Reality Bites: RuPaul

For over 25 years, RuPaul Andre Charles has been enthralling America. The "Queen of Manhattan" in the '90s went on to reach wider popular appeal with her 1992 hit single "Supermodel" ("sashay, shante," anybody?). From becoming the first face of M.A.C. cosmetics to heading up The RuPaul Show on VH1, the statuesque drag queen is a true iconic figure in pop culture. Now, a new generation can experience RuPaul with her new show RuPaul's Drag Race, which airs on Logo Monday nights at 10 p.m.

So can you tell me about the show?
It's a competition reality show, where we are searching for America's next drag superstar. They do a series of challenges like Drag on a Dime, where they have to create a couture outfit from thrift clothing. Then there is the Oprah challenge, which is really fun. We retrace Oprah's rise to stardom. We also do a celebrity interview. They have been prepped on nothing of this. We are looking for star quality. All of the challenges mimmick my story.

Who are the judges and guest stars?
Some permanent judges are Santino Rice from Project Runway and Merle Ginsberg, who co-wrote the Paris Hilton book Confessions of an Heiress. Some rotating judges are professionals in the field of star making, such as Robin Anton from The Pussycats Dolls, and of course [fashion designer] Bob Mackie.

What misconceptions about drag will RuPaul's Drag Race clear up?
Misconceptions have to do with the person, so I don't know how much you can educate people if they don't want to be educated. The purpose of the show is great entertainment. All of the girls were chosen because they are stars in their cities in the United States. Our job is not to educate, it's to entertain. If people want to learn from that, they can do that.

What is the drag scene like now, as opposed to when you were its star?
Drag really went underground, and now that's changing. There is a shift in our culture with new hope and optimism, and our show is a part of that. We are reintroducing drag to a new generation of people who have no idea what it is. Drag has been alive for straight men who want to do drag like Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy, but when it pertains to gay men who are doing drag, it had all but dried up.

You've got a new album coming out, Champion. , yes?
It is inspired by the show, and it's a testament to the fact that I am still here. Trends come and go but champions live forever. Really, this is not about being number one it's about owning your power and not playing small. The song, as does the show, really celebrates the champion in everyone. That's what this is about. It's not about trends or the fickle taste of the public. I've been making records since 1983 and this is my crowning glory.

Any more plans to star in feature films?
Right now I don't have any plans to. I'd like to. At this point it's the TV show and the album, and the next thing is this book I've trying to get out for a long time. It's my life and observations. I am hoping the TV show will get picked up again.

Did you have any tips for the winner, who gets a feature photo spread in PAPER?
I have a long history with PAPER magazine from my early days in New York. PAPER was the first to jump on the RuPaul tip from the early on. I would say let your champion shine through. PAPER has always been about heralding people who dance to the beat of a different drummer. There are so many ways to express yourself. That's what I did when I did my cover there. I'm very proud of that.

Read PAPER's 1993 RuPaul cover story here.