By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos Courtesy of World of Wonder
On April 11, the whole cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 10 was announced, and among the 18 queens was Atlanta legend Phoenix, who appeared for the first time on RuPaul’s Drag Race on season 3 in 2011. In the almost 15 years since she officially became a Ru girl, Phoenix has built an empire in Atlanta drag and beyond. David got a chance to speak to the local drag royalty before her premiere on All Stars 10.
Phoenix, you have been on the Atlanta entertainment scene for decades. Please enlighten us as to who and what Phoenix is.
Where to even start! I’ve been the show director of five different bars and nightclubs – probably the most of anyone ever, lol. At one point, I was the show director of two bars simultaneously, with about 30 queens employed and seeing over nine shows a week – crazy to even think about.
As a show director and promoter, I’ve created hundreds of different shows and events all over the city, state, and the southeast. I’ve also created two of the country’s biggest and most popular drag competitions, Dragnificent and Atlanta Allstars.
About eight years ago, I became the show director of the largest outdoor drag show in the southeast, the Starlight Cabaret, which has closed Atlanta Pride for over 30 years. Two years ago, myself and Jon Dean of Lore and Wussy, created Atlanta’s first-ever drag and queer arts festival, Wussy Fest, which just happened last month.
With a 25-year career, the list could go on and on. I pride myself on being someone who has opened doors and given a platform to countless entertainers through the years. I love the art form, and if I see someone with the determination and that extra “something,” I’ll do everything I can to help push you to become a star. I believe that your legacy lives on through other people, and that’s how I will live on. I love knowing that with the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put in, my imprint is forever embedded into the Atlanta scene.
Now, congratulations on being part of the cast of All Stars season 10! Leading up to the official cast announcement, quite a few rumors were circulating about whether or not you were on the cast. How did you deal with all of that?
The fans definitely have a way of finding out all the tea! For the most part, I’d just laugh and say “I have no clue what you’re talking about!” They are not about to get me kicked out before it even begins!
How has it been since the announcement came through?
Omg! It’s literally been insane. The day it was released was a day I’ve never experienced before. Social media went CRAZY! The moment it would start to chill out, the other side of the world was waking up, and it all started over again! It was definitely overwhelming but in the greatest way!
It’s amazing that you were able to keep it all under wraps for so long because you have continuously been very active and present in the Atlanta drag scene. How did you prepare for it all – and shoot the season – without raising suspicions?
Well, I’m sure the suspicions were there, but I think as someone who also travels a lot for work, I was able to just play it off as that. Not sure if it worked or not! It kinda helps due to the way this season was shot, because we didn’t have to be gone as long as previous seasons.
Obviously, more than a decade has passed, and you and your drag has evolved. How has the experience between then and now been the most different?
It’s a night-and-day different show. Season 3 was before it really hit big. People kinda watched it, you kinda knew what it was about, but you also didn’t. Now, it’s a pop culture phenomenon and has launched drag into the mainstream! It’s big business … and you feel that now.
This is All Stars, so the expectations are sky-high. How did you prepare for this season?
LOTS AND LOTS OF STRESS! Preparing for this was honestly one of the most stressful experiences of my life. Trying to design your concepts for the looks, then find people to create your vision, then having it completed… it’s a whirlwind! Luckily, I had an incredible team behind me that invested so much of themselves into making it all happen. I’m forever grateful to them.
Shout out to Chris Tyler, Taejah Thomas, CiCi Nicole, Chucky Deville, Ran Diosa, Cherry Deville, Lucky Nicole, Luke Davis, Brandon Barker, Kevin Garcia, Elea’s Closet, Davey Swinton, Ethan Cross, and Glitterbomb wigs. It takes a village!
On top of preparing for one of the biggest moments of my life, I decided to move from a place, that I had been living for like 15 years! Only I would time this like I do! When I got my dates to fly out for taping, it was also the same time I had to be out of my place! So not only was I preparing for allstars, but I was hunting for new home, I was packing, and still working my gigs here! Ahhhhh!
Luckily, I found a place, and I have some AMAZING friends that came over and moved me out and in, the day before I left, and they continued to move me while I was gone. So yeah, I came home to a new home after 15 years and boxes lol! Only me…
Who did your incredible promo look?
The amazingly talented Chris Tyler! Chris and I have been working together for a huge part of my drag career, and I always say he’s one the reasons that I’m the queen I am today. I can come to him with an idea or concept, and he knows me so well that he can fully bring it to life. We just have that kind of relationship after many years of working together, it makes for the perfect team. I knew when I decided the direction I wanted to go, that it was going to be a tough one. There were 1100 grommets, thousands of rhinestones, yards of hand-cut lacing, and over 30 yards of fabric.
Chris also designed my Phoenix main stage entrance look and is working on my NYC premiere dress now. He really is incredible and deserves all of his flowers.
Can you elaborate on the whole bracket system of this season?
So basically, there are three groups of six queens. We all compete in a variety of different challenges. I can’t really go into every detail – that NDA is severe until it airs.
What do you think is going to surprise viewers the most about you this season?
My look is probably the biggest! Since then, I’ve really worked on mastering my craft and the art form. Also, me as a person! Ive grown and evolved so much, not only as an artist but as a person.
What surprised you the most being on this season?
Literally everything! It was like being on it for the first time. I’ll be honest, I don’t fully watch it as much as most, so the girls would laugh at me and have to explain drag race to me! A b*tch has been busy! So yes, everything surprised me!
I, for one, can’t wait to see you on my TV screen again, and if our readers want even more Phoenix, where can they follow you on socials, and when and where can people see you at shows here in Atlanta and beyond?
Thank you! I’m more active on Instagram than any other platform, so follow me at phoenix_atl. You can also follow me on Facebook at Facebook.com/phoenix.atl and on tik tok @phoenix_atl.
You can see me every week at Blake’s on Thursdays for Atlanta’s Angels and popping up all over the city. You can see me at the Peach Party on Saturday, May 10, and also on Friday, May 30, at One Magical Weekend in Orlando for “Riptide” at Typhoon Lagoon! Keep a lookout on my social media pages for my busy summer schedule, and if you’d like to book me at your venue or event, email Mark@warnertalentagency.com.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’ll just add by saying, thank you to Atlanta for showing me so much love throughout my almost 25-year career. Atlanta is one of the greatest cities in America, with one of the best LGBTQ+ and drag scenes. I’ve worked my ass off to keep the Atlanta drag legacy alive and thriving, so I appreciate the continued love and support. Also, remember that while Drag Race is amazing, and it’s launched drag into the mainstream spotlight, there is just as much talent right here in Atlanta, so go out and SUPPORT your local entertainers and shows.