Life's A Drag... Rainhas Brasileiras, Cilla Black & Miss Singapore!

Drag Race continues to be the gift that keeps on giving, two of the many new international franchises have impressed me much! From Brasil to Germany, I am finding it hard to keep up with all of them but I will watch them all! Surprise, surprise because I want to celebrate 'Cilla Black' this time! Oh Singapore, she better don't! That Asian city-state embodies their own Drag! 

'Drag Race Brasil' bounded onto our 'World Of Wonder Plus' screens at the end of August 2023 with something to say! I was so ready for the first Portuguese speaking incarnation within the 'Drag Race Franchise'. Twelve queens made the world stop and listen, Brasil had waited long enough to finally get that premiere season sorted! Some shady business had gone down with a 2017 media deal, several headlines came through the rumour mill but not long after 'Grag Queen' had won the first season of 'Queen Of The Universe', it didn't take long to see who would be the host of this new South American season! Serving flavour, glamour and a solid sisterhood from day one, these queens had a message to spread and loudly they did! My top queens stand to be 'Organza', 'Shannon Skarllet' and 'Helena Malditta' to name a few! 'Naza' will definitely be back for a 'Brasilian AllStars' without a shadow of a doubt, I am claiming it now! It was like a breath of fresh to see new culture being represented on the runway! Bring on the 'Rainhas!' Go!

Runway concepts surrounding 'Favelas', 'Carnival' and the mighty 'Amazon Rainforest' were all served in their highest and fiercest forms! Even the mini-challenges brought a level of Brasilian spice! Stories of racial discrimination came to the forefront, those queens spoke up and raised awareness to their ongoing struggles. The acting challenge brought 'football' into the question but that segment was filled with drama, that sporting element could stay! This international season allowed me to discover new Brasilian music, primarily from the lip syncs between 'Organza' and 'Shannon Skarllet'. Because of the show I now listen to 'IZA' and 'Donas' on a regular basis, sorry it's not just about 'Anitta!' The life stories that were being told by 'Miranda Lebrão' touched me, a certain raw emotion had been served to us all. Hands down, this vibrant and sensational season allowed me to see this show shine a light on some striking world issues, Brasil deserves Drag Race at long last! This season served a certain 'orginalidade!' Come on, S2! 

A British entertainment icon she will forever be, 'Cilla Black' always brought her 'Drag' forth with a certain 'Scouse' nature. Bursting onto the scene in 1963 after performing with a well-known four piece band that were known as 'The Beatles', she changed the game forever! Growing up with music, 'Black' early on performed at the 'Cavern Club' in her native 'Liverpool'. Before showbiz changed her life this Scouse singers name was actually 'Cilla White'. For me, 'Cilla' came into my life during her 'Surprise, Surprise' era with 'Blind Date' as a close second. Television became a second home for 'Cilla Black' after her whirlwind success during her early years, her version 'Anyone Who Had A Heart' and 'You're My World' took her to the top of her game! Later narrated in a autobiographical drama about her life, it was amazing to see how much of a superstar 'Cilla Black' became since she had started life as a normal girl from Liverpool's 'Scottie Road!' Sure, our 'Cil' has been featured on 'Drag Race UK's' 'Snatch Game!' 

For me, 'Cilla Black' embodies an honesty and a sense of what we champion in Britain. Going onto become a household name, her career spanned some decades with such a crossover. Of course, her many looks served pure camp and pizzazz! Even in 2024, Cilla's 'Surprise, Surprise' jingle became a meme on social media! They really don't make icons like Cilla Black anymore, she would have surely been a judge on 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' because we still want 'A Night Of A Thousand Cilla Blacks!' She was one half of the most iconic Scouse friendships, Cilla and her beloved friend 'Paul O'Grady' would make audiences paralyzed with laughter as they recalled their raucous night-outs during their holidays to Barbados. I remember when I was a young boy during those Saturday evenings spent watching the television, how Cilla Black made those weekend nights watchable with her razorshop wit. Towards the end of her career, Cilla Black made an iconic cameo on 'Benidorm' where she played a blinder! Forever a Scouse sensation!

She's not just a country! No, this city-state territory serves something different! She's Singapore and she knows her worth! This slick Asian sensation indulges her visitors with the most expensive hotels and duty on alcohol, she had me staying sober but eating well at the Hawker Centre! Walking in the category that is 'Marina Bay Mer-Lion Realness', this former Malaysian breakaway parades her showpiece Esplanade for the world to see! Singapore doesn't want to simmer nor calm down! 'Chinatown' gave me my space, I was allowed to experience something Chinese with Singaporean efficiency! Secrets and lies, Miss Singapore directed me to a steamy Chinatown location with my privacy guaranteed! Penal Code she better don't! As fancy as Miss Singapore thinks she is, 'Sir Stamford Raffles' was the one coming with his audacity, because he put that British stamp on more than just that famous hotel! If she was a 'Spice Girl' then Miss Singapore would have the confidence of 'Scary' but the judgement given by 'Posh!' Yes, and? Ss!

Spicing up my life, 'Little India' and 'Kampung  Glam' served cultural wonders galore! Like one of 'Mama Ru's' own Maxi-Challenges, those colourful neighbourhoods impressed me much and more! Miss Singapore would 'Lip Sync For Her Life' against 'Miss Malaysia' because honestly talking that beef continues to be extra! If Miss Singapore was ever a 'Drag Persona', well she would have her garments all paid for and designed by a top mastermind. Although in that potential 'Werk Room', you just know that Miss Singapore would be able to sew her own outfits with lessons from the world's best! Taking to the skies, I already knew that 'Singapore Airlines' would be the carrier for me, those princess seat facing cabin crew were gracious at all time! It's fitting that Singapore will get her very own season of 'Drag Race' in the near future, that first class 'city-state' of mind will be coming to a 'Main-Stage' real soon! Miss Singapore stands above her other Asian counterparts because she knows she does, I think she needs a talking to! Or not!

Another 'Drag Race' international season to take longer than necessary to get the green light, 'Drag Race Germany' premiered during the summer of 2023 after a considerable delay! I first thought that Eurovision winner, 'Conchita Wurst' would end up being the main host but unbeknownst to me 'Barbie Breakout' took that role. Accompanied by 'Breakout', it was a new experience to see their real-life partner judge alongside them, 'Gianni Jovanovic' allows two to become one. American born forever 'Club Kid' icon, 'Dianne Brill' judged alongside 'Breakout' and 'Jovanovic' with her German speaking skills aided by Herbert in her trusty earpiece. Eleven queens walked into that Colombia based German themed 'Werk Room' with three countries already represented. Featuring queens from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, two queens were actually representing 'Brazil' as their 'home, home, home' country! I was not ready for the 'Categories' that would be served on that 'Drag Race Germany' runway! Germany, let's get this! 

Serving 'Drag Race's' third 'Cis-gender female' contestant, I could already tell that 'Drag Race Germany' would become something greater! German efficiency was about to be served in 'Drag' form! 'Fetish' was brought onto the runway, I lived for that theme on the 'Main-Stage!' The 'Snatch Game' served 'Mozart', 'Beethoven' and 'Arnold Schwarzenegger' to boot! There was a certain political theme, I was there for it all because that 'Night Of A Thousand Angela Merkels' gave me a laugh like no other! The 'CSI: Drag - Crime Rusical' impressed me much, showing us that 'Metamorkid' deserved that win! The final four didn't surprise me because this season was all about humour, 'Austria's' 'Metamorkid' joined fellow Austrian 'Pandora Nox' in the finale. Oh before I forget, Germany's first 'Roast' was like no other! 'Germany's 'Yvonne Nightstand' became the only German competitor in the finale! Germany's first season has left me wanting Season 2 right now! 'Tessa Testicle' went on a little holiday recently? Global AllStars? I do think! 

Give Me More! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure