RuPaul’s Drag Race kicked off its sixth season with seven contestants battling it out for six available spots in part one of the premiere.
Next week, the premiere will conclude with seven more contestants being put to the test, and finally in week three the surviving 12 will come together for the competition. The two-part premiere is not the only trick RuPaul had up her sleeve. Another big change this season is there will be absolutely no immunity from eliminations.
First things first, RuPaul opened the show with her usual flair and introduced us to the Queens:
Adore Delano, aka Danny Noriega, is perhaps one of the less experienced of the contestants, but she has enough sass to fill any room. Noriega is no stranger to reality tv competition. He was a contestant on Season 7 of American Idol.
Gia Gunn and Vivacious wowed with their extravagant outfits, with Gunn arriving...
Next week, the premiere will conclude with seven more contestants being put to the test, and finally in week three the surviving 12 will come together for the competition. The two-part premiere is not the only trick RuPaul had up her sleeve. Another big change this season is there will be absolutely no immunity from eliminations.
First things first, RuPaul opened the show with her usual flair and introduced us to the Queens:
Adore Delano, aka Danny Noriega, is perhaps one of the less experienced of the contestants, but she has enough sass to fill any room. Noriega is no stranger to reality tv competition. He was a contestant on Season 7 of American Idol.
Gia Gunn and Vivacious wowed with their extravagant outfits, with Gunn arriving...
- 2/25/2014
- Uinterview
RuPaul's Drag Race is a competition based on the unbeatable criteria of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, but a quick glance at the show's contestant history proves that deadly good looks may be a part of the package. And sometimes the package is part of the deadliness. Ow-ow! Cue the chicken laugh, Detox.
In a toast to the sexy dudes behind the mascara and sequins, let us count down the ten hottest men in the history of RuPaul's Drag Race. Bifocals ready, because the library of sexiness is new open.
(Disclaimer: Consider this list an indirect tribute to the gorgeous -- meaning in and out of drag -- Sahara Davenport. She's not with us anymore, but part of her eternal legend is her unbelievable beauty. She's the unranked champ here.)
10. Shangela Laquifa Wadley (D.J. Pierce)
(Source)
The comeback queen of season three (who was eliminated in the first episode of...
In a toast to the sexy dudes behind the mascara and sequins, let us count down the ten hottest men in the history of RuPaul's Drag Race. Bifocals ready, because the library of sexiness is new open.
(Disclaimer: Consider this list an indirect tribute to the gorgeous -- meaning in and out of drag -- Sahara Davenport. She's not with us anymore, but part of her eternal legend is her unbelievable beauty. She's the unranked champ here.)
10. Shangela Laquifa Wadley (D.J. Pierce)
(Source)
The comeback queen of season three (who was eliminated in the first episode of...
- 3/14/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Manila Luzon (a.k.a. Karl Westerberg) is one of the most ferocious queens in RuPaul's Drag Race history, and it's no surprise that the season-three alum made the roster for RuPaul's All Star Drag Race, which airs its third episode Monday night. Paired with Latrice Royale, Manila slayed during last week's comedy challenge with a thunderous impersonation of Madonna that completely outclassed the rest of the competition (even if Yara Sofia and Alexis Mateo took the win). And if I do say so myself, Manila has the coolest drag name in the history of the show. What two words better proclaim "Filipina pride"?
While the competition is certainly a lot of fun, it's difficult to watch without thinking about Manila's gorgeous partner and fellow Drag Race veteran Sahara Davenport (a.k.a. Antoine Ashley), who passed away last month due to heart failure at the age of 27. The...
While the competition is certainly a lot of fun, it's difficult to watch without thinking about Manila's gorgeous partner and fellow Drag Race veteran Sahara Davenport (a.k.a. Antoine Ashley), who passed away last month due to heart failure at the age of 27. The...
- 11/5/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
When Karl Westerberg found out that Antoine Ashley, his boyfriend of six years, died Monday of heart failure, he was devastated. But it also made him appreciate their time together even more. "I'm left cherishing his memories and carrying out his legacy," Westerberg, also known by his stage name Manila Luzon, told People on Thursday. "I was lucky enough to have time with him." Still, he says, losing the fellow RuPaul's Drag Race contestant is a struggle. "I'm hanging in there, but it's hard because I have to deal with more than just grieving someone so close," he says. "I...
- 10/6/2012
- by Dahvi Shira
- PEOPLE.com
"RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 2 contestant Sahara Davenport, real name Antoine Ashley, died Monday (Oct. 1) of heart failure at the age of 27. News of his passing surfaced Tuesday among various outlets, including TV Guide, which unfortunately posted a photo of former "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Sheree Whitfield rather than Ashley.
"I am sorry to hear about the lost of Sahara Davenport," Whitfield tweets. "My condolences go out to her Family. Pls remove my picture from your website @TVGuide."
She also posted this screenshot of the mishap tweeted by a fan:
Whitfield later writes, "Please keep Sahara Davenport family in your prayers."...
"I am sorry to hear about the lost of Sahara Davenport," Whitfield tweets. "My condolences go out to her Family. Pls remove my picture from your website @TVGuide."
She also posted this screenshot of the mishap tweeted by a fan:
Whitfield later writes, "Please keep Sahara Davenport family in your prayers."...
- 10/4/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Antoine Ashley, better known to fans of "RuPaul's Drag Race" as Sahara Davenport, died of heart failure on Monday (Oct. 1) at the age of 27, according to a post Wednesday on his Facebook fan page.
His mother, Angela Ashley Reddish, says on behalf of his family, "I thank God for giving me an Angel Antoine Ashley to share with the rest of the world. My family and I would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support. We know that our Angel is now dancing in heaven."
Ashley's boyfriend of six years and fellow drag entertainer Karl Westerberg, who competed on Season 3 of "Drag Race" as Manila Luzon, adds, "Antoine lived to entertain the world as Sahara Davenport, and the world was in awe over his extreme talent. But his heart is what made us all fall in love with him. To me he will always be my best friend,...
His mother, Angela Ashley Reddish, says on behalf of his family, "I thank God for giving me an Angel Antoine Ashley to share with the rest of the world. My family and I would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support. We know that our Angel is now dancing in heaven."
Ashley's boyfriend of six years and fellow drag entertainer Karl Westerberg, who competed on Season 3 of "Drag Race" as Manila Luzon, adds, "Antoine lived to entertain the world as Sahara Davenport, and the world was in awe over his extreme talent. But his heart is what made us all fall in love with him. To me he will always be my best friend,...
- 10/4/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Antoine Ashley, better known as Sahara Davenport on RuPaul's Drag Race, died Monday of heart failure, according to his mother Angela Ashley Reddish. "I thank God for giving me an angel Antoine Ashley to share with the rest of the world," Reddish said in a statement Wednesday. "My family and I would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support. We know that our angel is now dancing in heaven." Ashley's boyfriend of six years, Karl Westerberg - who competed on season three of RuPaul's Drag Race as Manila Luzon - also released a statement. "Antoine lived to entertain...
- 10/3/2012
- by Maggie Coughlan
- PEOPLE.com
Los Angeles -- A contestant who competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race" as Sahara Davenport died of heart failure. Antoine Ashley was 27.
Ashley died from heart failure on Monday at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., according to a statement from his manager, David Charpentier.
The Logo TV channel said in a statement Tuesday that Ashley was "an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed."
He was a contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2010. The classically trained dancer also released a dance single, "Go Off," this year.
RuPaul tweeted that Antoine Ashley's death has left him shocked and heartbroken.
Antoine's mother, Angela Ashley Reddish, spoke on behalf of the family thanking supporters and adding, "our Angel is now dancing in heaven." Boyfriend of six years and fellow drag entertainer Karl Westerberg said the world was awed by his talent, "But his heart is what made us all fall in love with him.
Ashley died from heart failure on Monday at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., according to a statement from his manager, David Charpentier.
The Logo TV channel said in a statement Tuesday that Ashley was "an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed."
He was a contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2010. The classically trained dancer also released a dance single, "Go Off," this year.
RuPaul tweeted that Antoine Ashley's death has left him shocked and heartbroken.
Antoine's mother, Angela Ashley Reddish, spoke on behalf of the family thanking supporters and adding, "our Angel is now dancing in heaven." Boyfriend of six years and fellow drag entertainer Karl Westerberg said the world was awed by his talent, "But his heart is what made us all fall in love with him.
- 10/3/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Sahara's mother and boyfriend, as well as RuPaul, have spoken on the tragic loss of Sahara at the young age of 27 due to heart failure. When news broke that RuPaul's Drag Race season two finalist Sahara Davenport, also known as Antoine Ashley, died, there were few details surrounding the untimely death. However, in an official press release, it's been revealed that Antoine died of heart failure on October 1 at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland at 27. Antoine's mother, Angela Ashley Reddish, spoke on behalf of her family, saying, "I thank God for giving me an Angel Antoine Ashley to share with the rest of the world. My family and I would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support. We know that our Angel is now dancing in heaven. May God bless each and everyone." Karl Westerberg, who was Antoine's boyfriend of six years and competed in season three...
- 10/3/2012
- by Billy Nilles
- HollywoodLife
Sahara Davenport was just 27. Here's a look at other reality stars who, like RuPaul's Drag Race alum, died before the age of 30: 1. Joey Kovar: In August, the aspiring actor and fitness buff, whose battles with sobriety caused him to move out of The Real World: Hollywood, and later led him to Celebrity Rehab, was found dead in his native Chicago of a suspected overdose. He was 29. 2. Leslie Carter: Her show-biz clan's reality series House of Carter was short-lived; her family's troubles were not. Leslie, a younger sister of pop stars Nick Carter and Aaron Carter, died this past winter of an overdose at her father's home in Buffalo, New York. She was 25. 3....
- 10/3/2012
- E! Online
Sahara, a standout from season two of 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' passed away at such a young age, according to a new report, and I'm pretty broken up about it. Sahara Davenport, who competed on season two of Logo's hit series RuPaul's Drag Race, has died of undetermined causes, according to People. Sahara, known in her real life as Antoine Ashley, was only 27 years old. In a statement on their Facebook on Tuesday, October 2, Logo said, "Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport. He was an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed by his Logo family. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially his boyfriend Karl [Westerberg,] in their time of need." Antoine didn't last long during his season, but he made a lasting impact with his spot-on Whitney Houston impersonation.
- 10/2/2012
- by Billy Nilles
- HollywoodLife
"RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant Antoine Ashley, better known to fans as Sahara Davenport, has died. He was 27 years old.
The cause of death is unknown at this time, but those closest to the classically trained dancer have expressed their sadness at his passing. Ashley competed on the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and his boyfriend, Karl Westerberg, competed on the show's third season.
"I love him so much," Westerberg tweeted following Ashley's death.
RuPaul also tweeted his condolences, saying, "Shocked & heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport. Never occurred to me that we'd ever lose one of my girls. I see them as immortal."
Logo, the network that airs "RuPaul's Drag Race," released a statement on its official Facebook page about the loss of Ashley.
"Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport," the statement reads. "He was an amazing...
The cause of death is unknown at this time, but those closest to the classically trained dancer have expressed their sadness at his passing. Ashley competed on the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and his boyfriend, Karl Westerberg, competed on the show's third season.
"I love him so much," Westerberg tweeted following Ashley's death.
RuPaul also tweeted his condolences, saying, "Shocked & heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport. Never occurred to me that we'd ever lose one of my girls. I see them as immortal."
Logo, the network that airs "RuPaul's Drag Race," released a statement on its official Facebook page about the loss of Ashley.
"Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport," the statement reads. "He was an amazing...
- 10/2/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
"RuPaul's Drag Race" star Sahara Davenport, whose real name was Antoine Ashley, has died. He was 27.
Logo confirmed the news of Ashley's death on Tuesday.
"Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport," the network said in a statement. "He was an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed by his Logo family. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially his boyfriend Karl, in their time of need."
RuPual also expressed his sadness over the loss of Ashley.
Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Logo confirmed the news of Ashley's death on Tuesday.
"Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport," the network said in a statement. "He was an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed by his Logo family. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially his boyfriend Karl, in their time of need."
RuPual also expressed his sadness over the loss of Ashley.
Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 10/2/2012
- by nobody@accesshollywood.com (AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff)
- Access Hollywood
R.I.P. Sahara Davenport. You'll be missed. The RuPaul's Drag Race contestant has sadly died at the age of 27, prompting an outpouring of grief from the show that made him famous. "Shocked & heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport," tweeted RuPaul. "Never occurred to me that we'd ever lose one of my girls. I see them as immortal." No word yet on the cause of death. But Logo, the network that airs the reality series, mourned the loss of a drag queen sensation. "Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport," read a statement from the cable channel. "He was an amazing artist and...
- 10/2/2012
- E! Online
We are saddened to report that RuPaul's Drag Race Season Two contestant Sahara Davenport has passed away.
Details are sketchy, but Logo released a statement this morning about his passing:
“Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport. He was an amazing artist and entertainer who’ll be deeply missed by his Logo family. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially his boyfriend Karl, in their time of need.”
Karl was also known as fellow Drag Racer Manila Luzon. Our thoughts go out to him, as well as the family and friends of Antoine, and the many fans around the world of Sahara Davenport.
Tags: RuPaul's Drag RaceIMDbSahara DavenportTeaser Photo:...
Details are sketchy, but Logo released a statement this morning about his passing:
“Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport. He was an amazing artist and entertainer who’ll be deeply missed by his Logo family. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially his boyfriend Karl, in their time of need.”
Karl was also known as fellow Drag Racer Manila Luzon. Our thoughts go out to him, as well as the family and friends of Antoine, and the many fans around the world of Sahara Davenport.
Tags: RuPaul's Drag RaceIMDbSahara DavenportTeaser Photo:...
- 10/2/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Antoine Ashley, better known as Sahara Davenport on RuPaul's Drag Race, has died. "Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport. He was an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed by his Logo family. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially his boyfriend Karl, in their time of need," the network said in a statement posted on Facebook Tuesday. Alongside 11 other contestants, Ashley competed for the title of America's Next Drag Superstar on the hit show's second season in 2010 - but his...
- 10/2/2012
- by Maggie Coughlan
- PEOPLE.com
D.J. Pierce (a.k.a. Shangela Laquifa Wadley)
(Unless otherwise noted, all photos credit Clinton Gaughran/AfterElton)
You might remember the glorious Shangela Laquifa Wadley stomping it out on RuPaul's Drag Race Seasons Two and Three. And while she might not have taken home the prize in either season, she could well turn out to be the show's biggest star.
The actor behind this amazing drag creation, D.J. Pierce, has been busy filming TV pilots and guest spots, honing his stand-up act and launching a music career. He will also make an appearance this Wednesday on TLC's Toddlers & Tiaras, returning to his hometown of Paris, Texas to act as pageant coach for his goddaughter.
We were happy to grab D.J. for a photo shoot last week, as well as an extended interview where we talked acting gigs, vision boards, his relationship with fellow Drag Race contestants Raja and Manila Luzon,...
(Unless otherwise noted, all photos credit Clinton Gaughran/AfterElton)
You might remember the glorious Shangela Laquifa Wadley stomping it out on RuPaul's Drag Race Seasons Two and Three. And while she might not have taken home the prize in either season, she could well turn out to be the show's biggest star.
The actor behind this amazing drag creation, D.J. Pierce, has been busy filming TV pilots and guest spots, honing his stand-up act and launching a music career. He will also make an appearance this Wednesday on TLC's Toddlers & Tiaras, returning to his hometown of Paris, Texas to act as pageant coach for his goddaughter.
We were happy to grab D.J. for a photo shoot last week, as well as an extended interview where we talked acting gigs, vision boards, his relationship with fellow Drag Race contestants Raja and Manila Luzon,...
- 1/9/2012
- by dennis
- The Backlot
Here's last week's caption pic winner. This week's caption pic is at the bottom of the page.
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"Mr and Mrs President, I present you a pair of Lumiere from Beauty and The Beast!"
Thanks to bambino italiano for this week's winning caption.
Happy Birthday to out actor Chad Allen, who turns 37 this weekend!
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Anderson Cooper turns 44, Angelina Jolie is 36, Rafael Nadal is 25, and Suze Orman is 60. New DVD releases! Biutiful, with Javier Bardem's Oscar-nominated performance, Drive Angry, with Nicolas Cage's certain-to-be Razzie nominated performance, and Thomas Dekker in Gregg Araki's Kaboom, which is reminiscent of Gregg's early films.
An interesting new study has found that a "vast majority of countries around the world have become more accepting of homosexuality,...
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"Mr and Mrs President, I present you a pair of Lumiere from Beauty and The Beast!"
Thanks to bambino italiano for this week's winning caption.
Happy Birthday to out actor Chad Allen, who turns 37 this weekend!
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Anderson Cooper turns 44, Angelina Jolie is 36, Rafael Nadal is 25, and Suze Orman is 60. New DVD releases! Biutiful, with Javier Bardem's Oscar-nominated performance, Drive Angry, with Nicolas Cage's certain-to-be Razzie nominated performance, and Thomas Dekker in Gregg Araki's Kaboom, which is reminiscent of Gregg's early films.
An interesting new study has found that a "vast majority of countries around the world have become more accepting of homosexuality,...
- 6/3/2011
- by snicks
- The Backlot
What do you get when you cross about a dozen drag queens, awesomely bad puns, sequins, shade, more sequins, product placement extravaganzas, and a whole lot of pink? If you said “a good time”, you’d technically be correct, but the answer I’m looking for is “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, the most fun hour of television week in and week out.
The hit Logo reality show is something like American Idol meets Project Runway meets America’s Next Top Model by way of a bad ecstasy trip. The queens have to have charisma (as well as uniqueness, nerve, and talent) and know how to work a stage, but they’re responsible for providing/making their own costumes and being able to accomplish all of what makes a drag queen true royalty. In addition to the considerable skill set that one must have to make it far in the competition (in a nutshell,...
The hit Logo reality show is something like American Idol meets Project Runway meets America’s Next Top Model by way of a bad ecstasy trip. The queens have to have charisma (as well as uniqueness, nerve, and talent) and know how to work a stage, but they’re responsible for providing/making their own costumes and being able to accomplish all of what makes a drag queen true royalty. In addition to the considerable skill set that one must have to make it far in the competition (in a nutshell,...
- 2/17/2011
- by Shilo Adams
- TVovermind.com
It was a foregone conclusion that RuPaul would eventually bring back a sashayed, old queen from a past season to be a contestant again on RuPaul’s Drag Race. In the reality competition world, that move is nearly older than RuPaul herself. But the gal that was chosen for this extremely illustrious distinction was completely out of left field: It was none other than last season’s polarizing first-episode cast-off, the delightfully named Shangela! “And it’s Shangela!” said fellow contestant Mariah, in reaction. “Halle-lou!” she added, referencing Shangela’s “famous” sound bite. Halle-lou, indeed!
Truthfully, I was hoping for...
Truthfully, I was hoping for...
- 1/25/2011
- by Tanner Stransky
- EW.com - PopWatch
Rev up your engines, it's that time of year again! The third season of Logo's (AfterElton.com's parent company) breakout smash RuPaul's Drag Race premieres in January, and we've got a first look at the new queens vying for the ultimate crown.
The contenders this year include some veteran drag queens, some heavy accents, and one queen who's in a relationship with a Season Two favorite!
Let's take a closer look at all the racers. Who do you think will leave the others in the dust, and who do you think will lag behind?
Alexis Mateo
Puerto Riiiiico! Alexis loves whipping her ponytail and talking about herself in the third person. With her lovable accent, she could be this season's fan fave, ala Jessica Wild.
Carmen Carrera
Carmen loves being sexy and feminine and vows to show more skin than any other queen on the show. And she superglues everything,...
The contenders this year include some veteran drag queens, some heavy accents, and one queen who's in a relationship with a Season Two favorite!
Let's take a closer look at all the racers. Who do you think will leave the others in the dust, and who do you think will lag behind?
Alexis Mateo
Puerto Riiiiico! Alexis loves whipping her ponytail and talking about herself in the third person. With her lovable accent, she could be this season's fan fave, ala Jessica Wild.
Carmen Carrera
Carmen loves being sexy and feminine and vows to show more skin than any other queen on the show. And she superglues everything,...
- 11/16/2010
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Guidos, rappers, Housewives, drag queens, and a singularly unique creature named Snooki. These were just some of the guests at the Jersey Shore soundtrack release party at New York club Marquee yesterday. I had the opportunity to work the red carpet for EW at the event, and let me tell you, it was an experience I won’t soon forget. Here’s how the tackiest night of my life went down…
The Jersey Shore cast didn’t arrive at the red carpet right away, so the lesser-known celebrities kept the media busy. British singer Jay Sean was pleasant, well-spoken, and...
The Jersey Shore cast didn’t arrive at the red carpet right away, so the lesser-known celebrities kept the media busy. British singer Jay Sean was pleasant, well-spoken, and...
- 7/14/2010
- by Grady Smith
- EW.com - PopWatch
As I live-blogged the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race last night on LogoTV.com, via my Twitter account, there was quite the debate raging: Who should effing win this big ol' mess of a drag competition? (And I say "mess" with all the love in my heart.) Tyra, the fierce, Beyoncé-loving queen who had oft been called a "lazy bitch" by her competitors? Raven, the dark, trash-talking lady with pierced lips? Or Jujubee, the sweet gaysian glamazon with a heart of gold? There was no clear answer, as arguments from Team Tyra, Team Raven, and Team Jujubee abounded. And...
- 4/27/2010
- by Tanner Stransky
- EW.com - PopWatch
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