#3 – Shangela
This diva’s quick rise to stardom was nearly a flop, but her winning personality prevailed. Shangela started performing in 2009 and landed herself on RuPaul’s Drag Race five months later. Eliminated in the first round, she went on to compete twice more, never taking home the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” but she didn’t allow that to stop her. Oh no, her “Halleloo” catch-phrase became as renowned as she did.
From reality TV shows to comedic performances, she’s now one of the top names in the industry. Shangela has appearances in such beloved shows as Glee, Bones, The X-Files, 2 Broke Girls, and the iconic The Bold and the Beautiful. She even has a cameo in A Star is Born. She’s released multiple singles, and her voice accompanies Ariana Grande on the hit single NASA. It’s easy to see why she’s the second “most powerful drag queen” according to New York magazine.