By Bebe Zahara Benet
Can you believe we are nearing the final stretch of the current season of "RuPaul's Drag Race"? Sometimes wonderful things go very fast! This week a repeat episode is running, so I thought I'd take this time to give you my assessment of the final four queens. The talent level has been high this year, so things will only get tougher as we go to a final three, a final two, and ultimately a new "Race" winner.
First up, Tatianna! I think Tatianna has a strategy that is working well for her; she is looking at the people around her, and she is watching and studying. "This is how I am going to handle this situation," she is saying. And guess what? She succeeds at that. She's learning along the way and she's growing. And best of all, she is being outspoken and bold while standing firm in what she believes in. I hope that she pushes herself and becomes more than just pretty. I've seen all this beauty, and now I want to see a showgirl. I've got one word for Jujube – wonderful! I love how she performs, and I love her sense of style. The thing is, she plays it safe most of the time. At this point she needs to step up and give us a different side of Jujube. Give me a little bit of attitude! There's a fierceness there, but show me some grand diva.
A lot of the girls this season do over-the-top glamorous, but Jujube is also very approachable, very easy to talk to and very funny. People like that, and people want that.
The other Tyra! She's a gorgeous, polished doll, and you know she puts a lot of work in her craft to do great illusion. But at the same time, people want to see the human side to someone. Even as much as we queens are fantasies, people want to connect with the soul. Maybe this is who she is, but it could be a handicap. If she were more approachable, I feel it would add the delicious icing to the beautiful, tasty cake.
Raven! She is a great contender! She can be funny, she can be sweet, while at the same time her persona is also so outspoken. But sometimes I think, "OK, girl, that's not everything you have to talk about." It's best to say just enough and not too much. She could tone that side of her persona down. Sure, sometimes she has hurt some feelings, but she is a terrific competitor. Talk about polished – she has a great sense of style and a great sense of her own makeup. I totally see her making it all the way to the top.
And congratulations to Felony Misdemeanor at the nightclub Tracks in Denver, Colo., for winning the Exceptional Queen online contest! Miss Felony gets the honor of kicking off the Logo "Drag Race" tour featuring exceptional Absolut drinks at Tracks! Until next week, kisses and good luck!
