March 22, 2015
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 7 - Interview with Jasmine Masters
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
In week three of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 7, the mini challenge was "Old Train Line," where the girls had to dress as senior citizens and dance down the line. In the end, the winners were Kennedy and Max and they became team captains for the main stage challenge, the spoofing of Shakespeare classics.
Unfortunately, I have to say both teams were bad, but what made me happy was guest judge Mel B (after all I am missing "America's Got Talent" and needed my Mel B fix). In the end, the bottom two were Kennedy Davenport and Jasmine Masters and, although they both performed well, it's hard to beat Kennedy in a performance. Jasmine sashayed away.
At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?
I believe I was 7 or 8 years old when it became an interest. There was a show called "Putting on the Hits," and a man was dressed half as Diana Ross and half as Lionel Richie, and it piqued my interest. When I was 17, I did drag for the first time for a Patti LaBelle look-a-like contest to win tickets to her concert, and I won.
I chose my first name from the actress Jasmine Guy, and Masters came from my drag mother, Destiny Masters.
How many times did you apply to be on RPDR and how did it feel when you found out you were chosen?
I applied six times (every season since season two) and I finally got chosen. When I was told I was on the show I was shocked, as I heard it so many times in my head, but it never became a reality. I was so excited!
Is there an additional pressure now that "RuPaul" has been on for six seasons?
No, I think it's pressure no matter what. Everybody goes through the same pressure.
Tell me about your "RuPaul's Drag Race" experience.
Being on the show was a lot of fun. I learned so much from the show, and it was a great experience.
How are you going to leverage your time on "Drag Race?"
I don't know, but I am going to take it day by day and see what happens.
Who do you want to win?
I want Kennedy to win because I feel like she is a very strong person and can handle what comes with winning. She is also a people person, and she's a great entertainer. I also feel the same way about Ginger Minj.
Tell me about the man behind Jasmine.
The only difference is the man behind Jasmine has sex and Jasmine does not. Otherwise, they are the same person.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
That I am shy. I know it's hard to believe, but I am.
What's ahead for Jasmine?
I hope the future holds a lot of bright things, but right now I am working on a jewelry line and a T-shirt line. But I would love to host a talk show.
For more information on Jasmine you can check out her website at JasmineMasters.net or follow her on social media at: Facebook or Twitter/JasmineMasters or Instagram/MsJasmineMasters
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.