Don’t Frock It Up: SGS Exclusive Interview with Shangela!

March 28, 2011• bySeattle Gay Scene

Shangela, The Debutantess of the Deep South

RuPaul Drag Race Season 2 AND 3 contestant Shangela Laquifa Wadley is making her way to Seattle on April 8th and 9th to perform at LeFaux at Julia’s on Broadway. Miss Laquifa Wadley finally had some spare time to answer a few questions with Seattle Gay Scene. We find out the nitty-gritty about the drama on the show between her and Raja, why she came back for the third season and what she would do with a pink elephant.

Seattle Gay Scene: Shangela, welcome to the Emerald City. What made you decide to come to Seattle to perform?

I love Seattle. During my first visit here a couple years ago, I saw Jenifer Lewis in Hello Dolly! at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, and there was just something about the city… the air is so clean versus in LA and although there wasn’t a lot of sunshine, the people that I met were warm and lots of fun…I loved it! … And now, I’m super excited to bring the heat with my first performance here in Ms. Emerald City!

SGS: On the show, you show all of us that you don’t take smack from anyone,especially Raja and your sensitivity side of you shows through when thequeens attack you verbally in the interior illusions lounge. Is all of this for show, or is their truly a feud happening betwen you and Raja?

All of the emotions that you see from me on the show are real, and obviously it’s quite the rollercoaster! As I watch each episode, sometimes I think, “Girl, why does it look like you’re boo-hooing at least once per show?!?” But I go after everything in my life with passion, and when you put a lot of heart into what you’re doing the lows feel really low and the highs feel even higher. And audiences get to see me live out all that emotion (frustration, fear, excitement) each week. Raja and I look like the Hatfields and the McCoys (that’s my country realness showing through), and it’s because both of us have strong personalities and recognize that we’re both strong contenders in this competition.

SGS: Also on the show, the judges have critiqued you left and right on your makeup skills. Do you feel like you have learned additional makeup techniques to add to your look and persona?

Most definitely! Halleloo for quick learning! Knowing what makeup looks best for you on stage versus on camera comes with practice. I started from scratch two years ago, and if you check out some of my pics over at Shangela.com you’ll see that your girl has obviously learned a lil’ something.

SGS: You were in season two and we all love you for being as fierce as you are. What made you decide to audition for the show for a second time?

I was the first to leave in season two, and I was sort of the baby of the group since I’d only been doing drag for five months prior to going on the show. I felt that over the last year, I’d grown up and really gotten a better sense of who Shangela is. I had more to give, more to share…and I felt like I owed it to the fans to give it one more shot.

SGS: Do you have any special hidden tricks up your sleeve for your Seattle show at Julia’s on Broadway?

I always pull out the stops and come to town to shut it down! I’m Shangela, and when you leave my show I want you to feel like you didn’t just see me…. you experienced me. And the more fired up the audience is, the more I’m going to turn the party on stage. Julia’s better warn the neighbors, baby! Oh…And I’m bringing some gifts for the audience…new Halleloo t-shirts, bracelets and more!

SGS: Please provide us the first word that comes to mind for the following:

Most Fashionable?

Rupaul

Most Shady?
Trees

Most fun?
Laquifa

Delta Work?
Hug

Raja?
Runway

SGS: What piece of advice would you give the 14-year old Shangela?

Be you, darling. Be proud of who you are and who you will become. Be fearless, be kind to people, and don’t worry about being liked by everyone. Follow your dreams and you’ll go far….and please stop eating all that chocolate! You’re gonna spend thousands at the dentist!

SGS: If I gave you a pink elephant – what is the first thing you would feed this elephant and what would you name it?

Lady Elephantangela — and I’d feed her Popeyes…but only on a Tuesday because that’s when they have the 99 cents two piece special. Honey we’re in a recession, and I know pink elephants can put it down in the appetite department.

SGS: Looking back at the last two years, do you have any regrets?

No regrets. I love where I’m going with my life right now, and I wouldn’t be here in this moment had I done anything different. So I celebrate the journey…even the bumps along the way. Halleloo.

SGS: What ABSOLUT adventures do you plan on taking when you’re in Seattle?

I don’t know much about what all Seattle has to offer, so may there will be an ABSOLUTely gorgeous tour guide that’ll show me the adventures. =)

Check out Shangela, LIVE and IN PERSON on Friday and Saturday, April 8-9 at LeFaux and Monday’s on RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo. AND, don’t forget about the Official RuPaul Drag Race Viewing Party at Lobby Bar every Monday night hosted by the lovely Glamazonia and Lily Armani and sponsored by Absolut Vodka.

And, this completes our interviews with ALL the Season Three contestants of RuPaul’s Drag Race! Check out ALL of our coverage HERE!