As part of our Decade of Drag Race week, we caught up with one queen from each season of the Emmy-award-winning series to reminisce about the show’s journey, share some never-been-told memories and throw shade where shade is due.
Below, we spill the tea with the Brooklyn baby of All Stars season 3, Aja. Read all the interviews here.
What happened behind-the-scenes/off-camera that you’re surprised didn’t make the cut or didn’t get enough airtime?
I wish the world got to see my entire Snatch Game performance. You literally only saw one of my answers on television. I was getting on a plane to Columbia, and I remember watching the episode on my computer in the Delta Sky Lounge. It was just really funny because I was really curious as to why I didn’t win the challenge so when I saw the episode I was like, “Where was I?” I literally was completely gagged. Maybe I should’ve fought with Shangela. They had a question about RuPaul coming out with a cookbook and the recipe was something with balls, and I remember not paying attention so I didn’t even hear the question. So when they got to me, Ru was like, “Crystal, did you answer the question?” And I looked at him and said something along the lines of “Quite frankly, I don’t really give a fuck to be here but when you said ‘balls’ all I could think about is –” And I said, “Jennifer Lawrence,” but I meant to say Jennifer Lewis because Shangela was Jennifer Lewis. RuPaul looks at me and says, “Jennifer Lawrence? That’s Jennifer Lewis.” And I was like, “Laurence, Lewis — they both look like men!” I thought it was such a funny and iconic moment because everyone there was laughing and I thought the joke that aired was not my best, so I was gagged.
Since your season aired, what have you gotten tired of fans bringing up?
The one thing I hate hearing anywhere is “In season 9, I really thought you were a bitch, but now after watching All Stars 3, I love you.” And it’s like, “You’re a fake fan. Bye.” I always tell people I am the same person on both seasons, it was just a different story being told. [fake crying] If you can’t see me for who I really am, you don’t deserve to see me at all.
Which one queen have you grown the closest to since your season?
I still talk to everyone, but I don’t really have a close, close relationship with any of them. They are good friends but — I don’t know — I’ve always been just kind of a loner. I’m always the type of person that knows how to enter a room and entertain people but then also go home by myself.
Is there a lip-sync-for-your-life decision you would’ve changed if you were in Ru’s shoes?
Obviously, my first one, I think Chi Chi should’ve went home first, which I picked her name. Also, I think I should’ve been brought back. Honestly, if I was DeLa, I wouldn’t have sent myself home. I understand why she did it but if I were her, I would’ve stayed. But we also have two different thinking patterns. She could’ve just been done with the bullshit. First, I don’t get to come back and now you leaving? Meet me outside in the parking lot. We fightin’. I thought our team was going to win and thought it was going to be me and Milk in the top two, and when they won I was slightly confused. Then, I thought whoever lip syncs will probably bring me back home. Then, when I didn’t come back I was like, “Oh, okay, work.” [laughs]
What’s one of the most overrated runway looks from your season?
Well, can we not forget the Studio 54 runway when I was the only one who came down in Studio 54 look and then got sent home. I just felt so confused on that runway. The judges were like, “You don’t know your references.” I was like, “Clearly, you don’t either, because this is Studio 54.” If you say “Studio 54 Disco,” that doesn’t change the fact that Studio 54 was a discotecha. If you just wanted a disco outfit, then you should’ve just called the category disco because everyone else who got praised for their runway looks were giving disco. I was just very confused. After that episode, I got reached out to by a bunch of people who went to Studio 54 including one of my travel agents, family members, and other random people who were hitting me up online being like, “You were robbed. I wore that hairstyle to Studio 54. I wore clothing just like that. You look like Cher. You look like Brigitte Bardot. This is what it really looked like.” I take it as a blessing because I’d rather go home and say I was robbed than win and have people say I didn’t deserve it.
What’s the worst decision someone made during your season?
Let me just start an entire thread of smashing the judges — I’m just kidding. I can’t really judge anybody’s actions because I didn’t pay attention to anyone while I was there. Everybody’s probably expecting me to talk to me about the jury vote but I don’t give a shit about that. I can’t really say anything about other people’s decisions because nobody makes a decision on a high-stress reality TV show with their future or their fans in mind.
Did the right person win?
I don’t really care. [laughs] Honestly, Morgan could’ve won and I’d be like, “Girl, I don’t give a fuck.” At the end of the day, what happens after I go home is so none of my business. I think anybody who was on the season who made it that far was deserving of winning and it’s all for different reasons. Fans don’t get to see anything behind the scenes so no one knows the relationships between the girls and if the people really did well. The winner’s are usually real and deserve it.
Season 1: Ongina | Season 2: Tatianna | Season 3: Stacy Layne Matthews
Season 4: Jiggly Caliente | Season 5: Detox | Season 6: Laganja Estranja
Season 7: Ginger Minj | Season 8: Bob the Drag Queen
Season 9: Nina Bo’Nina Brown | Season 10: Aquaria?
All Stars 1: Mimi Imfurst | All Stars 2: Roxxxy Andrews | All Stars 3: Aja