Even though the rain was pouring in the UK, two stunning queens joined me on Zoom, bringing the much-needed sunshine. Fan favourites LaLa Ri and Jessica Wild have been appointed as the newest pair of rotating hosts for the WowPresents Plus show Binge Queens. With the show celebrating its tenth season, it seems correct to have two fan favourites Kiki for Rupaul’s Drag Race UK vs. The World Season 2.
Both Jessica and Lala finally got their chance to shine back on our screens for All Stars 8 in May 2023. After 13 years, fans were excited to see Jessica Wild return to the werkroom and see her reach the final 3. For Lala, after receiving the golden boot award for *that* infamous fashion bag look on season 13, she got her redemption arc by going on to win the fan-voted Queen of the Fame Games. During our conversation, they exclaimed their love for the UK and how warmly welcomed they are made to feel by the fans.
As a whole, the UK is very passionate about drag; in fact, UK fans also got a special shout-out for showing them so much love during DragCon UK in January, leading LaLa Ri to sell out all of her merchandise! We got to chat about their love for music, their unique connection, and, of course, Binge Queens.
The two of you are the new rotating pairs to host the 10th season of Binge queens, how did you both end up working together for such a landmark season?
LaLa Ri: It was amazing that we got a chance to be together because we absolutely love each other and have a genuine connection. So to sit on the couch and kiki with my good sister Jessica was amazing, and I was super excited that she was the one that I was working alongside for this fantastic season.
Jessica Wild: Yeah, as soon as I got the call, and they told me it was going to be with Lala. I was like, we’re going to give them the experience, and have fun as we have such a good connection, as we are like a family. You are all really going to enjoy this binge queen season with me and Lala.
What was the most fun part of getting to recap Drag Race UK Vs The World Season 2?
LLR: The most fun part was seeing all the girls from different countries come together and compete amongst each other and bring these sickening looks and these sickening talents to the challenges.
JW: Yes, it’s always amazing to see drag race represented in different countries. I mean, it’s one thing to compete amongst your own country, but having to compete against other girls from other countries is exciting to watch.
And they’ve got a really good mix this season of pretty much all the franchises that need highlighting a bit more.
LLR: I’m so excited because it’s like all stars, but we have different franchises, and, you know, maybe you hear from other girls, but being together is completely different. And this cast is sickening. It’s perfect. I think they couldn’t have gotten a better mix of UK and international girls.
And what three words would best describe this season of Binge Queens?
JW: Fierce and brand new because you’re going to find out stuff that you’ve never seen before.
LLR: I would agree with the brand new. It feels that way with this cast. I’m going to say chaotic, hilarious, and, um, this is probably not one word, but a lot of food and alcohol. (laughs)
Binge Queens is always hosted by fan favourites, how’ve the fan reactions been since All Stars 8?
JW: We’re fan favourites? (laughs)
LLR: (laughs) Well, it feels amazing. You know, it’s always good to showcase things to the fans because they obviously love seeing us both on TV. So it’s always good to give the fans more of us, you know, and I enjoy being on TV. So I loved it, and I think they’re going to be really, really excited about seeing us back together.
You both have very attractive personalities, and people are naturally drawn to you so I think you’re the perfect two to be doing this season for sure.
JW: Yes, and you’re going to see the connection that we have on the show, as I think everything comes so naturally. When we are in shock, you’ll definitely see it in our faces when we are in shock and when we are sad. I also think that’s why we ate a lot (laughs).
LLR: We were hungry all the time. (laughs)
KB: Did you have specific snacks you needed?
JW: Oh, we did, we had tacos.
LLR: And we had to have the house of love cocktails.
Jessica you reached the final three on All Stars 8, you always come across so humble and grateful. What was your mindset going back into the werkroom after 13 years?
JW: It was like a dream come true. I was ready for it because, after 13 years, I grew as a person and as an artist, and I was waiting for a big opportunity like All Stars. And I think it came at the right time, and I still can’t believe how amazing I did. You know, I’m very proud of myself.
And Lala, you were crowned Queen of the fame games. What interested me was upon winning you said “Never stop believing in yourself because, bitch, you can.” How do you have such a positive outlook, and do you have advice for those who may struggle with self-doubt?
LLR: Firstly, that was a great question, but because of what I’ve been through,you know, growing up in the South, which is like the Bible Belt—and being a black gay kid, I had to fight through so much to get to where I am. And if I didn’t believe in myself, I would not be here. So I am a prime example of how, if you continue to believe in yourself, no matter what hardship you go through, you will accomplish your goals and your dreams. You just have to continue to push through and, you know, move the naysayers out of the way, honey, and go get your bag.
This year marks 15 years of Drag Race, what’s been the most important thing you got from the whole Drag Race experience?
JW: The opportunity to meet new people, you know? The show opened the doors for me to travel the world, and I now have friends across the world and I have a platform to expose my art. And Drag Race gave me that.
LLR: Yes, definitely. I love that, and also, Drag Race has taught me to have fun and live in the moment. Don’t be so serious about everything; you know, this is the moment of life. So have fun and just go for it. Just enjoy life. It’s short.
And what’s been the biggest pinch me moment?
LLR: Oh my god, for me winning the Queen of the Fame Games, as that was fan-voted, and so to have that many fans vote for me to win was a pinch-me moment.
You were shocked?
LLR: Child, I was really shocked. (laughs) I know I’m a fan favourite, but it’s just that it’s a different thing when you can see it physically. I guess you don’t realise your impact on the fans.
JW: For me, winning $30,000 on episode three made me say, “Wow, you won something already” (laughing). So I wanted to remind myself to be happy, and I remember the next day I was like, “Wow, I’m so proud of myself.” Also reaching the final three, as that’s a big pinch me, I couldn’t believe it, but I did at the same time. (laughs).
Talking of experiences, you both recently attended Dragcon UK, how was the weekend and how does the experience differ from Dragcon LA?
LLR: Wow, guys, that was so fun. That was actually my first DragCon in the UK, and I felt like it was totally different from the one in America for some reason. I don’t know what it is; it’s just that the energy is so different. I just love being in the UK, first and foremost, and the fans show me so much love in the UK. It’s insane, and it was just amazing to be there. There were so many different girls from different franchises that I got the chance to meet as well, which was amazing. So yeah, I had a great time.
JW: Right, it’s always a good time. I met a lot of people, and I had big lines. Also, a lot of people from Spain visited. It was a surprise for me, and everybody was very happy, and so excited.
LLR: It was a beautiful energy the whole weekend. And I want to also say this: Thank you to the UK because I sold out all of my merchandise (laughs.) So that was a huge plus. A big shout-out to you all over there. I will be back. UK fans just love Drag Race.
Lala you have plenty of music for people to check out – my personal favourite is Bad Bitch Tip featuring Ocean Kelly. What was the recording process like, and will there be new music we can look forward to in the future?
LLR: Oh my god, oh my god (laughs). So, I actually have been recording music since I was like, oh my god, 18. So I was pretty familiar with the recording process. But recording Bad Bitch Tip was super fun, and I’ve never released any music until Bad Bitch Tip. It was different from the music I recorded back in the day. and I was like, Oh my God, this might be a little too much. (laughs) You know, especially for drag race fans.
Were you nervous?
LLR: I was a little nervous about it. I was like, You know what? We’re going to just go ahead and release it and see what happens. And it blew up, and people still talk about it to this day. I see people still post about it, and they’d be in the gym playing it on their gym playlist.
Will you be releasing any new music in the future?
LLR: I am, and I actually have my own song coming out in March. But February is with someone else; I’m featured on this artist named Chic over here in America. So I’ll be featured on their song, and I’ve been working on an EP of my own.
And what kind of vibe is the next track?
LLR: Well, the next track for her, it’s more of like a dance song.
I’m a bad bitch type vibe.
LLR: Omg, Yes, very I’m a bad bitch type. (laughs)
Jessica last summer saw the release of Puterra, a sexy latin song, what was the creative process for the single, and is the start of singer senorita Jessica Wild?
JW: Yes, Puterra was my last one. And I was so focused on travelling that maybe I didn’t give my baby the attention that it was due, but Puterra is fun, and a lot of people love it. My first single came out after my season, then I released You Like It Wild and did that song for my talent act on All Stars because, as I said, this song was the beginning of my career as a singer, you know, as a musician. So I said that I need to bring back You Like It Wild, and I think it was a great choice for my talent show act.
LLR: It was so sexy. (laughs)
JW: I remember when I heard this song for the first time at the clubs, at their circuit party, and I was like, Oh my god, this is a great feeling. I love music, and I’m going to keep working on more music from now on.
Who influences you both to make music? Is it something you just naturally gravitated towards doing besides drag?
JW: I became a drag queen because I love music. I love choreography, and I think art in general inspires me and my drag.
LLR: So music has been part of all my passions, and I grew up in a musical family, like my mother is a singer, her mother was a singer, and her mother’s mother was a singer (laughs). It’s in my blood. My father, my biological father, was a dancer as well, so entertainment has always been something that I’ve known, you know, so it was just natural.
JW: She’s an entertainer! (laughs)
You two should collaborate on a track (laughs)
LLR: Omg, we should! That’s a great idea, I’m so down, sis! Listen, we’re going to be in the studio very soon (laughs).
JW: Let’s go! (Laughs)
And finally, what’s been both of your biggest achievements in the past 12 months and what does 2024 have in store for LaLa Ri and Jessica Wild?
LLR: Oh, child, in the past 12 months? That’s a big question. There’s been so many achievements, but I think, honestly, the biggest achievement for me would definitely be winning the Queen of the Fame game. And just, you know, continuing to travel the world and go to so many places I’ve never been to before, and only dreamt of going to. And also, I’ve been able to work on other projects outside of drag as well. I can’t really talk about it right now, but to have those opportunities. It’s been amazing, so, you know, shout out to Rupaul and World of Wonder.
JW: Yes, it’s definitely travelling. As I’ve visited places for the first time, I’ve actually just come back from Australia, and I was finally surrounded by koalas (laughs). I went with Salina EsTitties, and we had a great time over there. I’m also getting the opportunity to work with queens from other franchises and other seasons. It’s been an amazing year since All-Stars got announced and aired. My life has changed for the better.
Because you’ve both achieved so much, do you still have a list of things left to achieve or have you done so much you have to create new dreams?
LLR: There’s always going to be something new, and that’s the beautiful part of this journey and this career. Just when you think that you’ve been on everything or you’ve done everything, then no, there’s always something new like Binge Queens right now. I never expected to be the host of an amazing show like Binge Queens. So you see that great things are still happening.
JW: Yeah, I agree. There are so many opportunities, and we have accomplished a lot, but there are so many opportunities left for us to achieve. So we’re both here to continue to just grab at them every chance we get.
Binge Queens Season 10 airs on Mondays on WOW Presents Plus.
