I had an amazing time at Nashville Pride this year. The new location, and everything in general, was amazing. Pride was a little extra special this year, as I was blessed to meet and kiki with one of my most favorite RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants of all time! That’s right folks, yours truly had a sit-down with Miss Coco Montrese!
To say that she is amazing would be a complete understatement! A loving pet owner, Coco sadly lost one of her adorable dogs, Prada, earlier in the week and she still took the time with me. She was so humble as we talked over … dessert! No Tic Tacs at this lunch! We discussed everything from the possibilities of All Stars to the things she faces in her hectic day to day life. Between her gigs, flying from city to city, she holds down her 6 night a week show cast spot in Las Vegas!
She admits the job is difficult at times, particularly since she has to juggle everything while also making time to take care of her home and husband, who is currently winning a battle with cancer. However, Coco credits Drag Race with making it all possible: “It changed my life. I was already working at an amazing show in Vegas and making money but this has opened a lot more doors, giving me the ability to take care of myself and my family.”
Paige: When did you start doing drag and how did you choose your name?
Coco: I started doing drag in college in 1992! And actually I didn’t pick Coco at all! My drag mother, Mokha Montrese, named me!
Paige: What is your fav song to perform?
Coco: Janet Jackson’s Escapade!
Paige: So come on girl! Everyone wants to know, can you spill the tee on All Stars? Do you know when they are casting it and when they plan to film?
Coco: Haha! We are all in the dark! You guys know just as much about All Stars as we do!
Paige: Why is it so important to you to be cast in All Stars 2?
Coco: We all have a story to tell that helps someone. I feel that my purpose was not completely fulfilled. All Stars would give me the opportunity to reveal the real Coco, and maybe it will help give a better perspective on who I am.
Paige: How have you grown since being on the show? What will we see from you if you’re casted?
Coco: I feel I have shown a lot of growth since the show. I paint very different and continue to learn something new every day. I have tons of new looks that you would not expect from Coco. If you feel like you have nothing to learn, that’s when you need to quit.
Paige: Who do you think are the queens most likely to be cast in All Stars 2? Anyone you do NOT think deserves to be in All Stars, or you do NOT want there because they are too fierce?
Coco: I would love to see more of the girls who had unfinished business or didn’t get the chance to really share their stories. For example Indiah Ferriah: she can paint the house down! But you know, I think if you were on RuPaul’s Drag Race, you deserve to be on All Stars already….
Paige: What queens would you pick from your season to be on All Stars?
Coco: I would pick myself and Ivy Winters.
Paige: Any other unfinished business from your season you wish to get off your chest here?
Coco: The thing I’m asked a lot is about my relationship with Alyssa Edwards. Alyssa and I fight like brothers but love each other like sisters and that pretty much sums up our relationship. So if you have sibling you would understand.
Paige: Who was your pick for the winner of Season 7? And which one was your least fav?
Coco: Bianaca DelRio for the win, of course! I would have to say my least favorite was Magnolia Crawford. She thinks celebrity impersonation is stupid, but she moved to Vegas! Go figure!
Paige: A lot of people admire you. What’s next for you? And where can our readers buy one of those cool Coco hats or other Montrese merchandise?
Coco: I’ve got a busy schedule. You can find me at Atlantic City with the cast of Divas Las Vegas, then I’m off to Seattle Pride and RPLACE in Virginia, with more dates and shows to come! And you can make purchases at my online store www.cocosclassythings.com.
Coco and I chatted about a lot of things. One thing I discovered was news to me. When I asked her about Nashville, she hinted that we’d be seeing more of her in the area – what what? – and spoke on how she loves Nashville! In fact, at one time, she interviewed here and Nashville almost became her home before she landed the job in Vegas. Could you imagine?! She would def make a great Playmate!
You can follow Miss Coco on Twitter @cocomontrese and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cocomontrese!