Let’s get to know Maxie Andreison, the Pinoy drag artist in Queen of the Universe, a reality TV drag singing competition hosted by Graham Norton with a pop diva panel of judges.
Queen of the Universe is a reality TV singing competition that spotlights fierce drag artists from all over the world with great pipes. Instead of the long-established lip-syncing we’re used to seeing, the show brings live singing performances to the fore. Something that, yes, drag queens can do, too, thank you very much.
For its second season, Graham Norton returns as host with RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Michelle Visage, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Star 3 winner Trixie Mattel, music legend Vanessa Williams, and completing the panel this time around is new judge Mel B aka Scary Spice. Now say, ziga-zig-ah!
The show’s return came with a dynamite surprise to Filipino drag fans when it was revealed that a Filipino queen made it to the competition. Maxie was first detected by our queer pop culture radar when she played the titular character in the 2013 musical production of Maxie the Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (based on the screenplay of Michiko Yamamoto for the film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros that premiered at the first Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2005).
Maxie became a resident performer at OBar, the home of top-tier drag shows in the country. She was known to captivate the audience with powerful Beyonce and Rihanna numbers. She made herself visible throughout the pandemic through her song covers, drag transformations, and heck, even thirst traps on TikTok.
Before we see her on the international stage, let’s get to know Maxie a little better.
How did you prepare for Queen of the Universe?
Wala. Tulog lang.
Share some learnings you’ve experienced during filming.
Magbaon ng jacket. Malamig sa London.
Without giving away too much, what things can we expect to see on the show?
Expect niyo na patalbugan ang contest! Masaya at kakaiba!
What is your opinion on the current state of drag in the Philippines?
I’m happy for the community now! It’s getting bigger, and people are becoming accepting. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na.
What was it like growing up queer?
I was a street kid, and my upbringing was a bit challenging. There was constant hate, discrimination, and bullying, but I was very fortunate to have a very loving family that gave me confidence and accepted me for what I am.
Who are your inspirations in music?
Divas like Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, and Whitney Houston.
How did you bag the role in Maxie the Musicale?
It’s a funny story! Mr. Darwin Mariano went to my house and introduced himself as an attorney. Everyone was wondering, “bakit ka hinahanap ng attorney?” Na-stress kami! He personally invited me for the role. Hindi lang personal, as in house-to-house, door-to-door invitation. At dahil ginalingan ko, na get ko ‘yung role.
What inspired you to start doing drag? When did this happen?
It was in 2011 when I joined a live singing drag competition. Simula noon, na-in love na ako kaya pinagpatuloy ko na.
How has drag and music impacted your personal life?
Drag and music help me explore my personality. It’s a really good combo, so I fully embrace my talent in both.
Can you tell me about a particularly memorable performance you’ve had?
My Wil Time Big Time performance when I was a young bading. Unforgettable!
Describe your dream performance.
A sold-out world tour concert!
Where do you wish your career would fly after Queen Of The Universe?
Not just for me, but for all of my sisters, I wish a successful career for all of us.
Drag Race Italia season 2 runner-up Aura Eternal, Drag Race Holland season 2 contestant Love Masisi, and the legendary pageant queen and viral superstar Jazell Royale are among the ones vying for a $250,000 cash prize. Queen of the Universe is set to premiere on the streaming platform Paramount+ starting June 2, 2023.
