EDGE Interview: Smirnoff Crowns Chicago Drag Superstar Kara Mel D'ville 'Flavorite Queen'

The name on everybody's lips is going to be Kara Mel D'ville, and the flavor is peach lemonade. Mx. D'ville was one of three fierce queens to make it to the final round of Smirnoff's Show Up! Show Off! drag competition, including cosmic crooner Lyra Vega and "La Mexicana with all the drama," Chamilla Foxx. But it was Kara Mel D'ville who came out on top during the October event and came home with Smirnoff's Flavorite Queen crown, a $50,000 cash prize, and the title as Smirnoff's first-ever Mx. Smirnoff No. 21.

Kicking off at Chicago's 2022 Pride in the Park with an announcement by "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" royalty Shea Couleé, contestants in the regional competition were voted through the rounds "by the people, for the people." The original plan for the finale was to have the finalists battle for the crown in NYC, but due to COVID-19 restrictions the event was moved nearly a year later to Mexico's gay capital, Puerto Vallarta.

In attendance at luxury Almar Resort in PV, Couleé led the panel of three judges in deciding who would walk away with the crown in front of a cheering audience of supporters, friends, and allies.

"We were absolutely blown away by the incredible talent, creativity, and fearlessness displayed by every participant in the Battle of the Flavorites in Puerto Vallarta," said Jennifer Holiday Hudson, Smirnoff's North America brand leader. "We send a huge congratulations to our winner, Kara Mel D'ville, whose exceptional performance captured our hearts and exemplified the spirit of self-expression and individuality that Smirnoff stands for."

Hudson added, "For over 50 years, Smirnoff has advocated for the LGBTQUIA+ community and looking ahead, we will continue to support organizations working to uplift those in the community."

In a wide-ranging interview below, we chatted with winning queen Kara Mel D'ville about Chicago drag, their dream drag performance, and what it's like to be accepted by a big brand such as Smirnoff.

EDGE: We've seen lots of Chicago queens compete in "Drag Race." What is it about Chicago that produces such talented drag performers?

Kara D'ville: Chicago produces such talented artists, not just drag artists, because we encourage and push each other to be the best in what we do. It's a weird combination of collaboration, competition, and creativity that really sets the Chicago drag scene apart.

EDGE: Going into a competition like Smirnoff's Show Up Show Off, how do you decide what looks and performances you're going to present? Is it different for every show, or do you have a few performances of songs that you've perfected?

Kara D'ville: While I do have my ace performances always ready, each time I take the stage it is different. I pride myself on my adaptability, and with this finale I kept that in mind. None of the competitors knew the type of audience we would be performing for, so I made sure the flavor I was assigned was clear, the reveal portion was clean, and my song choices really spoke to who I am... while delivering on the challenge, of course!

EDGE: For Show Up Show Off, you embodied a particular Smirnoff hard seltzer flavor peach lemonade. What made you want to choose that particular flavor, and how do you feel it related to your personality and taste in drinks?

Kara D'ville: Thankfully, Smirnoff assigned our mixers, so the pressure of that decision was gone! However, I like to think I am sweet with a little kick, just like my flavor, Peach Lemonade.

EDGE: Who are your performance influencers? Name your top three, and why?

Kara D'ville: Beyoncé, Tori Kelly, and Bob The Drag Queen. Tori's vocal capabilities inspire me daily. Bob's humor and performance style is so good; it has literally been replicated by so many, myself included, because she knows what works. Lastly, Beyoncé, because.... well, Beyoncé.

EDGE: Now that you have been officially crowned a winning queen, what are your plans for your $50,000 prize money?

Kara D'ville: First things first: I'm taking out the prize tax like a responsible person, then paying off my credit card debt. With the remaining funds, I plan to treat my father and grandmother, who've been amazing supporters since I started drag, buy myself a wig or two, then save and invest the rest to eventually run my own restaurant one day.

EDGE: In addition to subsidizing the competition, Smirnoff donated $250,000 to the LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, the Phluid Phoundation. How does it make you feel to see big brands such as Smirnoff supporting drag and the LGBTQ+ community in this way?

Kara D'ville: It feels great, and it's honestly what we need to see. Drag has been a subversive culture, which has slowly migrated to mainstream, that has been appropriated, or not given the adequate representation for their efforts. The change in the last 10-15 years from major brands to elevate and support the art form, again, is what we needed to see.

EDGE: Agreed. At the same time, there have been widespread pushes to censor drag. How does knowing what you do or say on stage will be heavily criticized affect your performance style?

Kara D'ville: It is unnerving to think what you say or do can be used against you at any moment. However, we cannot let that consume us. Being authentically yourself, you will inspire some and anger others. We can't make everyone happy, but as long as we lead with love, and the intent is well-meant, the pressure will fade.

EDGE: As a drag performer, what is your dream moment? What's the moment where you will know that you made it?

Kara D'ville: As much as I love drag, I love food. My dream moment will be when I can successfully open my own restaurant with what I've done and achieved in drag.

EDGE: If you could get in front of the "Drag Race" judges, what would you perform, and why

Kara D'ville: I'd only like to be in front of the judges on finale night, because any other time means you're up for elimination. However, I can't give away all my tricks/ideas, then it won't be as magical when I eventually do get the chance.