When IndieWire sat down with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Onya Nurve and first runner-up Jewels Sparkles after that dazzling Season 17 finale this spring, we held our interview till after the 2025 Emmy nominees received introduced. We had been assured the five-time Excellent Actuality Competitors winner would have one other probability at extra Emmys, and we had been proper! So, we’re working the dialog now.
However simply because anybody who follows the unscripted class — which additionally consists of “Survivor,” “The Traitors,” “The Wonderful Race,” and “High Chef” — had the MTV present’s nomination on their radar, that doesn’t imply the continuing success of “Drag Race” isn’t actual information. Since 2009, the legendary selection competitors present hosted by RuPaul has put the previously fringe artwork of drag on popular culture’s major stage. Audiences have spent not simply hours and weeks however years asking, “Who can be America’s subsequent drag tremendous star?” And, for a choose contingent, the apparent follow-up, “Is it me?”
With greater than a dozen spinoff sequence, lots of them worldwide, “Drag Race” stays a necessary platform for LGBTQ+ artists and the adoring followers who worship them. Politicians are splitting hairs by making an attempt to guard the human rights of homosexual, lesbian, and bisexual People whereas our trans and nonbinary brothers, sisters, and siblings proceed to undergo. In case you’ve ever been to Hamburger Mary’s — or you know the way to “Sissy That Stroll” — then the judges’ desk on “Drag Race” stays an important image of misplaced justice.
The present has 79 Emmy nominations and 29 wins to this point. It’s produced a whole bunch of world-class performers, from Trixie Mattel and Bob the Drag Queen to Sasha Colby and Bianca del Rio. Sitting down with IndieWire, smack in the course of their preparing course of for World of Surprise’s FYC Delight Occasion on June 6 in Los Angeles, Season 17 queens Onya Nurve and Jewels Sparkles stated the important thing to harnessing that legacy was having enjoyable.
Learn on for extra gracious insights, messy takes, and the key to creating a successful “Drag Race” audition tape from the reigning queen and her glittery right-hand.
The next interview has been edited and condensed for size and readability.
IndieWire: Have you ever been doing your complete promo tour collectively? Are you loopy bonded at this level?
Jewels Sparkles: Yeah! We’re fortunate to get to do a variety of stuff collectively. Onya is somebody who’s so chill and it by no means appears like it’s a must to be “on” on a regular basis round her. There’s some people who it’s a must to be “on” round 24/7 — however when it’s us two, we are able to simply chill and chill out.
So, it’s been chill.
Onya Nurve: No! [Laughter.] Chill internally. It’s really been actually loopy because the finale. It’s been nonstop place after place with little or no sleep. However actually, I’m hella grateful. It’s a variety of work, however we signed up for this, so we’ve received to be blissful and humble and gracious.
Sparkles: We’re dwelling the dream. I might’ve by no means anticipated as somewhat child queen — properly, really, I in all probability would have anticipated this — however different little child queens doing native expertise nights simply can not think about doing this. I might’ve by no means thought that two years I might be right here with you and Onya, and now I’m headlining excursions. We’re going to Australia collectively, and we’re going to South America. We’ve got main levels and I was preventing for greenback payments at gigs in my hometown. Every part’s modified, which is the craziest factor, and I’m having a blast now.
We’re 17 seasons into “Drag Race,” however should you had been introducing somebody to the present now, how would you clarify the scope of it?
Nurve: Properly, I might say that in the event that they didn’t know what drag was in any respect — and people individuals are nonetheless on the market! — I might say that it’s a bunch of people who come on a present and gown up in masculine and female methods, nonetheless they need. However the principle focus of the present is a contest to beat challenges and see the way you overcome these challenges and wait to see who will get to the tip of the race.
Sparkles: I all the time inform folks it’s just like the homosexual Tremendous Bowl. It’s one of many few tv exhibits that actually celebrates all the pieces that it’s to be queer — the nice elements, the inventive elements, the messy elements, the true elements. There’s not a variety of exhibits that actually have a good time all features of queer humanity like that.
I’m not precisely a sports activities woman, however does Tremendous Bowl undersell it a bit due to that international neighborhood? Do any of us know nothing in regards to the World Cup?
Nurve: [Laughter.] Actually, it’s nearer to the Olympics.
Sparkles: Or the homosexual Starvation Video games. [Laughter.] You choose your favorites. You cry when somebody goes dwelling. 14 women go in however just one comes out!
Stroll me by means of your respective journeys, beginning in your hometowns in Ohio and Florida after which taking us to this worldwide second. What was your favourite reminiscence from the beginning of Season 17 or earlier than you started manufacturing?
Nurve: Discovering out must be one of the best half since you put a lot work into these audition tapes, not realizing should you’re going to even get a name. After which even after the decision, there’s a lot work to get that ultimate name. I believe that first name was the most important second for me as a result of they even inform you that you just’re not on the present but. However the truth that they known as me, they stated they noticed my video, and so they stated, “Congratulations!” that was sufficient for me to really feel so pleased with myself. Whether or not I might’ve gotten on the present or not, that decision would’ve propelled me to do it time and again.
Sparkles: Actually, with the tape itself, everybody tells you, “Oh, my God, the ‘Drag Race’ audition tape necessities are loopy.” Nevertheless it was my first time doing it, so I used to be actually like, “Holy shit, it is a lot of labor.” It’s mainly a complete season of drag. It’s a must to present 20 outfits. It’s a must to movie a whole interview portion — by yourself! It’s a must to do a expertise quantity.
How do you interview your self?
Nurve: They assign you these 20 questions.
Sparkles: And it’s a must to reply them in 5 minutes.
Nurve: “What’s your drag title? How’d you get your drag title? What’s your least favourite sort of drag queen?” There’s a bunch of questions after which it’s a must to do a written and video portion.
What’s your least favourite sort of drag queen? That’s a tough query.
Sparkles: Oh, they’re getting messy. However that’s a simple query, babe. [Laughter.]
Inform me.
Sparkles: My least favourite sort of drag queen is somebody who takes themselves means too critically and forgets to have enjoyable once we’re doing all of this. In case you’re not having enjoyable, why are you doing it? The very last thing I would like is to be within the dressing room with somebody who’s harassed and overwhelmed and taking it too critically. It’s not going to be excellent, bitch. Let it go. That’s so annoying. It takes the enjoyable out of it — and should you can’t deal with it, it’s not for you. Go dwelling.
Nurve: That could be a actually good level. Precisely. As a result of earlier than we received on this platform, we had been simply having enjoyable and I hate that folks count on us to not proceed to have enjoyable simply because we’re on “Drag Race.” We’re younger. We’re having enjoyable. It’s nonetheless a foolish factor for us to be doing, even when we’re on a TV present. We take it critically as a result of it’s our job, however we keep in mind the enjoyable.
Sparkles: How will you not have enjoyable once you’re dressing up in outfits that you just picked and also you designed, and hairstyles that you just picked, and placing on the make-up you need to put on? You actually get to remodel your self into the last word diva of your goals. How are you not having fun with that? And should you’re not having fun with that, babe, go reside your barista fantasy or one thing.
Nurve: No shade to the baristas on the market. Us drag queens couldn’t be you. You retain us alive.
Do you’re feeling such as you had been having enjoyable in your audition tape? Is that why you bought picked?
Nurve: Completely! I used to be undoubtedly having enjoyable. I keep in mind when the tape was completed and I noticed the primary draft, I used to be like, “Rattling, I received a superb probability of getting on this present as a result of this tape is tea!” I used to be actually pleased with my tape and it was a variety of work. To even see a completed product, it was nearly like a 20-minute reel of your self.
Turns you into one thing of an indie filmmaker.
Sparkles: Completely. You get to direct. And these are each of our first “Drag Race” audition tapes. There’s some kind of blissful ignorance there. We didn’t take it too critically. It was our first time. We had nothing to lose. We had been simply making an attempt out auditioning and I really feel just like the extra that folks audition, they will begin to choose themselves aside and get somewhat too choosy with what they determine to place in — and it turns into this perfectionist factor. We had been fortunate it was our first time doing it, as a result of we had been like, “OK, woman! Let’s throw all of it within the kitchen sink and see what occurs.” We didn’t have the psychological factor of like, “Oh, my God, final 12 months what didn’t they like?” “Oh, my God, I’ve to vary this however what do I do?” We simply had enjoyable and I consider that received us in.
There’s a lot to dig into all through Season 17, and I’ve cherished seeing you two paired for all of this press — Onya because the winner, and Jewels filling this kind of narrator position that we see get naturally chosen by the editors of actuality TV on a regular basis. What are you able to inform me about that dynamic, and the way every of your variations of occasions helped form what we noticed on the present?
Sparkles: Season 17 was a lot. There’s simply a lot that’s occurred. There have been so many battles to beat, each problem smart and sister smart. [Laughter.] A lot occurred.
Nurve: There have been so many attention-grabbing personalities. I imply, y’all noticed what occurred. After we would movie what we filmed after which undergo the issues that we went by means of, sitting down with professionals it was really easy to inform that story. There’s a lot substance there.
Sparkles: And personally, for me, it’s very rooted in Latino tradition to have the ability to speak shit. It’s very rooted in our tradition to be like, “Oh, my God, did you see what she did final evening? Did you see who she was out with final evening?” It’s simply so embedded into who we’re as folks. You place me on TV? Me being a homosexual Latino crossdresser and all that is taking place on the similar time? Ask me the questions now, woman.
You sparkle!
Sparkles: [Laughter.] You’re cute.
When had been you having probably the most enjoyable throughout manufacturing?
Nurve: Actually, on Sundays once we weren’t filming, I used to be having a superb time as a result of it’s a lot work. Monday by means of Saturday, it’s nonstop. You go 12 to 14 hours a day, and it’s loads. So, I actually loved the day that I didn’t must get in drag. I might simply lay in mattress and take heed to my little MP3 participant or no matter. However on the present, I really feel like I had probably the most enjoyable doing [Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program nominee] “Untucked.” “Untucked” was a blast as a result of it was the final a part of the day and there was no stress. As far challenges, “Snatch Sport” was actually enjoyable, after all. It was extra work than play, however there have been some good play moments.
Sparkles: A few of the most enjoyable moments for me had been rehearsing manufacturing numbers. I cherished the Rusical a lot. I had a lot enjoyable with the Rusical. I had a lot enjoyable any time we had been going to choreograph one thing after which put it on stage. My thought course of behind each time we did that was, “When’s the subsequent time I’m going to have this a lot manufacturing worth? When am I going to have these lights and backup dancers and a music written only for me and the cameras in my face? When’s the subsequent time I’m going to have this?” I used to be by no means certain, so I simply saved having fun with it. You’re actually dwelling your pop star fantasy doing that. You’re.
You’re performers as a lot as craftspeople. Is there a second that you just’re probably the most proud, feeling like, “I deliberate for that for weeks, and I engineered it precisely the best way I wished” and also you pulled it off?
Sparkles: The ultimate numbers.
Nurve: Undoubtedly.
Sparkles: For the finale, we received to do one minute and 30 seconds of no matter we wished to do. You ship them music inspirations, like, “OK, I like this music. I like this music. I like this music. I might love my lyrics to be one thing like this.” Then, two weeks later, you get a monitor and we just about go to set and the choreographer, Jamal Sims, is like, “OK, and what do you need to do?” We give them the thought after which they put it collectively. It comes from us, you realize what I imply? That imaginative and prescient comes from us and getting to do this complete course of was so unimaginable. It’s us at our core.
What had been your inspirations?
Sparkles: Oh, my god, sure. So, for my quantity, I used to be impressed by an outdated Goldie Hawn selection present second. Sabrina Carpenter additionally referenced it on the Grammys. I actually was impressed by doing one thing campy like that — as a result of for my quantity, I wished it to point out that it doesn’t matter what occurs, it doesn’t matter what goes mistaken, you may nonetheless come out on prime. And that I felt was the right illustration of it. Issues are going mistaken. I’m working into backup dancers. Issues are falling off. All these items are going to occur and so they’re going to go mistaken, however you may nonetheless come out victorious it doesn’t matter what. That was my journey on the present, and that’s my journey in life. I’ve all the time had loopy issues occur. The universe has examined me with so many obstacles, however they’ve solely ever propelled me to raised.
How about you, Onya?
Nurve: We had a lot management over what we had been doing on the present and for me, I despatched them a few of my favourite artists and it was simply actually cool to see what they got here up with. I used to be very chill within the course of. I used to be like, so long as it provides my vibe — which is like rap meets Barbara Streisand — so long as it was these vibes, I used to be completely OK with it. My complete focus was simply ensuring my outfits turned out proper, and I used to be going to carry out no matter they gave me. It was one of the vital enjoyable occasions on the present, even on the finish.
Given your backgrounds within the pageant world, do you may have any favourite magnificence queen competitors motion pictures? Or favourite visible movie references?
Nurve: “Miss Congeniality.” 100%. With Sandra Bullock. Each time I believe pageant film, I all the time consider that.
Sparkles: It’s not a pageant film that impressed me visually, however the “Valley of the Dolls” is a film that’s impressed a lot of my drag. That’s why it’s all ’60s, large hair, very delicate, babydoll aesthetics, form of clueless. I like that pageantry. To me, anytime a lady goes and overdramatizes all the pieces about herself — and in that film, simply her in her bed room, please — that’s a lady.
I’m all the time so taken with the response to the finale crowning as a result of it’s filmed earlier than the winner is definitely introduced, and I simply cherished the best way that you just screamed, Onya. How do you put together to carry out a second like that? If you don’t know if the response can be used?
Nurve: Aw, thanks. When my title was known as, there was simply this second of reduction. Whether or not I received the crown or not, it was throughout at that time. I simply felt like there was a weight off my shoulders, and this wanted relaxation for all of us had arrived. That’s what that wailing actually was, like, “Fucking lastly.”
There are a variety of feelings in that second. What did you make of the ultimate resolution, Jewels?
Sparkles: Oh, the precise individual was completely topped. She did one of the best within the season, you realize what I imply? I used to be fortunate to be up there subsequent to her. It was an honor to be up there subsequent to her. I keep in mind going into it, I used to be like, “No matter occurs, the precise individual can be topped. Whoever that is meant for it’s meant for.” I’m somebody who very a lot believes within the universe and if one thing is supposed for you, it’ll be yours. And if it’s not for you, it’s not going to be fucking for you — regardless of how a lot it hurts or no matter. So, I went into it with that mentality. If it’s for me, it’s going to be for me. And if it’s not, it’s not and I’m blissful.
What’s been your favourite second from the present because the season aired?
Nurve: This can be a random one, however Suzie Toot’s outfit within the finale, with the claws and the arms, I nonetheless take into consideration that outfit on a regular basis. Once I’m asleep, I dream about it. It was top-tier drag and I simply cherished it. I like seeing issues like that on TV. So, to see it on in-person, it was insane.
Sparkles: My favourite second was actually once we walked in and our lives utterly modified after that. I watched that second again and I see the one who was strolling into the work room and that’s such a special individual to who I’m now, however I see the surprise in her eyes. She’s simply so excited. She has no thought what’s about to occur. She has no thought what her life is about to change into. Nevertheless it’s very sentimental to look again at how nervous I used to be, how scared I used to be, how clueless I used to be. It’s actually stunning.
Forward of the Emmys, I preserve fascinated about previous contestants who’ve stated the true race begins after “Drag Race” — that the platform you get will solely take you so far as you need to go. Is that true?
Sparkles: Completely. There’s a lot stress proper now. The present’s over and we don’t have the weekly runways, however that’s what we had been utilizing to advertise ourselves on social media. Drag queens don’t get new outfits each week. Outfits are so costly. We spend a lot cash to do “Drag Race” and whereas the present is airing, we now have all this content material. We’re posting not less than one look per week — our runways each week, our challenges each week. It’s simply really easy, however then it’s over and it’s as much as us to remain engaged. It’s undoubtedly more durable than I believed, particularly once you’re on the street three or 4 days per week. It’s undoubtedly a stability that I’m nonetheless studying to play with and teeter on. It’s onerous. Some women, like Kori King, are doing it. Kori is somebody who’s touring 4 days of the week however continues to be arising with a lot contemporary content material each single day. Like, geez woman, she’s at prime of the race proper now. It absolutely does begin when the season ends as a result of it’s about who’s going to maintain folks’s consideration.
Nurve: I’m discovering my very own lane and my very own journey. I really feel like drag has come to a spot the place there’s not just one factor that we are able to do. We’re singers, we’re dancers, we’re actors, we’re producers, we’re make-up artists. We’re so many various issues. So I really feel like after the present is once you lastly can ask your self, “In addition to drag, what’s my dream?” It’s a must to ask your self these questions as a result of that’s the race that’s beginning, following these goals that aren’t “Drag Race” as a result of you have already got that.
What dream are you chasing now?
Nurve: Lady, I need to be on Broadway. I need to get a Tony. I need to get a Tony after which be on “Abbott Elementary.” Ask me about my goals all day. I’ll inform you.
Quinta Brunson reads IndieWire. Who is aware of? Possibly we are able to get you guys snuggling on the Emmys.
Nurve: Sure, you go forward and put her in contact with my staff. [Laughter.]
How about you, Jewels?
Sparkles: I actually need to go into the style world.
Nurve: Sure, sure, sure. [Clapping.]
Sparkles: I need to get into all the large trend homes and stand up on that runway. I’m so captivated with runway, and I might love to do this on the highest degree. I’d love to do extra TV stuff. I cherished “Drag Race,” so anytime I’m in consideration for that stuff, I’ll be excited.
Are there some other actuality TV worlds you need to discover?
Nurve: “Survivor.”
Sparkles: Bitch, I couldn’t.
Nurve: Severely! “Survivor.” I might do “Survivor” in a second — not as Onya, however as Justin. I’m such a fan of that present. Once I began watching “Drag Race,” I additionally began watching “Survivor,” and so they’ve lived in my head alongside one another for years. So, Jeff Probst, name me. I might like to do it.
They simply introduced Mike White was heading again to “Survivor,” didn’t they?
Sparkles: Oh, my God, I need to do “The White Lotus!” I need to do “The White Lotus” so dangerous.
Nurve: You’d be so good on that present!
Sparkles: That’s an actual dream come true. In the event that they write a task that’s like a drag queen working at a resort, I might love to do this.
What nation are you taking us to?
Sparkles: Let’s do a Latino nation, bitch! Let’s go to Mexico. Or Puerto Rico! That might be so fierce.
Is there something you need to add about “Drag Race” or your time on Season 17?
Nurve: I simply need to say that this has been an enormous accomplishment for all of us entertainers and I simply encourage everybody to proceed to comply with their goals. That is one path of many and I encourage any entertainers which can be doing something remotely near what we’re doing to be sensible. Observe your goals and do your analysis, and at some point they may come true.
Sparkles: And have enjoyable in your audition tape! If it’s not enjoyable, don’t do it.
