Freya Armani: An Exclusive Interview
Currently streaming on Stan, RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under started with 10 amazing drag performers. Throughout the season they competed for the coveted crown and the title of “Down Under’s next drag superstar”. The Top Four queens are Freya Armani, Lazy Susan, Vybe, and Mandy Moobs.
Born in Philadelphia, Freya Armani started drag in 2019. Known for her energetic performances, this incredible Brisbane-based performer has a background in competitive dance, as well as a bachelor’s degree in dramatic training from Queensland University of Technology. She is also a member of the Brisbane POC collective, Drag Haus of Thicc.
In an interview with Gay Sydney Australia, Freya, 24, Spoke about the incredible experience of making it into the Top Four. She also revealed the origin of her drag name, shared an important life lesson, and told the story of her first time in drag (“delightful mess”).
Read for yourself…
How was the experience of being on Drag Race Down Under? How does it feel to have made it onto the show?
The overall experience was such a dream, personally getting the full drag race experience was so fun and reaffirming! Receiving feedback, support, and love from industry professionals is an incredible moment in any performer’s career. Most drag queens dream of getting on the show, as have I, though it has never been my end goal.
I have so many aspirations and goals I hope to achieve. My passions lie in fashion/modelling, music, makeup, acting and live performance. Drag Race hopefully is just another platform to further push those dreams to becoming a reality.
How does it feel to have made it this far in the competition? What would winning mean to you?
I’ve always had the ‘hustler’ work ethic, as my drag mom and I say. I Learned very quickly that working hard, passionately and humbly will always push you where you need to be. So getting this far, to the Top Four of Drag Race is such a fulfilling and meaningful milestone. Winning would be the cherry on top, of course, of such an incredible experience and extremely challenging season but I feel becoming part of the Drag Race family is a prize in itself. The opportunity to join a historic moment in time and be part of something as meaningful as this show is priceless!
How has the experience of being on Drag Race Down Under changed you?
The experience has changed me in so many ways, I’ve always been a ‘be happy & grateful to be there’ kind of person – but Drag Race has shown me that it’s okay to want to win. It’s okay to try to be the best at something and it’s okay to challenge yourself, even if you fall short. I truly believe that’s a fantastic way artists can learn, adapt and grow! My drag skills and aesthetic have grown so much already since being on the show and I love drag so much as an art form, so it’s just so exciting to see it in myself and also knowing it’ll just continue growing from here on out.
Are you surprised by your fellow Top Four?
I know the others might be surprised as I’ve been coined as the ‘dark horse’ of the season. But I always knew I was getting to the finale one way or another!
And yes, while I can see pretty much most of the cast in the top 4, I did see my current top four sisters as the others with me in this position.
What was the biggest surprise of the competition?
The biggest surprise this season was going head-to-head with such incredibly talented girls! At the same time, I didn’t expect to get so genuinely close with my season four sisters.
Who was the shadiest queen on set? Details?
The shadiest queen on set is hands down Nikita. As loving and caring as she is, she was not afraid to go against the grain or ruffle a few feathers! In saying that, we absolutely loved every shady moment or comment from her, because that’s an integral part of drag.
What is the origin of your drag name?
My drag name comes from the goddess of love & war – Freyja. She was known for her beauty but equally her strength. I typically model my makeup and overall look to combine that goddess like beauty with feminine warrior energy. I just like to exude the energy of a bad bitch! And Armani is referring to my younger sister’s name. She was my first family member to support me doing drag and was around at the birth of Freya.
What was your first time in drag like?
My first time in drag was a delightful mess, as everyone’s should be! Busted mug, cheap outfit, flat wig and all! Everyone should have a busted phase in drag, it’s just a right of passage that you can look back on and smile.
Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
People seem surprised to learn my ethnicities for some reason! Like in the semifinal episode I received so much love from the Lebanese community from all around and a few messages from people who had no idea. So my family is truly a mixed bag; Afrolatin, from mainly Puerto Rico & Lebanese. Born and raised in the USA and migrated to Australia. That’s basically the rundown!
Is there anything important that you would like to share with our readers?
Something I wish I had known when I was younger and felt very much on the outside – The importance of believing in yourself, even when maybe no one else does. Sometimes you’ll be your own biggest fan and then one day you’ll find your people and receive the love and support you deserve.
To keep up with Freya Armani, follow her on Instagram
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