Last Words With RuPaul's Drag Race's Magnolia Crawford

This week RuPaul's Drag Race debuted its second premiere and introduced the remaining seven competitors of season 6: Milk, Trinity k. Bonet, Darienne Lake, Magnolia Crawford, Courtney Act, Bianca Del Rio, and Joslyn Fox. Surprised to learn that they were late for the party (half-eaten cake and empty champagne glasses greeted them upon their arrival), the queens were tasked with creating their own fabulous fete out of fabric.

After Trinity k. Bonet won the mini-challenge photo shoot, which involved pillow fights with the pit crew, the contestants stitched and hotglued party-themed couture that ranged from the Republican Party to a quinceanera. Ultimately, Magnolia Crawford was eliminated for failing to impress the judges with her cow-patterned hoedown ensemble and for bristling at their critique. The Advocate spoke to Crawford about the elimination, drag role models, and what's next after Drag Race.

How did you prepare for RuPaul's Drag Race?
Well, I think it is safe to say I didn't prepare enough for the show! But, despite how things are coming across, I did want to be there! And, I have tremendous respect for RuPaul and the judges!

What was your reaction to RuPaul's rule change of splitting the queens into two premieres? Do you think this helped or hurt your chances?
It certainly was a shock. I'm not sure how it effected my chances. At the end of they day my baditude sent me packing.

What is the hardest part of a pillow fight photo shoot surrounded by hot men in underwear?
Gosh, I think the hardest part was trying to stay balanced on the bed! Those boys certainly were delicious to look at though!

You became very defensive of the judges' criticism of your party-themed "hoedown" ensemble during the runway challenge. Santino said it was "very basic," and Michelle Visage said "you could have done more." Do you think their remarks were fair? If you could reenact the scene, do you think you would have responded to them in another way?
As it turns out, I did reenact the scene. You can see it here. Or, just visit my YouTube channel: MagnoliaIsMe. #teambasic

Looking back on the episode, would you have done anything differently to avoid elimination?
I've thought about this time and time again. Of course, my 'tude didn't do me any justice. At the end of the day though, I'm just focusing on what I'm going to do now, going forward.

Who are your favorites among the queens this season?
Milk, Milk, Milk! I also love Adore, April, Ben, Bianca, Courtney, Darienne, Gia, Joslyn, Laganja, Trinity, Vivacious, and Kelly.

Was there another contestant from this episode that you thought should have gone home first?
No comment. I can't talk any more shit! I'm trying to redeem myself!

What first attracted you to drag?
Sparkles and rhinestones! But in all seriousness, I love the character aspect of drag -- the chance to be whatever you want, or to portray anything you choose. I should point out that Magnolia is a character played by Reynolds. And, for what it's worth, the two are very different.

What should a drag queen always keep in her purse?
Mace. Or at least I should. I have a lot of enemies now.

Who is your role model?
I look up to many queens -- Dame Edna, Jackie Hell, and Betty Butterfield, to name a few.

What was your favorite part of the Oscars this year? Between Ellen DeGeneres, Bette Midler, and Liza Minnelli, was this the gayest Academy Awards yet?
I didn't watch the Oscars. Don't worry though, I'll be sure to tune in for the Razzies!

How did you react to Jared Leto, who won an Oscar for playing a trans character?
That's fantastic! Thanks for telling me, I hadn't heard.

What's next after RuPaul?
I'm continuing to work on my YouTube channel. I'm also working on a new single with Adam Barta, which will be lots of fun. Beyond that, I think Magnolia will hang up her heels for a bit and lick her wounds.

Thanks, Magnolia! RuPaul's Drag Race airs Mondays at 9 p.m. Eastern on Logo. And watch Magnolia's YouTube recreation of the judges' critique below.