Yes Queens

Season eight of RuPaul's dragalicious reality competition series – to find America's next top queen – premiered March 7 on Logo. But they got their party started right here in Austin when 12 undeniable divas descended on Ironwood Hall to lip-synch for your entertainment on Feb. 26.

Cast of season 8 (Photo by Dan Gray)

Politically, the queens were almost all “feeling the Bern.” Fashion wise, these ladies brought dragtastic looks ranging from Gay Circus Ring Leader to vintage, and not so vintage, Lucille Ball.

Early favorite Bob, which stands for “Big Ole Bottom,” wowed the press, critics, and an already adoring crowd. Somewhat "new" to the world of drag, Bob was inspired to start his queen career by the first season of Drag Race. “I saw the show and thought, ‘I can do that!’” Bob informed the crowd.

Bob the Drag Queen (Photo by Dan Gray)

Selected to be one of the 12 contestants, Austin’s own Cynthia Lee Fontaine was “thrilled” to be back in her city after the filming journey. She dazzled in her glittery gold “conductor” dress and matching top hot.

Another top pick, pun intended, Kim Chi wowed in an intricately designed and beautifully draped geisha-like frock that, unfortunately, hindered her movement. Though Kim Chi's performance suffered because of it, it would seem she's not one to lip-synch for her life.

Cynthia Lee Fontaine (Photo by Dan Gray)

Beautiful and athletic Naysha Lopez was channeling J. Lo, who Lopez refers to as her inspiration. Lopez sashayed to stay in a pink sparkling gown adorned with wings and a tail. “I love Jennifer, her style, and all of her songs,” Lopez said. J. Lo would be proud.

Fellow comic book (Marvel baby) lovers geeked out over cosplaying queen, Dax Exclamationpoint. Dressed in the purple Catwoman suit during press, and later in the very accurate Storm costume (minus the X of the X-Men due to copyrights), she turned and spun in circles as if navigating through an actual windstorm.

Dax Exclamationpoint with Gay Place reporter, Dan Gray (Photo by Dan Gray)

“Fuck Jem,” Acid Betty declared about the Eighties glam rocker cartoon. In her dream remake, she'd play a Misfit (and one of Jem's arch rivals). With her self-made dresses and accessories, Acid Betty can't help but make an impression. This Brooklyn-based lady “knows how to do everything” and is “always inspired from street art." She also makes her own music, but noted that she had to perform to songs Ru “could afford to buy.”

Thorgy Thor, this season’s hipster/alternative queen and self-proclaimed “fashion clown,” hails from New York City and credits her art school background for her current aesthetic. Not your average drag queen by any means, Ms. Thor is sure to cause some chatter.

Thorgy Thor (Photo by Dan Gray)

Last but not least, Las Vegas performer Brit – errr – Derrick Barry left no question as to how he's successfully impersonated everyone's favorite tragic pop star, Britney Spears.

Each of the queens brought the crowd to ear-busting screams with their energetic and self-revealing performances. This season promises to be shiny and new, but also a fresh experience. It will be sad to see them sashay away one-by-one each and every Monday night on Logo's RuPaul's Drag Race.