Brooklyn, New York girl Pearl has hit Season 7 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” armed with a youthful exuberance for drag and inventive makeup techniques. This queen is fully prepared to keep the crown in the Big Apple, following the victory of NYC’s Bianca Del Rio last season.
You’re entering the whirlwind of “Drag Race” superstardom! What made you try out for the show to begin with?
I met a bartender at a gig one night who was also a videographer, and he was the one to push me to audition. I’ve always been the type of person who is just very busy, and I felt that I had no time to prepare with the deadline being only in a few weeks, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He really believed in me and that night the stars aligned and we started filming the next day. I’m attracted to unusual situations and being pushed out of my comfort zone, and I’ve been a huge fan of “Drag Race” since the beginning.
For those who don’t know Pearl, how would you describe your overall look?
I feel like my look is forever evolving, but I’d say Pearl is equal parts old Hollywood starlet, washed-up has-been, chic minimalistic supermodel, ‘90s nostalgia, and maybe an extra from “Alien,” “Metropolis” or some sci-fi movie. It just depends on my mood as I transform. I don’t like to put myself in a box.
What was a misconception about the show that you found was totally incorrect once you were cast and started filming?
I was wrong about literally every aspect of filming “Drag Race.” The show appears to flow seamlessly, but the days are so long! Deliberations with the judges on the main stage were particularly brutal, standing idly in heels for hours at a time.
“Drag Race” is known to be high pressure and tough! What were some of the more enjoyable moments you had?
The funniest things would happen on a day-to-day basis when the cameras weren’t rolling and we had a few moments to relax.
RuPaul is a “den mother” of sorts to all of you girls. What was a fantastic piece of advice she gave you?
Something along the lines of, “The fear of looking stupid is holding you back.” “Drag Race” is all about pushing you out of your comfort zone and doing things you don’t want to do, and with that comes a lot of embarrassment. It took time for me to shake it off and go for it, despite how crazy I might’ve looked.
What’s next for Pearl after “Drag Race”?
I’m working on a ton of secret projects right now in the modeling and music world. Stay tuned.
In closing, give me one word that describes your life right at this moment.
Gagged.
Pearl
Brooklyn, New York
Twitter: @pearliaison
Instagram: @pearliaison
