How Drag Race's Mayhem Miller Conquered Her Fear of Pickles

This week on RuPaul's Drag Race, the queens were tasked with showing off their improv skills. They paired off to create caricatures for a Jerry Springer-esque talk show, with Ross Mathews hosting the drama. Acting situations included compulsive eating of hip pads, a cheating cactus lover, grown women who believe they are babies, and a drag-imitating obsession.

One of the standout performances of the competition was Ms. Cracker as Dr. Dill, a mental health expert who tries to counsel Mayhem Miller on her fear of pickles. Unfortunately, Cracker outshone her acting partner. After a lip-synch-for-your-life to Shania Twain -- in front of Shania Twain -- Mayhem was asked to sashay away.

The Advocate spoke to the Los Angeles performer after her elimination.

The Advocate: How did it feel to walk into that workroom for the first time -- and into the Drag Race family?
Mayhem: The feeling I felt was that I was nervous, but excited to start this new journey in my life.

What surprised you about the experience of filming the show that you hadn't expected from watching it?
I didn't expect for me to be so emotionally vulnerable.

How did you prepare for this week's talk show challenge?
I turned back into the middle-school boy I used to be who watched shows like Jerry Springer and thought about those days where I watched those talk shows to see what characters I could bring to the stage from different episodes.

Who is your favorite talk show host?
Oh, Wendy Williams! She doesn't hold back, she's a straight shooter, and she's not afraid to be messy.

What was it like lip-synching Shania Twain in front of Shania Twain?
It was intimidating. But at the same time, I was so excited because I'm a country music fan, and being in the bottom two you really get to showcase yourself as a drag queen and what you can do. I was so excited to do it in front of her, I just thought to myself, Let's go for it!

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently to avoid elimination?
I don't think there would have been anything I would have done differently. The judges had their critiques, and I respect their decisions. I was happy with my performance and my challenge on the main stage, so I wouldn't change anything.

You're beloved in Los Angeles. What message do you have for your fans here?
I would say my message to my fans here in L.A. is to continue to support our drag scene. To let them know that hey, there's a lot of local talent in L.A. that deserves their shot to be on a huge platform such as Drag Race. So support the girls that hit the pavement night after night and show them your love.

Who are you rooting for among the remaining contestants?
I'm rooting for Monet, I'm rooting for Cracker, and yeah! I'm rooting for those two.

How does one conquer a fear of pickles?
Just put it in your mouth and swallow!

Thanks, Mayhem! Don't miss RuPaul's Drag Race Thursdays at 8 p.m. Eastern on VH1.