How did it feel to make the final five on the latest season of RuPaul's Drag Race?
Derrick Barry / Credit: Logo
I was ecstatic to make the top five on RuPaul's Drag Race. You can count them on one hand! Of course, the goal is top four, top three and to win, but I'm very happy with my place on the race.
You openly admitted on the show this is a world you're pretty new to - how difficult a challenge was it to take part in the series?
This was all extremely challenging. I'm used to painting the same face for a living. I've built a career impersonating Britney Spears and I've worked for years to perfect my act. Trying new things on Drag Race was a challenge I was willing to accept. I may not have been ready, but I had to trust my jump to soar to new heights.
What was your favourite challenge to be a part of, and which did you find the most difficult?
My favourite was the photoshoot challenge in episode one! I was so confident and felt on top of my game. Bitch Perfect was so fun too! I'll always love the political challenge because Bob and I won.
My least favourite was the Wizards of Drag because I felt defeated. Wizard of Oz is my favourite movie, but I've always liked Dorothy the best. Winning the lip sync that week turned it all around.
You were critiqued by the judges for your makeup a few times and did in your final episode draw on some eyebrows - will you be taking your drag makeup further in the future?
Yes, the judges told me I was pretty every episode, but wanted me to push it further. I blocked my brows and got sent home! (laughs) I'm experimenting with my brows to this day, yet I'm mostly a fan of blocking out only half of my brow. That's my drag. However, I'm definitely comfortable to try new things and I have the show to thank for that journey.
How did you find the response from viewers throughout the season?
I could talk about the trolls, but I'd rather focus on what truly matters... The fans! I've either doubled, tripled or quadrupled my fanbase on every social networking site. I wanted to do the show to reach more people and I accomplished that goal. The positive outcomes will always outweigh the negatives.
Now you have your own single out, 'BoomBoom' featuring Chris Cox - how did that track and collaboration come about?
Chris and I are both represented by Michael Benedetti of Executive PR and Talent. We met a few years ago and discussed a collaboration. I went to Chris' studio in Vegas and he played me the music. Right away I came up with a melody and sang, 'You wanna come on over to'. I knew it was going to be a hookup song.
My partners Nick San Pedro and Mackenzie Claude were also there in the writing session. Mack contributed a big portion of the lyrics and Chris helped us fine tune everything. It all happened so organically and effortlessly. I've always wanted to release an album and I'm so proud that 'BoomBoom' is my debut single.
You've just recently been in the UK for DXP16, how exciting was that?
I had an amazing time at DXP16! It was my debut in Manchester and the fans were on another level! I also love working with my RPDR sisters. Willam, Alaska and Adore are a few of my favourites. I've worked with all of them separately in other shows so it was a dream gig to work with them all at once. I will always love doing Britney for the fans, but 'BoomBoom' fills me with so much life, love and energy. I finally feel like a popstar coming into my own.
Another thing people find really interesting is you being part of a trouple - why should people be more open to this type of relationship?
I can't speak for everyone, but this is what works for us. Nick and I were together for five years and Mack came along and it all just happened naturally. In my experience, it was difficult to find a loyal partner in the gay community. People always had one eye on me and another on the door. Either waiting to walk out or waiting to see who else walks in. Our relationship is committed and it's only the three of us. It's a safer way not only sexually, but also having two loving, loyal partners to look out for my best interests, inspire me and uplift me. The creativity is always flowing in our home.
What should we expect from Derrick Barry throughout the rest of the year?
EVERYTHING! I'm excited to branch out to all avenues. Film, television, theatre, music, dance, etc. I have my eye on all of it. I wanted to do Drag Race to open me up to new horizons and I'm loving all of the opportunities that are coming my way. I'm blessed and grateful to be living my dreams. I'm living proof that anyone can 'Make It Happen'. Thank you Mariah Carey for inspiring me to make my dreams a reality.
RuPaul's Drag Race returns later this year for it's second All Stars season.
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