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Alexis Michelle
Alexis Michelle
from Wikipedia

Alexander J. Michaels (born October 16, 1983),[3] stage name Alexis Michelle,[4] is an American drag queen and singer who came to international attention on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. As of 2019, she stars in the TLC transformational makeover television series Dragnificent as the makeup and body image expert. She released her debut album, Lovefool, in 2018.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Michaels was raised in SoHo, New York[5] and on Long Island, New York. His cousin is singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb,[6][7] and he is of Romanian-Jewish descent.[8] After high school, he attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Green Lake Township, Michigan. He later received a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.[9]

Michaels began doing drag when he was 10 years old, and began booking paid, professional gigs in 2003, by the time he was 20 years old.[10] He was mentored by the same drag mother as season 10 contestant Dusty Ray Bottoms,[11] and was seen wearing a "Dusty" T-shirt in the workroom during an episode of season nine. Later, on season ten, Dusty Ray Bottoms could be seen wearing an "Alexis" T-shirt. Michaels auditioned for RuPaul's Drag Race eight times, beginning with the show's earliest seasons, before being selected for season nine.[12]

Career

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Alexis Michelle at RuPaul's DragCon LA in 2018

As Alexis Michelle, Michaels originated a role in the one-act campy comedy show Rags to B***hes: A Battle of Wits & Wigs.[13] Michelle was announced as one of the fourteen contestants selected to compete on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race on February 2, 2017.[14] She was the winner of the celebrity impersonation and improv challenge, "Snatch Game" (based on classic game shows Hollywood Squares and Match Game), in which she portrayed actress Liza Minnelli.[15] Two episodes later, she was in the bottom-two for her performance in the comedy roast challenge, but ultimately sent-home Farrah Moan to a lip sync-battle of Dolly Parton's "Baby I'm Burning".[16] In episode eleven, she was in the bottom, again, with Peppermint; Michelle lost the lip sync to Peppermint, performing to the Village People's "Macho Man". This ultimately put Michelle in fifth place for her season.[17]

Michelle still frequently performs at the Feinstein/54 Below cabaret with her show about Broadway, Alexis, I Am!.[18] She also appeared with fellow Drag Race alumni BeBe Zahara Benet, Jujubee and Thorgy Thor in the TLC show Drag Me Down the Aisle which aired on March 9, 2019.[19] The special was subsequently given a full series-order under the new name Dragnificent! which premiered in April 2020.[20] In 2023, she was chosen to return and compete on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, in which she placed fourth overall.[21]

In 2024, Michelle performed the role of Albin in the Barrington Stage Company production of La Cage aux Folles.

Michelle is the drag-mother of Jan Sport, who placed eighth on the twelfth season (2020) of Drag Race. The next year, Jan returned for the sixth season (2021) of All Stars, placing seventh overall.[citation needed]

Music

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Michelle teamed with Sasha Velour, Aja and Peppermint for the single "C.L.A.T." in April 2017.[22]

Michelle released her ten-track debut album, Lovefool, on May 11, 2018.[23] A music video for the single of the same name, a cover of the 1996 song by The Cardigans, was available on May 17, 2018.[24]

Filmography

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Theatre

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Year Production Role Venue Ref(s)
2024 La Cage aux Folles Albin Barrington Stage Company [25]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2017 RuPaul's Drag Race Herself (contestant) Season 9, 5th place [14]
RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked Season 9
2019–20 Dragnificent! Herself Also known as Drag Me Down the Aisle [19]
2019 The Rachael Ray Show Guest [26]
2020 Hot Ones: The Game Show Contestant [27]
2021 Blue Bloods Oscar/Bartender Episode: "Guardian Angels" [28]
2023 RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Herself (contestant) Season 8, 4th place [29]
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked Herself Season 8
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen Guest [30]

Web series

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2017 Drag Queen Carpool Herself Guest, hosted by RuPaul [31]
Drag Makeup Tutorial Guest [32]
Whatcha Packin' Guest, hosted by Michelle Visage [33]
COSMO Queens Guest [34]
Queen To Queen Guest, with Charlie Hides [35]
How To Makeup Guest [36]
2018 Hey Qween Guest [37]
Transformations Guest; Episode: "Alexis Michelle" [38]
Out of the Closet Guest, Episode 4 [39]
The Pit Stop Guest, Episode: "The B*tchlor" [40]
2019 Bootleg Opinions Guest; Hosted by Yuhua Hamasaki [41]
2020 The Pit Stop Guest [42]
2023 Meet the Queens Stand-alone special
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 8
[43]
EW News Flash Guest [44]
BuzzFeed Celeb Guest [45]
React to TikTok Trends by Allure Guest [46]

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist Ref
2017 "Too Funky" Peppermint featuring Ari Gold [47]
2018 "LOVEFOOL" Alexis Michelle [48]
2019 "Rocking Around The Hanukkah Bush" Alexis Michelle [49]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Title
2018 Lovefool

Singles

[edit]
Year Title
2017 C.L.A.T. (featuring Sasha Velour, Aja and Peppermint)
2018 Lovefool
[edit]
Year Title
2023 "Money, Success, Fame, Glamour" (Glam Rock version)
(with the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, season 8)
2023 "Joan! The Unauthorized Rusical"
(with the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, season 8)[50]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexander J. Michaels (born October 16, 1983), professionally known as Alexis Michelle, is an American drag queen, singer, and performer born and raised in New York City. She first gained widespread recognition as a contestant on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2017, finishing in fifth place with performances heavily influenced by her musical theater background. Prior to the show, Michelle established her drag career in New York nightlife, including winning the fifth season of the competition So You Think You Can Drag. She later competed on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8 in 2023 and returned to stage acting, portraying Albin in a 2024 production of La Cage aux Folles at Barrington Stage Company.

Early life

Upbringing and influences

Alexander J. Michaels, who performs as Alexis Michelle, was born on October 16, 1983, in , . Raised in the bohemian enclave of amid New York's thriving artistic community, Michaels attended intimate services in a basement synagogue during his youth, fostering early connections to cultural and communal traditions. Michaels developed an affinity for performance at a young age, catching what he described as the "theatre bug" through exposure to New York City's vibrant stage scene. He pursued formal training at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, a selective public institution emphasizing theater, music, and dance, where he honed foundational skills in acting and vocals. Michaels also participated in programs at the , further immersing himself in intensive artistic environments. Key early influences stemmed from Broadway productions and the circuit, which surrounded him in . Performances at iconic venues like sparked his interest in cabaret-style and solo shows, motivating him to explore expressive vocal techniques such as belting in informal and school-based settings before pursuits. This blend of urban cultural access and adolescent training shaped his pre-professional motivations toward theatrical performance and vocal artistry.

Initial forays into performance

Alexis Michelle began performing in the drag scene in the early , establishing herself through appearances in local bars and competitions where she showcased her Broadway-inspired singing style. By 2014, she had gained prominence by winning season five of So You Think You Can Drag?, a competition that highlighted her vocal abilities in performances such as "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, performed from the rafters of . She became a regular performer at venues like Boots & Saddle, particularly on Wednesdays, where her elaborate hairstyles, larger-than-life personality, and powerful belting earned her respect among local audiences and peers. These gigs allowed her to refine a cabaret-oriented one-woman show format, emphasizing theatrical numbers and live vocals that drew from musical theater traditions. Participation in drag pageants further honed her skills, with successes in local events building toward her entry into national competitions; for instance, she placed as second runner-up in her debut national pageant, Miss'd America, in September 2015. These early experiences in the competitive NYC circuit solidified her reputation for over-the-top presentation and stage presence prior to broader recognition.

Drag Race appearances

Season 9 participation

Alexis Michelle debuted on during its ninth season, which aired from March 24 to June 23, 2017, on , competing among 14 drag queens from across the . Her Broadway-inspired aesthetic and background positioned her as a strong performer in challenges emphasizing vocals and theatricality, with judges frequently commending her singing abilities, such as in the "Drunk Drag" mini-challenge where she demonstrated precise lip-syncing and performance polish. However, critiques often highlighted her runway presentations as polished yet insufficiently innovative or "elevated" for the competition's standards, with guest judge noting in an early episode that her looks evoked a "community theater" vibe rather than high-drag extravagance. A standout performance came in episode 6's , aired May 5, 2017, where Michelle portrayed , earning unanimous praise from judges , , and guest for her accurate vocal impressions, mannerisms, and comedic timing, securing her sole maxi-challenge win of the season. This victory underscored her strengths in celebrity impersonation rooted in live performance experience, contrasting with weaker showings in comedy-heavy tasks like episode 8's roast of , where her set was deemed stiff and underdeveloped, landing her in the bottom two and necessitating a lip-sync against to Janet Jackson's "," which she won. Michelle placed fifth overall, eliminated in episode 11, "Gayest Ball Ever," aired June 2, 2017, following a runway challenge requiring three outfits inspired by queer cultural icons, symbols, and history. Judges critiqued her entries—particularly a rainbow-hued jumpsuit in the "Symbol of Sex" category—as colorful but lacking construction, drama, or fresh interpretation, with RuPaul stating they appeared "costumey" rather than fiercely drag. This bottom placement led to a lip-sync for her tournament life against Shea Couleé to Diana Ross's "I'm Coming Out," which she lost, prompting RuPaul to eliminate her for needing to push beyond reliable performance into bolder visual risks. Fan discussions at the time noted editing may have amplified her critiques, though judge consensus emphasized runway consistency as a key shortfall.

All Stars 8 elimination and fallout

In the eighth season of , which introduced a format twist requiring the maxi challenge winner to select and eliminate one queen from the bottom performers, Alexis Michelle secured a win in Episode 8 with her performance in the "Supermarket Ball" challenge. She subsequently chose to eliminate , opting to save fellow bottom performer , a decision influenced by prior tensions including LaLa Ri's earlier consideration of eliminating Alexis in Episode 6. The choice ignited swift backlash from fans on , who decried it as strategically shortsighted—prioritizing personal rapport with over LaLa Ri's stronger track record—and accused Alexis of pettiness or resentment, amplified by memes and threads labeling her move as "non-competitive" or self-sabotaging. Alexis addressed the uproar via on June 23, 2023, apologizing and framing the selection as a "lose-lose situation" between two admired competitors, while emphasizing no malice toward LaLa Ri. In Episode 9, following a roast challenge where she underperformed, Alexis landed in the bottom and was eliminated by that week's winner, , on June 29, 2023, securing fourth place overall. Post-elimination interviews revealed her ongoing frustration with the season's mechanics; in a July 4, 2023, discussion, she described feeling "resentful" that the format compelled queens to "put ourselves on the line" by voting out peers based on alliances rather than merit alone, likening it to interpersonal pressure over pure competition. Alexis later elaborated in a July 3, 2023, TV Insider interview that her decision stemmed from authenticity—aligning with her emotional connections—rather than calculated gameplay, though she acknowledged regretting the outcome amid the format's constraints, and rejected narratives of strategic deficiency as oversimplifications by viewers unfamiliar with on-set dynamics. The fallout persisted with online trolling, but Alexis maintained in subsequent statements that the exposure bolstered her visibility, countering claims of career harm.

Performing career

Cabaret and live shows

Alexis Michelle has established a presence in New York City's cabaret scene through one-woman shows that integrate drag aesthetics with powerful vocal performances, often drawing on Broadway influences and personal storytelling. Her debut cabaret inspiration stemmed from observing performers at , leading to signature productions like 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, which premiered there on April 27, 2025, featuring a nostalgic selection of and songs exploring themes of love, sex, and relationships. The show, characterized by Michelle's likable stage presence and dynamic belting, returned for additional dates including June 8, 2025, emphasizing her ability to blend theatrical drag with live singing. In addition to headline cabarets at venues like , , and , Michelle maintains a foothold in Manhattan's traditional drag bar circuit with weekly residencies that highlight her and charismatic . She has hosted "Get Happy" on Wednesday nights (8-10 p.m.) at Boots & Saddle, a longstanding Gotham venue, fostering an intimate atmosphere centered on personality-driven entertainment and live renditions of standards. These bar gigs, ongoing since at least 2016, underscore her roots in New York's pre- scene, where she prioritizes unscripted interaction and belted covers over lip-syncing. Following her All Stars 8 appearance in 2023, Michelle expanded her live engagements to include community-oriented events amid growing fan interest, such as her role as an honoree at the 25th Annual Community Health Awards on November 6, 2025, hosted by at Pier Sixty in . These performances continue to feature her signature style of drag-infused , performed across NYC spots to sustain a dedicated local following while incorporating broader thematic explorations of identity and resilience.

Theatre and acting roles

Alex Michaels, known professionally in drag as Alexis Michelle, returned to the stage after more than a decade away to portray the dual roles of Albin and Zaza in La Cage aux Folles at Barrington Stage Company in . Directed by Mike Donahue, the production ran from June 11 to July 6, 2024, and co-starred Tom Story as Georges. Michaels' performance as the flamboyant drag performer Albin/Zaza was praised for its emotional depth and vocal prowess, drawing on his extensive musical theatre background. The role highlighted his transition from cabaret and drag performances to scripted dramatic work, earning recognition including a Berkshire Theatre Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical. Beyond stage work, Michelle has limited screen credits, including guest appearances in and short-form content that leverage her persona, though these remain ancillary to her primary pursuits.

Music and discography

Key releases

Alexis Michelle's recorded consists primarily of a debut and a series of singles, with releases spanning pre- and post-RuPaul's Drag Race participation. Her first notable output was the 2017 single "C.L.A.T." (featuring DJ Mitch Ferrino), a club-oriented track released ahead of her Drag Race season 9 appearance. The artist's debut full-length album, Lovefool, arrived on May 11, 2018, via Broadway Records, comprising ten tracks that blend pop, rock, and show tune covers such as the title song (a rendition of The Cardigans' 1996 hit) alongside originals like "Hollywood Hag Superstar." The album's release followed her Drag Race elimination, marking an early studio effort emphasizing theatrical elements drawn from her cabaret background. Subsequent releases have been sporadic singles, reflecting a shift toward and house-influenced tracks in the . Key 2023 outputs include "God is a Queen," a house track released on May 10, and "Manpig!," issued on June 15, both featuring disco-infused production and thematic ties to drag performance aesthetics. Additional singles from the same year encompass "Heaven on the Floor," "I'm Too Much," and "If You Want My Apples (Radio Edit)," underscoring a focus on upbeat, club-ready material amid limited follow-ups. This output highlights a discography prioritizing standalone digital releases over extensive studio , with no verified full-length projects succeeding Lovefool as of 2025.

Musical style and influences

Alexis Michelle's musical style centers on powerful belting vocals derived from her formal musical theater training at the , where she honed a technique emphasizing dramatic delivery and vocal projection suited to stage performance. This approach integrates drag's theatrical exaggeration—such as heightened persona and lip-sync elements—with the nuanced intimacy of , reflecting the ecosystem of live venues like Feinstein's/ where she has performed standards in a chanteuse format. Her pre-Drag Race work in pageants further shaped this foundation, prioritizing competitive vocal prowess in and show-tune interpretations over experimental forms. Influences stem from observed cabaret and Broadway traditions, including performers like , whose repertoire and interpretive depth informed Michelle's selection of material blending classic pop and theater songs. Early exposure through familial music listening reinforced a preference for structured, emotive singing, causally linking her style to accessible theatrical models rather than avant-garde departures. Following her appearances on , Michelle's style evolved to incorporate elements with inflections, marking a shift from pageant-era vocal traditions toward dance-oriented production while retaining belting as a core vocal signature. This transition, evident in releases after 2017, prioritized rhythmic experimentation to align with club and drag event demands, though grounded in her established theater-derived technique rather than a complete stylistic overhaul.

Personal identity and public views

Gender identity and expression

Alexis Michelle, born Alexander J. Michaels on October 16, 1983, has publicly identified as . In a July 14, 2021, Instagram post marking International Non-Binary People's Day, she stated, "I'm ," specifying her pronouns as She/Her (which "always works"), He/Him when presenting more masculinely, and They/Them as options. Her Instagram profile bio reinforces this, describing her as "Non Binary/Fluid." In an August 2023 interview, Michelle elaborated on her , noting that her drag persona represents "my female side" while her everyday name Alex embodies "my more male side," positioning herself as "fluid" and "in between," with navigation of the two centered on personal authenticity rather than fixed categories. She derived the stage name Alexis Michelle by feminizing elements of her , framing the persona as a performative extension of rooted in her upbringing and theatrical background. Michelle has consistently described drag as a vehicle for self-expression, emphasizing its role in exploring and amplifying her feminine aspects through performance, distinct from her baseline identity. In a June 2017 reflection post-RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9, she affirmed that "drag is all about self expression of who you are," highlighting and aesthetic experimentation as core to her approach. This underscores drag as an artistic outlet for , prioritizing over literal identity claims in daily life.

Activism and social positions

Alexis Michelle has been recognized for her advocacy in LGBTQ+ health initiatives, particularly those benefiting the drag and broader communities in . In August 2025, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center announced her as a honoree for the Community Health Award at their 25th Annual Community Health Awards gala, scheduled for November 6, 2025, at Pier Sixty, alongside figures such as model and physician Dr. . This accolade highlights her longstanding ties to the organization, which trace back to her enrollment in their Health Outreach to Teens (HOTT) program during high school, underscoring her personal investment in accessible healthcare for youth. Michelle has also publicly supported transgender rights through direct participation in demonstrations. On June 27, 2025, she joined a protest outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., aimed at advancing trans advocacy amid ongoing policy debates. In public statements, Michelle has positioned drag as a vital form of cultural expression and community engagement, emphasizing its historical role in queer resilience without aligning with partisan framings of contemporary cultural conflicts. Her engagements prioritize drag's contributions to visibility and entertainment within LGBTQ+ spaces, as seen in her involvement with events fostering queer history and solidarity in New York City's scene.

Reception and legacy

Achievements and fanbase growth

Alexis Michelle's appearance on the ninth season of in 2017 provided significant international exposure, leading to expanded bookings in and live performances beyond her established circuit. Her portrayal of in the [Snatch Game](/page/Snatch Game) challenge received particular acclaim for its accuracy and theatrical flair, contributing to her recognition as a versatile performer with strong vocal and comedic skills. This visibility translated into measurable growth in her online presence, with her official account amassing over 223,000 followers as of 2025, reflecting sustained fan engagement post-competition. Following her return on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8 in 2023, where she placed fourth and showcased improved runway presentations and lip-sync abilities, Michelle experienced further career momentum, including increased opportunities that underscored her legitimacy as a Broadway-adjacent talent. She earned a Berkshire Theatre Critics Association award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical for her role as Albin in La Cage aux Folles at Barrington Stage Company, affirming her pre- and post-Drag Race reputation in legitimate . These accolades and roles, alongside consistent residencies, evidence a viable trajectory independent of , with fans citing her vocal prowess and dramatic authenticity as key draws. The post-All Stars period marked accelerated fanbase expansion, driven by viral moments like her Minnelli impression resurfacing in media discussions and her active participation in drag conventions such as DragCon, fostering direct connections with supporters. This growth is quantifiable through metrics and booking surges, positioning Michelle as a respected figure in the drag community for her emphasis on artistry over transient trends, with followers appreciating her evolution from niche NYC performer to globally booked entertainer.

Criticisms and controversies

During RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8, which aired in 2023, Alexis Michelle faced significant fan backlash for her decision to eliminate in episode 8 after winning the maxi challenge. Viewers criticized the choice as strategically flawed or self-serving, arguing it prioritized personal alliances—such as saving —over competitive elimination of a stronger performer like , who had demonstrated polish in prior challenges. Michelle's post-elimination responses, including defenses on social media platforms like , where she addressed accusations of disloyalty, amplified the criticism, with some fans labeling her earnest explanations as evasive or overly defensive amid the show's high-stakes format. She later expressed resentment toward the season's lipstick voting mechanic, which forced top performers to select eliminations without unanimous input, claiming it bred unnecessary interpersonal tension. In her original appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race season 9 in 2017, Michelle encountered critiques from judges and viewers regarding her runway presentations and challenge performances. Judges, including Michelle Visage, highlighted deficiencies in elevating basic concepts during the "Gayest Ball Ever" episode, where her looks were deemed safe but lacking innovation, contributing to her bottom placement. Her roast performance in episode 8 drew specific rebukes for relying on unsubtle insults without punchlines, as noted by guest judge Nina West and recaps emphasizing flat delivery over wit. Fan discussions post-season pointed to recurring excuses for underwhelming runways, such as blaming external factors rather than self-assessment, which fueled perceptions of her as underdelivering relative to competitors like Sasha Velour. These incidents reflect broader tensions in drag competition formats, where elimination decisions can foster resentment among participants and audiences, as evidenced by Michelle's own admissions of the format's emotional toll. Conservative commentators have critiqued drag performances like Michelle's for amplifying exaggerated stereotypes under the guise of entertainment, potentially reinforcing rather than subverting norms, though such views remain general and not uniquely tied to her work beyond show critiques. No verified personal scandals or off-stage controversies have been documented, with backlash largely confined to fan and media reactions within the Drag Race ecosystem.

References

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