite is probably the trolls that bully the girls or discourage them.
Online Drag Race fan drama and toxicity have obviously greatly intensified over the years, sometimes directly encouraged by the stars of the franchise. What’s the key to dealing with that so that it doesn’t ruin your day… minimizing your engagement, or just learning not to internalize the unnecessarily bad stuff?
Never read the comments, lol! If you go searching for it, you will find it. There’s always somebody who’s not gonna like you, even if you’re the favorite.
Not long ago, I revisited a clip of you absolutely slaying Melissa Etheridge’s classic “Like the Way I Do” in a live show. That would be considered a very out-of-the-box decision today for a newbie queen, who would probably want to stick to the latest pop hits to keep the kids happy. How important is it for drag performers to find their own unique numbers, and really their own unique approaches to everything, in the biz today?
You said it right with the word classic! The younger generation needs to know their music. I was just speaking to this in the dressing room with the younger queens. Mama Ru tells us all the time: know your history. Go back and listen to music when music meant something. It just brings something out of you and that’s my favorite. There’s nothing wrong with music today, but it’s just not the same as the old school.
Reflecting on your long association with the Drag Race TV franchise (Season 5 finalist in 2013, All Stars Season 2 in 2016, All Stars Season 5 Lip Sync Assassin in 2019, All Stars S9 in 2023), did you have an overall favorite experience as far as having fun, being creative, enjoying the feedback, etc.?
Honestly, I just take it all in, try to stay humble, and live in the moment. Life goes so fast, and every time I have locked into the work room I’ve said “enjoy this moment, because you don’t know if it’s gonna happen again.” I tend to watch it back a lot to relive those moments in my mind, and I love sharing stories about being on the show. It was all such a blessing.
Is there a single celebrity you most enjoyed meeting as a result of being part of a Drag Race: a guest judge, someone who booked you for a live gig, a top designer, etc.?
The show opened the doors to so many outlets. Just to say I talked to Khloé Kardashian, Ariana Grande, even with Tamar Braxton after doing her on Snatch Game, is crazy to me. I’m a huge Big Brother fan, and I was just talking to Jimmy about his elimination. Sometimes it’s just so weird to think that you’re known the way you are from the show, and how many fans are actually celebrities!
Regarding the latest drag escándalo: whose team are you on: Mistress Isabella Brooks or Willam, lol? Both have been known to lean into villainy for their own ends!
There is always a new drama in this world. I tend to ask myself if it’s for attention, or if it’s real. I don’t tend to pick sides. I love all my sisters, and hope they fix it. Life is too short.
You were recently quoted as being disappointed that there have been noticeably few Latina winners in the main Drag Race franchise throughout its history. That’s something a lot of folks are talking about, especially since Jorgeous just came so close to winning the recent tenth season of All-Stars. Who are some Latina queens you’d love to see win a future season?
Although we have technically had winners who have Latin heritage, I would love just to see a full Latin girl be crowned. After this last season I was thinking to myself, “wait a minute, has there ever been a true Latin queen crowned? In 27 American seasons?” It seems funny at this point. Although I don’t thanks someone should win solely because of their nationality, I feel that there have been many chances for them to crown one… and they haven’t taken it! Even when it feels like the Latin girl won. Sometimes you have to hold people accountable and bring attention to what you’re seeing. That’s why I made the statement.
What about your own future with the show… any possibility of a return in any capacity?
I’ve been on the show three times, and I enjoyed every time I was there. I’m grateful for every opportunity RuPaul‘s drag Race has gotten me and continues to get me… but as a competitor, my time is done.
It’s a very challenging time now for Latinx Americans, queer Americans and drag performers. You must speak to so many people who are scared and angry… what sort of advice might you have for them, when they are just trying to get through all of this?
It is a very challenging time right now, but I believe that we will get through everything together. We have to stay strong! I believe in a higher power than politics, and I just pray that things will get better. I know they will.
Where are some of your favorite venues, and local performers you’ve worked with?
My favorite places to perform are anywhere with a stage and spotlight, and a bunch of fans that are excited to see drag! Drag queens are heroes! I just worked with an amazing queen, who is the reigning Miss Gay US of A: Jade! She lives in McAllen, Texas and is an amazing entertainer, and the sweetest person… look out for her!
You’re going to headline New York’s major drag festival Bushwig at Knockdown Center on Saturday, August 23rd! How excited are you?
I am so excited to be at Bushwig this year! I still have to pinch myself sometimes at the opportunities I still get! We are going to have a blast! I love New York… and I would live there if they had no winter, lol!
What else is coming up for you?
I will be on tour this summer / fall for Werq the World! I’ll be starting second week of September, and can’t wait to see everyone! We just did Europe and Australia, and it was amazing! I’ll also be joining a lot of touring prior to and at the end of the year, so just stay tuned on my Instagram!
By the way: is it still fun for you to show up and watch a local drag show, or is it all work now?
I always tell everyone to support local drag! I started as a local drag queen, and it’s not easy to enjoy doing drag for little pay… so whenever I get the chance to see a great drag show, I’m there with all my money to throw at the dolls!
Lastly: there’s a lot of talk about how there isn’t a Song of the Summer in 2025… but what are you listening to give you life now, new or old?
I don’t think there is a song of the summer, and I know we’re living in crazy times… but I always tend to go to the divas like Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Jessie Ware… and of course, the queen Beyoncé!
Many thanks, Ms. Andrews!
Thank you so much for the interview and your time!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Roxxxy Andrews’ upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Cameo and her website.
Thotyssey 