Drag Competitions: Battling for Clout

Hello glamorous friends! Are you ready to penetrate the fabulous world of drag competitions? These events are playgrounds for queens, kings, and everything in between come play and slay!

The world of drag competitions is diverse. There are open stages where fresh-faced artists can strut their stuff without the pressure of competition, just soaking up the spotlight like a sponge in a sea of sequins, and there are the real-deal showdowns. These are where I battled it out against other fierce performers. But no two competitions are the same – it's like a drag kaleidoscope.

I've twirled and gyrated my way through some competitions where I got two numbers to slay the stage and then there were those nail-biting moments where I had to leave it all on the dance floor with just one number, hoping to dazzle the judges or charm the audience enough to secure a spot in the next round.

And the judges…. From applause-o-meters to seasoned drag connoisseurs, I've been critiqued by a few different judges so far… some of them will only give feedback if elicited, others might send a message, some will give written feedback, and one time they even threw some shade my way right there on stage over the mic! Each one has been exciting and helpful.

There are also different ways to secure a spot in the competitions. Some hosts play matchmaker with their lineup, curating a cast of characters based on requests and DMs. Others throw open the doors and let anyone with a dream and a beat face take the stage. And then there are those who play it cool, capping the lineup making it feel exclusive, and oh-so-desirable.

So, whether you're strutting your stuff on an open stage or battling it out in the fierce arena of competition, one thing's for sure: in drag, there's a stage for every artist, and every performer has their moment to shine like the glittery star they were born to be!  

Here's a glimpse into some types of drag competitions, but remember, this list barely scratches the surface! With countless hosts and endless creativity, the drag world boasts an infinite array of competition styles.

1.     Pageants: Where Beauty Reigns Supreme – Imagine a stage so bright it could blind a rhinestone, with contestants strutting like they own the runway. Pageants are like the Oscars of the drag world, where kings, queens or in betweens, battle it out for titles like Mr. Drag Universe, Ms. America, or Mx. United States – it’s the epitome of glamour. The more formal pageants have rulebooks to make sure that guidelines and expectations are established. When it's showtime you better werk – because in a pageant, even your eyelashes are judged during a fashion or formal wear! There’s also a little bit of a fundraising frenzy – from serving looks at a bar event for pageant costs to shaking that virtual donation jar on social media with Venmo and Cash App flyers, every king and queen knows that drag can be expensive, and pageants are another level... they definitely aren't for the faint of heart – there is a ton of work that goes into preparation, and the artists are on display asking to be read… However, you don't need a fortune to strut your stuff in a pageant. Competing on a shoestring budget? Now that's a feat that deserves its own crown!. I'm gonna give it a shot – who knows, maybe I'll come out on top and snatch a crown!

2.     Drag Races: Ready, Set, Werk! Drag races are like a fashion face-off between Project Runway and Drag Race, but with turbo boosters… The contestants are racing against the clock to serve up a look hotter than a habanero or deliver a performance that'll leave the audience gagging, all while tackling a surprise theme. It's a whirlwind of creativity, chaos, and contouring that'll have you holding your binders for dear life! While I've only seen these adrenaline-fueled showdowns on TV and the internet, I'm itching to dive headfirst into the madness – after all, what's drag without a little bit of risk and a whole lot of fabulous? On the 5th season of Dragula, my favorite performer was eliminated because of a surprise lip sync challenge. I get a tad lost on stage without a number planned or if the audience isn't serving the energy that will hype me up, so I felt like Jarvis Hammer’s experience would be similar to mine if I was in that situation, but that's all part of the journey, right? So bring on the chaos, the camp, and the craziness – because this king is ready to race beyond the finish line and unleash his inner drag superstar!

3.     Lip Sync Battles: Sync or Swim Who needs a voice when you can lip-sync like nobody's business? Lip sync battles are where performers unleash their inner divas and lip-sync for their draggy lives. Whether it's belting out ballads or dropping sick beats, it's all about commanding the stage and leaving the audience gagging for more. While I've also only witnessed these epic showdowns on the TV, computer, and smartphone screen, you better believe that if I ever get the chance, I'm diving headfirst into the lip-sync fray – after all, a king’s gotta conquer every corner of the drag kingdom!

4.     Open Stage Competitions: For newbies in the scene, hitting up a bar competition is like grabbing a golden ticket to drag stardom. It's your chance to strut your stuff, get noticed, and maybe even pocket some cash to fund your drag dreams – get yourself noticed in the community while catching some dollars. Keep your eyes peeled online for announcements, and don't be shy about sliding into the DMs of the show host for more details. Oh, and here's a tip: before you take the stage, dip your toes in as a spectator first – you'll soak up the vibe, cheer on your fellow performers, and get a sneak peek into the style of that bar’s competition and support the other performers!

5.     Non-competitive Open Stages: Lights, camera, werk it! Open stage nights are the breeding grounds for drag superstars-in-the-making. From seasoned performers to fresh-faced newcomers, everyone gets a chance to shine without the competition or prize part of it. It leads to some great backstage comradery when the artists aren’t stressed over the competition.

6.     Drag King Competitions: Kings of Cool Now let’s make way for the kings, because they're ready to rule the stage! Drag king competitions celebrate masculinity in all its swaggering glory, from sharp suits to side-splitting antics, proving that gender is just a performance – and they're acing the role! As representation grows, so does the popularity of king competitions, providing a much-needed platform for kings to showcase their talent, network, and pave the way for equality in the spotlight. And let's be real, when I mention I'm a drag king to someone outside the drag bubble, their confusion is as common as a sequin in a drag queen's closet. But hey, challenge accepted! I'm on a mission to shake up perceptions, and I'm rallying up supporters to join me in bringing diversity and talent center stage – let's slay this, y'all!

7.     Androgynous, combined, and Mx Competitions: As I march into the realm of representation and awareness, it is imperative that I also mention NonBinary performers. This is another underrepresented area of the drag community – a pattern that exists throughout society for our NB friends. Drag culture isn’t the place for bigotry, so as NB performers continue to enter the scene, it is our duty to ensure that they are given the space and spotlight that will allow them to serve and thrive! One such performer from Chicago has deservedly stolen space in my heart – the beautiful and talented Apollo Venom Summers. The presence and command that this performer has on stage is unparalleled – they are amazing, and have moves that leave myself and everyone else in their vicinity gagging! If you haven’t seen them – stop right now and look up their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avenomsummers?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== @avenomsummers… I’ll wait.                         I know, right?  Absolutely amazing!

Just met another amazing genderfck performer who's been crowned Mx STL Pride 2024 – Mystic Majesty from St. Louis, IL! I'm over the moon for them. Don't miss their Pride fest on the last weekend of June. Come see the royalty in action! It's going to be epic.

8.     Themed Competitions: From Fantasy to Fierceness Whether it's a retro throwback or a journey into the wildest fantasies, Themed drag competitions are like stepping into a world where anything is possible. Whether it's a blast from the past, a leap into the fantasy realms, or kink nights – this is an event where you can see a drag queen transforming into a mystical creature, a drag king unleashing their inner superhero, and nonbinary performers embracing the full spectrum of their imagination! It's a feast for the eyes and a celebration of creativity! Sometimes, it's a glorious mashup of cosplay and drag, blending fantasy and fabulousness into one fierce package. Other times, it's a chance for us to step into the shoes of our drag characters in a different time or setting, adding a different splash of fun and flair to the mix and helping to grow our drag persona in a way that we might not have thought of without having been encouraged to incorporate a theme. Shoutout to DeCevia Mann, the mastermind behind the themed competitions at our local gay bar in Peoria, Illinois! With her boundless experience and creative genius, I'm eagerly anticipating the jaw-dropping themes she'll unleash throughout the year. Also take, for example, the wrestling-themed pageant I'm gearing up for in August in Springfield Illinois. Brace yourselves – it's going to be one heck of a ride, and I’m here for it!

9.     Online Competitions: Slayers of the Internet Welcome to the digital drag revolution, where the runway meets the pixels! In this cyber-savvy era, some drag competitions have traded the stage for social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where contestants vie for likes, shares, and virtual applause. It's a glittery galaxy where anyone with a smartphone and a sprinkle of stardust can shoot for the stars. While I've yet to dip my toes into this digital drag pond, as a fresh-faced drag king and social media novice, I'm itching to dive right in and learn more! There's something about crafting content and strutting my stuff online that has ignited an unexpected inferno within me – a much-needed distraction from the chaos of uncertainty in this new chapter of my life. So get ready, cyber-friends, because Max E Pad is gearing up for a technicolor debut that's sure to paint the online drag world red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet and IRRIDESCENT – or, you know, any fabulous shade that catches my fancy; my life will be saturated in color and art through drag, and like Pink says… “I’m never gonna not Dance again!”

So, whether you're a seasoned king, a budding queen, fierce NB royalty, or just a fabulous fan with a love for all things extra, there's a drag competition out there with your name on it, so dive in, the drag galaxy is ready for another star!

As a new and eager monarch of the scene, I've been jousting in every open square I stumble upon. This royal rumble has sparked quite the growth spurt, and the learning curve is steeper than the castle walls. Sure, it's been a knight's tale of toil, and occasionally the feedback feels like a misfired catapult, but mostly, it's like finding the holy grail of helpfulness.

Last weekend marked the exhilarating culmination of my month-long preparation to compete in the Drag Super Stars Finale. The anticipation was palpable as I stepped onto the stage, ready to showcase my artistry and passion for drag. With only two winners set to be announced, the stakes were high, but so was the sense of camaraderie among us performers.

As the competition unfolded, I poured my heart and soul into every move, every lip-sync, knowing that each moment was a chance to shine. When the time came to announce the winners, I held my breath, hoping for that magical recognition, while knowing that each of us deserved it.

First up, the fabulous and fierce Gardenia snatched the show as the judges' top pick, and let me tell you, she owned it with her jaw-dropping outfits and flawlessly executed numbers – she was a vision of drag perfection! Then came time for the audience choice. As we held our breath, on the edge of our seats, waiting to see who would snag that second spot in the winner's circle… Amidst the cheers and applause, it happened - I was named audience choice, based on their resounding support and enthusiasm. It was a tight competition, and I am truly grateful to the supporters and my fellow performers. To be recognized by the very community I admire and cherish meant everything to me. It was a moment of pure joy and gratitude, knowing that my performance had touched the hearts of those around me.

Reflecting on this experience, I'm filled with overwhelming gratitude for the vibrant and supportive drag community that surrounds me. Their cheers and encouragement have been a constant source of inspiration, driving me to push the boundaries of my creativity and performance. Winning based on audience applause was an incredible honor, one that I will always cherish. It's a testament to the power of connection and authenticity in drag, where performers and audiences come together to celebrate love, diversity, and self-expression.

As I continue on my journey in the world of drag, I carry with me the memories of that unforgettable night and the unwavering support of my drag family. With each step I take, I am reminded of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead, fueled by passion, creativity, and love.

As a fresh face in the world of drag, I eagerly leap at every opportunity to strut my stuff on stage, whether it's competing in fierce competitions or hitting up open stages. It's a chance to make a splash and catch the eye of the drag royalty. These gigs aren't just about the thrill of the spotlight (though that's definitely a major perk!). They're my ticket to drag stardom, a way to get my name out there and hopefully snag some sweet bookings along the way. Plus, winning a competition can sometimes mean scoring those coveted gigs – talk about a win-win!

But it's not all about fame and fortune (though a boy can dream, right?). For me, these performances are like a drag laboratory, a place to play, experiment, and unleash my wildest drag fantasies. Each stage is a canvas, and I'm the artist, painting with glitter, lashes, and a whole lot of attitude.

And let's not forget the power of networking – because in the drag scene, who you know can be just as important as how fierce your contour is. Rubbing elbows with fellow performers, organizers, and fans is like building my own drag dynasty, one fabulous connection at a time.

But above all else, stepping into the spotlight is like therapy for my soul. It's my chance to shine, to let go of inhibitions, and to be unapologetically, fabulously me. Because when those lights hit and the music starts pumping, all the worries and woes of the world melt away, leaving nothing but pure, unadulterated drag magic. And that is why I keep coming back for more.

I’ve also had adventures in bar pageants! I've had the fabulous opportunity to strut my stuff in not one, but two glittery showdowns: Mx. OhZone and Mr. Diesel. And let me tell you, those pageants weren't just about sequins and sass – they gave me the precious gift of feedback!

I received written critiques on my look, my talent, even my interview skills, which is so helpful and valuable. Thanks to those pearls of wisdom, I've grown exponentially as a drag king!

Now I'm gearing up for my biggest showdown so far: a Prelim for the U.S. of A - M.I. Classic at Clique nightclub this August. M.I. stands for Male Illusionist, and Classic? Well, that's just code for us older performers who have a little more… trips around the sun (and maybe a few more wrinkles, but who's counting?).

And there's a theme! It's like WrestleMania meets Drag Race... They're calling it the "King of the Ring," and trust me, I'm ready to strut, sway, and body slam my way to victory!

So, grab your glitter and hold onto your cod pieces, because this king is about to bring the house down at the M.I. Classic. And who knows? I might just snatch that crown and reign supreme as the king of the ring! (which would lead to the US of A MI Classic pageant)

What drag competition styles have caught your eye? How does this list strike your fancy, and do you have any other tidbits to add to the mix? Add your experience and thoughts in the comments, lets share our experiences with the whole community.