Supremme de Luxe: Drag Race España host spills the tea on first Spanish series
Exclusive: Drag Race España head judge, Supremme de Luxe, tells Attitude what we can expect to see in the new series.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: World of Wonder
It’s about time to sí sí that walk as the latest international edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Drag Race España, is set to premiere on World of Wonder’s streaming service, WOW Presents Plus starting this Sunday, 30 May.
The show will see ten sickening señoritas take to the runway in a competition hosted by Spanish drag royalty, Supremme de Luxe, who will be joined on the panel by fashion designer Ana Locking and TV and film actor-directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo.
Ahead of Drag Race España‘s premiere this week, we caught up with Supremme de Luxe to find out more about her 25-year drag career, and what fans can expect from the show…
How did you get your drag name?
I was looking for a name that was gender-neutral, but that also pays tribute to Diana Ross and to all the music and looks of the 1960s and 1970s that have always inspired me.
Who are some of your inspirations?
There are so many, but I love women who create their own unique shows such as Nacha Guevara, Liza Minnelli, and Bette Midler. I really like the make-up of the 1970s, especially like the actresses in great Italian thrillers. Within drag, one of my biggest references has always been Psicosis Gonsáles and, of course, RuPaul.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Consistency, discipline, speed, irony, and improvisation.
Supremme de Luxe (Photo: World of Wonder)
How did you get started in drag?
It was 1997 and I did a lipsync of the song ‘Pantera en Libertad’ by Mónica Naranjo. I had been doing theatre since I was 13, and this opportunity to do cabaret came about so I gave it a go. There was also a drag queen boom at the time in Spain.
You’ve performed throughout Spain and abroad, what’s the craziest place you’ve performed?
I was in a straw hale barn in a town in Extremadura, in Spain, where several barbecues were being prepared under me while I was performing!
What do you do in your stage shows?
My shows are very theatrical. I sing live and I try to establish a close relationship with the audience. Que Trabaje Rita, which is not a show of mine, is a very popular night out in Spain and I’ve had the pleasure of presenting and touring with it.
How is drag in Spain different from anywhere else?
There’s lots of variety across Spain. It’s very different, for example, in Tenerife to what’s in Seville, Bilbao, Madrid or Barcelona. The artists also all have very different personalities from one another.
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What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Having the opportunity to present Drag Race España!
What was your reaction when you found out you were presenting Drag Race España?
They gave me the news in a video call and I just blanked! Then I was very excited!
What do are you looking forward to the most from Drag Race España?
I hope that the great talent here in Spain can be showcased and that the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent of the contestants is appreciated. I also hope that it can help to improve working conditions in Spain and help people value the art more.
What can people expect to see on the show?
They are going to see a very fun and very entertaining program. They’ll also see the hard work and dedication of the contestants who give everything in each challenge. I think the quality of the contestants is going to be a surprise because there are ten very different contestants and ten very different personalities that are all worth knowing.
What can contestants learn from you?
That consistency is very important.
Have you worked with your fellow judges before?
I haven’t worked with them before, but it has been a wonderful experience. From the first time we met we connected and I think that it shows. We have formed a nice little family.
Javier Calvo, Javier Ambrossi and Ana Locking will join Supremme de Luxe as judges (Photo: World of Wonder)
How do you say “Shantay, you stay” and “Sashay away” in Spanish?
You’ll have to wait for the premiere for that!
Drag Race España is set to debut on WOW Presents Plus on 30 May, with new episodes streaming weekly.