Canada just crowned its next drag superstar! Last week, The Virgo Queen, a 26-year-old drag artist from Toronto, became the first Afro-Indigenous Queen to win Canada’s Drag Race, walking away with the $100,000 grand prize. 

In the Season 5 finale, the final four queens were tasked with writing, recording, and performing their debut single, with the help of guest judge Orville Peck. 

Then it all came down to The Virgo Queen and fellow Toronto-based Queen Makayala Couture. Donning their most fabulous coronation looks, they left it all on the stage for one final lip sync — From This Moment by Shania Twain — and The Virgo Queen was ultimately crowned the winner.

“I dedicate this win to every person who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated,” she said. “Buckle up baby because the Virgo Reign is about to begin and I know that’s right!!! Peace and hair grease.”

We sat down with The Virgo Queen the morning after her big win aired to discuss her favourite moments from this season, what it’s really like to play Snatch Game, and what’s next after her Drag Race victory.

Right down to the end, you had such fierce competition with other final queens: Helena Poison, Minhi Wang, and Makayla Couture. What did it mean to you to share this experience with them?

It meant everything. The top four—we got to spend that time together, and it was really special. It was important for all of us to do our best and make it a really strong finale, not only for us, but for Canada, and for everyone that’s putting so much work into the show and the whole cast.

All four of you are from Toronto as well! What do you love most about the drag community here?

I would say the diversity. You can go to Church Street and you can find so many different types of drag queens. But then you can also go to the west end and you can go to the east end. There’s a lot of queer spaces here, so it allows for a lot of different types and styles of drag.

What does it mean to you to be the first Afro-Indigenous person to win Canada’s Drag Race?

It’s a huge privilege. I’m super honoured that I can have this opportunity, and it feels really special. I hope I can carry the crown and everyone’s proud of me. 

Can you talk about The Stars Have Aligned, the single you wrote and performed for the finale? What was your inspiration for the song?

It was really difficult to write, which may sound surprising because of all the songs that I wrote on the show, but I think by that time, I ran out of material! Honestly, it was tough. I had a couple of tough weeks. So I got into the shower, and I may or may not have cried a little bit, and I just tried to focus on my entire experience, from when I walked in leading up to the end…it was like, six hours in the shower.

Let’s take it back to the beginning of this journey. How did you feel going into the show? What you were hoping this experience would give you?

I was hoping that I would win! I was planning on it! But going into it, I really did not know what to expect. I was just trying to literally take it one day at a time. We all watch the show, but once you’re there and you’re doing it, it’s so different than what we see on TV. Every time before the lip sync, I was just like, you’re on Drag Race. This is a dream come true in itself. So just do what you do best.

What was something that surprised you about this experience?

How daunting and intimidating doing Snatch Game is. I felt so comfortable doing all the challenges and just being on set, everyone was great. And then you get there and you’re sitting down, and then boom, my palms were sweating. I’m like, why am I nervous? We’re just here playing a game. I think everyone can agree on just how different doing Snatch Game is versus watching Snatch Game.

You have such confidence and star power on stage. Being where you are now, what advice would you give your younger self?

Definitely to keep your head up, and continue to move forward. Don’t be shy. Don’t be afraid to take chances and take risks.

If you had to pick, what was your favourite look this season?

I would probably choose the “Time and Place” look. I feel like it definitely showed my culture. It was an inspirational moment that got people thinking. 

Can you tell us a little bit about the music you’ve been working on?

I’m gonna get to the studio as soon as possible. I’ve been working on a song, but I’m trying to have an album come together. So I’m open to working with and collaborating with anybody. If anyone’s interested, holler at your girl!

Who would be your dream collaborator?

Beyoncé. I think one day I’m gonna do a song with Beyoncé. I feel like if Beyoncé ever does a song with a drag queen, it has to be me, right? 

What’s next for you after this big win?

I’d like to travel. I’d like to tour and perform, but most importantly, I want to open opportunities for my communities and work on my music. I’m about to pop off, so please stay tuned.

Season 5 of Canada’s Drag Race is available to stream on Crave.