“It’s such a beautiful thing to see people love her the way I love her,” said Dawn Hayes with tears in her eyes.
As cheers and glitter filled the air, Dawn Hayes, Sapphira Cristal’s proud mother, brought an extra dose of heartwarming support as friends, family and fans gathered to watch the first “RuPaul’s Drag Race” episode of the season Friday night at the Brooklyn Bowl.
Sapphira Cristál, a classically trained opera singer, composer, and drag queen, is the show’s first-ever Philly representative. The local premiere event was a spectacle of glitter, glam and groundbreaking talent.
“Her being on Drag Race is such a huge honor for everybody, especially drag youth, we’re so happy that she’s out here and I look up to her, ” said Brisha Kunty Wolf from Philly. “I really hope she gets the crown, ” she added.
Meet the Queen: Philly’s Crown Jewel
In the Meet The Queens segment of the show, Sapphira shared insights into her persona. Hailing from Houston, Texas, she now calls Philly her home. Her drag name, Sapphira, is a nod to her birthstone, Sapphire, and her favorite pre-sober indulgence, Cristál champagne. What sets her apart? Sapphira isn’t just a singing diva; she’s an opera singing diva with a remarkable six-octave vocal range.
The drag sensation, a product of performing arts and music schools, sees drag as the canvas where she can showcase her multifaceted talents. Having competed since a young age, Sapphira’s journey aligns with the inception of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” with this being her 11th audition.
The Premiere Extravaganza
At Brooklyn Bowl, fans eagerly gathered to witness a historic moment. The air buzzed with excitement as the audience engaged in a lively meet and greet with Sapphira before the premiere screening of the show’s 16th season. After the episode, the stage was graced by Avery Goodname, VinChelle, Onyx Ondyx, Iris Spectre, Eric Jaffe and DJ Honey Davenport, delivering a mesmerizing performance that captivated the audience.
“It’s time to bring out the boys,” Cristál announced to the crowd. By ‘boys,’ she meant the kind adorned with dead presidents, ready to tip the queens of the night.
Sapphira, the star of the night, showcased her talents twice—once before and once after the ensemble of performers, ensuring a dazzling conclusion to an unforgettable evening.
Sapphira’s triumph was not confined to just being represented on the show. She conquered the first episode’s challenges, winning both mini and maxi challenges. She won cash prize of $7,500 and immunity from elimination, placing her in a formidable position as a contender for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar.
Closing the show Friday night, Sapphira asked everyone in the crowd to wrap their arms around themselves and say, “I truly love and accept myself.”
“I want you to know and remember that as long as you truly accept and love who you are you’ll be able to get through all this bullshit we call life. Now check that.”
