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Does Drag Race's Aja Regret Helping BeBe? 'I Would Do It Again'

Does Drag Race's Aja Regret Helping BeBe? 'I Would Do It Again'

Aja
Aja

The Advocate spoke with the RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars contestant after she sashayed away.

dnlreynolds

The Snatch Game may be an opportunity for the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars to show off their comedic chops. But the sewing challenge is where they can really demonstrate their technical skills -- or lack therof.

This week, the contestants were tasked with creating two runway looks for a Warhol Ball: a soup can that shows off each's personality, and a look that might have been worn to the heyday of Studio 54.

Shangela, despite a purported two months of sewing classes, produced what Trixie Mattel called the worst runway outfit ever worn on Drag Race. But regardless, her networking skills allowed her to avoid elimination, and Aja, whose runway look was beautiful (but not era appropriate, according to the judges), was asked to sashay away.

The Advocate spoke with Aja about All Stars, Andy Warhol, and elimination at the hands of a contestant she assisted in sewing, BeBe Zahara Benet.

Why did you want to be on All Stars?
Any moment to make good TV is a moment I take.

How did you get ready?
I called all my friends and asked for their help. I told them to help me look good!

What was it like to step into that workroom again?
It felt like I never left, it was so funny!

Drag Race (and drag) has changed a lot in recent years. Are you surprised that the show has become so mainstream?
I am not surprised. Drag is cool and eventually, everyone will catch on.

Who were you happiest to see among the contestants?
Everyone, honestly, even the people I have never worked with.

This mini challenge was all about Andy Warhol. How does the pop artist inspire you and your art?
As an artist we all want our art to pop. Lol! I feel like he put things into a very visual perspective, and he has a strong point of view.

What inspired your winning Polaroid portrait?
Depression and cigarettes. I looked like I had just smoked and that I had been crying.

You're quite a skilled seamstress! Where did you get your sewing skills?
Trial and error. I broke a few machines at first. I then kept trying and hoping I wouldn't break another!

There was an argument this episode on how to choose an All Stars elimination method. Ben devised a point system based on a season-long performance, while Kennedy advocated for a gut reaction. What's your opinion?
I feel like it is All Stars -- if I could have got rid of everyone I would!

Your runway look really was beautiful. This was discussed in the episode -- but what inspired your design?
Studio 54.

The judges did not like that your look strayed from the era of Studio 54. If you could turn back time to redo this challenge, what would your revised look have looked like?
I would never remake, I loved it!

It was nice of you to help BeBe. How did you feel when she did not credit your assistance on the runway?
It was frustrating, but it is what it is. I would still do it again if I had to!

You seemed frustrated that she wasn't listening to you before the lipsynch. What had you hoped to tell her?
Honestly, if she didn't want to let me talk, she shouldn't have asked to talk to me! I would have rather done that.

This season, Shangela has talked a lot about her Game of Thrones, alliance-forming approach to All Stars. Do you think her strategy saved her from elimination?
When she talks, I don't know what she is saying. I have no clue about any of the Game of Thrones stuff.

What would you show the world if you got another chance at the crown?
Everything good I have to offer -- which I did show them.

Does being a drag queen mean something different to you today, in a time when LGBT rights in the U.S. are under attack?
Being a drag queen in America is a form of protest by default. At this point, it is like saying "F you" to the system.

What's next for you?
Music, an album, and touring!

Thanks, Aja! Don't miss RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars Thursdays on VH1.

dnlreynolds
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Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.
Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.