With Logo hyping the first-ever edition of RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race, fans of the popular series are abuzz with anticipation. As it turns out, nobody is more excited than Sharon Needles!
Before auditioning, being cast on and ultimately winning the series' fourth season, Needles was an avid viewer of Drag Race, which she calls "the best show on television." So, like other fans, she was ecstatic to learn 12 audience favorites would return beginning Mondays in October to battle for the All Stars crown.
"I'm looking so forward to All Stars," Needles told me during a recent telephone interview. "I haven't even asked my sisters about the tea -- because I don't want to know!"
There's plenty of reason for anticipation, of course! Competing on All Stars this fall are some of the most memorable -- whether because they were popular, unusual or outrageous -- cast members from the show's first four seasons.
Representing Season 1 are Nina Flowers, Shannel and Tammie Brown. Season 2's favorites include Raven, Jujubee and Pandora Boxx. Alexis Mateo, Yara Sofia, Manila Luzon and Mimi Imfurst are back from Season 3. Only months after the close of Season 4, Chad Michaels and Latrice Royale get a second chance.
While she asserts "there's not a drop of reality in" other televised competitions -- "They're fake as shit!" says Needles -- the Pittsburg resident promises RuPaul's Drag Race "is the 'realest' reality show on network television."
When you take 20 boring guys and a stupid whore, and they're just passing out roses to get another date, it's so boring, you've got to create some kind of tension and backstory," Needles explains.
"But when you take 13 adult clowns and lock them away in RuPaul's mansion, there's no need for writers," she continues, "There's no need for fake situations."
Says Needles, "The show is absolutely genius!"
Granted, as one of the biggest superstars to ever come out of the reality franchise, Sharon could be a little biased. Still -- as an avid viewer (and multiple time Drag Race applicant) myself -- I can't deny what she says is also true!
Meanwhile, in this exclusive audio clip, find out which of the All Stars competitors Sharon feels are the season's "most overlooked" and deserving of a second chance! You just might be shocked!!
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