By Kevin Ferrisi –

Mother of the Haus of Night and Connecticut’s self-proclaimed Latin drag witch, Midnight, is always ready to set the stage ablaze with her fiery attitude and high-energy dance moves. Having recently made a name for herself in the local drag scene, she stepped into the spotlight during the last season of the state’s renowned drag competition, Chez Legends, at Chez Est in Hartford, winning the crown of season 13 champion – a victory that not only solidified her reputation but also guaranteed her spot in the upcoming All Stars competition. With dreams of becoming Mx. Chez Est 2025 swirling in her mind, Midnight is determined to exceed all expectations, showcasing her unique blend of charisma and talent that has captivated audiences and judges alike.

Midnight, the reigning Chez Legend, soaked in the moment under the bright lights of Chez Est this past August. “I can’t believe I finally won!” she exclaimed. After six attempts, her victory felt surreal, especially after an unforgettable finale where she delivered a vibrant Cheetah Girls number that had the crowd on their feet. Memories of past performances flooded her mind, from the salsa number that had won her week to a Disney-themed Spanish number that had captivated the audience. As the applause washed over her, Midnight dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face, overwhelmed by gratitude for the incredible talent she had faced that night. “Connecticut has some of the most amazing performers,” she said, reflecting on the pride she felt for her fellow contestants, especially those who had never experienced a finale before. With dreams of the upcoming All Star competition dancing in her head, Midnight envisioned a future filled with creativity and connection, ready to leave an indelible mark on the drag scene.

Her victory was not just a personal triumph but a celebration of artistry and resilience. With her drag daughter Valeryan and local talents Ryder Die, Gabriella Diamante, and Boxa Crayonz at her side, she ignited the stage with a fiery Latin performance that captivated the audience’s hearts. This season had been a rollercoaster for Midnight, whose journey to the crown began in week one with an electrifying rendition of Ricky Martin’s ‘Pegate’, a performance that propelled her into the finale. After six previous attempts, each ending very close yet just out of reach, Midnight finally claimed the title she had so passionately pursued. The finale was a spectacular Disney moment, as she set the stage ablaze with her dynamic dance to ‘Amigas Cheetahs’ by the Cheetah Girls, the lyrics celebrating friendship and sisterhood echoing in the air. Each movement was a testament to her dedication and heritage, as her fluid hip movements and expressive arms conveyed a powerful narrative of unity and self-expression.

Midnight’s journey through Chez Legends has been a tale of resilience and creativity, her performances leaving unforgettable marks each season. In season 11, she captivated the audience as the runner-up with a dazzling Aladdin mashup, blending the lively charm of ‘Friend Like Me’ with the regal flair of ‘Prince Ali’. This number showcased her talent for theatrics, costume design, and seamless storytelling, transforming the stage into a scene straight out of Agrabah. The following year, she continued her upward trajectory, landing in the top 3 of season 12. Finally, in season 13, her perseverance paid off as she claimed the crown, her victory a triumph born of years of dedication and growth. Each season had brought her closer to the coveted title, and now, Midnight’s name was etched among the legends, her journey inspiring all who had watched her rise.

Just celebrating the four-year anniversary of her first gig, Midnight’s journey began on October 24th, 2020. Her passion for drag had sparked back in 2017 while working for a cheer company, where she befriended a drag queen who piqued her curiosity about the artform. Intrigued, she dove into research, devouring YouTube tutorials and dreaming of the day she could step into the spotlight. However, at the time, her romantic relationship stifled her desire to explore this new passion. Once that chapter closed, a newfound love blossomed with a supportive partner who encouraged her to embrace her curiosity. As she honed her skills, Midnight began to envision the kind of queen she wanted to be, drawing on her background as a dancer, theater performer, and competitive cheerleader. With years of experience and incredible flexibility, she ultimately decided to embody a high-energy persona, determined to ignite excitement in her audience with every performance.

Midnight has always been drawn to the darker side of storytelling, fascinated by villains and witches, and she often pondered how to combine these elements in her drag persona. Her cheerleading days had introduced her to a team that embraced a witchy theme – Prodigy Allstars Midnight – whose name resonated deeply with her. Initially, she chose the name Madame Midnight, but during the introduction of her first gig, she realized that “Madame” felt dated and dramatically aged her. With a bold decision, she dropped the title, and it was during her next performance that she was introduced simply as Midnight. In that moment, the name struck a chord within her; it felt powerful enough to stand alone, capturing her essence without any embellishments. From that day forward, Midnight embraced her identity, channeling her love for the mystical and the fierce into every performance, proving that strength and intrigue can exist side by side.

Midnight is renowned for her energetic, crowd-pleasing performances and her captivating, strong look that commands attention on stage. As she navigated her place in the drag scene, she found herself experimenting with her identity. “I don’t necessarily fit in with the Latin queens,” she explains, “but I don’t necessarily fit in with the alternative queens either.” Instead of conforming to one style, she beautifully merges both, painting her face with sharp, alternative designs while infusing her dance moves with the fiery passion of Latin rhythms. This blend reflects her diverse musical tastes – she revels in performing Latin music, letting the rhythm pulse through her veins, while also embracing the raw energy of rock and punk.

This past June, Midnight made an emotional return to her birthplace, Puerto Rico, as part of the celebrated Boquerón Pride 2024 in Cabo Rojo. The picturesque beaches of Boquerón became a backdrop of glamour, where Midnight joined fellow Connecticut queens for an electrifying showcase at Sabor N’ Serio. It had been years since Midnight last visited the island, having left in 2006 at the age of 12, but this time she returned as her true self, proudly sharing her art and identity with the Puerto Rican community. The three-day celebration, leading up to San Juan Pride, was filled with vibrant parades, high-energy performances, and a deep sense of unity between the Connecticut and Puerto Rican drag scenes. Midnight’s performance felt like both a homecoming and a triumph, allowing her to reconnect with her roots and envision a future where she brings her art back to the island again.

Midnight’s journey has been nothing short of transformative, weaving together her passion, resilience, and distinctive artistry. With each performance, she broke new ground, blending Latin rhythms and an alternative edge to forge a unique path in Connecticut’s drag scene. Her story – from humble beginnings to seasoned competitor and finally, reigning Chez Legends champion – is a testament to her determination and the spirit of inclusivity she brings to the stage. Midnight’s victory marks not only a personal milestone but a new chapter in her career, as she prepares for the All Stars competition taking place in April and sets her sights on the Mx. Chez Est 2025 title. With an identity that defies convention and a love for captivating storytelling, Midnight continues to inspire both her fellow performers and audiences, proving that true strength comes from embracing every side of who you are. Her journey as a Latin drag witch, fierce performer, and mentor has just begun, and with her unyielding passion, Midnight is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of drag.

Listen to Midnight’s interview here with ConnecticutDrag.com’s All That Drag just minutes after her winning moment.