By Kevin Ferrisi –
If you haven’t heard already, the second season of Drag Duel delivered non-stop excitement and fierce competition from beginning to end. Modeled after the format of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the virtual showdown brought together 11 talented drag artists, dubbed Warriors, from diverse backgrounds and corners of the world. Connecticut, which had already made a strong impression in season one of the online drag competition thanks to standout stars Glass Staine and Susan?, returned with even greater momentum in season two, sending two fresh local talents to carry the torch.
Chai, a beloved fixture in Connecticut’s drag scene, stepped into the spotlight, following in the footsteps of Glass and Susan?. With her signature blend of creativity, charisma, and polish, Chai quickly captured the attention of fans and judges alike. Throughout the season, she delivered a series of dynamic and visually captivating performances that showcased her versatility and heart. She made Connecticut proud by finishing in the top five, solidifying her place as one of the state’s brightest drag stars. She was joined by drag king Dom Parinyon, whose bold style and commanding presence brought a fresh perspective to the competition. Dom ultimately earned the title of season champion, adding another victory to Connecticut’s growing legacy in the Drag Duel universe.
Connecticut’s own Chai brought both passion and polish to season two of the international online drag competition Drag Duel. Since April, she had been crafting an extraordinary body of work for the show, including hand-making a dramatic tulle boa and spending 18 hours meticulously stoning her promotional look to create a dazzling debut. The competition, known for its intense challenges and high emotional stakes, proved to be a transformative experience for Chai. Over the course of the season, she pushed her creativity to new levels, produced some of her best drag to date, and connected with a global network of talented artists. Though the process demanded six to nine months of focused effort in a high-pressure environment, Chai embraced every moment and emerged stronger, prouder, and more inspired than ever.
Every week, contestants entered the virtual Arena to tackle a series of creative challenges aimed at elevating their drag to the next level. As the competition progressed, performers were eliminated one by one, all building toward a high-stakes finale with a $2,500 cash prize, a $75 lash bundle from LashCorps, and a custom nail set and gift package from Kitty Klawsmetics up for grabs. Each episode included multiple segments: the Main Battle, a Runway Presentation, a Drag Duel lip-sync, and optional Side Quest challenges. Competitors submitted their entries for the Main Battle, their runway look, and a pre-recorded lip-sync each round. Judges evaluated the strongest and weakest entries, naming a weekly Main Battle winner while placing the bottom two in a head-to-head Drag Duel to the Death, where only one would remain in the competition.
Season two of Drag Duel premiered on October 14, 2024, and concluded on January 6, 2025. In true Chai fashion, she brought sincerity and passion to the experience from start to finish. Reflecting on her time in the competition, she shared, “I am so thankful to have this experience. Filming Drag Duel was something that I will be eternally grateful for. I learned so much about myself and my drag, and met so many amazing people, saw so much iconic art, and made some of my best art.” Her journey on the show was not just about competition, it was about growth, connection, and the celebration of drag as an art form.
A look back
In the premiere of Drag Duel season two, Chai kicked things off with a bold showing in the “Hunger Games Ball” design challenge, where Chai created a “Capitol Couture” look from scratch. Despite not knowing how to sew, she built a stunning outfit using a broken corset base, torn sequin dresses, and a dramatic mix of ostrich and fan feathers, all structured with paper and creativity. She followed it up with a striking runway look for the “Battle Ready” theme, channeling a sex metal Barbie aesthetic with fierce warrior energy. Armed with a custom battle axe and styled to perfection, Chai delivered a bold, polished presentation that made it clear she was ready to compete.
In episode two’s “Teenage Dreams & Shady Schemes” music video challenge, Chai delivered a vibrant, fun-filled tribute to Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’ with the help of fellow Connecticut drag artists. Balancing glamour and chaos, she poured heart, humor, and local love into every frame, creating a standout video that reflected the spirit of her community. For the “Express Yourself” runway, Chai took things to the next level by combining queer-coded fashion with her passion for body art, even getting a real tattoo as part of the look. The result was a fearless and unforgettable performance that kept her momentum strong.
Episode 2. Chai’s “Teenage Dreams & Shady Schemes” music video challenge. Video via Instagram.
The following week’s “Final Destination” challenge, Chai embraced her inner scream queen, delivering a dramatic death scene that blended horror and camp in true drag fashion. Her performance showed off her acting chops while staying rooted in theatrical flair. For the “Scary Movie” runway, she debuted one of her favorite looks to date, an original character called the Button Master, inspired by Coraline. Imagined as the final boss who supplies the Beldam with button eyes, Chai crafted the haunting ensemble herself, complete with a button briefcase and chilling details, with hair help from season one’s Glass Staine.
Episode 3. Chai’s “Final Destination” video challenge. Video via Instagram.
In the “Heroes & Villains” design challenge in episode four, Chai stepped up with a solo anti-hero concept called X-Tinguisher, creating both a backstory and a bold look to match. It was a major turning point for her, marking the first time she sewed a garment from scratch, a personal milestone that showed her growth and determination. Working alongside fellow competitor Slay J. Nox in this team challenge, Chai held her own in a challenge that pushed creativity and construction skills to the limit, ultimately earning a well-deserved safe placement and celebrating a big step forward in her drag journey.
Episode five brought the intensity with a full-blown lip-sync tournament, pushing every contestant to bring high energy, emotion, and stage presence. Chai delivered two standout performances that showcased her range. In “Linger,” she embodied moody, hazy emotion with a custom headpiece, vintage gown, and a clever stage prop twist that took her to another level. For “Misery Business,” she cranked up the volume with rockstar attitude and a customized guitar, throwing herself into the bracket-style smackdown with fearless commitment. It was a round built for performers like Chai, and she fully delivered.
Episode 5. Chai’s “Misery Business” lip-sync challenge. Video via Instagram.
During the next episode’s “Public SERVE-ice Announcements” challenge, Chai delivered a witty and pointed take on the absurd idea of banning drag, channeling the irony of public figures who routinely fail the communities they claim to represent. Her comedic spin highlighted the real struggles queer people face, while keeping the tone sharp and entertaining. For the “Pastels” runway, she presented a pink pony-inspired ensemble rooted in campy couture. Though she noted it wasn’t her strongest moment on Drag Duel, Chai’s creativity and hard work continued to show through in every detail.
In episode seven’s “Fat Chat” improv challenge, Chai took on the hilarious task of impersonating internet icon Trisha Paytas in a chaotic setup inspired by “Snatch Game.” Her over-the-top performance leaned into the character’s signature unpredictability, earning laughs and keeping the energy high. On the runway, she schooled the competition with her “Geometric” look, serving up a sharp, stylized twist on a campy math teacher. With a custom skirt, hand-painted details, and accessories crafted entirely by her, Chai proved once again that she’s a well-rounded contender in this online drag showdown.
The following week, Chai delivered a high-energy performance for the “Mix It Up” challenge, blending songs, iconic TikTok audio, and choreography from pop anthems like “Sodom and Gomorrah” and “Judas.” Her sultry, dramatic mix featured custom reveal outfits and showcased her dedication to storytelling through drag. For the “World Tour” runway, she imagined what she’d wear on a global stage, stepping out in a hand-painted, fully stoned ensemble she spent weeks perfecting. With a touch of sewing and support from collaborator Glass Staine, Chai brought a look worthy of the spotlight and proved she’s ready to tour the world.
In episode nine of Drag Duel, Chai tackled the “Alumni Roast” challenge by delivering a five-minute comedy set aimed at the returning stars of season one. Though she admits scripted comedy was never her strongest suit, she embraced the challenge with heart and humor, bowing out of the competition with grace and pride. For the “Pants” runway, she honored her Drag Duel journey with a dramatically reimagined look she had lovingly refurbished and upgraded over time. While the roast marked her final act in the competition, Chai left as a fan favorite and a fierce representative of our home state’s drag excellence landing in the top five.
For the “A Very Winter Reunion” episode of Drag Duel, our home state’s own Chai returned to the screen in full icy glamour for the “Winter Wonderland” runway, serving an ice skating-inspired look that was equal parts chic and chill. Though she came ready to stir the pot, the drama melted away as the queens reflected on their shared experience filming season two. Chai brought humor and heart to the reunion, showing that even after elimination, her sparkle still shone bright.
Wrap up
Connecticut’s own Chai closed out her journey on Drag Duel with heartfelt reflection and fierce fashion in the season finale. After months of challenges, creativity, and competition, she shared her gratitude for the transformative experience, calling it one of her most significant artistic undertakings to date. From the friendships formed to the art created, Chai made it clear that the show was more than just a battle, it was a celebration. She graced the finale in a custom look featuring a dramatic headpiece and corset ensemble, reminding fans that while her time on the show has ended, her drag journey is far from over.
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