Alyssa Edwards: Drag Race fan-favourite has a new show on Netflix
Alyssa Edwards with some of her dance students. (Netflix)
Don’t get bitter, just get better – Alyssa Edwards is back in action in a new Netflix docu-series, called Dancing Queen, which comes to the streaming giant on October 5.
The series, which is produced by RuPaul, will follow the former Drag Race contestant in her hometown of Mesquite, Texas, and will look at Edwards’ (real name Justin Johnson) dance school, Beyond Belief Dance Company.
Alyssa Edwards in Dancing Queen (Netflix)
The trailer shows Alyssa, whose drag name was inspired by actress Alyssa Milano, in all her drag glory, but also dives into Johnson’s life growing up gay in Texas.
Alyssa first appeared on Ru Paul’s Drag Race in season five, and fast became a fan favourite for her iconic tongue pop and icy put-downs.
The 38-year-old still has a loyal following, and later starred in All Stars 2, where she came in fifth place.
Netflix’s trailer dropped yesterday to huge fan excitement, and starts with the sound of an audience chanting her name.
Johnson appears in drag and in his regular attire in the trailer, and describes himself as “the grand dame diva of the south.”
It looks like Dancing Queen might be set to be a tearjerker, too, with Johnson touching briefly on the challenges of growing up gay in Texas.
He also speaks about drag in the trailer, and said its power lies in its ability to give people courage. “The wig is the cape to a superhero.”
Alyssa Edwards in Dancing Queen (Netflix)
Netflix describes the series as a “hilarious and heartfelt docu-series,” and says it follows Johnson around as he “juggles his dance life, drag life, family life and love life.”
Alyssa is one of only four queens to have been eliminated from the show three times, along with Tatianna, Morgan McMichaels and Shangela.
Her sassy one-liners on the show helped her to develop a massive fan following, including: “Get a grip, get a life, and get over it”.
Alyssa also made waves when she officiated a gay wedding last year, and treated guests to some of her famous performances while she was there.
