The polished pageant queen is back! First introduced in Season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Alyssa Hunter is making her return on Season 10 of Drag Race All Stars and you don’t wanna miss it. In between seasons, the Puerto Rican knockout has been touring around the world and coaching pageant runways on the island–but now she’s back for vengeance. Latinitas Magazine sat down with her to talk all about her love for pageants, Puerto Rico, and, of course, the latest season of Drag Race All Stars. Read the exciting conversation below, and check out the latest season only on Paramount+.
So you were first on Drag Race Season 14, and now you’re back on All Stars 10. How do you feel walking into Drag Race this time around, especially with the new tournament style?
It’s crazy. I mean, it’s a dream come true, of course. I never thought it was going to be this soon because I was out early in my season. I get the call. They called me and said ‘Do you want to be part of this new format?’ Immediately, I said yes because I never say no to opportunities like this! I feel so, so happy that fans can see more of me. Being part of All Stars and meeting new sisters is amazing to me.
So speaking of that, back in Season 14, you were tragically eliminated in episode two. So what are some things that you didn’t get to showcase in your original season that you’re hoping to show now?
Everything. [Alyssa laughs] I mean in my season we had a sewing challenge, which I was safe in that. This time you’re gonna see something similar, but I’m very excited to show more. Dancing skills, acting skills, and having more screen time because in my season, I was this shy Latino boy…I learned how to accept me as who I am. I mean, [my culture] is what makes me different.
Alyssa shared that Spanish was her first language, and while it used to be an insecurity, they’ve since found strength in their Puerto Rican identity. Embracing these differences and not allowing them to get in the way of success.
I love it! Can I just say I’m also Puerto Rican, so your accent reminds me of home. You sound like everyone in my family!
Really? What part? Where are you?
Okay, so I was born in Texas. My parents were born in Yabacoa and Rio Piedras. Speaking of…Puerto Rican queens have such a rich legacy on Drag Race. What does it mean for you to be part of that?
Amazing. It’s a blessing. I’m gonna speak for my queens here in Puerto Rico. We have a lot of huge talent here. There’s a lot of queens that audition so many times every single year. And to be one that they choose is a true blessing. I was pretty lucky, but now I realize that I was not that lucky. I work for this. It’s been twelve years of working hard, winning pageants, competing, losing, and just learning because that’s life. You have to battle and just be yourself and just be authentic and give it your all. So to be part of amazing Puerto Ricans and to represent not only Puerto Ricans, but all the Latinx Community. It means the world to me.
Could you talk a little bit about how you got into pageantry?
My mom competed in the Miss Puerto Rican pageant in 1994, I was born in ’95. So really since I was a little kid, I was very familiar with pageants because of my mom. I remember that I put my mom’s dresses and walked and my mom would say, ‘You are very different’ in a good way. Like, keep doing you. She has been very supportive since I was a little kid. And now everything makes sense because now I am a runway coach for the historical organization. I help candidates just follow their dreams. That’s why I’m doing drag too because I love pageants. And pageants helped me come into my comfort zone a lot.
That’s incredible! And makes sense, when I think of you I think of fashion. But going back to Drag Race for a second, if you could choose one celebrity guest judge to have on an episode, who would it be? And if they have music, what would the lip-sync song be?
My number one icon, mother, inspiration; Lady Gaga. She was in Season 9 with Valentina, Sasha Velour, and Shea Couleé. I was so jealous!
I can imagine! What would the song be?
I would love to perform–it got me attention when I was young and started doing drag. “Born This Way”.
Oh, I love that!
Because it represents who I am. It’s like I was born this way, and this is me. I’m a drag queen. I’m a queen. So I’m a queer person. I think that song represents who we are as a community.
Alyssa Hunter
That’s amazing. I love that song. Okay–This is not a question–but a proposition for RuPaul. I think if they do another Lollaparuza, they should pick one artist and all the songs should be from that artist. Like a Lady Gaga Lollaparuza. But every song potentially is from her. Imagine it. I’m just saying. [Camila laughs]
So cool, I love it! It would be amazing.
And for Ariana–oh, it would be a good time.
Madonna too, Beyonce, Britney Spears.
You see?!
I’m a big fan of Britney. She’s always a little kid. Oh my god. She is the icon. She’s the pop princess.
Yes, exactly! Okay, last question. Is there a town, a city, or a place that you go to outside of Puerto Rico that you love to perform in? One that you’re always looking forward to?
I mean, I’ve been to so many places and now I cannot wait. I have a full month booked. I’m gonna be in Vegas, Miami, Chicago, and El Salvador.
Oh my gosh. Everywhere.
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