All eyes on Chez Legends as Connecticut’s top drag competition prepares to crown a new All Star

(left) Midnight. Photo by John Gram. (right) Harmony The Valkyrie. Photo via Instagram.

By Kevin Ferrisi –

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – Get ready for an unforgettable weekend as Chez Legends All Stars returns this Friday and Saturday, bringing together the winners of seasons 13 and 14 for the ultimate battle royale for the crown of Mx. Chez Est 2025. This high-stakes showdown promises jaw-dropping performances, fierce competition, and all the glitz and glamour you expect from Connecticut’s premier drag event. More than just a title, Mx. Chez Est represents the heart and soul of Hartford’s vibrant drag community, and the anticipation is electric. With an unbeatable prize package and a stage set for excellence, this All Stars weekend is poised to be the drag event of the season, don’t miss your chance to witness history in heels!

All Stars Weekend

Friday
The weekend kicks off in spectacular fashion on Friday, April 18th at Chez Est in Hartford, CT, as the stage is set for Chez Legends All Stars, this year with a showstopping Broadway theme. Starting at 6:00 PM, the evening begins with a glamorous red carpet and photo op, so come dressed to impress. The spotlight then turns to an epic face-off between season 13 winner Midnight and season 14 winner Harmony The Valkyrie as they battle it out in three thrilling rounds: Impersonation, Broadway, and Red Carpet Elegance. The night continues with a star-studded showcase from the House of Legends, featuring performances by Connecticut’s own RuPaul’s Drag Race stars – Loosey LaDuca, Robin Fierce, and Amethyst – all of whom proudly call Chez Est home. Friday night is officially sold out, and those lucky enough to score a ticket can expect high fashion, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments.

Saturday
The excitement reaches its peak on Saturday night, April 19th, as Chez Est transforms once again for the grand finale of Chez Legends All Stars, kicking off at 8:00 PM. The evening will be packed with unforgettable moments, including the presentation of the annual William Musanti Humanity Award and the beloved Mx. Congeniality title. All eyes will be on the stage for the dramatic crowning of the Chez Legends All Stars winner and the prestigious title of Mx. Chez Est 2025. The night doesn’t end there – an electrifying after-party will keep the celebration going, honoring a weekend of talent, heart, and fierce community spirit.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – Midnight at the Chez Legends season 13 finale at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on August 17, 2024. Photo by Kevin Ferrisi.

What is Chez Legends?

For fourteen seasons, Chez Legends has showcased some of Connecticut’s most talented and dynamic drag artists, earning its reputation as a cornerstone of the local drag scene. Held twice a year at Chez Est in Hartford, this popular 10-week competition invites drag performers of all styles and experience levels to take the stage every Thursday night in a thrilling display of creativity, charisma, and fierce competition. Each week, one standout performer earns a finalist spot, with one coveted Golden Buzzer wildcard joining them in the grand season finale. There, the finalists battle it out for the season title, culminating in the ultimate face-off between the winners of two consecutive seasons to determine who will claim the prestigious crown of Mx. Chez Est.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – Harmony The Valkyrie at Chez Legends season 14 finale at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on November 30, 2024. Photo provided by Harmony The Valkyrie.

The Competition

Season 13
This season, Midnight finally seized the crown at Chez Legends, delivering a show-stopping, fiery Latin performance alongside her drag daughter Valeryan and local stars Ryder Die, Gabriella Diamante, and Boxa Crayonz. Her journey to victory began in week 1, where an electrifying number to Ricky Martin’s “Pégate” earned her an early ticket to the finale. A seasoned and tenacious competitor, Midnight had made it to the finale an impressive six times in previous seasons – always coming close, but never quite claiming the title. This long-awaited triumph was not only a personal milestone but a powerful, well-deserved victory that capped off a season filled with fierce talent, unforgettable moments, and heart. (video below)

Midnight (5/30/24) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Watch the full winning performance by Midnight at Chez Legends season 13 week 1 at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on May 30, 2024. Video by Nick Dionne.

Season 14
Harmony The Valkyrie is the first trans woman of color to win the title. Harmony’s path to the crown began in week 8, with an electrifying performance that left the crowd in awe. Set to a powerful Pussycat Dolls mega mashup, her act opened with an air of mystery as she was carried in on a covered palanquin, her silhouette teasing the audience from behind the veil. As the palanquin was set on the stage, Harmony emerged in full glory, a siren goddess come to life. The seamless blend of theatricality and fierce choreography had the crowd on their feet, cementing her status as the top contender of the week. (video below)

Harmony The Valkyrie (10/24/24) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Watch Harmony The Valkyrie’s winning performance at Chez Legends season 14 week 8 at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on October 24, 2024. Video by Nick Dionne.

The Finales

Season 13
In the finale, Midnight lit up the stage with a show-stopping Disney-inspired performance to “Amigas Cheetahs” by The Cheetah Girls, delivering a fierce and heartfelt tribute to friendship, rhythm, and sisterhood. The empowering lyrics perfectly mirrored the energy and unity radiating from her dynamic choreography, which blended fluid hip movements, expressive arms, and hard-hitting, exotic flair rooted in her Latin heritage. Backed by a powerful crew of dancers, Midnight commanded every beat with precision, passion, and undeniable charisma. Her performance was more than just a number, it was a celebration of identity, sisterhood, and resilience, sealing her long-overdue victory and crowning her this season’s champion. (video below)

Midnight (8/17/24) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Watch the full winning performance by Midnight at the Chez Legends season 13 finale at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on August 17, 2024. Video by Nick Dionne.

Season 14
Harmony The Valkyrie captivated the audience with a soul-stirring, unforgettable performance that moved many to tears and brought the room to its feet in a wave of inspiration. As the curtains opened, the stage transformed into a solemn, funeral-like scene, with a hauntingly beautiful choir setting the tone. At its center stood a wooden casket – a powerful symbol. In a striking and emotional moment, Harmony emerged from the coffin to the sound of Michaela Jaé’s “Forever,” embodying the unyielding strength and resilience of trans women.

Midway through the number, the lights dimmed for a video montage titled “I Have Something to Say,” featuring local trans women sharing their truths and lived experiences. When the montage faded, Harmony returned to the stage with renewed force, joined by her drag family holding protest signs bearing words of love and affirmation for the trans community. As Michaela Jaé’s “Something to Say” filled the room, sorrow gave way to empowerment, and Harmony transformed the stage into a rallying cry for visibility, justice, and pride – securing her victory with a performance that was both art and activism. (video below)

Harmony The Valkyrie (11/30/24) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Harmony The Valkyrie’s winning finale performance at Chez Legends Finale at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on November 30, 2024. Video by Nick Dionne.


Hear From The Finalists

After competing and winning your week and then competing and winning your finale, if you could sum up your experience during your season of Chez Legends in one word, what would it be and why?

Midnight: If I could sum up my experience in one word, it would be grateful. The reason I say grateful is because, even though many people see Legends as just a local bar competition, for me, it was something that truly helped me evolve my drag. It pushed me to try new things, step out of my comfort zone, and think outside the box.

Harmony: To sum up my experience in one word, winning my week and the finale would be time. The last time I competed in this competition was season 5, and since then, I’ve grown and polished my drag. It’s finally the right time for me to try again, and it’s about damn time that I won.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – Midnight and John Pepe at the Chez Legends season 13 finale at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on August 17, 2024. Photo by Kevin Ferrisi.

What can you tell us about your All Stars performances coming up without giving away too much detail? What can we look forward to?

Midnight: I’m really excited about my All Stars finale performances. What can I say without giving too much away? I chose these three specific numbers because I feel they truly represent who Midnight is and what people have come to love about me. I’m bringing three core elements to the stage: energy, drama, and emotion. I hope everyone sees the hard work I’ve put in and appreciates everything I’ve created for this moment. I’ve been preparing ever since I won my finale, and I want to make sure what I’m bringing to All Stars is polished, professional, and powerful. But at the end of the day, I also just want to have fun and I want everyone watching to have fun with me.

Harmony: Without giving away too much, I can say that you can expect my performances to be fully clothed most of the time.

How do you feel you will best represent the state’s prestigious drag title, Mx. Chez Est?

Midnight: I would represent this title very professionally, with love and kindness, but also use this platform to help and be more involved in my community, especially in the current climate we’re in. We need to be kinder to each other, help one another, love one another, but most importantly, reach out and check on each other, especially our trans siblings. Representing Chez, I hope to make my home bar, my family, my friends, and most of all, my queer Latin community proud.

Harmony: I think I’m the best fit to represent Mx. Chez Est because I show up, and I show that I care about my community. I believe it’s a great thing to be a good entertainer, but it’s even better when you’re also an active part of the community, helping to make change.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – Harmony The Valkyrie and John Pepe at Chez Legends season 14 finale at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on November 30, 2024. Photo provided by Harmony The Valkyrie.

What does winning Mx. Chez Est 2025 during the Chez Legends All Stars competition mean to you?

Midnight: Winning All Stars would mean a lot. It really would. As I’ve mentioned before, Midnight has always been a part of me ever since I discovered this amazing art form. The day I finally decided to conjure her, I felt the happiest I’ve ever been. Being able to perform, create, and evolve in ways I never thought possible is all thanks to places like Chez. They’ve given me the platform and support to get out there, be myself, and do what brings me the most joy. Winning a title like this would prove that I have what it takes to stand amongst greatness and give hope to others, that if you work hard at what you love, success will follow. I never thought I’d make it this far, so that makes it even more special.

Harmony: Winning Mx. Chez Est 2025 would be incredible for me. Not only would it propel me forward in my drag career, but it would also send a powerful message to all trans women and trans people that we are not going anywhere. With trans women being attacked across various media so often, seeing a trans woman crowned would inspire other trans women or trans people to either begin their transition or start their drag journey if they have been anticipating it.

Conclusion

The Chez Legends All Stars Weekend is the event that simply can’t miss, as season 13 winner Midnight and season 14 champion Harmony The Valkyrie prepare to captivate the audience with their dazzling performances. Joining them will be the legendary House of Legends, ready to mesmerize with their unmatched talent. With such fierce competitors, the burning question on everyone’s mind is: Who will claim the crown and become the next Mx. Chez Est? Get ready for a whirlwind of high fashion, intense competition, and unforgettable performances that will leave a lasting impression as the new Mx. Chez Est 2025 is crowned.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – Moxie Angel at Chez Legends All Stars, Chez Est, Hartford, CT, April 27, 2024. Photo by Kevin Ferrisi.

In a touching moment of transition, Moxie Angel, the reigning Mx. Chez Est 2024, will gracefully step down from the throne, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another. With grace and dignity, Moxie Angel will pass on the coveted crown, symbolizing not only the weight of Connecticut’s drag royalty but also the rich legacy of Chez Est. As the spotlight shifts to the next generation of talent, Moxie’s act of relinquishing the crown will embody humility and honor, paving the way for a seamless transition and ensuring Chez Est’s legacy of excellence continues to shine.

Read More About The Finalists

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