Meet The 10 Absolutely Fire Queens That'll Be Appearing In "RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under"

    Things are about to get real fierce.

    Isha Bassi
    by Isha Bassi

    Entertainment Producer

    Last year, it was announced that the iconic RuPaul's Drag Race was making its way to Australia for a home-grown version.

    Stan

    Known as RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under, the series would feature contestants from both Australia and New Zealand — alongside the judging panel of RuPaul, Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson.

    VH1, Stan

    And finally, over Mardi Gras weekend, the drag queens competing to "Down Under's First Drag Superstar" were revealed. It's super exciting ya'll, so here they are all!

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    1. Art Simone (Geelong, VIC)

    Stan, @rtist_ / Via instagram.com

    It's highly likely that you've heard of Art Simone, considering that she's been awarded Drag Performer of the Year for the last two years running. Art has played various roles in Australian feature films, theatrical shows, programmes and commercials. She also represented the nation in RuPaul's DragCon.

    2. Coco Jumbo (Sydney, NSW)

    Stan, @_cocojumbo / Via instagram.com

    I'm absolutely in love with Coco Jumbo's Instagram bio, which describes herself as "Sydney's favourite Drag Queen as voted by the people". I'm absolutely in love with Coco Jumbo's Instagram bio, where she describes herself as "Sydney's favourite Drag Queen as voted by the people". Coco has performed at the Mardi Gras party main stage a number of times and is a multi DIVA (Drag Industry Variety Awards) award winner.

    3. Etecetera Etcetera (Sydney, NSW)

    Stan, @etcetera__etcetera / Via instagram.com

    Etcetera Etcetera is a non-binary drag artist who, at 22 years old, has already made a huge splash within the Australian drag community. She's known for her aesthetic and activism and runs the shows at one of Sydney's most iconic establishments: The Imperial Erskineville.

    4. Elektra Shock (Auckland, NZ)

    Stan, @therealelektrashock / Via instagram.com

    Starting drag in 2012, Elektra Shock is now a resident performer in New Zealand, known for her dance ability, high kicks and live vocals. Elektra was also previously a runner up on Season 2 of TVNZ's House Of Drag, so she's certainly one to watch.

    5. Jojo Zaho (Newcastle, NSW)

    Stan, @jojo_zaho / Via instagram.com

    Jojo Zaho got her start in drag by — wait for it — responding to a council member saying that homosexuality wasn't part of Indigenous culture If that wasn't already iconic, part of Jojo's response was marching proudly in Dubbo's first annual Central West Pride March wearing a costume with both the Indigenous and gay pride flag. We truly love to see it.

    Fast forward a couple of years and Jojo has been busy doing a cameo in ABC's Get Krackin' and competing in the inaugural Miss First Nation Indigenous drag queen pageant.

    6. Karen From Finance (Melbourne, VIC)

    Stan, @karenfromfinance / Via instagram.com

    One of the most well-known drag artists in Australia, Karen From Finance got her start as one of the original cast members in the award-winning, cult queer cabaret "Yummy". She's since headlined performances at RuPaul's DragCon in LA in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and has gained an international fanbase.

    7. Maxi Shield (Sydney, NSW)

    Stan, @maxishield / Via instagram.com

    Spanning a drag career of 23 years, Maxi Shield is most known for her work within the community — including "Drag Storytime", where drag artists read stories to children and promote the message of inclusion. She was also named "Entertainer Of The Year" at the 2015 DIVA awards.

    8. Scarlet Adams (Perth, WA)

    Stan, @scarletadamsdragqueen / @thehorizoncalls / Via instagram.com

    Burlesque performer, pole dancer and costume designer — Scarlet Adams is one heck of a triple threat. She even took out the prestigious title of "Queen Of The Court" at the 2016 PROUD awards after only a year of doing drag. Did somebody say icon?

    9. Anita Wigl’it (Auckland, NZ)

    Stan, @anitawiglit / Via instagram.com

    Anita Wigl'it is not only the owner and resident queen of Auckland's famous Caluzzi Cabaret — she also hosts TVNZ's House Of Drag, as well as the comedy show Drag Wars.

    10. Kita Mean (Auckland, NZ)

    Stan, @kitamean / Via instagram.com

    Alongside her fellow NZ queen Anita, Kita Mean started up the popular comedy show Drag Wars. She also co-owns Caluzzi Cabaret, as well as Phoenix Venue, and has hosted two series of House Of Drag.

    There's no word yet on an official release date, but based on these contestants, it looks like the Aussie version of Drag Race is going to slay.

    Now, the only question left is: Who will you be rooting for?