Raja - First Challenge (Winner)

As readers of this site are aware, I’m a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo, for any number of reasons.  It’s a deliciously campy combination of the best (worst?) reality competitions on TV – American Idol, Project Runway, Design on a Dime, and America’s Next Top Model; the judging is catty and hysterical; the guest judges are gay icons; and it always amazes me what a craft queen can concoct for herself with $12, a bed-sheet, some sequins, a hot glue gun, and a whole lotta attitude.

Raja - Entrance

I was immediately taken with one of this year’s contestants when s/he arrived for the introduction gathering, wearing a sleeveless jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and a pink Cyclops hat covering her entire head.  This wasn’t the drag that most of these “children” were used to (as a matter of fact, a few of the contestants quipped that this one didn’t stand a chance) – but was rather a throw-back to the drag to which I was introduced in the ‘80s and ‘90s, found at clubs like the Pyramid Club, Boy Bar, and Jackie 60; where self-expression through creative “looks” was more important than just looking like a woman.  A good drag was a performance artist of the highest caliber.

Raja

Raja

So, when Raja entered the room, my mind immediately ran to artists like Mathu and Zaldy.  This was definitely someone who was familiar with and an admirer of such drag-legends as Sister Dimension, Billy Beyond, Hattie Hathaway, Ethyl Eichelberger, Lady Bunny, John Sex, Tabboo, Hapi Phace, Loretta Hogg, Paul Alexander, Lypsinka, John Kelly, Dean Johnson, HRH Princess Leila Scheherazade Dovima Stradivaria Zoraya, and (especially germane herein) RuPaul.

Winning the first challenge, hands-down (or rather, arms akimbo), Raja also won the first trip to the catwalk, with a look that channeled the punk-plaid aesthetic of Vivienne Westwood, and paired it with the statuesque walk of a seasoned runway model.

Adam Lambert and Raja at the premiere of "RuPaul's Drag Race"

It is worth noting that Raja is actually the drag-persona/muse of successful make-up artist Sutan Amrull, who has painted such A-list lovelies as Dita von Teese, Paulina Porizkova, Pamela Anderson, and (most notably) Adam Lambert (with whom he’s toured).  Sutan was the make-up artist on America’s Next Top Model (from 2006 through 2009), and feels that his experience behind the scenes on a reality competition has given him a leg-up on his competition, in front of the camera.  It's no secret that many of the best make-up artists in the business are drag-superstars (Miss Guy, Kabuki Starshine, Billy Beyond, Armen Ra), and like these individuals before him, Sutan's first forays into "drag" consisted of experimenting with make-up, using himself and his girlfriends as canvases.

Raja on "RuPaul's Drag Race"

Raja and his über-fierce manager Diana Coney joined me for the first Saturday outting of Chef Carlos Guía  Cookin’ with Jazz Brunch at The Country Club at Wynn Las Vegas; and then – after some well-needed disco naps – we met-up once more, and joined by some friends, went to see Cher’s last performance at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, after which, we strolled over to Spago, where we enjoyed a spectacular meal and k’velled over Cher’s departure (Diana was inconsolable, and if it weren’t for the oft-refilled glass of Pinot Noir, I’m not sure she would’ve made it!).

Raja’s an absolute doll.  Sweet as the day is long; she’s the perfect hostess for Eduardo Cordova’s popular LGBT party Closet Sundays at The Beatles Revolution Lounge.  So, after you’re done watching the Big Game (or, more likely if you’re reading this, the special Super Bowl episode of Glee), head over to The Mirage and say “Hi!”  It’s gonna be anything but a drag!

Eduardo Cordova presents
RAJA of RuPaul’s Drag Race
Hosting Closet Sundays
The Beatles Revolution Lounge – The Mirage
Sunday, February 6th – Doors at 10pm

Get into it!