By Anna Bechtel –
On Tuesday, August 27, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 standout, Sapphira Cristál, brought her Cristál Ball Tour to the Space Ballroom in Hamden. Before the show, VIP ticket holders were treated to a special meet-and-greet with the star, the highest-tier VIPs receiving an autographed photo. Fans were also encouraged to purchase merchandise and submit questions for Sapphira to answer during her show. The production was a captivating blend of live singing, video segments, audience participation, lip-sync routines, and heartfelt anecdotes from her life. As Sapphira teased the audience, “Throughout this evening, we are going to laugh, we are going to cry, and some of you might even get turned on.”
Local drag performer Angel Rivers kicked off the evening with electrifying performances of Kylie Minogue’s ‘Magic’ and ‘Supernova’, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Angel’s style is all about risk-taking, both in her drag artistry and her fashion choices. Her dynamic performances reflect her fearless approach, as she constantly pushes the boundaries of what drag can be. With a “party girl” spirit, Angel embodies the energy and excitement of nightlife, bringing an edgy, unapologetic presence to the stage. Her willingness to challenge norms and experiment is what makes her a standout in the drag scene, captivating audiences with every performance.
Sapphira Cristál captivated the audience with a couple of original songs during the show, revealing they would be featured on her debut album, The Cristál Ball, set for release in September. Her performance showcased her wide range, from opera, upbeat tracks, and powerful lip-syncs. One of the standout moments was when she shared a humorous music video featuring the song she performed during the talent show on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16, adding a playful twist to the night, which featured Katya, from season 7, out of drag.
Audience participation played a significant role in the show. At various points, she would reach into the bowl of questions audience members had prepared before the show and answer them on stage. “Throughout the night, we are going to look in here, and take out your slips and read them, and see where the night takes us,” she said. “You are in control of the show y’all.” During the questions, she revealed that RuPaul would often refer to her by other names, including Sephora and Sequoia. She also expressed a nostalgic wish to have seen Aretha Franklin perform ‘Respect’ live.
The season 16 star took a moment to honor a special audience member, her long-time friend and mentor, the local drag icon Dixie Normous, who was seated in the back of the room. To Dixie’s astonishment, Sapphira invited her to move to a more prominent seat in front of the stage, acknowledging her presence and their enduring friendship. Overwhelmed with emotion, Dixie was deeply touched by the recognition from the now-famous star. A true living legend, Dixie Normous has been a cornerstone of the Connecticut drag scene for over two decades, well before drag hit the mainstream. As a producer, promoter, and performer, Dixie is no stranger to the stage. Later, Dixie was elated to share with us that Sapphira invited her to the dressing room after the show.
Sapphira also played a game called The Cristál Maze with two audience members. In this game, they competed to see who knew her best, culminating in a lip-sync battle to Kylie Minogue’s ‘Padam Padam’ – a song Sapphira famously lip-synced to on the show. Sapphira delivered a James Brown impersonation, a nod to her memorable Snatch Game appearance on season 16. Channeling the legendary soul singer’s dynamic energy and iconic moves, Sapphira flawlessly recreated James Brown.
She also used her show to spread positive messages to the audience. “The Cristál Ball is about embracing what life or an audience has to throw at you, and making the most fabulous thing out of it,” Sapphira explained. She led the audience in what she called the “Self-Love Macarena” both at the beginning and end of the show. She encouraged everyone to raise their arms, wrap them around themselves, and say, “I truly love and accept myself.” Sapphira then shared, “If you learn anything from me and my story, I want it to be this: find yourself, find your love, find your people, and find your voice. Unleash that on the world, and they can’t help but listen.”
In another emotional moment, Sapphira opened up about her relationship with her parents. She shared that her mother introduced her to classical music and supported all her childhood dreams, whether they were wrestling or firefighting. Sapphira described her mother as a constant source of encouragement, fostering a deep love for the arts and ambition in her. She also spoke candidly about her relationship with her late father, revealing how they had become estranged over the years but found a way to reconnect and heal before his passing. This reconciliation was a poignant chapter in her life, underscoring the complexities of family relationships and the importance of forgiveness and closure.
The American drag performer, Sapphira Cristál, is one of the beloved contestants on the sixteenth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She had auditioned for the show 11 times before being cast on season 16. Sapphira is first contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race to win the first mini challenge, maxi challenge, and lip-sync of a season and is the first contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race to win three maxi challenges in a row. Sapphira is the first runner-up and finalist to be crowned Miss Congeniality after the voting was changed from a fan vote to among the contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race. She alongside Nina Flowers are the only runners-up to be crowned Miss Congeniality in the same season.
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