SILENCE! We have a winner

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

It's Miss Mango \o/

"SILENCE!"



Congratulations, Tyra!



(gifs from here.)

What did everyone think?

*--*

Project Rungay/TLo's recap of the finale and reunion.

Entertainment Weekly's recap and Q & A with the winner.

Epic interviews / Behind the scenes from the taping of the Reunion special, with amazing pics, here:

*My Own Private Untucked: Behind The Scenes At The RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2 Reunion

*Exclusive: RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Winner Interviewed: Long Live The New Queen!

*RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2, The Runner-Up Exit Interview: Maybe Gone, But Never Forgotten!


*Pics by Rich Juzwiak

Comments

[keeper-of-stars.livejournal.com]

So predictable it wasn't even funny. I wish Raven had won. :'(

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

Ohh is that Sonique in your icon?

Oh, and Raven looked pretty amazing in the finale - I'm still entranced by how 80s her 80s look was.

[bohemian-geek.livejournal.com]

I would've fallen over if Miss Mango had one, lol. That would've been glorious. :-)

As for the actually winner, feh. Yes, Tyra is gorgeous, but I don't know, she never.. clicked for me, you know? She either flatlined in the personality department or came off like a brat. Not to mention that I can't stand the blatant favoritism she was shown or the fact that it looks as though Ru is just picking queens that fit the same archetype as her. And I still think it was wrong that she won the bride challenge over Raven, who's dress was just perfection.

But ultimately the winner doesn't matter and even Ru knows that winning doesn't mean an instant shoot into superstardom. Plus, it's kinda obvious from the reactions of people when Jessica and Pandora left and the fact that Jujubee is up for a NewNowNext award, who the real stars of the season were.

I was more excited for the reunion anyhow. I absolutely loved the verbal bitchslap Pandora gave Santino. He totally had it coming. Also, that picture of Shangela is beautiful. Girl was straight up robbed.

/end rambling mess, sorry, lol.

[shaherizad.livejournal.com]

Tyra was the more boring of the final 3. Thank you for pointing out that Ru only picks people who look similar to her!! I've always thought that, but I never wanted to say it, because it sounded whiny. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that! There were episodes where I felt that Tyra's hair was just Ru's hair, but brown. Talk about lack of uniqueness!!

I honestly don't feel like Pandora said enough to Santino. He robbed her. I hope that Ru gets rid of him next season and replaces him with someone who has a more balanced opinion. But at least she won the Congeniality award!!!

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen the reunion episode yet, I'll try to fit it in tonight. Yay, can't wait to see Pandora verbally bitchslap Santino. I'm so fascinated by Pandora's dress.

Shangela! She's got something about her manner that's very compelling and alive. I just want to sit and listen to her talk. (ETA: I just saw her 'cornsage' -- it is beautiful and I want one!)

But ultimately the winner doesn't matter and even Ru knows that winning doesn't mean an instant shoot into superstardom.

This is a good point. It can't be taken too seriously, and really, almost all of them have benefited from being contestants :)

Congrats

[shaherizad.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it was super predictable. But, in a way, I'm glad Tyra won. I'm still a die-hard Raven fan. She and Tyra were neck and neck, but Tyra's lipsync completely blew Raven's out of the water. That's the only reason I think Tyra deserved to win over Raven. Also, I'm glad Tyra turned her attitude around.

Also, I'm glad Tyra's son has a future now. I certainly hope she doesn't f*ck it up for him in the future!

Re: Congrats

[annyong.livejournal.com]

all she did was a jump down splits. it pisses me off how many shitty queens were saved in this competition by a splits

Re: Congrats

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

Yep, I'm (after initially being upset) OK with the Tyra win. I thought it was funny that that she told the judges that she'd show her son the show. I hope they skip the episode in which Sahara called her 'satan's baby' (partly because Tyra deserved that, at the time).

[annyong.livejournal.com]

tyra is fuckimg terrible

[kapvik.livejournal.com]

More people than ever now believe RDR is rigged, and I'm starting to believe them. Forget charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. If this is any indication, what you really need to win this contest is runway, glamour, and the biggest sob story. Being tall, black, and willing to sabotage and physically assault the other contestants probably doesn't hurt your chances either, and the latter will probably even get you a shitload of perks.

In any case, Pandora is clearly the queen who benefited most from this season, while Tyra (much as I am loathe to agree with Raven) will probably never really become a drag superstar, no matter what she or RuPaul would have us believe. Someone on another board made an eerie prediction of what Tyra's Drag Race Tour performance would be: "Hi, I am Tyra Sanchez, the New Tyra and America's Next Drag Superstar. I love Beyonce. Now watch me walk up and down this stage for 10 minutes."

Raven didn't win and has been exposed as the nasty, jealous, mean-spirited bitch we all knew she was. Not that Raven cares or even shows the slightest amount of genuine remorse. Whatever, dicksack.

Tatianna got to have her much-deserved retaliation, and yet RuPaul urges her to become more thick-skinned. Leave the crack alone, Rupaul; that's what made you look like a hot mess on Project Runway and misjudge this entire competition.

Pandora really did deserve the consolation prize (I could have sworn there was cash involved in that when Nina won it; am I wrong?), but it's really a Fan Favorite award rather than "Miss Congeniality", otherwise Jessica should have gotten it. (Although some suspect that the reason Jessica got along with everyone is because she barely understood what they were all saying. :p )

Shut up, Morgan, you're still a mean little bitch and you did totally dress and act like a $2 skankwhoreslut most of the time. Don't try and turn it on Tatianna just because she pointed it out. And even then, neither of you said anything with half as much malice as Raven.

I love that Shangela brought her own Miss California Entertainer (or something) crown to show how much she's grown since she was eliminated, and that she created the cornsage. *AND* that she, as a native Texan, shredded Mystique's silly urban/mall country excuses. If she actually gets to come back for Cycle 3, I would not object.

If only RuPaul had had the good sense to throw the final two out and crown Nina Flowers instead. Ugh. I'm going to join the others in pretending the show was cancelled due to moral outrage after Jujubee was eliminated. I'm being generous here, because most of the people I've seen voicing the same feelings pretend the show was cancelled due to moral outrage after Pandora left, and sometimes after Tatianna if they're really trying to give this season a chance. Seriously, they're not looking for America's Next Drag Superstar anymore. Clearly, they're looking for America's Next Top Drag Supermodel (which in hindsight Bebe also fits the bill for), and should reposition their messages thus.

And even with the win, Tyra is nowhere near the same class of queen as Bebe Zahara Benet.

[annyong.livejournal.com]

wow, you seem really angry towards raven, despite the fact that she fucking apologized during the reunion to tatianna... tati talked as much shit about the other queens (if not more), yet it was ok for her to say those things and not for raven to say them?

[shaherizad.livejournal.com]

Yes, Raven's a bitch. But that's her personality, her character, her style, in the same way that Pandora's style is to be funny and a bit campy. I wish people would just lay off of Raven for being a bitch. of course she's unapologetic. She came into this competition with the persona of a cold, frosty bitch. Good for her for sticking to her guns!! But she did drop her persona a bit, especially for the Drag Mother competition. And she made friends.
In my opinion, if Raven values you, then you're worth being valued.

[bohemian-geek.livejournal.com]

and willing to sabotage and physically assault the other contestants probably doesn't hurt your chances either, and the latter will probably even get you a shitload of perks.

That pissed me off royally. Forget the wigs and make-up (though that was certainly obnoxious), she really could've seriously hurt Juju and the fact that Ru didn't call her out on it and Tyra tried to giggle it off like it was nothing makes me more angry the more I think about it. I think that moment during the critique also made me mad, because I had flashbacks to last season's finale when Rebecca insulted the other girls and then tried to giggle and like it was so cute of her to do. It's not.

"Hi, I am Tyra Sanchez, the New Tyra and America's Next Drag Superstar. I love Beyonce. Now watch me walk up and down this stage for 10 minutes."

Lol! Sounds fairly accurate, I think. I'm planning on trying to see the tour in June and if that happens, I swear I'm walking out. Or throwing tomatoes.

I could have sworn there was cash involved in that when Nina won it; am I wrong?

I don't remember the exact amount of it, but yeah, I'm pretty sure they did give her money to spend during the Vegas trip that she won.

If she actually gets to come back for Cycle 3, I would not object.

Neither would I. Just from the little we got to see of her, I loved Shangela's personality and eagerness to learn and grow, etc. It would be cool if they gave her another go.

I'm going to join the others in pretending the show was cancelled due to moral outrage after Jujubee was eliminated.

Is it bad that I couldn't really muster up enough emotion to be outraged at Juju leaving? She's my number two girl this season, so you'd think I would've been really pissed as opposed to, "aw, that sucks." I think I was too emotionally burnt out by the eliminations of Jessica and Pandora that I just didn't have it in me.

Clearly, they're looking for America's Next Top Drag Supermodel (which in hindsight Bebe also fits the bill for), and should reposition their messages thus.

It really does seem that way, I wish they would just say it already. And though I'm not a fan of Bebe, per se (the wide eyes during her lipsyncs was off-putting, to say the least), I could deal with her winning, because at least she has the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, talent, as well as class and grace. Things that seemed missing from Tyra for the most part.

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

Whatever, dicksack.

Ahahahahaha. Why haven't I heard that word before! I love it.

*Now* I remember Ru being on Project Runway, years ago. I'd forgotten all about that but eek, I was worried about her. She's been off substances for a long long while now, as far as I know. Maybe she was just tired or Mathu Anderson was off topping himself that day.

I'm pretty sure that they gave Nina cash for being nice, yes.

and you did totally dress and act like a $2 skankwhoreslut most of the time. Don't try and turn it on Tatianna just because she pointed it out/

I just find that whole thing funny, especially when someone would call someone else too skanky-looking and then wear something super-short later on. Eh, I guess nobody likes being called a whore in conversation (unless it's your friend doing the calling, then it might be OK?) even if that's the look they're going for. I love Morgan.

I'd love to see Shangela back next season!

Hmm, I feel like they should have started Tyra's redemption-arc edit earlier in the season. As it was, her behaviour eclipsed her performances. I gotta give her credit though for managing to do what she's done by the age of 21. Tatianna, too -- when she was talking about how she'd never travelled alone before, during the reunion, it really emphasised for me that she's really just a kid. Most 21-year olds I know are not fit for society, it's a stage.

[underworld.livejournal.com]

this was my first season watching Drag Race, and it left a bitter taste. I loved it up until the finale, where I learned this is actually a beauty pageant.

and those I'm not interested in.

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

Aw. Well, I hope that doesn't put you off watching the first season, if you'd planned to. The personalities were a lot sweeter in general, and I was so impressed -- at the time I thought it proved that reality tv *can* be done in a more dignified way, and still be compelling without people being shady.

[teddi.livejournal.com]

"The next drag superstar shouldn't be a lazy bitch."

AMEN, JUJU.

I cannot fucking believe Tyra won.

[momiji-neyuki.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately I guessed it from the commercials of Drag U. Since both Jujubee and Raven were on it I figured it had to mean that Tyra won. She would be too busy to be on another show.

A few others tried to make me feel better that it might just be a fluke, but I guess my brain knew better. They should have showed that commercial during Untucked instead.

[keeper-of-stars.livejournal.com]

Wow... I just scanned over the comments and there's a lot of anger here, lol. And I just have to say that I'm shocked that no one has mentioned Sonique! I, for one, am so glad that she's finally happy with herself. And I'm also happy that she had Morgan right there next to her for support. When the show aired, I couldn't stand Morgan. But that won me over.

Now, Raven. I love her. Love. Love. Love her. And why? Not just becuase she's a fierce queen, but becuase she's so straight forward and honest. At least, with her, you know that she's telling you the truth. Now, that's not to say that she wasn't just plain flat out mean at times, because she was. (But honestly, save for Pandora and Jessica, they all were at times.). But I don't think she's the villian that everyone wants her to be.

Also, I think that her personality is an aquired taste. Some people (like me) enjoy that level of honesty. While others don't. It's refreshing to hear someone speak their mind. But then again, I can really relate to that, and consequently, to her. I know what it's like to be called "mean" simply beuase I say what's on my mind.

Oh, so is it just me or did Tyra look really strange during the Reunion? She just didn't look like herself. And not just becuase of the teeth.

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

I think most of us are still in the 'TYRA WHAAAAT' stage after the finale.

But you're right and yeah Sonique's announcement was just wonderfuk to see. I loved how everyone supported her, and especially what Ru said. I'm happy for her. (I do wonder though, if and how it's going to affect her drag career because there's transphobia everywhere, even in queer and drag communities).

Heh, I just don't get why so many people hated Morgan. I loved most things she did and find her so fierce and funny (her audition tape was hilarious, with the walking in a back alley and showing off her wardrobe in her car). And she's an amazing performer. It was nice to see that she and Mystique had more or less gotten over their problems. (Speaking of Mystique, she looked fabulous during the reunion!)

But yes, getting back to your point it was really lovely to see that Sonique had such good support from Morgan -- although I was a bit taken aback when soon after Sonique talking about being trans, Morgan said something like "at the end of the day I'm a *man* and I won't let people disrespect me" -- which -- REALLY BAD choice of words Morgan! I'm sure Sonique wouldn't agree that women are just *fine* with being disrepected :|

(There was also some related weirdness directed at Tatianna for her gender during the show - it seemed like people were in effect *accusing* her of being trans, and not a real drag queen. So Tati felt compelled to mention having a dick a few times, even during the reunion. It's too bad that ther's that apparent divide nowadays).

Raven's look grew on me more over time - I usually either love or hate her makeup - but I can see why so many people love her. I found her entertaining sometimes (calling herself "an eloquent trucker"? Hilarious). But I thought Tati was correct when she said that Raven's issues with her stemmed from jealousy; basically, I get the sense that Raven's probably just not a very happy person. Lots of the others spoke their minds, but Raven seemed a bit overly aggressive. Which she acknowledged and apologised for, so idk. I'd go see her perform, any day.

Yep, I'm so used to seeing Tyra with more natural-looking hair; this was a completely different look for her and a lot more artificial. Um, I found the boobs a bit too much but that's my own problem, I guess I'm just not into that. But in general, the look was kinda Jetsons, to me? I feel like it would have been a lot more flattering without the huge latex wings. But I loved when she said that she both got her teeth done and her voice deepened.

[kapvik.livejournal.com]

But the primary objection to Raven's "honesty" is that it is possible to be honest and straightforward without being nasty or mean-spirited. I can do it. People with Asperger's Syndrome can do it. Jujubee can do it. Pandora can do it. Sahara can do it. And assuming the judging this season means that she hasn't lost her damn mind, RuPaul can definitely do it. So why is it okay for Raven to be so crappy to other people?

She's not even doing it to be funny, like Kathy Griffin or Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. There's nothing exceptionally insightful about her commentary either, even in her most civil talking heads. She's basically being mean for its own sake - what's admirable about that?

ETA: Now this is not to say that I don't like a bitchy drag queen. I'm particularly fond of Miss Coco Peru, who is exceptionally bitter and abrasive when she performs. But there's an obvious difference in Coco Peru's meanness and the way Raven behaved during this show.

[shaherizad.livejournal.com]

I know what it's like to be called "mean" simply beuase I say what's on my mind.

I certainly have been too. I've been known as "the bitch" of my group of friends since I was in high school (I'm now in college, for some perspective). But I own it. I love it. And when people need a person to step up and just say what the entire group is thinking, they come to me. I'm the one who will tell you how it is and hope that you're adult enough to accept criticism (or clever enough to dish a little bitchiness back). I'm not a giant fan of the hypocrisy of all of the Tati fans.

Oh, so is it just me or did Tyra look really strange during the Reunion? She just didn't look like herself. And not just becuase of the teeth.

I'm incredibly confident that it was the boobs. Those did /not/ look real or believable by any standards. They completely weirded me out. Other than that, I honestly thought she looked amazing. But those boobs should never have happened.

[purlewe.livejournal.com]

anansie_s Can I ask a favor?

can you press enter after each of teh photos you put on here. It just makes it to difficult to read comments. I got dizzy trying.

And other than being really devastated at Tyra winning (and being called the most intelligent by Merle. really Merle? srsly?) I felt like once Jessica and Pandora went Juju was my only hope. But She came out with some seriously bad makeup and a terrible clothing choice at the end. Actually.. all of them had the WORST choice of clothing for the fnial runway. Wth?

I think that once Bebe won, she had a coach that helped stop her wide eyes and her pulled back lips.. which were the only things that marred her beauty. Perhaps they are working on Tyra now and she will even out.. but I doubt you can take the stupid out. Her lack of knowledge was one of the biggest reasons I couldn't stand her competing. Another reason I felt Tati needed more seasoning. When you have no frame of reference you just always appear 2 steps behind.

I have yet to see the reunion. We were so devastated we just turned the tv off. I'll watch it online later this week.

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

Oh, are they too close together, or do they move around or something? They look ok on my screen but maybe that's not the case for others... thanks for pointing it out.

Juju's makeup seemed to look fine in the workroom and then turn a weird ashy-gray colour sometimes on the runway. I wonder if it's a lighting issue.

[teacup-werewolf.livejournal.com]

I am watching the renuion, but Tyra won yeah no surprise. I guess to win RDR, you have to be tall, black and a brat <.<

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

I confess that I *was* surprised that Juju didn't win (I'm so naive!). But er ... Bebe was no brat. She deserved to win.

[bunglevolante.livejournal.com]

this is quite late but i was really disappointed that tyra won. i don't think she had any of the qualities much of the other girls had. (particularly raven, pandora, & juju). it was like she got some sort of pity win or something.

[bunglevolante.livejournal.com]

AND JESSICA! sheesh i can't even believe i forgot her. they were all heads and tails more talented than tyra, who is just pretty...much like tati, but i'd still pick tati over her.