Why BenDeLaCreme Got Out the Wite-Out

Not even Goddess herself saw the twist on this week's RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars coming.

BenDeLaCreme, the frontrunner of the drag competition, decided to send... herself home. She did so after winning the main challenge -- a hilarious musical competition between two rival kitty-themed girl groups, comprised of the previously eliminated contestants and the remaining All Stars.

In winning, BenDeLa had the power to bring back one of the eliminated contestants and send a competitior packing. She chose to bring back Morgan McMichaels -- who she had previously sent packing, as discussed in a heated confrontation at the beginning of the episode. But she chose to fall on her own sword, rather than point it at someone else.

The Advocate talked with BenDeLa about this unexpected twist after her self-elimination.

Why did you want to be on All Stars?
I knew that if I didn't enter I would always wonder what if.

You were the front runner in this competition. What strengths helped elevate your drag, and what preparation was involved?
I think it's the way you prepare for All Stars is unique. You have been preparing since your original season because you have been working all the time. Experience makes you better. No better way to hone your skills than four seasons of working regularly

Your success always seemed like a burden to you. Did you ever dread winning a challenge?
Never dreaded, it's a double edged sword. There is a part of me that doesnt enjoy the conflict, but there's another part of me that always wants me to do my best work. The part of me that doesnt enjoy conflict will never stop me from representing myself as well as I possible can.

What was your reaction when you saw the eliminated queens?
I just knew what was coming. I was like, oh here we go, now were going to have a roundtable where everybody yells at everybody.

This week was all about girl groups -- kitty-themed girl groups. Which girl group was your favorite growing up and why?
Fully the Spice Girls. To the point where I dyed my boy hair red with a blonde streak in the front to look like Ginger Spice. My group of friends and I were the only people in the theatre when we went to see Spice World.

Why did you choose "goth kitty" as your girl group character?
Because she was the counter point the group needed. Also, I was having a lot of emotions that day and that's what drag is, its taking something hard and making it something beautiful and fun.

Why did you self-eliminate?
My decision to eliminate myself wasn't something that I had planned to do, but on the day of the elimination it became abundantly clear that it was something I needed to do. I felt like I had accomplished what I needed to accomplish, and I am proud of that.

Thanks, BenDeLaCreme! Don't miss RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars Thursdays on VH1.