Shannel’s Return: From Drag Race Pioneer to Lucille Ball Enthusiast
RuPaul’s Drag Race has introduced many iconic queens over the years, but none can claim the title of first quite like Shannel. The season 1 alum, who was the first queen ever to walk into RuPaul’s Werk Room back in 2009, is now returning for All Stars 9. In a recent interview, she opens up about her journey in the drag world and her extensive collection of Lucille Ball memorabilia, offering fans a glimpse into her life both on and off the stage.
Shannel, a Las Vegas-based drag performer, has spent years amassing a vast collection of Lucille Ball artifacts, which she proudly claims to be one of the largest in the world. “As far as how much? Too much. There’s so much,” she shares, reflecting on her impressive haul. The collection includes iconic items, such as a pair of shoes that Ball frequently rehearsed in during I Love Lucy, and even some of the makeup used by the legendary comedian on set. In addition, Shannel owns several prop pieces that were actually used on the I Love Lucy set, making her collection a true treasure trove for fans of the iconic actress.
But her collection doesn’t stop with Lucille Ball herself. Shannel has also acquired items that once belonged to Ball’s husbands, Desi Arnaz, her co-star on I Love Lucy and husband until their divorce in 1960, and Gary Morton, whom she married in 1961. Among the many pieces in her collection are gifts that were personally given by Ball, Arnaz, and Morton, each signed and cherished by the drag queen. Despite her love for the collection, Shannel clarifies that none of these rare and precious items made it into her runway package for All Stars 9.
When discussing her return to Drag Race, Shannel candidly admits to having mixed feelings. As the first queen to ever sashay onto the show, she feels a significant weight on her shoulders when it comes to her legacy. Shannel previously competed on the inaugural season of All Stars in 2012, but coming back a second time felt like a daunting challenge. “Season after season, watching the show and sucking in all of that knowledge, it’s crazy because while I’ve been in this industry for 29 years now, I’m scared of all of these girls,” she says. “They’re so good, they’re so amazing, they’re so talented, and I really questioned coming back.”
Despite her doubts, Shannel ultimately decided to face her fears and return for another shot at the crown. “I had moments where I said to myself, ‘I don’t know if I can do this, I’m so 16 years ago, I don’t know if I have what it takes anymore.’ But then I thought about it, and I said, maybe that’s the reason why I should do it, to be able to bring that old-school level of drag back that you don’t always see anymore.” For Shannel, it’s all about reintroducing a classic, larger-than-life style of drag, complete with headpieces and big costumes that reflect her years of experience.
Of course, her return to the show brings up memories of her controversial moment in season 1, when she tried to quit after feeling unfairly critiqued by the judges. Reflecting on that experience, Shannel shares, “Had I known what Drag Race was going to become, I don’t know if I could’ve opted out the way I did. I don’t regret it because I think in life you make the decisions you make because you’re in that moment and you make them, and I’m okay with that.”
However, Shannel acknowledges that she has struggled with the decision over the years. “I just felt years later that I’d let Ru down, when you’ve got the No. 1 drag queen in the world… to welcome you on to their show, and then you opt out, that’s challenging to some degrees to live with. I’ve thought about that for many years. It was a moment, and people remember it.”
But Shannel isn’t one to dwell on the past. Instead, she looks forward to what’s to come in All Stars 9. With her unique style and unmatched experience, Shannel is ready to prove that she still has what it takes to shine among a new generation of queens. And while her past may be filled with moments of doubt and hesitation, her upcoming journey promises to be filled with exciting new memories.
As the All Stars 9 promo look suggests, Shannel is set to make a big splash in her return to the Drag Race stage. Fans can expect plenty of the grandeur and drama that Shannel has always been known for — from the over-the-top costumes to the undeniable stage presence. After all, for a queen who’s been in the industry for nearly three decades, Shannel is more than ready to leave her mark on the next chapter of Drag Race history.
Whether she’s showcasing her drag or her prized Lucille Ball collection, Shannel remains a queen dedicated to both her craft and her passions. As fans eagerly anticipate her return to the Werk Room, one thing is for sure: Shannel’s journey is far from over, and there’s still so much more to see.
