Michelle Visage has spilled the tea on how she became Drag Race Down Under’s new host.
Back in March, RuPaul shocked the fandom when she announced her departure from the Australian/New Zealand-based series.
“It has been my great honour to bring Drag Race to Australasia,” Ru told Entertainment Weekly.
In addition to stepping down, the ‘Cover Girl’ singer revealed that her long-time friend and collaborator Visage would be taking over as the new leading lady of Drag Race Down Under.
“I can’t wait to see the franchise continue to flourish under the leadership of the incredible Michelle Visage.”
Shortly after the news was announced, Visage confirmed her new role on her Instagram account, where she received an outpouring of support from her followers and Drag Race alums.
“Thank you, my dear @rupaulofficial , for entrusting me with one of your beloved shows. The color, humor and outrageousness of Down Under drag holds a special place in my heart,” Visage wrote in her caption.
“I’m ready to do everything in my power to encourage these beautiful queens to believe in themselves and let their inner light shine through.”
While fans have expressed excitement for Visage’s new role, many have wondered why Ru took a step back from hosting the Aussie iteration.
Fortunately, the Seduction songstress spilled all the tea on RuPaul’s decision and the conversation they shared during her recent appearance on Loose Women.
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“Ru has a massive, no. 1 best-selling book and had a book tour, and it wasn’t even a conversation. He just said, ‘You’re gonna do this right?’ and I was like ‘Well yes, I am,'” she explained.
Elsewhere in her interview, Visage admitted to feeling some pressure stepping into Ru’s hosting shoes due to the inevitable comparisons she’ll start to receive once season four airs.
“I feel like people are going to compare, and it’s not fair, because Ru is Ru, and I am myself. [But] that’s going to happen no matter what,” she continued.
“I just have to focus on what I’m there to do, which is help those kids be the best that can be, shine, and give them the critique that they deserve… good or bad.”
The fourth season of Drag Race Down Under was confirmed back in October 2023.
Like previous entries, the upcoming batch of episodes will feature 10 new queens compete for a cash prize and the title of Down Under’s Next Drag Superstar.
While Ru isn’t leading season four as its host, she’s set to remain a prominent fixture behind the scenes as an executive producer.
Rhys Nicholson has also been confirmed to stay on the panel as a regular judge, with past Down Under queens and celebrity guest judges – who are yet to be announced – starring in each episode.
Drag Race Down Under season four premieres later this year exclusively on WOW Presents Plus and on Stan for viewers in Australia.
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