Season 8 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” crowned Bob the Drag Queen as America’s Next Drag Superstar, but both runner-ups, Kim Chi and Naomi Smalls, were winners in their own right. Between Kim Chi’s ridiculously incredible make-up looks, and Smalls’ long legs that made her sashay down the runway with some traffic-stopping fierceness, this was the toughest season ever to decide on a clear winner.
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Zap2it got to speak with real life BFFs Kim Chi and Naomi Smalls after the results were announced and we talked about what it was like watching the “Grand Finale,” what it’s like working with RuPaul and if they’d ever join Season 2 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars.”
Zap2it: How was filming the finale?
Naomi Smalls: It was good. It was like watching the last day of high school. It was emotional. It was also like a weight off the shoulders. We can talk about something else now! We found out [live] who won. We filmed three different alternate endings, so it was our first time finding out.
Kim Chi: Definitely surreal.
What are you most proud of from this season?
Kim Chi: I’m most proud of Naomi’s tuck. That was tight.
Does being around RuPaul make you nervous?
Kim Chi: There’s something about his presence that is very unapproachable, because he’s like out of this world. Every time I speak to him, I’m like, “Don’t fuck it up!”
Smalls: I get nervous around Ru because he’s such a huge a inspiration, like 8 feet tall and gorgeous. But she really is one of the nicest people ever. She brought you there for a reason, and she pushes you to live up to your potential.
Do you look to her for advice?
Smalls: I don’t have her phone number or anything, but maybe the next time I see her, I’ll muster up the courage to ask her a question.
How has the fan interactions been?
Kim Chi: It’s been nothing but supportive. A lot of people are like “You’re an inspiration to me” and I’m like “Don’t you have better inspirations?”
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Kim Chi, have you told to your mother you do drag?
Kim Chi: No.
Will you ever?
Kim Chi: Maybe one day.
Was there anything you wish the cameras would’ve shown this season?
Smalls: No. I felt I was represented perfectly. Everyone was represented really well. They actually looked better on TV than they were in real life.
Kim Chi: I can’t believe I danced on television. Shit! No, no. Let me rephrase that: I can’t believe I tried to dance on television.
Naomi, how's your relationship with Derrick Barry?
Smalls: I love Derrick as a person. But when you're asking me about someone's drag style, I don't like it and I'll tell you. It was something he needed to hear and apparently something no one back home had the guts to tell him. But when we see each other, we're like BFFs. No hard feelings.
What's next for both of you?
Kim Chi: [My make-up line] is in the works already. So, stay tuned! I'm doing a make-up tutorial with a fashion magazine as well, but I can't say much about it. What I really want for next year? I want to go on "Dancing with the Stars." I want to learn how to dance ... with Dmitri.
Smalls: Next, I'd really like to explore the world of fashion, cosmetics and art. Be able to work with designers. Follow in the footsteps of queens like Raja, Milk and Violet who are working some of the most amazing artists in the world.
Would you either of you sign on for Season 2 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars?'
Smalls: In a heartbeat.
Kim Chi: I wouldn't say, "No."
"Drag Race: RuVealed" airs on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on LOGO.
