Read on for EW’s full discussion with RuPaul.
For more exclusive photos of Gaga on the show’s set, click here.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Everyone is SO excited for Gaga!
Credit: VH1
What can you tell us about her guest spot!
RUPAUL:You have to watch the show!
Did it feel organic when she stepped on set?
VH1
We had a fabulous time with Gaga.
Did you guys share any meaningful moments that the cameras didn’t catch?
I imagine there was a lot of gratitude on her part.
There were lots of memorable moments and lots of gratitude.
When she kneeled to kiss my hand on the runway,thatwas unexpected and lovely.
It goes to show you what a sweetheart she is.
Youhavehad other pop stars on this show as judges, though.
Did Gaga bring a different energy?
Yes: her appreciation!
She comes from that world.
Anyone who actually makes it on the show already has such an interesting backstory.
Automatically, they’re super interesting and I think the audience will find them super interesting.
I know they will.
How involved are you in the casting process?
I’m there from the very beginning to the very end…
This is my world.
It’s been my world for the past 35 years.
All of the other people involved trust me.
There are the other producers, and then there’s the internet.
They’re the main entities… but usually I get my way.
[Laughs]
I’d expect nothing less!
Tammie Brown in the first season, she’s one I had to fight for.
I needed to represent that sort of kooky, irreverent style of drag that was very eccentric.
Initially, the internet didn’t understand it, but ultimately we got Tammie Brown.
They know and trust me now.
We want a cross-section.
I imagine that’s a powerful evolution to witness.
I’m really proud of it.
The truth is I’m looking for their real selves.
I want to see who they are.
We always laugh when we hear that…
It’s an interesting process, but most people do the exact same thing in every audition.
You obviously saw something special in the season 9 queens.
Young people need to know there are ways for them to navigate this life.
RuPaul’s Drag Raceseason 9 premieres Friday, March 24 at 8 p.m.
