By Kevin Ferrisi –

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – Connecticut’s drag scene lit up with fierce energy during the Chez Legends All Stars Weekend last Friday and Saturday, a two-night spectacle that proved to be the highlight of the season. Local star power took center stage as the crowned champions of seasons 13 and 14 of Chez Legends, one of the state’s most beloved drag competitions, went head-to-head in an epic battle for the coveted title of Mx. Chez Est 2025. With an incredible prize package on the line and the spirit of community in the air, the weekend began with a glamorous red carpet affair that set the tone for a truly unforgettable showdown. More than just a competition, the event celebrated the artistry, diversity, and heart of Connecticut’s drag community.

For fourteen seasons, Chez Legends, the acclaimed local drag competition held at Chez Est in Hartford, has been a cornerstone of Connecticut’s drag excellence. This twice-yearly, 10-week showcase welcomes performers of all identities and styles, creating an inclusive stage for the state’s brightest drag talent. Each week drag artists compete for a chance to advance, with the top weekly finalists and one coveted Golden Buzzer wildcard earning their spots in the grand finale. There, one performer rises above the rest to claim the season title. But the journey doesn’t end there, each pair of season winners return to the stage for a high-stakes All Stars showdown, where they battle it out for the ultimate crown and the prestigious title of Mx. Chez Est.

Friday

Friday night, April 18th, kicked off an unforgettable weekend at Chez Est in Hartford, CT, as the venue was transformed into a celebration for the Chez Legends All Stars, this year with a show-stopping Broadway theme. Guests arrived to a glamorous red carpet entrance, complete with photo ops that encouraged everyone to bring their fashion A-game. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the evening unfolded into a fierce showdown, featuring powerhouse performances from season 13 winner Midnight and season 14 champion Harmony The Valkyrie. Behind the judges’ table sat Chez Est owner John Pepe, the glamorous Lulu D. Fierce, and reigning Mx. Chez Est Moxie Angel, bringing their combined expertise and passion to the competition.

With Vu Tran, Emperor 22 & 25 of the Imperial Sovereign Court of all Connecticut, serving as the charismatic host, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived, the ultimate face-off between two drag powerhouses: Midnight and Harmony The Valkyrie. The epic showdown unfolded in three rounds, each crafted to showcase a different facet of their talent and creativity. First up was the Impersonation category, where each queen had to fully embody a well-known persona, blending accuracy with charisma and flair. Next came the Broadway category, a true test of theatrical chops, demanding bold interpretations and seamless storytelling through music and movement. The evening reached its peak with Red Carpet Elegance, a display of pure sophistication and style, where both performers turned the runway into a moment worthy of fashion royalty.

Midnight’s performance was a stunning deconstruction of her drag identity – equal parts heart, fire, and theatrical finesse. She effortlessly shifted gears, revealing the full spectrum of her talent. For Impersonation, she lit up the stage with a high-energy medley of Jennifer Lopez hits, perfectly channeling JLo’s signature Latin flair and commanding dance moves, capturing the spirit and sizzle of a global icon. Shifting gears for the Broadway theme, Midnight transported the audience to the magical world of Wicked, taking on the role of Elphaba with green glam and emotional depth. Joined by her drag daughter Valeryan as Galinda, the pair told a heartfelt story of friendship and transformation, infusing their performance with theatrical brilliance. For Red Carpet Elegance, Midnight returned to the stage in a breathtaking white and blue floral gown, her look crowned by a bold, spiked electric blue wig. Her performance was set to Laura Pausini’s emotional ballads “En Cambio No” and “Víveme”, a deeply felt lip sync that radiated vulnerability, power, and grace.

In the Impersonation category, Harmony The Valkyrie channeled the spirit of an R&B legend, delivering a heartfelt tribute to Aaliyah through a stunning medley of the late star’s greatest hits. Her fluid dance moves and commanding stage presence left the audience breathless – as if Aaliyah herself had returned for one unforgettable night. For the Broadway portion, Harmony lit up the stage with a dramatic and visually rich interpretation of Evita, embodying the rise and legacy of Argentina’s First Lady, Eva Perón. A series of striking costume changes seamlessly marked each chapter of the story, bringing theatrical flair and emotional depth to every beat. Then, for Red Carpet Elegance, Harmony redefined the theme entirely, stepping onto the runway as the iconic alien diva from The Fifth Element. Draped in a celestial blue ensemble, she delivered a mesmerizing recreation of the legendary Diva Dance, blending avant-garde fashion with otherworldly precision, and leaving the crowd in absolute awe.

As the grand finale reached its peak, the House of Legends made a triumphant and electrifying return to the Chez Est stage. Kicking off the showstopping segment were Connecticut’s own RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, Loosey LaDuca, Amethyst, and Robin Fierce. Joining them were some of Chez Est’s most iconic artists: Mx. Chez Est 2020 Ray DeCorazón as well as Glass Staine, Lady Tatiana, Giganta Smalls, Kiki Lucia, Lotus, Ambrosia Black, and Judah. Together, this legendary lineup brought the house down – celebrating not only drag excellence but the enduring legacy of the House of Legends.

Saturday

On Saturday night, April 19th, the energy was electric at Chez Est in Hartford, CT, as the iconic venue hosted the thrilling conclusion of the two-night Chez Legends All Stars event. The evening promised unforgettable moments and certainly delivered, from the heartwarming presentation of the Mx. Congeniality award to the prestigious second-ever William Musanti Humanity Award, recognizing compassion and community impact. The night also marked a historic milestone with a special induction into the esteemed House of Legends. As anticipation reached a fever pitch, all eyes turned to the grand reveal of the Chez Legends All Stars winner and the crowning of the new Mx. Chez Est 2025 a title symbolizing not only drag excellence, but the vibrant, diverse spirit of the Connecticut drag community.

This year’s awards ceremony shined a spotlight on the heart of community and character. Middletown Pride was honored with the William Musanti Humanity Award, a recognition of its profound and ongoing impact through advocacy, inclusion, and year-round dedication to meaningful change. More than just a single-day celebration, Middletown Pride represents a passionate collective committed to uplifting voices and building bridges throughout the state. The race for the coveted Mx. Congeniality title was especially spirited, with standout nominees Rory Roux Lay and Gabrielle Diamante both earning admiration for their charm and camaraderie. Ultimately, the honor was bestowed upon Rory Roux Lay, whose unwavering kindness, grace under pressure, and genuine spirit have made her a beloved presence both on and off the stage.

Then came a moment that brought the entire room to its feet, the recognition of the beloved local drag icon, Lady Tatiana, for her decades of unwavering dedication to the Connecticut drag scene. A trailblazer, mentor, and fierce advocate, Lady Tatiana has long been a pillar of strength and support, especially within the Latin, trans, and queer communities. Her presence has shaped countless journeys, offering wisdom, care, and tough love when needed most. To many, she has been more than a performer, she’s been family. Her legacy as a friend, leader, and mother figure was celebrated in grand fashion as she was officially honored with the distinguished title of Queen Mother and Matriarch of the House of Legends. The room overflowed with love, admiration, and gratitude as this well-deserved title was bestowed upon her, solidifying her place not only in the House of Legends, but in the hearts of generations she has guided and inspired.

Following the heartfelt award presentations, the stage erupted with a dazzling lineup of performances that lit up the night and stirred every soul in the room. Among the evening’s standout moments were appearances by some of Chez Est’s most celebrated titleholders: Queen Mother and Matriarch Lady Tatiana, Mx. Chez Est 2019 October May Lay, 2021’s Natalia Fierce, 2022’s Astra, 2023’s Rozz Aura, and the reigning monarch, Mx. Chez Est 2024, Moxie Angel. Each brought their own signature flair, showcasing the evolution and brilliance of the House of Legends. As the evening neared its emotional climax, Moxie Angel took the stage one final time as the reigning Mx. Chez Est. Wrapped in the warm glow of the spotlight, Moxie delivered a farewell performance that transcended the stage.

The evening reached an emotional high point as Mia E. Z’Lay, co-founder of Chez Legends and esteemed mother of the House of Lay, took to the Chez Est stage for one final performance. Stepping down from her longtime role as host, judge, and guiding force behind the competition, Mia announced her departure to pursue new career opportunities and, importantly, to focus on her health. Following the award ceremony earlier, Mia delivered a heartfelt farewell, a moving speech reflecting on the past eight years since Chez Legends first began – a journey marked by growth, resilience, and the fierce celebration of local drag. As she spoke, the audience rose in a standing ovation, lining up one by one to hand her flowers, a gesture of deep gratitude and love that quickly became a cascade of blossoms too large for her arms to hold.

As anticipation reached soaring heights, the moment the entire weekend had been building toward finally arrived, the crowning of a new All Star and the prestigious title of Mx. Chez Est 2025. Standing side by side under the glow of the spotlight were two titans of the competition: season 13 winner Midnight and season 14 champion Harmony The Valkyrie. The energy in the room was electric, every eye fixed on the stage, every breath held in suspense. Then, with a swell of cheers and a drumroll of emotion, the announcement rang out, Harmony The Valkyrie had claimed the crown. In a triumphant and emotional climax, she was named Mx. Chez Est 2025, etching her name into the legacy of Connecticut drag royalty.

In a powerful and emotional moment of transition, Moxie Angel, the reigning Mx. Chez Est 2024, gracefully stepped down from the throne, closing a chapter while ushering in a new era. The passing of the crown to Harmony The Valkyrie was more than ceremonial, it was historic. With that crowning moment, Harmony became the first Latina trans woman to win the title, a triumph that resonated far beyond the stage. Her victory was a proud milestone not only for the Haus of Valkyrie, but also for the GEM Dynasty, the sisterhood she shares with Angel Rivers and Robin Fierce. As Moxie passed the crown with poise and pride, the gesture became a symbol of love, legacy, and the enduring power of chosen family. It wasn’t just the transfer of a title, it was the continuation of a legacy at Chez Est, one rooted in excellence, community, and unbreakable sisterhood.

Harmony The Valkyrie’s stunning victory earned her the prestigious title of Mx. Chez Est 2025, crowned in true royal fashion with a dazzling sash, scepter, and crown, generously provided by Fierce Drag Jewels. Her win also comes with a one-year performance contract with Chez Est, cementing her as a standout figure in Connecticut’s vibrant drag scene. Additionally, she earned a coveted spot within the House of Legends as Mx. Chez Est 2025, marking her as a distinguished member of the drag community, poised to continue leaving a lasting impression on stages far and wide.

Be sure to check out the next season of Chez Legends starting on May 29, 2025 at the Chez Est in Hartford, CT. Season 15 promises to offer new thrills and over-the-top performances all season long. Who will be the next Chez Legend?

PHOTOS: Click here to check out all the photos of Midnight and Harmony The Valkyrie in the events gallery from Chez Legends All Stars at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on April 18, 2025. Photos by Kevin Ferrisi.