Big Week for Jujubee – New EP & 'All-Stars' Finale

Is third time the charm for "RuPaul's Drag Race" star Jujubee?

The Boston-based queen has made it to the finales of "RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars" Season 5, along with Shea Coule� and Miz Cracker, marking the third time Juju has earned her way to the reality show's endgame. (She placed third when she was on Season 2 back in 2010 and tied for third place on "All-Stars" Season 1 in 2012.)

But this time around, Juju has proven herself to be more polished, confident and hilarious than ever before. Despite being up against some fierce competition, Juju has an excellent shot at entering the Drag Race Hall of Fame!

Juju also has recently released a pair of EPs (available for streaming), the previously released "good juju : vol. 1" and "good juju : vol. 2," released this week.

For more on Juju's music, visit her website.

EDGE caught up with the iconic queen, who also stars on TLC's makeover series "Dragnificent!," and spoke to her about what's changed in drag culture since she burst onto the scene a decade ago, how "Drag Race" has evolved and of course, Juju's precious cats.

Maintaining her drag

EDGE: How are you handling sheltering in place?

Jujubee: I've been OK in all of this. I'm grateful to be safe and sound. A plus side is that I get to spend all this time with my cats, Mister and Priss!!!

EDGE: Is Boston still home?

Jujubee: Boston is still home, and I'm not sure that she will ever stop being home. I love Boston so much.

EDGE: How has this affected your career?

Jujubee: The pandemic has definitely changed a lot and that includes how I work. I've had to become creative. I've not worked in almost four months, but to keep my sanity and maintain my drag, I've made a commitment to myself to keep making and creating. In times like this, we need art. We need a release. For me, it's drag.

Her cats

EDGE: Are you planning for the fall and winter?

Jujubee: I am really excited for my upcoming tour in the UK and Europe this winter!

EDGE: What are some of the major differences from filming Drag Race in 2020 vs. 2012 for All Stars Season 1 and Drag Race Season 2 in 2010?

Jujubee: Every season, RuPaul's Drag Race gets harder and harder. The stakes are high and the competition is much harder this time around. Many talented Queens have stepped into the workroom, and having another opportunity to show the best version of myself is incredibly humbling.

EDGE: Tell us about your cats?

Jujubee: This is my favorite thing to do!!!! My first love is MISTER. He is a 26lb Tuxedo. He is a 14 ball of energy! PRISS is my second love, and she is a little spitfire weighing in at 9lbs. She's 12, but looking at her, you'd never know it considering her youthful appearance and nimble jumps. The two of them sleep all day long and have little zoomies at 3am. It's incredible!!!! (Zoomies happen after a cat uses the litter box. They poop, hide their poops, then ZOOOOOOM around the apartment.)

Channeling Eartha Kitt

EDGE: Now that Snatch Game has gone on to become one of Drag Race's most anticipated challenges, how did you feel when you were prepping for your Eartha Kitt character?

Jujubee: I felt pretty good prepping for Eartha Kitt. The way I approached playing her was that I was playing a cat who was playing Eartha.

I spent some time watching interviews with her and listening to her music. Her voice is very recognizable, so I was weary at first, but I made a commitment to myself to go for it. It was an absolute challenge, and I'm happy I went with my gut.

EDGE: You seem more confident on Drag Race this time around. What changed?

Jujubee: Me! I changed. I grew. Having made a conscious decision to stop using and drinking, I developed more awareness in myself. From that, I started trusting myself more.

EDGE: How do you think the drag community is dealing with the pandemic?

Jujubee: The drag community has always been resilient. We make anything work. I have seen Queens create shows online and it's been so fun to watch. I have done a few digital shows myself.

The future of drag?

EDGE: Where do you see the future of drag?

Jujubee: The future of drag is now. Drag is influencing fashion, makeup and art. Drag even influences music. Many of us are branching out into other parts of the entertainment industry, and I don't see an end to it. Because of RuPaul, World of Wonder and VH1, I have been able to live my dreams. They have created a space for the future of drag.

EDGE: Did being on older seasons better prepare you for All Stars Season 5?

Jujubee: I don't think anything ever prepares you for RuPaul's Drag Race. Of course I could expect certain challenges and looks, but the competition itself is unique each time.

Thank you for this interview! I have new music out right now available for download and streaming. My first ep is titled "good juju : vol. 1" and "good juju : vol. 2" drops Tuesday, July 21st, 2020.