Extended interview: Sapphira Cristál on RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 finale, love for Philadelphia

Philadelphia-based queen Sapphira Cristál has a chance to become "America's Next Drag Superstar" during the "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 16 finale Friday night.
Our Josh Sanders sat down with Sapphira ahead of the season finale to talk about her journey and her pride in Philadelphia, the city she has called home for the past 10 years.
CBS News Philadelphia joined Sapphira getting into drag for a watch party at the Theatre of the Living Arts on South Street. She recalled auditioning for
"RuPaul's Drag Race" 11 times, her love for Philly, and the art form of drag in a country where it's becoming a political lightning rod.
"RuPaul's Drag Race" season 16 finale airs at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.
Read more: www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/...
--
We serve more than the city of Philadelphia, and we deliver a lot more than news. Fiercely committed to the communities we serve, we’re covering and discovering the stories that impact your life.
From Center City and the Philly suburbs to Delaware and South Jersey, we're uncovering the heart behind the headline and investing in the communities we call home.
Subscribe on KZbin: / cbsphilly
Check out our content: newsin.bio/cbsphiladelphia
Follow us on X: @CBSPhiladelphia
Like us on Facebook: / cbsphiladelphia
Follow us on TikTok: @CBSPhiladelphia
Follow us on Instagram: @CBSPhiladelphia

[@Mitch-Alex]

It's crazy how she auditioned 11 times and on the time she made it she will be in the finale and potentially taking the crown 👑 !!!

[@dualnon6643]

Why is that crazy? Every queen who made it to the finale auditioned some number of times

[@velky_reeds]

​@@dualnon6643some queens like Aquaria and Violet only auditioned once and won. I think what they're saying is, it's crazy that it took her so long to get on the show but finally she got in and made it to the finale

[@giggles7179]

There have been several queens that have been strung along by the producers for years without being cast (Eva Destruction was a queen scouted by _Drag Race_ and was in every single one of those "cast prediction" videos every season. She sent in tapes at the show's request several years in a row, but it's tough to be rejected that many times and she ended up taking her talents to _Dragula_ instead), but RuPaul and the casting agents have commented on how each season's casting is almost down to an art. They take so much into consideration and they've most often said that if a queen's not quite ready yet, it's a good idea for the queen to contiunue the audition process each year. Sapphira's proof of that. I don't know that I've heard of a queen having auditioned _that_ many times before because the process can be really long and taxing. The audition tape alone had become so long and detailed....and _it has to be a different tape every year._ Sapphira seems like a very centered, grounded queen and patience is not a virtue generally possessed or even understood by a majority of drag queens. While Season 16 has had an especially talented cast, I don't know that I can see them giving the crown to anyone but Sapphira tonight. She held on and it might just pay off. She's definitely worked for it. And in the end, Mama Ru and the casting agency knew precisely when she was ready for it.

[@giggles7179]

​​@@velky_reeds (An interesting fact: Violet Chachki was an _alternate contestant._ She was added to the cast when one of the initial choices dropped out. I'd have loved to have seen the faces on the casting crew when she went on to win the damn thing).

[@taintedlife2618]

@@giggles7179 baby if this video doesn’t prove she deserves that win I don’t know what does!

[@Delanore-Roosevelt]

Sapphira instantly became one of my favorite queens not just because she’s representing Philly but because of all of the amazing qualities she has. Shes resilient, kind, talented, and beautiful. I am team Sapphira forever!

[@jopablaro90]

I want her to win so bad! She showed so many layers , but overall: kindness, love and talent

[@ramongodoy4555]

She’s going to lose to Nymphia. Great effort though. Second place isn’t bad. She should be proud.

[@ramongodoy4555]

@@girlDBZfan101I guess we will know tonight won’t we. ;)

[@beysmentssecuritycamera6013]

@@ramongodoy4555 great effort adn "she should be proud" is crazy She's. the msot deserving of winning, Nymphia is a great queen but you wouldn't be saying what you're saying if she wasnt thee fan fav of the season.... and also winning doesnt alwqays meaning the right winner

[@ramongodoy4555]

So how are we doing girls :) 😅

[@ICgay4]

​@@ramongodoy4555 happy Nymphia won, of course Sapphira is fierce but honestly eh meh to me

[@trey7502]

this is the positivity and representation we need to keep seeing on our tvs!!! love that you guys are covering her

[@onikasqueendom8846]

so immensely proud of her!!! SAPPHIRA CRISTAL IS THE MOMENT.

[@erickscherzy1903]

She was

[@purty.kurty.]

As a Philadelphian, its been incredible watching Sapphira represent our city in such a positive way. We absolutely adore you, Sapphira. Let's take home the crown, baby!!!

[@ML-xh6rd]

Man, I hope she wins. She's classy, gracious and oh so talented. I also appreciate that she takes her drag seriously, but doesn't take herself too seriously. A true queen's queen.

[@kennethdrake7686]

One of the strongest competitors on RPDR ever. Talent and generosity and kindness

[@satori03]

Amen

[@ramongodoy4555]

🥱

[@melip7635]

I appreciate how she describe herself as "loving" first

[@gracehoverson1857]

She gives WINNER energy in every way. Love Sapphira’s pristine vibe. She gives the season so much heart. Beautiful and amazing!!!!

[@WayneGlass1]

I love Sapphira so much. We are the same age, same sign, and have the same energy. She’s just the best.

[@NevaUndaPressure]

Sapphira Cristal... You're a WINNER baby!! 👑

[@erickscherzy1903]

😢

[@NevaUndaPressure]

@@erickscherzy1903 IKR!! Although Nymphia being choosen is not a complete surprise.

[@taintedlife2618]

Oh so she’s a composer too?! They left that off! She must win! I don’t remember when I’ve seen someone with such clear winner energy.

[@AlohaPanda]

Never noticed her the entire season tbh, all I saw was Nymphia.

[@Justso_Weather_Vain]

The TRUE QUEEN! She deserved every single moment this entire season, including Miss congeniality! Can't wait to see her on All Stars (we all know it's coming! It better be!)

[@dualnon6643]

Sapphira really does have star quality

[@swerves]

SHE BETTER WIN TOMORROW

[@Rhetzelle]

Obviously

[@jinglejacks5249]

SHE WILL !

[@ramongodoy4555]

Nymphia for the win ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@jinglejacks5249]

@@ramongodoy4555 no one who doubted themselves at every turn during this competition deserves that much fkin money idc how fierce her runways were

[@ramongodoy4555]

Saphira is BORING. YAWN 🥱 Nymohia literally carried the entire show. She’s the only one with star qualities.

[@CorneliusYogaBurn]

And this is AMERICA’S NEXT DRAG SUPERSTAR! It’s not just about turning out a look, which she can but it’s the poise elegance grace and humility that truly represents the heart of our country.

[@micahjoelgeimer4215]

The same country that supports and funds a genocide?

[@AKayt-nm2yc]

Sapphira is Drag Excellence!!! 💙💙 How wonderful her local news is covering her!! That doesn't happen here in Texas 😢

[@JH-yl6wm]

She didn't win but she is such a star with a huge heart! Can't wait to see her on all stars!

[@capt3rdleg835]

She is the moment! She’s the queen!!! It’s her time to take over

[@mellybeetaylor8177]

Love this Queen! She is kindness, love, talent and gorgeous! I would pay to watch Sapphira! 💖👑💙

[@Usernotfound31231]

Sapphira I was not rooting for you but your poise, elegance, grace, talent, and artistry simply cannot be denied and I now believe you deserve to win 💕

[@bonniesessomes6535]

I love her look, confidence and intelligence. She has it all, crown her the Queen!

[@nottoday4081]

she better get that crown

[@user-iv4bw5lt6u]

Love to see black queer individuals in media 🔥🔥

[@tankmcgarrett6594]

COME THROUGH DIVA!!!! #PhillyStrong

[@Ninjalina]

Sapphira is LOVE

[@georgiejulius556]

WINNERR!!!!

[@erickscherzy1903]

😢

[@NicerChile]

this is the first ever Philly's queen into dragrace, and she might win it at the first time too

[@jessicabw]

I love that Philly is so supportive of Sapphira! I hope she wins! #TeamSapphira 💠

[@sevinsweets5140]

Saphirra is the winner! I don’t care who got the crown!

[@Lindsey32593]

So proud to have such a stunning person rep our city!!! 💕 Love Sapphira!!

[@thepeachyplace]

We love you Sapphira!!!!!

[@susankeefer5981]

Sapphira just has to win Drag Race season 16. She has so much more going for her than anyone else. Her kindness and compassion are reasons enough for her to win. 👑💎💙

[@TtheLab]

Saphira for thé win ❤️ ………… she’s doing ‘bodies’ ………… turning it out 🤩❤️❤️❤️ I LOVE U SAPHIRAÁ…….. HEY FROM SWITZERLAND 😃

[@CajunCraft24]

Favorite queen of the season. So talented,nurturing, and warm. She will dominate All Stars if she goes on. It’s hers to take.

[@victoriadomiciano6247]

winner!!!!

[@erickscherzy1903]

😢

[@Redfoxybrown]

#Teamsapphira I want her to win! It’s sooo very much deserved. You can see the work she’s put in, in her drag and as a human being to just be better. Her personality makes her glow and I think that’s what makes her such a strong competitor and individual.

[@jinglejacks5249]

THANK U FOR COVERING HER

[@boybriar]

QUEEN OF PHILADELPHIA!

[@villagegirl3627]

She’s a winner no matter the outcome of a skewed competition. She will go further than many…

[@aletaadams86]

As an older woman of melnated hue. She is so pretty to me Love opera and her voice is everything to me

[@EM-sk3sc]

such a stunning and kind queen. She represents herself so well and I'm SO SO PROUD!!!

[@Chris-gf5yd]

What a beautiful person inside and out ❤

[@coldcaller4351]

ROBBED. We love you, true winner of season 16!

[@oscarpedroso9958]

Team Sapphira all the way! I can't see any of the other S16 finalists continuing RuPaul's legacy like Sapphira can; she will pave the way for others to shine.

[@jeremymoore145]

Very professional at what she does. African american’s need to support one another. Even if you don’t agree with the lifestyle. I hope she wins!

[@maggiemcauley6808]

such an amazing queen. beautiful talented and loving. her voice is also so soothing to me omg

[@Jessica_stevie]

my dad is from Philly and a massive eagles fan which means hes a sapphira fan hes backing the queen of Philly

[@sidsid6380]

Even though she didn’t win i think we gonna be seeing a lot of Sapphira and I am not mad about that

[@christianpedraza858]

I'm officially a Sapphira Fan🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤!!!!!. I'm rooting for you ♥ ♥ ♥!!!!!.

[@rascal_rae]

the heart of the season

[@edwardchen9619]

CMON SAPPHIRA!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jaelespinoza5062]

Legend!

[@divakingsley9020]

I’m happy for Sapphira making it to the Top 2 I had her as the winner (and if it was track record alone then she would’ve won)! I hope she goes back to All Stars!!

[@ruthquetant7375]

Not from philly but I 💙 me some shapphiria!! Particularly because she is not only FLY! , but also kind, gracious, compassionate, generous and understands the power of leading your life with Love😘💖💐💐💐💙‼

[@maggie6110]

She's such a wholesome and well-rounded queen. Love her. Wish her all the best💙

[@danielligon9472]

her kindneas and professionalism will take her far ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@jorgehadadrey5809]

The winner of this season

[@erickscherzy1903]

😢

[@stacianowosielski]

#teamSapphira!!!

[@Luxlivingforless]

Sapphira reminds me so much of RuPaul. The mannerisms. The gentle speaking, the compassion and love of the art of drag. I can definitely see Sapphira taking over Drag Race if ever Ru decided to make space for Sapphira.

[@NicoleLNC75]

As a human being she is a winner❤❤

[@emilyannamanda]

Oh, this is who I’m rooting for the win. Great job. Awesome coverage from Philly CBS.

[@ms.ronaldmonroe8779]

11 times??? What determination!! I was pulling for her!! Shame on RuPaul.

[@erikad0511]

11 auditions!?😮 How did they say no so many times? Sapphira is all round talent, she's our philly queen and won the hearts of many

[@lanapapas]

My winner❤

[@nursehottie71268]

Sapphira is such a big-hearted person. I can't see another winner. Bless you, Sapphira now and in the future. Shine like the jewel you are! Best of luck tonight

[@Ll_hillarious]

There’s something nostalgic about the way they filmed this interview. Reminds me of watching Dorian Corey during Paris is burning.

[@andreiiovanescu8332]

This was so beautiful and I hope the world listens ❤✨

[@edwardclark4412]

The true winner of RDR! She’s won so much more and it’s the hearts and respect of America! She’s a true queen and I’m excited to see what’s next. ❤❤❤❤

[@booth8984]

Our winner 🎉❤️

[@user-ts2yd8pj7c]

Loved Sapphira's journey on Drag Race - she is fierce!

[@heyheyhey40]

Sapphira is the rightful winner of season 16. I feel Ru made the best business decision for himself. Crowning a Taiwan queen opens up the Chinese market even more for him. Folks need to understand that worldwide, China is the #1 money maker for Hollywood. Entertainment is HUGE in China.

[@Justbemyselff]

What does a Taiwanese queen have to do with China? I'm sure drag and queerness is very much disliked and suppressed by the CCP in any case. You seem to talk about a lot when you don't have much knowledge or experience on the matter.

[@heyheyhey40]

@@Justbemyselff I lived in China for 6 years and I have seen many drag shows in mainland China and in Hong Kong. Even though the LGBTQ community experiences micro aggressions from the government, the community is strong with gay clubs in every city and many Chinese love Drag Race. I know because I served on a committee that planned and organized Pride in a major Chinese city. You must not be aware that even though Taiwan claims independence, China claims that Taiwan belongs to them. This is strategic for Ru. And you don’t know me to declare I have no experience.

[@MC-ll4md]

Sapphira you are beautiful inside and out ❤You won in so many ways! I hope I get to see you perform live ❤

[@itsfrankthedank1184]

She’s honestly such an inspiration ❤️

[@Gomaberry]

People can say whatever they want about Philly, but the city rides deep for their own! Go Sapphira!!!!

[@blueruby008]

I'm definitely a fan! Sapphira is what i would literally describe as a all in one! Just amazing 💙

[@demarionyc4017]

You are a WINNER BABY!

[@erickscherzy1903]

😢

[@jeannejohnson74]

Sapphira didn't lose ANYTHING. Just keep being yourself and spreading your intelligence for the world. We need it.

[@angeljernigan291]

A beautiful soul. This queen will go far! ❤

[@jamiel6169]

Sapphia was all class this season! Love her!

[@AquaNeith]

love her

[@AKayt-nm2yc]

Watch her "Watcha Packin" that just came out. Yes she's auditioned 11 times.... but she also prayed that God wouldn't let her get on the show until she was ready to win ❤

[@lgran79]

Sapphira was sooooo fierce this season! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@gdnh]

I love how this started with drag ASMR

[@venusbabe8409]

omg i love her sm 🥲

[@aaliyahkhan215]

Team Sapphira

[@zlatkajupe]

The winner of season 16!!!!!!!!!!!! Loooooooooove her drag and personality. Nymphia is great too but I truly feel like Sapphira is the best choice. Even helped other Queens.

[@erickscherzy1903]

😢😢😢

[@teresawhitley8058]

Period, sister!! Love you & good luck tonight xoxo

[@sharonheller6565]

Congratulations on being on the show. My opinion is they stole it from you. But, your a winner BABY. I love you very much. Stay strong and God bless. Philly got your BACK now and always. You are amazing.

[@Xaywithaz]

LOVE Sapphira

[@obibraxton2232]

Sapphira could have been the first ever Miss Conveniently winner!

[@salvahazana7629]

Why does this feel like a 2009 interview on MTV ?

[@vanessawhitneypro]

LOVE!

[@percheroneclipse238]

Classically trained!

[@emmad1711]

I thought Sapphira would win. She is amazing 👏🏾 🤩 I love the Rupaul Drag Race show, one of my fave shows. All the girls are amazingly talented.

[@jayhodges2391]

SAPPHIRIA IS THE BEST EVER QUEEN 👸🏾 KEEP GOING UP!!!! YOU ARE SO TALENTED WHEN YOU HIT THAT STAGE YOU JUST HAVE US IN AWWWWWWH🙇🏽😍🥰

[@jaredellifritt6094]

How many queens can say they are classically trained? None to my knowledge. Her voice is insane. But what I like is her personality. Definitely my favorite queen.

[@MsElectricLover]

my winner.

[@DeltaChi16]

What a beautiful & emphatic soul. 🥰🥰🥰