Kaitlyn Hart
Life Editor
ISU’s “Next Drag Superstar” was nothing less than absolutely fabulous last Friday night. Two vibrant and lively drag queens, and one drag king, lit up the PSUB ballroom stage as they competed to become Idaho State’s next drag superstar.
Not only was the audience blessed by the presence of the contestants that were somewhat new to the drag world, but the one and only Charley’s Angels from Club Charley’s were also in attendance as announcers, judges and even as performers of a few songs for the audience.
After a fantastic opening number by the contestants featuring one of Charley’s Angels, Nikki Naugahyde, and two electrifying performances by both Naugahyde and Annie Rexia, the show began with commentary by the vivacious and hilarious Spyke Naugahyde, the director and producer of Club Charley’s. Throughout the night, Naugahyde would continue to rev up the crowd with uproarious banter and an attempt to keep the show clean by commonly using the phrase, “shut the fluff up.”
The judges panel was definitely full of familiar faces from around Pocatello. Lyn Redington, Vice President of Student Affairs was seated at the judges booth, to which Spyke commented, “So if I wanna have an affair, I come and see you, right?”
Next to Redington was the magnificent Ashley Liquor, a drag queen who got her start in Pocatello until she moved away and eventually made her way back to the gate city. Of Liquor, Naugahyde sarcastically commented that “she moved away and came back, like herpes.”
Next to Liquor was the beautiful Annie Rexia, co-producer and co-director of the Charley’s Angels show.
The fourth judge was ISU student and LGBTQ+ advocate Nyele Alvarez. Alvarez was also one of the coordinators for the Idaho Falls pride parade.
Last but not least, the final judge was one of the newest drag queens, the gorgeous Nikki Naugahyde, also known to fellow angels as the “baby butterball diva of the group.” While being introduced to the crowd, Naugahyde explained how the nickname came about.
“Gay culture usually comes with a little app called Grindr, right?” Naugahyde said. “An unwarranted message came through that said I was fat and self-centered and that I would end up being nothing. They said I was a ‘GD butterball.’ I decided to turn around with love to show them that I can use their hate as power for myself.”
The competition began with the first competitor, Aqua Furr, who strode onto the stage while commanding the crowd and performing to hit of the century, “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga.
With wig akin to Halle Berry and draped in a pride flag that read “Born This Way,” Aqua Furr dominated the stage and wowed the audience.
Next up was the sassy and edgy Absinthe. With short, curly, bright green hair and a snazzy blazer, the contestant strode through the crowd tossing what they described as “low-quality condoms.”
Absinthe, the only drag king of the night, performed edgy bordering on savage stand up comedy that was praised by judge Nyele Alvarez: “Let me know when your next comedy show is so I can bring an umbrella for all of your shade.”
Lastly, the final contestant known by their drag name, Jennie Furr, arrived on stage in a stunning floor-length red dress with cascading, Princess Ariel-like red locks. Jennie Furr performed the classic “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor as she strode through the crowd and illuminated the room.
The night concluded with a stunning performance by Spyke Naugahyde, who performed sensationally to Donna Summer’s “I Will Go With You (Con Te Patiró),” followed by Nikki Naugahyde, who electrifyingly performed “Ain’t My Fault” by Zara Larsson.
At the end of the night, it was Aqua Furr who deservingly took home both the title of audience favorite and the award for ISU’s Next Drag Superstar.
Thank you, ISU, SAB and Mrs. Redington, Vice President of Student Affairs, for allowing the diversity to “shine” on this fabulous occasion.