As a judge onRuPauls Drag Race,Michelle Visageis a stoic presence with expert critiques on the challenges.
DEADLINE:What is it that excites you about the start of every new season?
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MICHELLE VISAGE: Oh, its my favorite episode.
Michelle Visage, RuPaul, Ariana Grande and Ross MathewsMTV
My favorite episode is meeting the queens for the first time.
Who can crack, whos smiling, whos scared.
Its a little bit of a feeling of power for me, but its not about that.
Michelle Visage, RuPaul, Ross Mathews and Ariana GrandeMTV
Its more about seeing this talented bunch whose lives are going to change.
Its very exciting to see these kids where their journey begins.
And I remember that feeling.
I remember that opportunity.
So, its really exciting to be part of it and to lift them up to where they belong.
DEADLINE:When youre onDrag Raceas a judge, whats your relationship with the queens?
VISAGE: No, I dont see them.
So, I know nothing about them and I dont talk to them until the show is over.
Contractually, Im not allowed to and I follow the rules.
I dont get to know them untilWhatcha Packin.
Thats when I get to talk to them.
VISAGE: Number one is that they followed the brief.
If this is a black and white runway and youre not black and white, then bye.
I am very much a stickler for the rules its the Virgo in me.
Also, a sense of humor.
Thats the second most important.
This is not that serious.
Those are the people that are my people.
Those are the people that I want to hang out with.
So, thats what I look for.
This is actually a fun thing.
I look for that.
I want every single t crossed and every i dotted.
DEADLINE:How didWhatcha Packinstart?
VISAGE: I pitched an after show, which was called thePit Stop, not unlikeWatch What Happens.
And lets not forget that I dont get to talk to them first.
And their stories are everybodys story.
Everybody has a story and everybodys story matters.
Not everybodys going to be as forthcoming as some other ones.
Some feel a different connection with me, be it motherly, sisterly, whatever, and some dont.
