April 17, 2016
'RuPaul's Drag Race': Acid Betty
Scott Holland READ TIME: 2 MIN.
In Week 5 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 8, it was time for my favorite episode, Snatch Game, a takeoff of Match Game where the contestants have to do a celebrity impersonation. The stand-outs were Chi Chi as Eartha Kitt, Thorgy (she is really growing on me) as Michael Jackson, Derrick as Britney Spears and Bob as Uzo Aduba (then switching into Carol Channing).
The win went to Bob, for doing two characters, but this time I disagree as I would have given it to Chi Chi as she was in character as Eartha the entire time and was amazing (watch out for this underdog). The worst impersonations were Naomi Smalls as Tiffany "New York" Pollard and Acid Betty as Nancy Grace. The runway was "Night of 100 Madonnas."
In the end the two worst impersonators had to lip sync for their lives and in the end Acid Betty sashayed away.
At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?
I never thought I would be a drag queen, but when I lived in California I was always interested in the New York nightlife. When I moved to New York I started dressing up to not wait on line at the clubs.
I wanted my name to combine an illusion of drugs and Bettie Page and that's how Acid Betty came about.
How many times did you apply to be on "RPDR," and how did it feel when you found out you were chosen?
I applied three times and got chosen on the third attempt. This season I wasn't going to apply and when I decided to do so, I made a video that I just had a good time doing, and that's probably the reason I got chosen. I was gagging when I found out. It was so incredible.
Is there an additional pressure now that "RuPaul" is in its eighth season and has aired 100 shows?
I think there is, especially after season seven, as it left the audience wanting more. There is always pressure to leave a lasting mark.
Tell me about your "RuPaul's Drag Race" experience.
It was fun, and it was like being in a virtual reality arcade.
On the show you came across with attitude, but then when you got eliminated you were so nice. Do you think you were portrayed badly?
I think they were trying to make good TV, and they did! The show recently got renewed for another season.
Who do you want to win?
I would love for Thorgy to win or at least to make it to the top three, but the world wants someone like Chi Chi to win, as she has the cards stacked against her.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I'm shy and an introvert....Acid Betty came out of exposing all of my insecurities.
What's ahead for Acid Betty?
I hope to use my exposure and take myself out of clubs and bars and do more art in galleries.
For more information on Acid Betty, go to facebook.com/AcidBetty. Follow her on Twitter @acidbettyrocks and on Instagram @acidbetty.
