Drag Idol Finals

(Dannyboy, Alexandria Martin, DJ and Angelica Diamante at Charlie Brown's)

After eight exhilarating weeks of competition, the Atlanta Drag Idol Finals at Charlie Brown’s Cabaret is finally here. The four remaining contestants have competed, crawled and clawed their way to the top. The only thing standing between them and the crown is one night with two performances apiece.

To be honest, the girl I’m most surprised to see in the finale is Angelica Diamante. Before you Angelica fans start hating on me, let me explain. Always lovely and entertaining, Angelica seemed overshadowed earlier on in the competition by some of the more showy performers. However, girlfriend pulled out all the stops on Wildcard night by breaking out her inner ghetto princess and blowing the doors off the place. Is this a turning point for Angelica or was that a one-time flash of brilliance?

Regular readers of my column know that I’m a huge Gigi Monroe fan. She’s received some criticism for her reliance on props. Personally, I love them. Gigi’s theatrical instincts are outstanding. When she does a number, she doesn’t just lip synch; she creates an entire mood. Gigi’s costumes and song-choice have consistently been daring and deeply personal. Many felt her highpoint in the series was when she performed both Belle and The Beast on Broadway night. When Gigi connects with an audience, it’s magic. Will the crowd be enchanted this week or will Gigi’s performancess go over their heads?

The uber-popular Jade Daniels has the distinction of being the most controversial contestant in the competition. Having butted heads several times with the judges over her lack of hip pads, Jade has stuck to her guns and remained true to her ideals. Insisting that “skin is in”, Jade has consistently wowed the crowd with her amazingly versatile costumes and sexy routines. Few will forget the night she broke free from a straightjacket and ripped up her pads in front of the judges. Will the audience and judge’s admire Jade’s fierce independence or will she alienate them?

There were naysayers who predicted an early elimination from the competition for Alexandria Martin. The most “camp” of all the contestants, Alexandria has honed her ample talents week after week and developed into a judge and audience favorite. Every time I think about Alexandria spinning around in her Wonder Woman costume during the “Hero Medley” I pee myself a little. I believed in her from the start. But, as the judges pointed out, now Alexandria believes in herself. Will her comedic skills be enough to squash the competition or will they have the last laugh?

The ladies are allowed to do something new or something that they’ve already performed in the competition. I’d say the safe money is on blowing away the crowd with something they’re not even expecting. Of course, “safe” is not what I’d recommend for any of these girls. If there’s one thing that the past eight weeks has shown, it’s that taking a risk and stretching yourself is what the crowd responds to.

Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the competition this week due to a scheduling conflict. DJ and I will be up in Vancouver entertaining those Canucks with a little Southern hospitality. However, my sassy sister, Pinkie Devine Jenkins will be covering the finale over at her beguiling site, Pillow Talk With Miss Pinkie D. Jenkins. Do stop by to read all about the final results of this history-making event.

Best of luck to all the divas!

Smooches,
Daphne Ruth Jenkins