Last Words With RuPaul's Drag Race's Chi Chi DeVayne

RuPaul's Drag Race got down to its final four contestants this week: Bob the Drag Queen, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, and Chi Chi Devayne. In this episode, the contestants were tasked with making a final impression on the judges through filming a music video, showing off their best drag on the main stage, and giving words of advice to themselves as young boys.

Overall, each contestant proved her mettle. Chi, despite a tumble during the music-video shoot, inspired with feathered avant-garde fashion and moved the judges to tears with her advice. Smalls dazzled with runway realness. Bob exercised wit and humor. And DeVayne surprised even the judges with how far her drag has come this season.

Unfortunately, DeVayne was asked to sashay away after a four-way lip-synch to RuPaul's track "The Realness." Afterward, The Advocate had a few questions for the Louisiana performer.

The Advocate: You were really a dark-horse candidate going into this competition. And you've made so much progress throughout the season. How did it feel to reach the final four?
Chi Chi DeVayne: It felt great. I don't have any other words -- I worked my ass off, so I feel like it was well deserved.

What was the hardest part about pretending to fall through a black hole during the music-video shoot?
The physical aspect of it is the hardest part. You have to be in shape to hold your legs up. I did well but it was hard! And to look beautiful at the same time.

What tips would you offer Kim Chi and other drag queens who stumble?
Take a dance class! Take a ballet class -- ballet class is always good. You can never have enough.

You said you weren't sure you know what "avant-garde" is. After watching the episode, do you think you pulled it off?
Um, no, I don't think I quite pulled it off! I really don't take the time to study the fashion magazines, but I will make sure to do that in the future so I know what "avant-garde" means.

This year RuPaul didn't sit down with the contestants for a breath-mint lunch! What would you have liked to discuss with RuPaul one-on-one?
I would have wanted to discuss the reasons why she chose me to actually be on the show, and just some advice on how I could move on in the future with my career in drag, because it was so unexpected. I never thought drag would be my career.

On the main stage, you all had to give advice to yourselves as children. Whose message most moved you and why?
I want to say the one that moved me the most was Kim's. I just couldn't think of how it would feel for your parents not to know what you do or that you've reached such a great point in your life and they're not even there to share it. So that one moved me the most.

What advice would you give to LGBT kids who feel like they don't have a friend in the world?
I mean, I think friends are like boyfriends and girlfriends -- there is somebody for everybody. You just have to know what kind of people you want to surround yourself with, and there will always be people on your side.

What advice would you give yourself at the beginning of the season?
Just go for it! And think outside the box, don't get in your head, and be the creative person you have always been.

What was going through your mind when RuPaul announced that you would be going home?
It was a disappointment, you know, that I didn't make it, because I did work so hard. There was a bit of shame, because I felt like I let everyone down. But for the most part there was this relief, like, Now you can go out and slay.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently to avoid elimination?
For the neon challenge, I would have waited my turn to talk!

What have you learned from your time at Drag Race?
I've learned that I am a very, very talented person, and the only way I can achieve success is if I just be me.

What would you say to lawmakers who pass anti-LGBT legislation like in North Carolina?
This is America ... just let people be who they are. I mean, I don't see the reason on hating on someone. I really don't get into politics too much, but we're in 2016 -- we need to let people be who they are.

Who are you rooting for among the remaining contestants?
Bob the Drag Queen! She is a queen for the people and she is the most talented person!

What's next for you?
Trying to get a show! I have always wanted to be on Broadway or do other things besides drag. I would love to get a musical spot in something.

Thanks, Chi Chi! Take a peek behind the scenes with the latest episode of Untucked below. And don't miss the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race, which will air Monday, May 16, at 9 p.m. Eastern on Logo.