To know her is to love her. Monét X Change was not only a fan-favorite on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10, but a cast-favorite as well; her own competition voted her Miss Congeniality, in a special election after the public Internet poll was hacked. It was a privilege to speak to this wise and polished performer prior to her upcoming national tour, Murray & Peter Present War on the Catwalk: The Queens of Season 10.
Photo © Monét X Change
Derek: How has your life changed since appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10?
Photo © Monét X Change
Monét X Change: My life has changed by being able to travel and show the world all that I've learned by being one of the top queens in NYC; comedy, drama, “dancing," and singing.
D: What was it like being voted Miss Congeniality by your fellow cast mates?
MXC: Being voted Miss Congeniality was, seriously, very shocking to me. Like, I knew that I was genuine with the other girls during filming, but to see them acknowledge and honor me for that was very humbling.
D: Your music video “Soak It Up (feat. Bob the Drag Queen)” wrings out your memorable, meme-worthy sponge costume for laughs. Do you have any fun memories from shooting it?
MXC: First of all, ...it's a gown. How dare you?! Shooting with Bob was so much fun. My favorite memory was adhering the poof to Bob's head. He hated the poof when the show aired, and it brought me nothing but joy and pleasure to make him wear one.
D: How did your collaboration with Bob come about?
MXC: Because the thought of me doing anything without him makes Bob very jealous. So, he weaseled his way into my damn song!
D: This summer you appeared on another iconic TV show, What Would You Do? Your segment explored bystanders’ reactions to two parents disapproving of their son being a drag queen. What was your main takeaway from that experience?
MXC: My main takeaway was seeing how bold and understanding New Yorkers can be. Most of the diners were ready to stand up to those parents, without knowing anything about him. I think it really speaks to the hearts of most New Yorkers.
D: You’re about to begin co-hosting Murray & Peter Present War on the Catwalk: The Queens from Season 10 with Miz Cracker. What can your fans expect to see on the nationwide tour?
MXC: I think my fans can expect to see me in my natural habitat, telling jokes, being silly and making them laugh. Cracker and I worked together for a very long time in New York City, so we have a dynamic that you can't buy. We know each other very well, and are able to bring an audience into our realm of comfortability ...while making fun of Yuhua [Hamasaki]’s terrible "fashions."