In the immortal words of Tatianna, “What you see, isn’t always the truth.” Ongina, a beloved queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race, recently opened up about a little-known chapter in her Drag Race journey that left fans with raised eyebrows.
For years, Ongina passionately campaigned for a spot on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, a dream that finally materialized in All Stars 5. However, prior to her triumphant return, Ongina had made a brief appearance during the grand finale of All Stars 1, not as a contestant, but as an out-of-drag driver. She shared the driver’s seat with Delta Work, an iconic moment for Drag Race aficionados.
In a candid interview with Very Delta, Ongina and Delta revisited their cameo as drivers during All Stars 1’s finale. Contrary to popular belief that Ongina had been overlooked by producers for years, Ongina revealed a surprising twist: “Did you know that, All Stars 1, I was actually supposed to be on? They had invited me to be on, and they really wanted me to be on it.”
However, the plot thickened. At that time, Ongina’s “boy” career was flourishing, with responsibilities that included opening stores in Los Angeles and Southern California, managing multiple areas, and enjoying the perks of a steady job. She faced a tough decision: “You have to make a choice. If you leave for All Stars, you can’t come back. Or you could stay here and not go to All Stars.”
Ongina’s commitment to her career and its financial stability prevailed, leading her to decline the opportunity, but not without a bittersweet consolation: “Do you want to drive a van? I was like, ‘Sure, I’ll drive a van! I think I can take one day off instead of like the 30 days that they needed me to take off.”
The revelation sparked intrigue within the Drag Race community, as Ongina hinted at the rumored replacement for her on All Stars 1. She noted, “Rumor has it… I don’t know the truth to this matter, but I’ve been told. The rumor is that because I said no, that’s why Mimi [Imfurst] got the spot.”
In hindsight, Ongina’s journey through the Drag Race universe took a winding path, with her eventual appearance on All Stars 5 marking a significant chapter. Fans can only wonder how differently All Stars 1 might have played out if Ongina had taken that initial leap. Nevertheless, the revelation adds a unique layer to the history of RuPaul’s Drag Race, reminding us that even queens face tough choices on their journey to stardom.
Ongina’s resilience and love from fans continue to shine, proving that in the ever-evolving world of Drag Race, the road not taken can be just as fascinating as the one that leads to glory.