We all remember watching our first season of Drag Race that stood out, and for me, the one that made a strong first impression was season 3. A cast that was full of drama, unforgettable characters, stunning looks, and many iconic one-liners—“Who the f*ck is Heather?” But what really stood out was the variety of the final four, each showcasing a different style of drag, highlighting that drag is for everyone. One queen, in particular, although a runner-up, went on to win the hearts of millions of drag race fans with their larger-than-life personality, perfected pageantry, professionalism, and just all-around iconic status
Of course I’m talking about Alexis Mateo, the Puerto Rican princess and Floridian beauty who’s now nonstop working in Las Vegas. She recently appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race Live Untucked tour. Something that many queens dream of once off the show. Alexis is best described as the fun, cool aunt—she’s the one who gives you good, solid advice but also knows how to party just as hard as you—if anything, she’d encourage it. By now she’s somewhat of a pro when it comes to Drag Con, having first appeared on our screens in 2011 in what fans hail as the golden era. Since then she’s gone on to compete on All Stars 1, 5 and, of course, Canada’s Drag Race vs. the World, season 2, where she reminded us all just why we love her and has gained a whole new wave of younger fans who look up to her.
During DragCon we spoke about reuniting with Vanjie, living in Las Vegas, and the special Drag Race app coming very soon!
Kirsty Bright: How does it feel to be at DragCon UK, and how has the weekend been so far?
Alexis Mateo: Oh my God, this DragCon has just been so fantastic! It feels like a family reunion, and this time it’s so much more personal for us all. There’s such a deep connection that we all share with one another and with our international sisters. It’s truly something very special for us.
KB: What’s your favourite part about DragCon?
Alexis Mateo: Anything involving Vanjie! (laughing) We don’t get to spend a lot of time together, so when events like this show up, we reconnect so strongly and deeply that it feels like no time passed us by. Of course we have been out sightseeing while getting prepared for this and catching up on one another’s personal lives; we talk a lot about what has been going on personally, so yes, there have been so many great moments.
KB:That must be crazy for you to see how popular she became, considering she started out alongside you.
Alexis Mateo: It really is. She’s just become such a goddess, you know—it’s so crazy. Sometimes I look at her and see so much of a resemblance to myself at that age. It’s a really proud moment not just for me as her drag mother but also for seeing my friend Jose shine so brightly.
KB: And how quickly she skyrocketed too.
Alexis Mateo: Girl, it feels like he came out of nowhere, and to where he’s at today is just incredible.
KB: How does it feel at these events doing meet and greets with fans? Because you do have an iconic, legendary status among the drag universe (laughs).
Alexis Mateo: Can I be real with you? OK, it feels so weird. (laughs)
KB: Do you? Is it because the word Legend gets linked with you? Do you like it?
Alexis Mateo: When people go like, Oh my God, you’re an icon. I used to watch you when I was six years old, and I’m like, What the f**k, stop! I feel so old (laughs).
KB: Well, I’m going to join them as you were the first season I ever watched, not at six years old but at the grand age of 27 (laughs) But it was such a momentous season.
Alexis Mateo: Really? I love that—it’s such an honour (laughs). I mean, it’s very special to me too because surviving through the decades and staying relevant right now can be very hard for many of us, especially now that we have so many seasons of Drag Race. So being here means so much—meeting all the fans, both the long-time fans and the younger ones mixed in, all lining up just to meet and greet you. I am just so grateful.
KB: Those queues are because you’ve got such a good sense of humour and presence that people like to surround themselves around you.?
Alexis Mateo: Do you think? Oh my goodness, so kind. Do you know what it actually is?It’s probably the alcohol. (Laughing)
KB: (laughing) Well, you are in the U.K. Everyone likes to drink a little. So what?
Alexis Mateo: (laughs) Hello, that’s exactly why everyone loves coming to the UK! The British Dragcon is always a fun time, but first of all, I will tell you why the boys are so hot here. We just don’t have these kinds of boys back home; we don’t have that.
KB: Really, you need to point both of us in the correct direction of these boys (laughs)
Alexis Mateo: Oh, you girls are just in the wrong business, honey! (laughs) You’ve got the good gay boys here in the UK. They know how to treat us right (laughs), but beyond that, we also love it too, as we get a sense of royalty feeling when we come here. The culture is different, the weather is different, and of course we always think of Buckingham Palace and the royal family. That’s how we all like to carry ourselves around here—we get treated like the queens we are!
KB: So besides DragCon, what projects do you have coming up for 2025?
Alexis Mateo: Okay, so first of all, I am excited to share that I am going to be the April model for the RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar Game app. It’s going to be super fun to see that come to life, and it’s coming up very soon, so stay tuned for that! On top of that, I’m in Vegas and keeping busy there doing so many things. So if you girls are visiting Las Vegas anytime soon, do make sure to come see me. You’ll find me at Piranhas nightclub performing, where I will take you out for a good time around town (laughs). Vegas is always a party (laughs).
KB: I’ve been to Vegas before. It was eye opening. I had a lovely time though.
Alexis Mateo: Did you remember anything?
KB: Yes and no (laughs)
Alexis Mateo: That’s my girl, and that is the tea (laughing).
KB: Can we see you anywhere in the UK this year?
Alexis Mateo: Yes, I really want to come back. I’m also hosting my own fantastic show, and I do plan to bring it to the UK and perform very soon. I love connecting with fans in the UK!
KB: I hope we get to see you. You will, however, be performing today on the main stage, which is exciting.
Alexis Mateo: *leans into microphone* Yes. For 4:44 pm, see, I remember.
KB: Do you still get nervous performing to fans, or feel a weight of expectations from them?
Alexis Mateo: Honestly, yes, every single time. But more than that, these are the true, big fans of Drag Race. I can feel the weight of their expectations on my shoulders sometimes, because they know you as a performer and as an artist. They know why you have picked that specific song and what they’re in for—they know what time it is (laughs).
KB: How do you overcome that?
Alexis Mateo: It’s just scary, you know? You never really do beat it. No, I literally finished the song, and even after offstage, I’m still like, Wow. I just keep powering through. But you’re going to love what I do. I always want to say thank you so much for having me.
Season 17 of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE exclusively drops weekly in the UK on the streamer of all things drag, WOW Presents Plus. Subscribe now at https://uk.wowpresentsplus.com/
