Shannel is an American drag performer, character illusionist, makeup artist, Las Vegas showgirl and one of the contestants of the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Shannel would later return to compete on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars alongside Chad Michaels[3] , forming Team Shad.
Shannel would later return to compete on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. She competed for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Quick Answers
What is Shannel's real name?
Shannel, a participant on RuPaul's Drag Race, is actually named Bryan. His drag name, Shannel, was derived from his first Siamese cat's name, which he found appealing, sexy, and sensual. Shannel took part in the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the first All Stars season.
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In which seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race did Shannel compete?
Shannel, known for her work as a drag performer and makeup artist, participated in multiple seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. Her initial appearance was in the show's first season. She also competed in the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, securing a place in the top four. Shannel made guest appearances in the second, fourth, and fifth seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, and was featured in RuPaul's Drag U.
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Who was Shannel's partner in the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars?
Shannel, an American drag performer, partnered with Chad Michaels in the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, forming Team Shad. They made history as the first queens to secure two and three maxi-challenge victories in an All Star season.
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What makes Shannel a 'character illusionist'?
Shannel, a participant in RuPaul's Drag Race, is termed a character illusionist because she can convincingly mimic celebrities like Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, Cher, Dolly Parton, Madonna, Lucille Ball, Catwoman, the Evil Queen of Snow White, and Boy George. Shannel's distinctive makeup artistry, costumes, and physical performances, such as juggling, tightrope, and stilts, also contribute to her character illusions.
Provided by: Fandom
Drag Name Origin[]
Her drag name comes from her first Siamese cat named Shannel. She thought that it was suiting, sexy, and sensual.[4]
Track Records[]
| Statistics | USA Season 1 | USA All Stars Season 1 |
USA All Stars Season 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking: | 4th Place | 3rd/4th Place | 4th-8th Place |
| Maxi Challenges Won: | 0 | 3 (Eps. 3, 4, 5) | 2 (Eps. 9, 10) |
| Mini Challenges Won: | 0 | 0 | 1 (Ep. 11) |
| Times as Team Captain: | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Times in Bottom: | 2 (Eps. 3, 6) | 1 (Ep. 1) | N/A |
| Times Cut: | N/A | N/A | 0 |
| Episode Eliminated: | Episode 6 | Episode 6 | Episode 12 |
Memorable Quotes[]
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 1[]
- "Wooh, my God! Look at this! Wow, crazy, crazy, crazy!" (Entrance Quote)
- "My persona has always tried to be a little more on the realistic side, but wearing costuming that is super couture."
- "People call me the Barbra Streisand of drag because I've heard she's a real bitch and she's anal retentive about everything."
- "I've probably got about $25,000 in costuming and rhinestones with me. I've got headpieces and headdresses and sixteen pairs of shoes. Twenty-two outfits. Things with Versace buckles on them. And our challenge is create a fabulous outfit from some of the ugliest, tackiest, most horrible thrift store clothing that your grandmother wouldn't even wear." (after being told about the Drag on a Dime challenge)
- "Holler!"
- "I got a whole roll of duct tape with your name on it, kitten!" (to Ongina because she had to tuck)
- "I am amazed at myself; In my mind, I've already won."
- "I love you too baby. You're going down!" (to Rebecca after voting her to go home)
- "Oprah, for me, is God." (to BeBe when preparing for the Oprah challenge)
- "Well hi there! I am the delicious Miss Mandarin! *gasp* mmm! *lip smacking*"
- "I'm here because I am a professional entertainer. I want to be able to give and create showmanship; for the world to be able to see that the art of drag is not about putting on a dress and prancing around. There is so much more in what we are and who we are, as men, and as well when we are women."
- "I'm so glad you asked me this question! I nominate myself because I don't want to be here anymore." (nominating herself for elimination)[5]
- "Since day one, I have been judged really hard, and I'm very frustrated that you can't see the personality, Because I am so fucking real, you have no idea. And I don't feel that I am being understood here. I am beautiful. I'm a beautiful person internally and on the outside, and its so, so frustrating to me that that image does not seem to be conveyed. Week after week when we come into elimination round, I am so negatively critiqued." (nominating herself for elimination)[5]
- "That sounds so nice to hear." (after the judges' answer to her nomination)[5]
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 1[]
- "Hello, Hello, what's up? Do you like it?" (Entrance Quote)
- "To be part of the chosen few, I feel very privileged. When I competed last time, everybody thought I was this arrogant bitch." (intro)
- "When it comes to two anal-retentive perfectionist bitches, that is myself and Chad Michaels" (After picking each other when forming teams)
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 8[]
- "Toodles!"
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 9[]
- "Now look into my eyes and tell me, that I'm not beautiful." (entrance quote)
- "First one in, I’m the real O.G, I set the bar and made herstory. With a voice so loud, I’m standing proud political unrest and controversy. We rejoice in love, just wait you’ll see. Don’t try it, just fight it. Be heard, be seen. So pound the pavement and unite it!" (Verse In Drag Queens Save The World)
- ”I burnt my finger. Still hurts."
- "♪ My pussy’s burning up. My feline fever’s turning up. Scratching at my back door, because I’ve been a lil’ hoe. Hissing while I’m pissing! Hissing while I’m pissing! Take it to the vet so my man can get it wet! (Eow!) ♪" (Verse In Pussy On Fire with Angeria Paris VanMichaels and Natasha Brad Lee)
Trivia[]
- Shannel is the first contestant in the Drag Race franchise to:
- Enter the Werk Room.
- Lose her wig during a lipsync.[6]
- Place 4th.
- Win a Maxi Challenge on All Stars without having won one in her original season.
- Win two and three Maxi Challenges on All Stars, alongside Chad Michaels.
- Additionally, they are the first to win three consecutive Maxi Challenges in the entire franchise.
- Place as a finalist on All Stars without having been one in her original season.
- When Shannel is not performing, she likes to sit down at home and watch the "Golden Girls" and "Roseanne".[4]
- Shannel started doing drag at fifteen years old when she entered a Halloween drag contest and won. A year later, she began working as a makeup artist, hairstylist, and photoshoot coordinator for glamour photography.[7]
- Shannel owns one of the largest collections of Lucille Ball memorabilia in the world.[8]
- One of Shannel's memorable performances was getting the opportunity to audition as the host for Cirque du Soleil's show "Zumanity". Out of 88 people, she was chosen to be in the top 5 to do the main audition on stage. She had the opportunity to walk on stage in an auditorium that seated almost 3,000 people and perform in Mugler's finest fashions using a million-dollar microphone.[4]
- In her shows, Shannel can do tricks such as juggling, tightrope and stilts.[citation needed]
- Shannel revealed in Episode 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 1 that Oprah Winfrey inspired her to lose 60 pounds.
- Shannel is not only a drag queen but she is also a character illusionist. She can successfully create the illusions of many celebrities such as Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, Cher, Dolly Parton, Madonna, Lucille Ball, Catwoman, the Evil Queen of Snow White, and even Boy George.[citation needed]
- Shannel was a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race: Live in Las Vegas. Other contestants in the rotating cast include Coco Montrese, Derrick Barry, India Ferrah and many more.[9]
- Shannel is a interior design enthusiast.[citation needed]
- Shannel worked as a creative consultant on RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race Season 1 alongside Mayhem Miller and Laila McQueen to help the celebrities with their makeup, and also appeared in a bonus Just the Tip! scene for the first episode which was released to YouTube by World of Wonder.[citation needed]
- While on the show she helped paint Nico Tortorella, Vanessa Williams, Matt Iseman and Madison Beer (in episode order). After the airing of the fourth episode Shannel caused drama on X by branding Madison a "nightmare" to work with in tweets that have since been deleted.[10]
- Shannel appeared as a special guest in Episode 8 of All Stars 8, as a helper around the Werk Room.
- Shannel holds the record for the longest consecutive streak of top placements on an All Stars season, having placed in the top for five consecutive episodes, from episodes 2 to 6 on All Stars 9.
- She is followed by Team Shad (Chad Michaels and herself) in All Stars 1, BenDeLaCreme in All Stars 3, Raja in All Stars 7 and Jimbo in All Stars 8 who each spent four consecutive weeks in the top.
- Shannel holds the record for the latest challenge win on a non-elimination season, winning her first challenge in Episode 9.
- She has the second latest first challenge win for an All Stars season overall, after Eureka! who won her first challenge in Episode 11 of All Stars 6.
- Shannel, Morgan McMichaels, Pandora Boxx, Jujubee and Raven made at least one appearance on each season of Drag U.
- Shannel revealed on Very Delta that she was taken to hospital on the day she arrived to film All Stars 9 because she was feeling so anxious about returning to the show.[11]
- That day, July 3rd, was also her birthday.
Gallery[]
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 1[]
Reaction Selfies Photo – "You just found out your $10,000 Louis Vuitton bag is a fake"
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 1 Looks[]
Promo Look (Best Drag)
Promo Look (Best Drag)
Promo Look (Drag Race)
Entrance Look
Confessional Look
Drag On A Dime Look
Girl Group Challenge Look
Dressed to Impress Look
Mac Viva-Glam Look
Drag School of Charm Look
Executive Realness Look
Swimsuit Look
Evening Wear Look
Reunion Look
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 1[]
Mini Promo
Mini Trailer
Half-baked photoshoot - with Chad Michaels
Opposites Attract Photoshoot – with Chad Michaels
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 1 Looks[]
Promo Look
Confessional Look
Entrance Look
Opposites Attract Look
60's Glam Look
Bad Girls Chic Look
Girl Groups Look
Secret Identity Look
Super Villain Look
Finale Look
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 8[]
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 8 Looks[]
Lip Sync Assassin Look
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 9[]
Mini Promo
Alternate Promo
Alternate Promo
Alternate Promo
Alternate Promo
Countdown Promo
Mini Promo
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 9 Looks[]
Promo Look
Confessional Look
Entrance Look
Signature Look, Signature Fragrance Look
Monochromatica Look
Drag Imitates Art Look
Paint Ball Eleganza Look
Snatch Game of Love Look – Liberace
A Tail and Two Titties Look
Smoking Hot Pop Stars Look – with Angeria Paris VanMicheals and Natasha Bradley
Day to Night Ruveal Look
Day to Night Ruveal Look (Reveal)
Atomic Blonde Look
Widow, Weep for Me Look
Widow, Weep for Me Look (Reveal)
Make Your Own Kind of Rusic Look – Hey Sis, It's Christmas
Bring Back My Pearls Look
Episode 9 LSFYC Look
Lip Sync LaLaPaRuZa Look
Episode 10 LSFYC Look
Slay It Forward Variety Extravaganza Look
Grand Finale Eleganza Look
Videos[]
Meet The Queens Shannel
Shannel - RuPaul's Drag Race Casting Audition Tape
Shannel’s Christmas Workshop 🎄 - Portrait of a Queen
Filmography[]
TV[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Trantasia | Self | Documentary | |
| 2009 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 1 | Self | Contestant (Placed 4th) | [12] |
| 2010 | Halloween on 6th Street | Self | Documentary | |
| 2010 | The Arrangement | Self | Guest (Season 1 Episode 6) | [13] |
| 2010 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 2 | Self | Episode: "The Main Event Clip Show" (Special guest) | |
| 2010-2012 | RuPaul's Drag U | Professor Shannel | Season 1-3, 9 appearances | [14] |
| 2012 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 4 | Self | Episode: "RuPocalypse Now!" (Zombie), "RuPaul Rewind" | [15] |
| 2012 | RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Season 1 | Self | Contestant (Placed 3rd/4th) | [3] |
| 2012 | RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Untucked (Season 1) | Self | ||
| 2013 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 5 | Self | Episode: "Reunited!" (Audience) | |
| 2014 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 6 | Self | Episode: "The Finale" (Audience) | |
| 2016 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 8 | Self | Episodes: "Keeping It 100" (Special guest), "Grand Finale" | [3] |
| 2018 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 10 | Self | Episode: "10s Across the Board" (Archive footage), "Grand Finale" | [16] |
Music Videos[]
| Year | Title | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | "Queen" | Xelle | [17] |
| 2013 | "Applause" | Lady Gaga | [18] |
External Links[]
References[]
[]
| Winner | BeBe Zahara Benet |
|---|---|
| Runners-Up | 2nd: Nina Flowers (Miss Congeniality) • 3rd: Rebecca Glasscock |
| Other Contestants | 4th: Shannel • 5th: Ongina • 6th: Jade • 7th: Akashia • 8th: Tammie Brown • 9th: Victoria "Porkchop" Parker |
| Host | RuPaul |
| Judges | RuPaul • Santino Rice • Merle Ginsberg |
| Pit Crew | Emanuel Palmer • Max "The Body" Philisaire |
| Winner | Chad Michaels |
|---|---|
| Runners-Up | 2nd: Raven • 3rd & 4th: Jujubee & Shannel |
| Teams | Team Shad: Chad Michaels & Shannel • Team Rujubee: Raven & Jujubee • Team Yarlexis (5th/6th): Alexis Mateo & Yara Sofia • Team Latrila (7th/8th): Manila Luzon & Latrice Royale • Team Brown Flowers (9th/10th): Nina Flowers & Tammie Brown • Team Mandora (11th/12th): Pandora Boxx & Mimi Imfurst |
| Host | RuPaul |
| Judges | RuPaul • Santino Rice • Michelle Visage |
| Pit Crew | Jason Carter • Shawn Morales |
| Winner | Angeria Paris VanMicheals |
|---|---|
| Runners-Up | 2nd & 3rd: Roxxxy Andrews & Vanessa Vanjie |
| Other Contestants | 4th-8th: Gottmik, Jorgeous, Nina West, Plastique Tiara & Shannel |
| Host | RuPaul |
| Judges | RuPaul • Michelle Visage • Carson Kressley • Ross Mathews • Ts Madison |
| Pit Crew | Bruno Alcantara • Bryce Eilenberg • Calixto Quan |