On last week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the final five queens took their talents to the Strip to perform in a massive lip-sync medley of some of the original songs from RuPaul’s Drag Race Live in Las Vegas. Performing their very own verses, complete with choreography and set decorations, the remaining queens aimed to impress the judges one last time.
It was a good night for Gigi Goode, who snatched her fourth and final challenge win, along with a spot in the finale. But Crystal Methyd & Jackie Cox found themselves on the chopping block — lip syncing to Jennifer Lopez’s “On the Floor,” the two vied for the last spot in the finale in the final main stage lip sync of the season. In the end, Crystal managed to earn her place, while Jackie was sent home.
Just after the episode aired, Cox tells Billboard that she’s still pinching herself about the whole experience. “I’m feeling like I can’t believe it all happened. It feels like it happened so long ago,” she says. “Was it real? It feels very surreal but still exciting.”
Throughout her time on the show, Cox made it a point not just to compete for the crown, but also to bring representation to her community. As an Iranian drag queen competing on a national television show, the star says she knew she wanted to find a way to give queer Middle Eastern people the representation that she never got to see growing up.
“I never saw someone like me,” she says. “I didn’t have that while growing up, and I wanted to be that person to say that it’s OK, and to be a role model — not only for Iranian youth, but all Middle Eastern folks and the entire community that’s underrepresented in media.”
On the show, Cox also says that she learned a lot about herself, and how her unique perspective on drag offers something that other queens can’t. “I learned that I approach drag from a different point of view than most queens from my season,” she says. “I approached the season in a more cerebral way that is not as visceral as my competitors. I found a way to marry the two. While I like to plan everything, there’s still a side of me that likes to roll with punches.”
In honor of her time on the show, Jackie Cox curated a special playlist for Billboard Pride of her favorite songs, from the songs that helped inspired her to do drag, to the ones that she loves most to perform to today. Check out Heidi’s playlist below, and read up on why she chose each song:
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Blue Zone, “Jackie”
I think this song is a total bop and also reminds me of how my drag alter-ego Jackie Cox just came into my life one day, and I’m so glad she did!
Whitney Houston, “How Will I Know?”
This song is one of my favorites to perform to, I’ve done a few interpretations – Whitney’s vocals are incredible as always and the beat and melody just always put me in a good mood!
Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now”
My go-to at-home jam! I love putting this on and dancing around in my apartment! And we have to stan a pop vocalist with an amazing sultry alto voice!
Kim Petras, “Malibu”
I just imagine myself driving along PCH with the wind blowing through my hair and all my besties piled into the car as we sing this song at the top of our lungs! I know that can’t happen right now — but this song at least gives me that feeling!
John Cameron Mitchell, “The Origin of Love (from Hedwig and the Angry Inch)“
Hedwig is a role that has so much meaning for me as my first foray into drag, and the lyrics as performed by JCM hold so much beauty and meaning!
Stephanie J Block, “I’m Breaking Down (from Falsettos)”
I’ve been compared to Stephanie J Block in drag a few times, and that is the highest compliment to me! She is such an incredible storyteller in her songs and performances! This song is not only hilarious, but also so topical in today’s topsy-turvy world!
Malia Civetz, “Heart Broke”
This song is new and such a fun summer love anthem! Keep your eyes on Malia — that voice? She is a star honey!
Ann-Margret, “Thirteen Men”
A sex-positive post-apocalyptic number from 1960s icon Ann Margaret? We love to see it!
Alex Newell, “Kill the Lights”
Of the three songs I lip-synced to this season, “Kill the Lights” has been in my rotation ever since, and understandably so! These vocals? Incredible!
Jackie Cox, “You Wish!”
Oh how did this sneak in here? Well it’s true! I do have a fun and unabashedly campy new single now available on Spotify — “for you!”
