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If you're a fan of "RuPaul's Drag Race" (and if you're not, what's wrong with you?) then you know today's interviewee as one of the panel judges on this new season (airing Mondays at 10/9c on Logo). She has previous experience on TV with RuPaul as co-host of Vh1's "The RuPaul Show." If you live in Miami you can also catch her mornings on WMIA 93.9. Prior to that, she provided vocals on the song "Two to Make It Right" as part of Seduction (she was initially discovered in a Madonna lookalike contest) and then later performed with the group The S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M., known for their song "It's Gonna Be a Lovely Day".
What TV shows do you watch in your down time?
Being 100% honest, here they are: "Rupaul's Drag Race," of course, along with "Untucked: Rupaul's Drag Race", "Pretty Little Liars," "Glee," "Vampire Diaries," "90210" (yes, I am the only one left hanging on to this), "Big Love," "True Blood," but that's just naming the most viewed on my Tivo.
Are there moments on the show where you and RuPaul disagree? Typically, over what?
By nature Ru and I don't disagree about much. We can finish each other's sentences and are completely in each other's heads. The only thing we have ever disagreed about over the past 20+ years has been men. Our tastes are not always the same.
Who are some dream guest judges you'd like to see on the show?
For me? Joan Rivers, Chelsea Handler, My Girl Leah Remini, Kathy Griffin, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and anyone else who is funny, biting and honest.
What's your favorite Absolut cocktail?
Shhhhh, I don't drink! Not on the wagon: I just never, ever did. Not even a sip.
Who were some of your favorite guests on "Drag Race"?
Loved Johnny Weir! We connected instantly as did Wayne Brady and me. I was totally in awe of Lily Tomlin and I love the crazy that is Susan Powter!
Did you read this article claiming that "Drag Race" is not camp-friendly? What's your reaction?
I did read it and I totally respect the author's opinion, but let me say this since I said it. There is no one that lives for camp queens more than I. It is essentially who I am as a morning radio personality, but I knew there was more to Mimi (who I happen to think is fucking genius and I respect greatly) and the same way I don't want to see Carmen Carrera naked every runway or Raja just doing high fashion. I didn't want just camp from Mimi. You don't get to see all of the deliberations on camera, of course, and I can tell you I thought the leopard look of Mimi's was gorgeous and just what I needed to see. I can tell you we don't hate on camp queens. We love them. Drag wouldn't be real drag without out them in my opinion.
If you were to lipsync for your life, which song would you choose?
Definitely not a Seduction song! Ha! Probably "The Men all Pause" or "Meeting in the Ladies Room"" by Klymaxx or the vogueing anthem "Love Hangover" by Diana Ross.
As a radio host, are there any morning radio cliches you like to avoid on your show?
There are tons, but what I like to avoid sometimes is what corporate likes and that goes across the board for every company. I feel...weather? Who cares? Stick your head out the door and there is your weather. Prank calls? So not for me. Just let people into your world. Let them get to know you and it will be just like your hanging with your girlfriends and that is what morning radio should be - laughter and fun with great music to put you on the right foot to walk in that office door.
What have been some of the most entertaining or fruitful topics you've discussed on your show lately?
We talk about everything here. I talk for 5 hours a morning so I don't think I could pick just one honestly.
Before you go on air or when you're not working, what do you like to listen to in the mornings, if anything?
On my drive into work I listen to Howard Stern. He has and will always continue to inspire me. His balls and leadership are inspiring and whenever I feel trapped doing what I do, I just think about him and what he's done for morning radio DJ's like me.
Musically, I always listen to the radio. I can honestly say for the first time in a long time, I am on a station that I love listening to! 93.9 WMIA has great music and keeps me in a great mood and that is so refreshing for me.
What are some of your favorite radio shows or podcasts?
Stern all day every day. As far as Top 40 goes i have tons of friends in the biz. I love Elvis Duran. I love Big Boy's Neighborhood and more than anyone I loved Wendy Williams. She is my radio mentor (in my head) and she is missed dearly on the radio airwaves.
How has the pop music industry changed since you were a big part of it?
There is no comparison. Record labels don't get behind artists anymore. They literally wait for the artist to get buzz on their own through Myspace or Youtube then give them a deal. It's sad really. Kids trying to break into the biz don't get what they deserve. It's really, really rough out there these days and it will be interesting to see how the landscape changes over the next decade because I don't know where they could go from here.
What kind of music do your kids listen to?
My kids love the predictable Disney artists (Selena, Justin, etc), but they also love Lady Gaga and dance music along with tons of Broadway tunes (thanks to me). They also love Jack Johnson and Norah Jones(thanks to my husband). They are impressively eclectic.
Do you ever sing karaoke? What do you choose?
We sing karaoke all of the time in our house, we have the Debbie Gibson microphone thing and the songs are endless. I usually go for a ballad, Mariah or something that I can really howl on.
What's your favorite Madonna era?
Hmmmmm really? I have to pick one? I loved Blonde Ambition, loved the "Bedtime Stories"/"Justify My Love" time, looved the Sex book era, but most of all, I think the early years worked it the most for me.
How does it feel to be to be the 275th person interviewed for Zulkey.com?
It tickles my insides to no end. I am honored and flattered. Much love to my babies at Zulkey.com.