Ten thousand dollars. That’s how much one lucky drag performer could win if they take home first place in Universal’s Slay 2 Stay drag comp, GSN can exclusively reveal.
Back in early October for season 4, the 12-week drag comp will see several performers competing against one another in a series of challenges each Wednesday night.
But in a huge relief for people who have 9 to 5 jobs, Universal tells us the competition’s start time has been moved from 10.30pm to 9pm.
For drag performers though, the new start time may come as a shock as it gives them less time to prepare their looks if they have 9-5 jobs.
Back in 2016, drag queen RuPaul told Hollywood Today Live that they could put together a drag look in one hour. However, they said they tend to take six hours with their makeup artist to get into drag to film Drag Race.
Meanwhile, drag performers competing on the TV show have spoken about being given only 1.5 to 2 hours to get ready.
The first prize will be $10,000 courtesy of alcohol brands Fireball and Hard Fizz. Other prizes are yet to be announced but sponsors on board include streaming service Stan and costume store House of Priscilla.
We’re also told the audience will this year have more control than ever over who goes home each week.
Applications to enter are now open, although applying does not guarantee applicants entry to the competition. A cast announcement will be made closer to the start date.
Applicants are asked to make sure they are able to attend on Wednesdays over the 12-week period of the comp before applying. How many spots are available is unclear.
Meanwhile, the “physical” challenge will return this year, we’re told. In season 1 this involved jelly wrestling. And while the loser of the physical challenge usually doesn’t go home, the winner gains an advantage.
Drag queens Carmen Geddit and Charisma Belle host Slay 2 Stay while Victoria Anthony usually DJs.
*Editor’s note: Separate from GSN, the author works for a media company that owns Stan.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
