QUEENS OF THE UNIVERSE HEADS TO MTV IN THE UK
MTV has announced the UK arrival of international drag singing competition, Queen of the Universe, which originally aired last year on the company’s streaming service, Paramount+.
Executively produced by RuPaul in collaboration with World of Wonder and MTV Entertainment Studios, the series brings together 14 of the world’s fiercest queens, as they vie for the title of “Queen of the Universe” and a cash prize of $250,000.
Hosted by national treasure and five-time BAFTA TV Award-winner Graham Norton, each episode showcases the contestants’ vocal prowess as they debut a new musical performance in front of a live audience and a “Pop Diva Panel” of judges, including Vanessa Williams; Michelle Visage; Trixie Mattel; and Leona Lewis.
The 14 queens from 10 different countries, all competing for the crown, include:
ADA VOX USA
A former top 10 “American Idol” contestant, Ada Vox is living proof that everything’s bigger in Texas – including her voice! As a performer of seven years (and counting), Ada is ready to showcase her vocal skills on a global platform and get the redemption she’s seeking.
ARIA B CASSADINE USA
Aria B Cassadine, the 2018 winner of Miss Gay Black America, is ready to add the “Queen of the Universe” title to her already extensive collection of crowns. After starting her drag journey on a dare from a friend, Aria goes to the global stage ready to score yet another win for her already impressive drag resume.
BETTY BITSCHLAP DENMARK
A full-time performer both in and out of drag, Betty Bitschlap will rock your socks off! When it comes to style, Betty has range; in the blink of an eye, she can effortlessly transform from punk-rock-star fantasy to a glamorous sequined gown complete with a not-a-hair-out-of-place updo.
CHY’ENNE VALENTINO USA
Chy’enne Valentino has been singing since the age of 5 and broke out onstage at 18 years old, competing to win Miss Continental Plus in 2018. A former “American Idol” contestant who now runs her own bakery called Pound Your Cakes, she’s ready to pound her vocal chords and prove she’s worthy of the crown.
GINGZILLA AUSTRALIA
After attending performing arts school in Australia and clown school in Paris, seven-foot-tall Aussie native Gingzilla doesn't need much to stand out in a crowd! No stranger to competition, Gingzilla has performed on “America’s Got Talent” and “The X Factor” in the U.K. – but now this down-under diva is ready to conquer the universe.
GRAG QUEEN BRAZIL
Brazilian bombshell Grag Queen grew up singing in church at an early age. She now finds herself belting to the masses on social media with two million TikTok fans, all of whom love her outrageous performances and over-the-top personality.
JUJUBEE USA
A double RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE All Star whose personality has captured the hearts of millions, Jujubee is a multi-threat: lip-sync assassin, comedian, recording artist, makeup artist – she does it all!
LA VOIX UK
Hometown queen La Voix has already experienced royalty firsthand, having previously appeared before the British royal family.
LEONA WINTER FRANCE
Leona Winter is a countertenor baritone with a three-octave voice that’s often called “tres jolie” by her fans and admirers all around the world. Her vocal talents were showcased on France’s “The Voice,” where she became a semi-finalist, and later when she became the winner of “The Switch” (Chile’s version of DRAG RACE).
MATANTE ALEX CANADA
Matante Alex started singing at 13 years old in her parents’ basement and soon thereafter discovered her true passion – yodeling! Matante’s name translates to “my aunt” in French, but this inventive queen with a country heart of gold is anything but traditional.
NOVACZAR USA
Hailing from New York City, Novaczar might be the youngest queen in the competition but isn’t deterred nonetheless.
RANI KO-HE-NUR INDIA
With the crown of 2014’s Mr. Gay India among her credits, Rani Ko-he-nur has over a million Instagram followers and has appeared in countless magazines such as Vogue India, Cosmopolitan, and Elle.
REGINA VOCE MEXICO
With over 30 years of stage experience and as a former performer in Cirque Du Soleil, Regina now works as a vocal coach.
WOOWU CHINA
Self-taught singer WooWu left her traditional Cantonese household in Guangzhou for the bright lights of Shanghai.
The series will first air on MTV and arrive on Paramount+ in the UK later this year.
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