Jujubee on 'Dragnificent!' :: 'Made Me Fall in Love with Drag All Over Again'

The TLC show "Dragnificent" suggests what would happen if "Drag Race" and "Queer Eye" morphed into a new show. Described as "the mother of all transformation shows," four drag queens – all "Drag Race" alums – travel the country to offer their skills to individuals as they prepare for a big day in their lives.

The show grew out of a TLC special "Drag Me Down the Aisle," which aired a year ago, that featured Alexis Michelle, BeBe Zahara Benet, Jujubee, and Thorgy Thor as they helped a woman prepare for her wedding day. The special was such a success, the new series was born.

Each of its hosts offers a different skillset: Alexis offers help on hair and make-up; BeBe (the original winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race") is a professional event planner; Jujabee gives fashion advice; and Thorgy Thor, a classically trained musician, coordinates the music and aesthetics for each show.

On the premiere episode, which airs tonight on TLC, the quartet helps Corrine, a wrestler, pick a wedding dress. And as they do, helps her harness her strength and femininity.

Boston's-based Jujubee came to national attention on the second season of "Drag Race," where she finished third. Two years later she joined the cast of the first edition of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars." Since then she has appeared in music videos, further "Drag Race" spinoffs, and on stages throughout the country.

EDGE spoke to Jujubee recently about why she chooses Boston her home, her role as the fashion expert on "Dragnificent!" and what it is like working with her sisters.

Boston tat on her arm

EDGE: Where in Boston are you from?

Jujubee:: I was born in Brighton at St. Elizabeth's on Summer Solstice of 1984. When I was five, we moved to Franklin, California and I spend 10 years there before moving back to Beantown.

EDGE: Why stay in Boston and not relocate to Los Angeles?

Jujubee:: I am living in the theatre district with my cat and I am loving it. Boston is home! I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I love it so much I have a Boston tattoo on my arm. I love who we are and what the city stands for.

EDGE: How did you get your start in drag?

Jujubee:: The first time I did drag, probably like most people, was for Halloween. My love for drag really happened because I love theatre. I love performing and I love being able to become a different person. There is so much magic in what acting can create. I also found that drag really helped extend my idea of performing.

What is 'Dragnificent!'?

EDGE: What can you tell us about your new TLC show "Dragnificent!"?

Jujubee:: I am probably a little biased here, but "Dragnificent!" Is going to be one of the best shows on television once it airs. What I love about the show is that it tells real stories about women and their families across the US. I get to share this wonderful experience with Alexis Michelle, BeBe, and Thorgy. We all get to be drag fairy godmothers, who get to take these women on this beautiful journey of transformation.

EDGE: How did you get involved with the show?

Jujubee:: I was lucky enough to have the production company Alchemy reach out to me. From the very first moment, I knew I could see myself being part of a show like this. I love these kinds of stories. Drag is so fun, so let's just combine love and drag. Drag is love!

EDGE: In the makeover process, what part do you play?

Jujubee:: I bring fashion. My approach to fashion is that you can dress in whatever you like, but if you are not spiritually centered on how you feel about your own beauty then it does not matter. There is a spirituality to fashion and if you put something on, and it just makes you whole and it makes you feel great, then keep that. That is what I teach these women because we all have it, it is just a matter of us acknowledging it and keeping it.

Working with her sisters

EDGE: What is it like working with Alexis Michelle, BeBe Zahara Benet, and Thorgy Thor?

Jujubee:: Well don't say anything, but they are all terrible people [she laughs]. I don't know why they are on the show with me. Honestly, it has been one of the best times of my life. As I am sitting here at home, I am thinking back at all the time that we put into this show. I wish I could show you everything that happened off-screen. There were so many moments that were so special both on-screen and off but working with those queens has made me fall in love with drag all over again.

EDGE: How is "Dragnificient!" different from all the other makeover show already on television?

Jujubee:: Yes, it's a makeover show, but it's more than that. Our show is more of a transformation show. You can take a makeover off. All the physical stuff we can do, but if you don't feel like a queen then what is the point. This is what we teach these women. You are going to see us just dive right into their lives and their stories and help them. These are stories that are real, and I think a lot of the viewers are going to be able to relate to them. We all have struggles, but when four drag queens show up and tell you that you can do it, I think that is the magic in "Dragnificient!."

EDGE: RuPaul may have catapulted the Golden Age of Drag, but how do the drag queens keep it going?

Jujubee:: I am very grateful to RuPaul for giving us this platform and bringing drag to the forefront. I think with us just doing what we do and actually doing it from a place that is honest, real and full of love. I think that is how we keep it moving. It is like anything; it could last for a long time or it could end but knowing that I had a part in it makes me very happy.

EDGE: Any interesting projects on the horizon?

Jujubee:: Well, of course, "Dragnificient! "on TLC Mondays at 10:00pm. I have also been working on some music and recording an album, but Miss Coronavirus delayed those plans for a bit.

For more information on Jujubee visit, visit the TLC website.

Watch this clip from the premiere of episode of "Dragnificent!":