Lady Gaga Teams Up With Drag Race Divas For New Single Promo

Well that title is a mouthful, but it really tells you exactly what you need to know. Earlier this week, Lady Gaga's new single in what feels like ages (after having a new one every week back in 2011/2012) "Applause" was released on the internet, and it has blown up since. Her official lyric video features some very familiar faces, too, from our favorite reality tv show (competition, as not to offend our housewives) RuPaul's Drag Race.



"But GaoSalad," you plead, "You hate Lady Gaga." No, that's not true. While I can only tolerate maybe three songs from her last album, I have to say she does have a knack for making good pop music. It's just that she is so overhyped that I try to give other acts attention over her and other headliners. But this is RuPaul's Drag Race we are talking about here. I can't just leave this alone. This has to be known.

In the video, Gaga is actually the camerawoman, and is filming various drag queens perform to her new single, which exploded all over the world last week. In said club (which I have no idea the name of), many Drag Race alumni made the scene to perform. Among the crew were Shannel from season one, Shangela of Season two and three, Morgan McMichaels of season two, and Detox from season five. There was even a two second clip from backstage of Willam hogging the spotlight again.

God I love Willam.

On a positive note, I have to say I like this song's feel far more than the previous era of Gaga. If this is any indication of what we are getting with Artpop (and remember, I'm skeptical because "Hair" was supposed to be a preview for her last album, but it turned out to be the only outstanding track for me) then I will be happy. I wasn't too crazy about the subject of the song, being a bit simplistic to be coming from a writer who has sewn many innuendos and interpretations into her music in the past, but it's so damn catchy that I can't help but enjoy it.

Right now the album is shrouded in mystery. It's available for preorder on iTunes, but all that is revealed is that it's coming out November 11, and there will be 15 tracks in total. As of now, "Applause" is listed as the final song, but that is also subject to change. Even the album artwork is simply the single cover for "Applause." Tomorrow is supposed to shine even more light on the situation, but I couldn't let my Drag Race faves get passed up another minute.

UPDATE: The official music video is out now! I personally wasn't crazy about the direction they went in. What do you think? Better with or without Drag Race?

Drag U Tue - 80's Ladies

This is it. The final episode of RuPaul's Drag U season two. In true RuPaul style, the finales just get bigger and bigger every year. This time around, he's landed three very famous 80's women to get themselves made over and also show a more human side to them than just performers. I really hate to see this show end already, but that just means we are one step closer to Drag Race season four! So why don't we get started?

Carmen is still stuck in fish mode from the last episode.

These ladies may not be in the public eye much today, but back in the 80's, they were the hottest things around. Jane, made popular by being the guitarist from The GoGos, was given the name Chiffon Brule and the professor Morgan. Downtown Julie Brown, a former VJ for MTV, was dubbed Donatella Mewhatodo and paired with Shannel. Stacie Q, singer of the famous track "Two of Hearts", was renamed Savannah and coached by Carmen Carerra. These girls are certainly in the best of hands.

I have to start out by saying I now am madly in love with Carmen. I think she may have seen her actions in Drag Race and decided it was time for a change. Who knows? But in Drag U, she is amazing. I've always liked her style, but her personality, previously that is, just turned me off. Now she is a sweetheart. She is still, however, an airhead. When Stacey mentioned someone with a "Congenial" problem, she asked what happened to the guys genitals. Carmen showed her soft side again, comforting her student when she talked about her best friend and hair stylist who passed away 22 years ago. These tearjerker moments always get me!

The lady lesson this week was... interesting. Instead of teaching them stuff, Lady Bunny decided she wanted to become Oprah and show off some of her favorite things. Being the crazy lady she is, she showed them things like the "hot bod" shirt, much like what Detla Work wore in the comedy challenge on Drag Race. Another device was a bra that you could put booze in. I really have to wonder sometimes how sane Lady Bunny is. At least she's funny, right? Moving on.

Dance class was by Tony Bassil. I know, I know. It's time again for me to complain that my hot boys arent here. Damn, I wish that at least for the final episode they had brought them back, but oh well. Maybe Andre will be back for the next season. The dance was to RuPaul's new song "Superstar", which isn't a surprise. Ru is known for his shameless self promotion in Drag U, which is part of the campy charm this show has.

Aren't they supposed to be talking them out of bad 80's fashion?

Morgan and her girl Jane were the spotlight of the show for me. Jane is just so adorable and peppy, I can't stop watching her. She has an adorable voice, and is always in a good mood. I was really proud of how she pushed herself so hard and didn't even complain. She apparently had a hiking accident a while back and messed up her knee. Despite this, she rocked the runway and the dance. Morgan served as a very good support system, always keeping her going. The two worked very well together.

Shannel. Oh, Shannel. I really was surprised to see you in the finale. Shannel has been in this show more than anyone else (well, maybe not more than Raven), and I really can't decide if I like her or just want her to go away forever. She always looks amazing, but her personality falters at times. She can be really into herself, which as a drag queen isn't a bad thing, but in the context of the show is not how things need to be done.  She was very understanding, though, when Julie didn't want to go for the dragulator look. Instead, they decided to go for a glamorous diva look, and it really did work in favor for her.

Before I knew it, the final draguation was here. This will be the last time (at least for a year or so) that I get to see three amazing women turn it out, drag style, on the runway. First up was Jane. Her look was phenomenal. She was a total dominatrix with leather and bondage influences. I loved the wide laced fishnets and the ponytail. Julie, my favorite of the three, came out in a beautiful gown, a much different image from her dragulator "rocker chick" look. Her skirt was floor length, but partially see through, and made for an amazing dress. Finally, Stacey rocked the runway in a feathery outfit. I didn't like the dress much. It looked very busy and unfocused. Her hair, however, was amazing and even had some cute rhinestones in it.

After a fun dance segment and the judges' deliberation, we find out that Julie won. I thought it was a good note to end on for the show. She really did make the transformation from boring mom who hadn't been out in years to glamorous queen. Plus, Ru accused her of stealing his style -- in jest of course!

Bat those lashes, ladies!

The final drag tips is what I viewed as a peace offering. It featured both Jujubee and Raven, who, throughout the series, have flung so much shade at one another. Today, they worked together to make up for that by giving everyone tips on how to properly put on fake lashes. In the end, they stood together with their lashes on fluttering away. But we all know they went right back to being shady as soon as it was over with.

And that's all she -- err I -- wrote. Til next season!

Drag u Tue - Nominated By Loved Ones

You know what time it is. No, it's not adventure time. It's Drag U time; Time to take three women and need and make them into glamorous drag-queen-things! I was especially looking forward to this episode because  former MVP (most vivacious professor) and my favorite Drag Racer ever, Pandora Boxx, is finally on the screen for more than fifteen seconds! Commence the obligatory bad screen cap!

The episode stars three women who have been nominated by those who love them to get a make over and become the women they are on the inside. Randi (Vanessa Du Jour) is a dog enthusiast who is left in the care of Drag Race season one winner Bebe.  Liz (Britney Ciccone) is a lesbian with body issues paired with Pandora. Latonya (Tres Jolie) is a not-so-womanly truck driver studying under Mariah. This episode definitely has a lot of promise. The only thing that could make this episode better is if Manila was around to make me laugh. She's in the drag tips section? Looks like we have a winner!

Given who the professors are, the prof on prof drama was kept to a minimum. There was a three second clip where Bebe tried to take a boa that Mariah planned on using, but it really didn't go anywhere. I'm almost certain now that every ounce of drama on this show is perpetuated by Raven. When is she coming back again? The rest of the drama had to do with fighting between the girls and their mentors. Randi was all over the place, having the attention span of a fly. Liz refused to wear pink, but that didn't last long, and after some intense staring from Mariah, Latonya abandoned all hope of a purple dress in place of a silver one.

The Lady Lesson this week was rather unusual -- even for Lady Bunny standards. I guess the theme of the episode was too vague to fit in a lesson so they just made them do yoga... Yoga named after celebrities. They did moves named after Lindsey Lohan, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and even and all-fours position called The Paris Hilton. Lady Bunny is always hilarious and fun to have around, even if some of her jokes fall flat (such as "Fatness Instructor").

My main beef with this episode centrals around Bebe. I'm not really sure how to take her. Sometimes, she is this fierce queen looking amazing and standing strong, and others shes just kind of there. She continues to recycle the phrase "Im from Africa" over and over. We know you are. We can tell from your accent. I'm told you've also lived in both France and the US for extended periods of time, so Africa is not an excuse, nor is it a defense. All griping aside, she did win the first season of Drag Race, and it does show in her appearance. She is always spot on and looks amazing.

The dance class had me disappointed for all of five seconds. No Andre again this week, but damn, this instructor is just as hot (if not more?)! His name is Jamal and everyone has a crush on him. Little do they know that I have my own plot to steal him away in the dark of the night! Ok, that was creepy, even by my standards. I honestly can't remember anything about the dance itself. I was too focused on Jamal...

I have to say that Mariah is one of the more interesting queens on the show. She has a way of being caddy without it hurting her in any way. Sure, Raven does that, but Mariah doesn't have the background of being a complete bitch. On Drag Race, she wasn't the nicest queen, but she definitely wasn't shady in the least. I like her way of being assertive with humor. She says things like a joke, but forcefully enough to make you know you better watch it. This episode also showed her softer side when she talked to her student about carrying on after loosing a loved one.

I was a bit saddened by how little screen time Pandora got. I know it wasn't going to be the Pandora Boxx hour, like I had imagined it in my head, but she was the least featured queen in the episode. I barely got to see her second outfit at all (and it was cute! Couldn't even get a screen cap of that shiz). I was hoping to have some kind of focus on her like Raven and Mariah seem to get so often. Maybe it is because she's so laid back. Even in Drag Race she generally stayed out of drama, and drama is what gets ratings. Oh well. I still love you, Lady Boxx!

Draguation came quick and the girls looked stunningly close to their Dragulator predictions. Latonya looked pretty good. I wish her dress had been shorter, though. I bet she had some killer legs. Randi had the weakest outfit of all. I didn't like the back poof and the shoulders. She was channeling a bit of the Ongina spirit with that cute hat, though. Liz was my favorite. Her makeup was a bit off (my one critique of Pandora every time), but her dress was cute and poofy. He legs looked rockin' and her heels were to die for. In the end, Latonya won. I can't say I was upset about it, but I wanted my Pandora protege to be at the top of the class!

This week's drag tips segment was all about the uses of milk of magnesia. Yeah.... So Shannel told all of the viewers how queens put a bit of it on their face before putting on makeup. It is also good under the arms, on the feet, and anywhere else you might need to use it. I guess Shannel was too classy to demonstrate these uses, so they employed Manila to get the job done. Gotta love that lady's sense of humor!

Drag U Tue - Naughty Nurses

Big news! The Raven Show has been canceled! Please stay tuned for a review of Drag U episode five: Raven Gone Missing. What? Oh she did the Drag Tip segment. Never mind. Anyway, We're already at episode five, "Naughty Nurses". And let me tell you -- These nurses are the furthest thing from naughty.

  

We are introduced to three women. Lanell, a former Penthouse model dubbed Angel Esprit and paired with Jujubee, Hope, a mom who put everyone first named Tawny Fox left with Shannel, and Kim, a woman who has given up on trying any more due to a traumatic few years given the name Nikki Minaj Vixen and partnered with Mariah. Looks like we have one hell of an episode on our hands.

Actually, despite the promos for the episode, which didn't do it justice, this has actually been my favorite episode this season. The women are likable, the professors are amusing and well dressed, and the lessons they learn feel very real. Usually when I watch an episode of Drag U, the women are in the background, and I'm just in it for the catfights and professors from Drag Race past. This time, however, I really felt for them. The drama was real and the women were easy to connect with.

That being said, I still really enjoyed the drama going on. My love/hate relationship with Shannel continues here yet again. I just don't know if I buy her. During Drag Race, she was pretty manipulative and self centered. I understand people can change, and she looks to have, but every now and then you see her selfishness pop up. I really am warming up to her though. Her costumes are more outlandish than the other professors (Causing some drama I'll get to soon) and she knows how to brand herself well. She's the showgirl of the group, and she won't let you forget it.

Filling the role of instigator in for Raven is professor Mariah. Maybe I missed it, but I don't really remember her being so manipulative or caddy during the run of Drag U. She always seemed to be the more classy lady, but for the past two episodes she's the one perpetuating all drama that goes on in the Drag Lab. She mocked Shannel and Jujubee both continuously throughout the episode. I was a little shocked. I mean it's one thing to fight back when Raven shows her claws, but its another to openly mock those around you... Ok so I love it. I love bitches. I have a new respect for this lady and she's climbing the closer to the top of my favorite queens. Don't worry, Pandora, she'll never replace you in my heart.

Back at the Lady Lesson with Lady Bunny, we find that women get all of their magical sex appeal powers from their underwear. Who'd have known. Unfortunately these ladies super abilities were hindered by terrible granny panties. I mean really? Anyway, the professors decided to show these girls what they should be wearing and Lady Bunny made them all strip down in their new undergarments and show the world. Thankfully, they were wearing something a little more sexy than before, but still, I am a gay man. I don't want to see that. Can we get the Pit Crew from Drag Race 3 please?

After the Lady Lesson, we cut to a scene of Lanell telling Jujubee about her bout with cancer. This strong and brave woman has been fighting this battle practically alone. This lead to a lot of tears from Juju as she talked about having to be strong through her father's death. I can really relate to this. I think that is why I like Juju as much as I do. It's not that I like her style or eve her attitude sometimes, but I love how strong she is. She isn't afraid to show her emotions, but she knows how to keep composure and strength when necessary. My only upset about this was the lack of revelation. Why didn't it have a bonus scene of Lanell revealing her cancer fight to her children? That would have been the ultimate payoff, but alas, either time ran out or they didn't find a place for it in the episode. Ah well, I guess.

By the time the dance lesson rolled around I was so upset already by Lanell and Juju's struggles that not seeing the adorable Andre there to give these girls the dance routine of their life, I just lost it. Ok, ok. Joking aside, I really wish they would keep a consistent Dean of Dance on the show... and I also wish it would be the adorable Andre.

Before you can blink, Draguation is at hand. First up was Lanell. While I love her personality and story, she just didn't do it for me. She looked like a Lady Gaga impersonator that just didn't get it. The mask looked awkward, skirt was just a bunch of hanging fabric, and the boas just set it over the top. Hope was my shining star tonight. She had the attitude and a hot dress to match. Her hair looked amazing and I was very proud of Shannel for not making another MiniShannel this go around. Hope maintained her individuality and then some. Kim was just... well... I didn't get the Asian theme. Why? It looked a hot mess. The only compliment I could think of costuming wise was the hair. Girl did have some fab hair.

In the end, Lanell won. I was really rooting for Hope, but I can see why they chose who they did. Lanell had a major personality change, a major look change, and finally was going to face the reality that she needed support from her family. It wasn't a bad choice, just not what I would have picked.

Our drag tip this go around was by Raven, who just had to pop up one more time before her show got taken off the air. In case you haven't caught on yet, Im joking and I love the hell out of Raven. Missed you boo! This time she tells us how to use a felt tip marker. You can make a pimple into a beauty mark, sign autographs, and... leave messages on bathroom stalls? Anyway, it was nice to see her one more time. Hopefully she'll pop up again down the line, but not next week. My sources tell me that Mariah will be back with avengance, Bebe will be gracing the show with her elegance... and HOT DAMN! Pandora Boxx will hit the scene. Drag U are you ready for her cooter?

Drag U Tue - Suddenly Single

This week, Drag U brings us three ladies, who, for one reason or another, have found themselves single and without a clue in the world, but before I get into all the juicy details, I think it would be best to start the day off with a picture of one of my favorite professors -- The fabulous Manila Luzon.

Ahem. Moving on. We are presented with three single ladies. First up is Kris, left in Manila's hands. This construction worker is afraid of being viewed as weak, and says since she's attracted to masculine women (!) she should be what she is attracted to. Second, we have Annie. This girl has a tragic story to tell, and when Ongina found out her boyfriend died just a few months prior, she knew that she had to revive that diva inside of her for her own sake, as well as her lost love. Lastly, we have mother of three Marcia. She gave up everything to go to California and start anew. Shannel (uhg, I know) was set up to be her drag professor.

Before I move on, let me address my beef with Shannel. On the first season of Drag Race, she was really self absorbed and quite annoying; this trend carried over into Drag U season one. Perhaps she learned her lesson, or maybe it was the editing of the previous seasons, but this season of Drag U portrays her in a very different light. As I said in the last Drag U Tue, she is starting to change my opinion on her, and the way she helped and comforted Annie -- who wasn't even her drag student -- made me really think that I may have misjudged Shannel. Ok, miss thang, you are starting to win my heart.

The Dragulator assigned names for the girls. Annie as Gogo West, Kris as Caprice Classic, and Marcia as Loni Fellini. The Dragulator looks were pretty good this time around, but not all of the girls agreed. Most notably was Kris, who thought the Twiggy look she was given just didn't work, and when they tried out wigs, Manila agreed. The others seemed quite content with their given looks.

 

This week's lesson with Lady Bunny was how to take a good profile picture. Lighting and angles were the key, of course, and the girls took decent pictures. Honestly, they would have been better if they had been dolled up or in their drag looks, but they had to deal with what they had. Also, I just can't get over how big Lady Bunny's hair is. I mean last season she had some redic looks, but this one takes the cake. Her hair makes her at least a foot and a half taller. Some serious hair, hurr.

The dance lesson didn't go as well as the drag lesson. After blindfolding the girls to get their true dance styles when they feel nobody watching, they were taught a routine to a favorite song of mine, Call Me by Blondie. As usual, the girls just didn't seem to catch on very quickly, but all of that was in the background when I cam to the conclusion that Andre, the Dean of Dance, is undeniably cute. I can't believe it's taken me this long to realize it. 

After their one on one talks with President Ru Paul (and a few dramatic moments, including Manila claiming she is being set up with the worst contestant), the girls debut their looks on the stage. I had a hard time picking my favorite. Kris looked like a fabulous sixties gogo dancer -- and Manila even convinced her to wear pink when she refused to for the whole episode. Annie had sequins in every spot you could imagine (ok, so maybe not there) and had a wrist muff that was to die for... but Marcia failed to impress. Her dress was abysmal and made it look like she was wearing a comically huge tie. In the end, Kris won this week, and I have to say I'm satisfied. I feel like she had the biggest transformation and greatest attitude adjustment. 

The trend of the "Drag Tips" and "A Word With Ru" continue in this episode. This weeks word with our Drag U President was "Escandalo" another Ru Classic. I was a bit more confused with the Drag Tips segment, as it was less comical than last week, but at least Carmen was totally hot -- oh and she Nailed It!

'Til next week!

Drag U Tue - Bringing Sexy Back

Hello and welcome to the first installment of my weekly review on my second favorite television show -- only second to the wonderful Drag Race we've all come to love. Drag U is an uplifting show where previous Drag Race contestants come back to mentor biological women and give them the fierceness of drag queens, boosting their self esteem as well as their sex lives. Without further ado, I present to you, Drag U Tue: Episode One.

In this installment of Drag U, we are shown three women who view themselves as ugly. To correct this injustice, three certified drag professors are sent in. Lisa, an excessively negative housewife, is given to the care of Shannel. Rhonda, a diva turned housewife and mother, was given Manila to guide her. Denise, a woman afraid to look at herself in the mirror, was granted the stunning vixen Raven. Let's just say the three of them had their work cut out for them.

Returning from season one is the "new and improved" Dragulator, giving the girls their own drag names and looks. Lisa was named Rai'zon Darasi; Rhonda as Summer Night; Denise as Cha Cha Mizrahi. The looks weren't as impressive as those seen on season one, but then again I am told I'm too cynical when it comes to fashion. Who knew? I have to say, though, I was delighted to see that the "commence dragulation" bit was left in. RuPaul's fro is FIERCE! I can't help but love it.

The challenge for the episode seemed pretty simple. As the theme of the episode was to bring the sexiness back to their marriages, they were to create sexy voicemails for their husbands. Lisa was up first, sounding like some kind of robot. It was a little freaky. Denise bribed her husband for sex by saying he could play video games later (to which Raven suggested she simply play with his joystick). And then there was Rhonda... Poor, poor Rhonda. She said she wanted to play with her husbands "diesel mangina".

Yeah. Diesel. Mangina. I have no idea what happened there, or what that lady thinks a mangina is, but I'm quite certain she is confusing that with a penis. Anywho, despite her mixup in diction (hah!), she did do the best, keeping her sexy voice up and sharing her, however bizarre, fantasies like Dean of Drag Lady Bunny suggested to them.

The women had heart to heart talks with their professors. Most of it was your general "you know you are hot in there grrl" talk. A big surprise did come when I heard Shannel complimenting someone other than herself. Yeah. I know. Let me give you a second to take that all in. Ms. All About Me Shannel actually showed her kinder side by letting Lisa know she was a really beautiful woman and that her ex husband was wrong for treating her the way she did. It seems my rather negative views on Shannel may change in the future -- that is if this is a more than once in a lifetime thing. Manila's pep talk involved her favorite sex positions ("The Social Network" and "Never Ending Pasta Dinner"), and Raven went all "Mommy Dearest" on Denise. Lets just say these gals are a strange bunch.

My biggest "oh no" moment had little to do with manginas. It was more focused on my lovely Manila. During the dance lesson for the girls, the drag professors decided to take over and show them how it is done, and tragically, Manila fell hard on her butt. I was pretty shocked. From what I've seen, Ms. Luzon knows how to get down. I guess everyone messes up sometimes. I just hope she is OK.

Finally, the down in the dumps housewives get all dolled up and go stroll out for everyone to gawk at them. Their looks really didn't impress me too much. I figured with this being the premier episode they would go full out and make everything a spectacle but I was mistaken. Lisa turned out to look like a Shannel clone, again, no shock there. Rhonda looked like a RuPaul impersonator and Denise looked, well, quite good. She had the whole cha cha diva tutu going on and her ponytail was totally fab. I was thrown back a bit to learn that the grading system had been dropped. Season one was big at giving the girls their Drag Point Average and that was how the winner was chosen. Now, the judges just pick their favorite in a collaboration. Lisa ended up winning, much to my dismay. I wanted Denise to win. I felt like she had the best transformation and the best attitude adjustment. Oh well, I guess.

A new, and rather odd, feature of Drag U are pre-commercial segments. The first one was a segment featuring Jujubee from season one giving you things you can do with old panty hos. Yeah. It was even in the really awkward infomercial style. The second was "A Word With RuPaul" wherein he said a rather strange word that I really couldn't understand well enough to type -- Hah! So all in all this was a really good way to start the Drag U season. And with that I bid farewell. Until next time, my friends. I leave you with this: Jujubee attempting to rob a bank with panty hos.