Raja on Winning Drag Race Without Auditioning and Rupaul

[@libiure]

raja earned her crown - and congrats to rupaul for realizing that she needed someone that would make great tv - it's not a coincidence that season 3 is when rpdr really took off ...

[@jjjjjjjjjj56789]

That’s literally the job of a “PRODUCER”… hence why Ru is the executive producer of the show

[@Daniel-qj5jm]

I think yvie didnt as well

[@MT-or3kz]

@@Daniel-qj5jm most of the girls after season 4 were pre-selects. They "audition" but it's like a check the box thing.

[@Daniel-qj5jm]

@@MT-or3kz Ohh I didn’t know that

[@kriskasa6476]

I saw the show very randomly on Netflix in 2014, I don’t remember which season I saw first ( maybe season 2), but immediately I got hooked. Raja is one of my top top fav queens.

[@caibra88]

It's like what Bob said, for many queens, Raja is the blueprint! She's the reason I started watching RPDR.

[@vintageyouth403]

I need raja to write a memoir and narrate it because her voice is so comforting to listen to

[@RaymondHng]

Most drag queens have a voice that's Saturday night. Raja's voice is Sunday morning.

[@annie-rq8ml]

Yes! Her diction is amazing

[@MeganBecker]

Agreed.

[@tjdjer]

I booked Raja in Cardiff and I can confirm she’s the most humble and easiest queen to work with. Very likeable, talented and beautiful.

[@ezequielmca4385]

she's evil

[@fajarsetiawan8665]

"I'm the only one who never auditioned, booked." That is so CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNT 🤏🤏🤏🤏

[@lalalillymo4]

Season 3 was the first season I watched as it aired. It’s so special to meeeee. Raja is an all time fav of mine & indisputable icon.

[@letthePigeondrivethebus]

Me too! ❤

[@rntlvr86]

Same!!

[@nicholasloyal4039]

Absolutely love how eloquent and well spoken Miss Raja is. Been a fan of hers since Top Model. #OGQueen

[@voodeux_badeux]

Raja just cleared all your favs and declared herself dat b*tch. I STAN!😂

[@CCSTOM]

as she should!

[@MakuraZalis]

She's honestly underrated and overlooked as a Ru favorite that it's disgusting

[@retailtherapized]

Read

[@isaiahisu]

Raja is the OG of drag race, the Alpha and Omega. Never before never since ….. at least for me ….. I never seen anything like her … love you Raja

[@chrisbuckley1785]

Yuhua never auditioned. She wasnt even cast. She just showed up and walked in. Ru saw that hot and flexible body and knew she couldnt let her leave. Legend has it the only reason she was sent home was cause all the other queens said they were gonna quit cause it was unfair to be going against a living legend. Ru and Michelle told her she was the best they've ever seen on the show. Like she had all the best qualities of all the winners wrapped into one. And thats the real tea.

[@jeannetterw]

Raja is the reason I refuse to dye my hair as I go grey. That's experience and life lived. Nothing to be ashamed of, and fkn stun.

[@Cali5556]

I'm "only" 48, and I've already seen friends, family and peers pass away in their teens, 20s or 30s, so I take every sign of ageing - my greying hair, wrinkles and weight gain - as a badge of honor. Growing old is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience, much less enjoy.

[@jeannetterw]

@@Cali5556 Amen. Life is too short to keep trying to turn back the clock.

[@LeSeulGarcon]

Rajas hair is colored.

[@jeannetterw]

@@LeSeulGarcon Loool gtfo. Ah well, you get the point.

[@marmar90000]

​@@LeSeulGarcon Yes, to *accentuate* and not *hide* her grays. That's the whole point of this discussion.

[@shinokyouku]

Its really funny when people say that Raja was a predetermined winner. Raja had advantages going into the season in that, yes she was friend with RuPaul and Mathieu, and yes she had experience in Reality TV since she worked on ANTM, and yes it was a design focused season, but S3 is by far the most difficult season on Drag Race outside looking in. Raja had extremely strong competitors too: Manila, Alexis Mateo, Yara Sofia, Delta Works, Shangela.

[@F4keFelipx]

Manila was tough competition. It literally could have gone either way

[@ezequielmca4385]

Shangela was not a strong competitor back then, actually she looked like a homeless with a wig.

[@a.b.c.x.y.z.2967]

The fact that she had advantages makes her "win" questionable, even more because of her friendship with Tyra Banks (one of RuPaul's muses) 🙄

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

The only real competition was Yara and Manila.

[@Roberto-tt7yv]

The fact that Mathu and Rupaul asked Raja directly 😩😩😩

[@jjjjjjjjjj56789]

They’re all in the same line of work for many years prior to the internet… yes, people used to network in person!! Shocking, i know

[@Feminazi1dc]

@@jjjjjjjjjj56789the point is everyone else had to audition lol

[@RuubinSelena]

I LOVE RAJA!!!!!

[@Clink2000]

What a fantastic snippet of the whole interview! Congrats Joseph! This whole series has been incredible so far! The best interviewer of the Queens HANDS DOWN! ⭐️👏🏼

[@Vaeserys]

Maddy is better

[@ICgay4]

​@@Vaeserysagreed

[@ICgay4]

You're hot af though

[@jonathansallade4954]

Met her at a tiny bar that used to be in Pittsburgh. The Queens didn't want a huge bar to hang out in. She was so wonderful and down to earth. Dela Ivy Raja and one other queen were there.

[@l.b.2592]

What's the tiny bar in Pittsburgh?

[@supernovaskies5044]

I honestly don’t think Raja was cast to win. I think Raja, Manila, and Yara were all cast to win 😂All I mean is that I think there was more focus on high concept art on Season 3 of Drag Race and they clearly wanted a more conceptual winner ei Raja Yara Sofia and Manila

[@user-ke5rt3ji8c]

But don’t you think they put manila and yara for raja? Bc if they feature the season as a looks/high concept season then they would cast other high concept queens, not just raja being the only one. and if you compare raja to manila and yara aesthetically and conceptually, raja will take it bc of her looks. I’m not even mad at her or trying to knock her down bc she ate s3 but let’s not be delulu, ru herself called her to do the show 😭 its okay to say the truth that she was favored AND talented af

[@supernovaskies5044]

@@user-ke5rt3ji8c True. Def not knocking Raja's talent

[@metchynorth5806]

He definitely was if you saw his Tyra bit on ANTM. It was easy to see why they cast him.

[@lucifersapphire8412]

I Love Raja🖤✨ season 3 had so many iconic queens.. Raja, Manila, Delta, Alexis, Yara, Shangela, Stacy, Mariah, India!! Almost all of them have been on All Stars ⭐️ truly iconic season.

[@frei82]

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Raja. She was my first choice of being one of my favorites beside Manila Luzon. This interview is (I hope) not gonna flop.

[@blakeveracruz122]

So Manila was your first choice

[@frei82]

@@blakeveracruz122 Yep, still is.

[@Jaglvnv]

Anytime I see raja I already know I’m going to love the content

[@krisgunser469]

Raja has grown so much since her season and I’m so happy that we got got to experience her transformation and growth as a human being. It was wonderful to watch.

[@AnnettaDarandri]

She’s so pretty thoo when she smiles. Love from fellow Indonesian 🫶🫶🫶

[@misbahsputra]

I can watch her talk all day. One of the best Queen ever. ❤❤

[@moe245]

You know you’re that girl when you didn’t have to audition

[@HannahHexter]

When are these full interviews coming out??? I’m dying for them!!!

[@MrChalaki]

Loving it!!!! That hair is so stunning!!!!! 💜

[@antonyware]

Legend and Icon! Raja is the queen that made these queens up the ante on their fashions!

[@eddiempg]

THE fashion queen of RDR 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@MT-or3kz]

STYLE

[@g0lddustt29]

The OG it girl for sure.

[@rolandoc4732]

Fantastic articulate and well spoken Queen you deserve all the accolades ❤

[@AmyJolly]

I started watching Drag Race from Season 1 thru 6 on Netflix and my life literally changed when Raja walked into that werkroom. She was so different! The creativity!!! I was blown away and my life changed forever!!!

[@TheAdacuarez]

I love how Raja just smiled and said “Booked” 2:45 😂😂😂

[@JosephAShepherd]

Oh lol she said “book” because she wants it in her book she’s writing

[@luf1782]

I LOVE Raja!!! Legendary and Iconic! You earned that crown henny! ♥️♥️👑

[@endor8witch]

raja was the show's original fashion queen. she sets the tone to elevate fashion instead of just sequin dresses and calling it a day.

[@MakuraZalis]

Raja is and forever be the fashion queen. Extremely versatile and came be hilarious

[@thecoffeesloth]

I totally get what Raja is saying about them "face acting" because some of the early edits were a bit rough and the spliced in face shots were sometimes comically out of place for what was just shown? 😂

[@missma-s1y]

i am not surprised she is the only one who got on the show like that. because she is the only one i knew (due to antm and aka Sutan) who did drag before i even knew what drag and even lgbt is. i was 8 watching antm in 2010. props to her. she is the household name

[@LuluLuscious]

Whenever I need inspiration in life, I watch the Rama’s best moments on KZbin. The runway montage of her looks were truly iconic and some of them have never been outdone! I love this queen and All Stars was truly an amazing snippet of her. I’m so happy for Raja!

[@ares6953]

Raja looks so fabulous ! she´s gorgeous !

[@saramijn14]

Raja just casually spilling ALL the tea! God I love her!

[@GilbyMinaj]

Raja pleas come to Houston soon! Love you my Queen 🥰🙏🏽💕

[@sgw3612]

What a tasty interview.

[@alexramirez9589]

Raja is my absolute favorite. I remember watching her on season 3 and just being amazed by her confidence. She helped me see beauty in so many different ways, and I am forever grateful for her. So I guess RuPaul really meant it when she told her she had always been a fan. Rightfully so lol

[@miranda.g.22]

Raja is such an interesting and well-spoken person. Ideal dinner party guest (and I wouldn't even accuse her of stealing a wine glass)

[@ciaran3207]

I could listen to her for hours

[@kennetcedeno6498]

The first season i watched was S3 and it was amazing. The best one by far. Thanks to the heathers and Shangela.

[@BaraKingu]

Love the format

[@SkySantana]

raja is queen of all queens. essentially she was the only choice for winning AS7 but cus of how good the other girl did, i believe they intentionally created a 2nd side crowing just to dedicate it to raja and show appreciation for her. but she is silently the godmother of drag race, queen of all queens. she just hits ALL the marks. funny, campy, edgy, fashion, just good.

[@PositiveRaincloud]

I could smoke a blunt with Raja and listen to her speak for hours.

[@kenalexandremeridi]

Yesss

[@elusivecreature2376]

Raj should definitely write a book. I just love listening to her stories! She is amazing then and amazing now. ❤

[@BFFR5150]

REAL OG fans have known Sutan/Raja since ANTM!

[@jeannielanham2956]

Raja is incredible!!!! On my fave list...

[@thatstupidthing7154]

Honestly, she’s too iconic to audition 🤭

[@williamgooch3230]

I remember seeing Raja host a drag show called planet diva at a club called Ozz in Buena Park! She was iconic back then!

[@guttersnype00]

I was there! She also performed at Frat House and I think another club in Costa Mesa. She did exclusively Tina Turner and Cher. She worked at Disneyland Parade back in the day so we had friends in common. We all went to Magic Mountain once and we have the photos to prove it.

[@StLProgressive]

Raja looks absolutely beautiful. I love her hair, that she usually rocks that gorgeous gray.

[@jonnyk4669]

i loved the overproduction of untucked back then. untucked now is just like an afterthought with occasional good drama

[@foxroller]

I'm a 60 year old white woman who has been a Raja fan forever....I love you Raja ❤

[@johnayalachef]

Rupaul’s early drag persona was Gender Fuck. Mathu & Zaddy helped create the Glamour Monster. Raja had all of those attributes from the beginning. They could morphe seamlessly. Thats why he stood out and that’s why I believe they deserved the 🏆

[@nailartguy3363]

lol Mathu and Zaddy… someone must be typing Zaddy a lot for it to be their autocorrect’s first choice for Zaldy 😂

[@nataliyamikhailova4669]

Raja is the best, and thank you, Ru, for gifting her to us all

[@dalive___]

I really hope Raja takes Ru’s spot one day! Been so good at everything 🖤

[@birdbrain1426]

Season 3 was the first season I watched on cable and I was so scared to be caught by my parents lol. I fell in love with their aesthetics and intrigued by the whole concept of drag and queer people in general. Now, Raja is one of my all time faves.

[@aajess7080]

Sugar and spice also didnt auditioned. They were casted in LA

[@zeroxromance]

OUR QUEEN OF SHE DONE ALREADY HAD HER'SES!! ⚘️

[@Kiazen-b7z]

Raja is just perfection!!!

[@juliohernandez5230]

She EARNED her spot more than once

[@doug_d767]

Raja is beautiful, and iconic! She proved that on her original season, and confirmed it for the millennials on All Stars! 🌈✨🌈🌈

[@ohwowoh7281]

Raja is an icon and changed the game. She is the only Asian winner on the US series.

[@lorrieanneswan6509]

Raja is one of my favorite people. I had no idea that Raja could look more stunning........😊today.

[@susanjon8119]

Miss Raja isn't just fabulous but simply beautiful telling the queen's less is more love her for that ❤

[@marcosbandini]

4:53 this kind of editing was hilarious! It's unfortunate this new generation of queens would never have the same approach. Edit: I don't want to blame it only on the girls, it's also the "fans" that take everything so seriously fault too.

[@macaoron]

That does explain the slurping compilation videos 😂

[@jamesc7019]

Her look with the Marie Antoinette wig and bustier was iconic as was the lip synch with Carmen.

[@Vxlntvne]

THE INTERIOR ILLUSIONS LOUNGE VODKA STORY… 😭😭😭

[@jtdeluxe5943]

Oh okay this gives some more background to the “condragulations Raja!” shady mirror message.

[@PrecociousFriand]

You can't help but love Raja bringing West Coast Grandma Realness

[@projectfabulosity1110]

Love Raja ✨ Mentioning Manila getting on All-Stars twice ✨✨

[@tjordan78]

This totally explains Raja's sort of ambivalent, nonchalant attitude on Season 3, which honestly was so charming and refreshing. She was weird. She walked into the workroom in that dumbass purple one eyed monster outfit. She dropped the floor of the runway and made snow angels. She wasn't trying to win, so why not?

[@ect2541]

I never really watching season 3, started from season 2, but always LOVE Raja from ANTM, and always support my Indonesian queen! ❤

[@dreambliss1048]

I wish I could watch the old untucked. Been searching for it .

[@imaleoncruz]

One of my favorites IF NOT my favorite drag race winner, sue me

[@l.b.2592]

No. I would hug U 💋

[@myfriendisaac]

Rupaul’s favoritism makes sense; the show is called *Rupaul’s Drag Race* after all 🤷🏾‍♂️😂

[@lickos83]

Raja thought the stealing vodka story would get a bigger reaction 😂

[@MooMooFutch]

Where is the full exposed Raja interview?

[@LunalovaniaGaming]

Imo, Raja IS living breathing fashion. 💜💋✌️🤝✨️

[@infinitelightcouncil]

She could eat a runway back in the day- like Shalom and Naomi had a baby ❤

[@l.b.2592]

YES🎉

[@sebcano3704]

RAJA ON 🔝

[@ooky666]

RAJA means king & SHE IS A QUEEN. Love her 🌹🌹🌹

[@jjjjjjjjjj56789]

Not you spilling 13 year old tea 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@markalexander3659]

I love Raja in grey hair

[@RaymondHng]

4:59 That's called shooting the pickups.

[@raikusen19]

I ADORE YOU, my queen goddess Raja. ❤

[@roncelliott]

I want to see the rest of this! How do I see it???!

[@anthonydenegra7073]

"Hmmmm, Purple Mittens" 😂😂😂

[@STUDY0421]

Ugh Raja is my Fav!!!

[@christownsend7552]

Raja discussing swiping the vodka is QUEEN SHIT

[@cjps710]

Raja!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@roguephoenix]

glad that non-audition thing worked out for the best. we know how badly that can go if done that way... (down under season 1)

[@johnnyblack5247]

Love this 😍 I honestly think raja should carry the baton for rupaul. Should it ever become necessary

[@l.b.2592]

Yes. I also think Raja & Bob doing it together would be spectacular ❤️

[@Manchester1990]

Correct me if I'm wrong - Aquaria didn't have to audition either? Re Raja saying she's the only one. Love Raja btw ❤

[@ricardoderas4906]

Really Aquaria? Maybe she meant first. I know some queens were also asked to audition just so it looks fair for the rest. I remember Courtney act saying she was asked to audition. And all contestants of down under season 1 did not audition. They were all approached privately on IG

[@halanthernandez7471]

Aquaria did audition, but I think she was asked to finally audition for the show

[@HarleyChristo]

QUEEN 👑

[@bigjso]

Wait. I remember clips of her audition that they showed and I really remember Adam saying to cast her.

[@Superbounce3]

I can see them asking her to make a tape anyway as a formality

[@bigjso]

@@Superbounce3 Yes, they did this before

[@FifosTopic]

My all time favourite

[@gdrox07]

Eyeconic story