(EXCLUSIVE) What Happened Behind the Scenes at the Drag Race Finale?

by MK Scott

Now that a winner has been declared, I am able to tell What Really Happened behind the Scenes at the taping of Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 5 Reunion and Coronation.

Since I was in LA, I was able to get on the Standby list for the taping and was told to show up at 3p. (I didn’t due to being delayed. I also know, Drag Queens never start on time, and would never start before sunset).

I showed up at 6pm and was asked to sign some release forms, and so I waited in the Super Fan/Press line in the Playground of an Elementary school, a block from the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood. Some of crowd was dressed to go to a premiere. Over 2.5 hrs. later, we went into the theater as the show began.
Soon, a drag queen came out and introduced himself as, ‘Hi, I’m Alec Mapa’! This was Alec’s drag debut and he wanted to dress for the occasion. Our Pal, Mapa, looked darn convincing, as he warmed up the crowd.

Now on with the show, with lots of red and round of applause to see Latoya Jackson make a surprising appearance. After Detox, hunks in underwear came out and it was a wild party for several minutes.

When Alaska, Jinkx, and Roxxxy came out, Roxxy was still mourning the loss of drag mom, Erika Andrews. Jinkx Monsoon, who is now attached, revealed his crush on Ivey Winters was revealed and was talked about. Ivey was with his Boyfriend, when he saw the episode and was stunned. Roxxy also made peace with Jinkx after comments she made about her comedy.

Alaska was an odds on favorite, but it was Jinkx who won every one who spoke to a real commitment to causes like Marriage Equality.

After Take, and Take and do overs, the audience was getting nervous with swinging camera on a crane just less than a foot from your head! (Also No Absolut Cocktails were served).

They had to film 3 versions of each one, getting the crown and taking the walk down the runway and clapping until the end of the closing music. It was completely, unnecessary! Both Alaska and Roxxy had the hold the crown on with their hand. For Seattle’s own Jinkx Monsoon, who felt like Cinderella put the crown on and fit perfectly. Jinkx walked to end of the runway and bowed to the crowd, and as she returned to Rupaul, and reached for her hand as they walking hand in hand down the runway together!

I was so honored to be there for Jinkx’s Big Moment. I went to Jinkx after the show to congratulate her.

I also spoke with Miss Congeniality, Ivey Winters, and we got a big kick out of the whole IVVVEEEYYY WINNTTTERRS segment.

I ran into Tammie Brown, and wished her well at this weekend’s appearance at Seattle’s ReBar.

I also caught up with Alec Mapa (Still in Drag). Mapa is coming to Vancouver, BC on May 26th.

Willam Dashed out right after taping. I looked at the clock and it was 1am! OMFG!