‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars’ Queen Alyssa Edwards Can’t Wait For Fans To See Her “Evolution”: “Never Be Afraid To Click That Refresh Tab”

There is no better choice to represent the United States in Paramount +’s RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars (premiere Friday, August 16) than superstar Alyssa Edwards , also known as Justin Johnson. Since her debut on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5, the Texas queen has continued to push herself and her craft. After a stint on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2, where she finished respectably in the middle of the pack, Edwards spread her wings on Netflix with her own show, Dancing Queen , which focused on her Beyond Belief dance company in Mesquite Texas. The docuseries highlights Edwards as a teacher and a mentor. “Something I teach my children over at Beyond Belief is that you’re never too old to be a student,” says Edwards. “Evolving is inevitable.”

Speaking of evolving, that is exactly what Edwards plans to do on RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars. “Never be afraid to click that refresh tab,” says Edwards wisely. Competing against 11 other queens on an international stage allowed Edwards to learn new skills and observe different styles of performance that she may not have seen otherwise. “I got to sit back and watch people’s processes from a different angle,” gushes Edwards. “Knowledge is power, and that’s the key to success.”

Edwards also agrees with fans who liken RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars to the “Olympics of Drag.” “This is the first of its kind in the largest workroom and on the largest stage,” notes Edwards. In fact, this may be the first show in the Drag Race franchise that ditches the OG workroom entrance. “We come out on the main stage like a Miss Universe set up,” reveals Edwards. “I knew when I stepped one foot there that was a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Edwards also wants fans to know she’s “going for the gold.” “I wanted to do my country proud.”

Edwards stopped by the Page Six studio to speak with DECIDER about her experience on the show, the power of drag, and why she deserves a spot on Dancing With The Stars .

DECIDER: What was your reaction when you got the call to represent the USA on RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars ?

ALYSSA EDWARDS: I had to pump the brakes and say a prayer. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I couldn’t say no. I wanted to do my country proud, do myself proud, and make all of the people from around the world that have been a part of my journey since Season 5 proud. This is the evolution of Alyssa Edwards. I can’t wait for you all to get up in this gig.

You’re already a worldwide drag icon. You have nothing to prove. What keeps you coming back to compete on Drag Race ?

Some things I teach my children over at Beyond Belief Dance Company, which I’m very proud to say is celebrating 23 years: You’re never too old to be a student; evolving is inevitable; you get one shot at this thing called life, let it be greatness; challenge yourself; and, never be afraid to click that refresh tab.

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Nowadays, kids are starting drag. They’re watching us queens on television from a very young age. That keeps us seasoned queens on our toes–I’m not going to say I’m old because you all know I’m established. This old broom still sweeps, mops, and vacuums. I challenged myself: “You were born for this. You can do this. You are capable and you are worthy.” I tell myself to practice what I preach. Get back in the lab with a pen and a pad and supersize this Alyssa Edwards character.

What did you take away from this experience that might help elevate or inspire your own drag in the future?

I learned so much about my craft and my artistry sharing this stage with 11 other queens that do drag very differently from me, that celebrate drag in their culture. For example, we shared eyeliner tips, we shared padding tricks. I got to sit back and watch people’s processes from a different angle and perspective. Here’s the thing. We get to see a small portion of what goes into drag at home while we watch RuPaul’s Drag Race . Being at the Global All Stars , I got to be a part of that process again in a work room full of amazing queens. Knowledge is power, and that’s the key to success.

There were so many queens from all different parts of the world who took part. Was there an interpreter on set to help everybody communicate ?

We all know I don’t just speak English. I speak Alyssa Edwards, and it was all rigor mortis [laughs]. Learning to work with the language barrier is something that I will remember forever. Understanding each other was a task and an obstacle at times. And I enjoyed every obstacle I had to overcome.

Fans are comparing RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars to the “Olympics of Drag.” Do you think that is an apt comparison?

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Absolutely. This is the first of its kind in the largest workroom and on the largest stage. In fact, we don’t do a traditional workroom entrance. We come out on the main stage like a Miss Universe set up. I knew when I stepped one foot out there that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that I was going for the gold.

Was there any queen you were particularly excited to see in the competition?

I knew of many of these queens via social media . I remember sending Queen Kong a message on Instagram after watching a dance interview that they were a part of. I was so inspired that contemporary and modern dance was a part of their artistry. Getting to know Queen, the Australian representative, was just so awesome. The power of drag unites us all.

I know you’ve been on many different reality shows, but speaking of dance, I want to know when we are going to see you on Dancing With The Stars . Is that on your bucket list?

Being on Dancing With the Stars would be a dream come true for me. Let me just say I never wanted to be a professional dancer. I knew that I wanted to be the magic maker behind the scenes. I wanted to be the wizard of it all. I wanted to create these fascinating stories told through the art of movement—which is exactly what they do on Dancing With The Stars . That is the one stage that I would love to be a part of. I would be me in my element. If I got to do that show in drag, my worlds would collide. That would be beyond my wildest dreams.

I also want to talk about Dancing Queen on Netflix because I do think you were one of the first true ambassadors between Drag Race and mainstream audiences. How do you look back on that experience?

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When I look back on Dancing Queen , I kind of giggle because of how much I’ve grown over the years. The show was such a labor of love. It was a hallmark in my life. I was terrified to peel back that curtain and share that side of me because Beyond Belief Dance Company is so special. It has not only been my safe space and my happy place, but it’s also been my family. I’m very proud that I opened those doors and allowed cameras to come in and record me during my creative process. I just thought it was so campy and so fun.

Would you ever do a second season of the show?

At this point in my life, I’m ready to do another cycle of it. I’d love for people to see where Little Ainsley is now. I remember holding her for the very first time at three years old, buying her first tutu, putting her hair in her first bun. Now she is in eighth grade and running cross country in Texas. She’s still snatching trophies and still inspiring me. We saw Beyond Belief on America’s Got Talent , and we ended up being Simon Cowell’s Wild Card Act in the semifinals.

We get one shot at this thing called life. It’s so beautiful to watch these children who are so fiercely passionate about dance. Their families not only accept me, but celebrate me in all things—not just certain parts—that encompass Justin Johnson and Alyssa Edwards in Texas as a queer man. That’s a blessing. I’m living the life that I’ve always dreamt about.

I know it was a silly show, but I thought you were incredibly vulnerable on The G.O.A.T. when you opened up to CJ Franco about some of your insecurities.

I loved her. I grew up watching The Challenge on MTV, and I thought there’s no way I could ever do that. I’m not as athletic or “masculine” as you would typically see on those shows. To get the opportunity to walk into The G.O.A.T manor in full drag, be my authentic self, and be so welcomed by the people really meant a lot. It was a wild experience. If you would have asked me as a young child where I see myself in the future, I don’t know if I would have said any of this.

Right. Probably not going toe to toe with The Valley star Kristen Doute. Can you talk to me about that viral moment?

It was spicy on that good night! When I found out that they threw the challenge to vote me out,[Laughs] I was like, “that is so mean and shady.” After we both popped off, I realized, “okay, this is a game. Don’t take things so personal.” Remember, there was a $200,000 check waving to us outside the front door at The G.O.A.T manor. I’m really glad we got to have that heart to heart. We just got caught up in the game for a minute. We apologized and were able to celebrate one another. We ultimately wanted to lift each other up. That was a real-life experience, and that’s what makes reality tv so compelling.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars premieres Friday, August 16 on Paramount+.

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