The Top Ten Q & A: Shangela

Who is the newest and biggest name in the Los Angeles Drag World? Where did she come from? How is she doing it!? What is all the BUZZ!!!???

It is none other then SHANGELA, The Debutantess of the Deep South, hailing from Paris, Texas this young diva has come, seen and conquered the drag scene. Not only is she on Season Two of MTV Logo’s hit series RuPaul’s Drag Race, but she has just won the first EVER Miss California Entertainer of the Year Pageant at The House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard.

When I say “won” the pageant that is an understatement… She DESTROYED the competition. The presentation was flawless, the evening gown was breathtaking and her talent was well… to die for! Back flips, dancers and even a DVD intro where she was imposed in the “New Moon” Movie Trailer.

Shangela has made is very clear that this is not a game and she is here to stay. Remember the name Shangela, better yet, I’d like to see you try to forget it, I feel like she has only begun.

How long have you been doing drag? What/ Who inspired you to become a Drag Entertainer? I have been doing drag exactly 373 days! I've always been fascinated with the art of drag performance. It goes back to when I was a back-up dancer for some of the best drag performers in Dallas, Texas. Texas drag performers are NO JOKE. I learned a lot. From then I kind of fell into being in the drag spotlight and I'm loving it more every day!


What was one thing you learned (took home) from RuPaul's Drag Race? In addition to a free make-up kit? Haha! One of the greatest drag experiences of my young career.

Who did you connect with the most on the show? There are tons of great girls. The entire cast is absolutely amazing, but there is no doubt that my strongest connection is to my sister, Sahara Davenport from New York City. We attended college together in Dallas, are best friends, and had NO IDEA we would both be on the show until we arrived on set. Watch the new season and you'll see our reactions! The funny thing is, Sahara had never seen "Shangela”


At The California Entertainer of the Year Pageant (EOY) you did back flips, death-drops (SHABLAM!), disappearing acts and costume changes... How long did it take for you to prepare for EOY? Now that the pageant is over... I'm gonna give you the honest answer that many won't believe. Because I was in Texas for the entire month of December for my mothers surgery, I returned to Los Angeles and with the help of my friends I put my entire package together in 12 days! LONG, LONG rehearsals. And now... A BITCH IS TIRED!

You beat out some stiff competition; some of the contestants have been doing pageants for YEARS! How does it feel to have become the FIRST EVER Ms California Entertainer of the Year? I was among some of the greatest performers in the state of California for California EOY. I was humbled and felt an even greater responsibility to bring an A-game package and hope for the best.


What can people expect from you at Nationals? Competition at the nationals is a whole new ball game for me. I'm going to have to bring even more kicks, tricks, and rhinestones!


What is playing in your ipod/ mp3 player right now? Telephone (Gaga/Beyonce) because I'll be soon performing it with my home girl Rhea Litre! SEE THAT VIDEO HERE

When you are done with drag (if that ever happens) what do you think and/or want your legacy to be? My heart lies in comedy and making people laugh. I am actually building a career in stand-up comedy and I'll be performing this Saturday January 16th, 8pm at the Comedy Store ("Belly Room") on Sunset!


In 3 words please describe a "Shangela Performance" WHAT. THE. FUCK!

What words of advice do you have for any aspiring Drag Queens? If you are passionate about being a performer, go for it! No matter how much or how little experience you may have it should all be fun and full of fierceness!

Find Shangela on Facebook to keep up with where she is going next:

www.facebook.com/shangelaofficial