Queen of the Universe: Trixie Mattel Reveals Most Embarrassing Moments

In an interview discussing the challenges of judging the new singing competition Queen of the Universe, Trixie Mattel, Vannessa Williams, and Michelle Visage revealed some of their own professional blunders. The series showcases talented drag queens from around the world that compete in the very first international drag singing competition for the title of Queen of the Universe. The new Paramount+ series debuted December 1st and has already sparked interest from Drag Race fans around the nation and world.

The judges of the show all boast backgrounds that make them the perfect fit for judging the astounding talent that appears on stage. Drag Race All-Stars 3 winner Trixie Mattel offers her comedic quips to the panel, joined by fellow Drag Race legend and timeless judge Michelle Visage. Popstar Leona Lewis and famous recording artist and actor Vanessa Williams also join the panel for a group of loving yet constructive criticism. The judges view the performance and judge the contestants based on the “WAP” criteria: What they wear, All-star attitude, and the Performance itself. 

Related: RuPaul’s Drag Race: Trixie Mattel To Star in Discover+ Series ‘Trixie Motel’

In an interview with the A.V. Club, Trixie, Michelle, and Vanessa discussed how fun judging Queen of the Universe has been. The three panelists revealed some details of the series and explored what makes a good judge for an international singing competition. They emphasize the importance of failure and flopping on the road to success by sharing some of their personal embarrassments throughout their careers, with Trixie focusing on her infamous All-Stars 3 Snatch Game moment. “I botched one of America’s favorite Drag Race challenges, Snatch Game, in front of the world. That was pretty much one of the worst days of my life. But nothing prepares you for failure like being a drag queen!” She continued by adding, “You know, if it was a sewing challenge, I could cut my left arm off and no one would remember it. If you bomb Snatch Game, it’ll be on your tombstone. So.”

Michelle and Vanessa chimed in as well with their career blunders. Visage explained that she has had countless flops throughout her decades-long career, from performing under the weather to missing the mark during auditions. The Drag Race judge said, “We’re all human. Even the best of the best have off days and off nights and off performances and off auditions. I think that just goes with it, and it’s how we handle it—it’s, like, the grit, you learn the grit—it’s how you handle those situations that make you a better performer, better person, et cetera.” Vanessa agreed with Michelle’s sentiment. When diving into Vanessa’s embarrassing moments while performing on Broadway, she explained that the “show must go on!” 

Everyone has their fair share of embarrassing moments, but when judging an international singing competition, one must know how to get back on their feet when life pushes down. Some of the most successful musical artists have all had an embarrassing moment under their belt, but persevering after the fact is what makes a performer a star. Trixie, Michelle, Vanessa, and Leona are sure to bring a touch of humanity to the Queen of the Universe panel, especially as experienced musical stars and drag performers with a fair share of flops during their careers. For the performers on the debut season of Queen of the Universe, they will soon learn how to roll with the punches as the competition continues. 

Source: A.V. Club

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