Summer Camp photo by David Claypool
Adore Delano photos courtesy of artist
In a little over a week, internationally known drag superstar and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Adore Delano hits our BYT/Capital Pride FLASHBACK Opening Pride Party full force. A talented vocalist, style icon, and party girl, Delano is one of the most unmatched drag queens on the scene today.
– Tickets to this party always sell out. So, grab your tickets today. –
There are few who can keep up with Delano, but we knew of one who could. So, we invited DC’s very own Summer Camp to interview Adore Delano ahead of our party. So, let’s listen in as the girls untuck, chat on the phone, and spill all the tea about Season Six, Season Seven, and who Adore is gonna hook up with while in DC for FLASHBACK next Friday, June 12.
Ms. Summer Camp
Summer Camp: Hi! So you’ve had a big year right?
Adore Delano: Yeah, pretty fucking big!
Summer Camp: On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate the past 12 months of your life?
Adore: As it pertains to what?
Summer Camp: Well, I’ve watched a few other interviews you’ve done. So, I know there’s been some
heartbreak. But, I know you’ve had some amazing success as well. So, just give me a snapshot;
what’s the last year of your life been like?
Adore Delano
Adore: It’s been like a fucking Lifetime movie, man. I mean, there’s so much shit that went down
last year, I mean, it opened my eyes in so many different ways that made me the person I am
right now. The reason why I’m making an album like I’m making right now is because of
everything I went through last year. Of course I’m grateful. It’s bittersweet, given beauty comes
from tragedy so you’ve gotta find the light in shit. It’s also been beautiful, man, you know? I’m
grateful for selling out shows and shit. That’s a blessing.
Summer Camp: So, obviously you’ve been working towards being a performer for most of your life but does being on Season Six of RuPaul’s Drag Race change your life?
Adore: Of course! It changed all of our lives, I mean you didn’t need to make the top three to
know that. We’ve travelled the world, I’ve been everywhere, dude. I never thought I would even
leave L.A. County. But, it’s changed all of our lives. It changed my bank account as well.
Summer Camp: Where have you been lately, what were the last two or three stops on your tour?
Adore: This year we just knocked them all out, we did a Europe tour, an Australian tour, I just got back
from Brazil, and I finally get two weeks off to do this album, which I’m excited for.
Summer Camp: I posted on Facebook today asking, “Does anyone have a question for Adore?” and all of them were asking, “when’s the next album?’, “tell us about the new album, we’re super excited!” What is up with your next album?
Adore: Well see I wanted to release it the same time I did last year but there’s like, six albums coming out from different Drag Race girls. So, I’m not competing with all of that. I want to just make solid pop music, and I want it to be really well-delivered. I recorded the first song already and we’re finishing the album this week. So, I just want to get it done and have a really good result. When the time’s right, hopefully like autumn or something, I don’t know.
Summer Camp: So what can you share about the album right now? It sounds like your putting your heart into it, finding some beauty from the sadness you experienced. But, what’s up with the sophomore album? Who are you working with?
Adore: I worked with a writer, Ashley Levy. I’m working with same producers Tomas and Shiny from Killingsworth, and I’m with Sidecar Records, and it’s just an amazing fucking group of people in the creative process of all of this is just so fun. It’s like painting a picture. It’s so much fun. It’s definitely a darker road, you know. We introduced Adore after the whole Drag Race thing, and then last year was Til Death Do Us Party. So, this is who I am right now, and I think that’s the beauty of making music.
Summer Camp: Is there a name for the album yet?
Adore: No, there isn’t. Not yet.
Summer Camp: What about the first song?
Adore: I don’t know what the first song is gonna be yet, but the single is amazing. It’s so good.
Summer Camp: So exciting! So, this is gonna be your second time being a part of Capital Pride in Washington D.C.? You were here last year?
Adore: Yes! Yes.
Summer Camp: So, I’m a big fan of 80s music. I’m a little older than you, I’m 45, and I lost my shit when you covered Shannon. It was amazing, and even the video you did, everything is so retro and 80s. And, I don’t know if you know this, but the theme for the party is called Flashback. So, your whole aesthetic is gonna fit right in. Are you gonna be doing anything retro or flashback for your performance at the party?
Adore: I mean, probably! That just comes naturally to me. I think the way people dress this day sucks, so…[laughs]. But yeah, probably, most likely. I didn’t know that’s what the theme was!
Summer Camp: Yeah, the whole vibe is gonna be 80s workout gear (along with other decades), and I’m one of the DJs and I’ll also be performing. But, all the other DJs are gonna be doing throwback music and it’s just gonna be a lot of fun. I think it’s gonna be a really fun party.
Adore: Sounds hot to me!
Summer Camp: So, who were your inspirations as a young aspiring artist? Who moved you when you were younger?
Adore: So many different artists, I mean I think that’s the product of Adore – this fucking whacko. I looked up to Britney Spears and Courtney Love. So, I feel like I’m a product of that lovechild. I loved the Spice Girls. I loved Selena. I loved fucking Whitney Houston. Anybody who could sing and had a bad attitude was, like, my bitch.
Summer Camp: Courtney Love; have you heard her new song?
Adore: I haven’t yet! I’m more of an old school fan.
Summer Camp: I’m kind of the same. I mean, since I DJ, I kind of poke around and I like the whole first album the most. What the was the first CD or record you bought? Do you remember?
Adore: I think the first CD I bought was the Spice Girls. The first cassette I had was Selena.
Summer Camp: Is there anything you’re looking forward to doing in D.C. when you’re back in town this time?
Adore: Yeah I’m gonna get in two days earlier and I’m gonna hang out with this guy that I’m probably gonna marry later.
Summer Camp: Fantastic. Is he gonna be at the party?
Adore: No, I don’t think he is.
Summer Camp: That’s still awesome. So, if you could go on tour with anyone, who would it be?
Adore: Uh, I think after I die I want to tour with Freddy Mercury.
Summer Camp: That’s perfect. Obviously, you’re a singer and artist but the drag is a big part of who you are. So, tell me about your first drag gig.
Adore: The first drag gig I did was at Mickey’s in West Hollywood for Showgirls, and it was an amateur contest and I won because I brought, like, half the city with me. I performed a Korean girl group called 2NE1. I performed one of their songs.
Summer Camp: It’s been a year since RuPaul’s Drag Race. So, what did it feel like walking into the workroom on Day 1?
Adore: It’s just a pink hamster ball that you’re trapped in, and it’s scary and there’s lights all over the ceiling and it doesn’t look like it does on TV, and it’s like “holy shit.” It looks like Saw, like you’re about to go through this crazy audition.
Summer Camp: You had done reality TV before. I mean, it’s totally different, but did you feel a little more confident having done American Idol?
Adore: Of course! That prepared me for the cameras, definitely.
Summer Camp: When you think back, and, I know it’s kind of shady, who did you think was gonna go home first? Who did you think would be the first girl to go, on Season six of Drag Race? When you looked around and sized up the girls, what did you think?
Adore: I don’t know! Fuck, I thought we were all amateurs competing for one spot in the real show, because I thought everybody sucked, including me. I was like, “what the hell? We’re all amateurs.” One bitch can’t put her eyelash on, Laganja’s got bedroom slippers on, what’s going on? And then I thought, “Laganja’s gonna out lip-sync me, she’s gonna make a real show,” like I came up with this all in my head because I’m a psycho crack baby. But, I don’t know! I didn’t really expect Kelly Mantle, because everybody respected her so much in the L.A. community, but like, shit happens.
Summer Camp: I mean, you were fun to watch for sure, the shit you said would crack me and my friends up, it was hysterical. You were so fun to watch.
Adore: Oh yeah, it was fun!
Summer Camp: Did you ever see the Lumpy Drag Race cartoon, where they take your voice and put it over the cartoon?
Adore: Yeah, they’re brilliant. I love them.
Lumpy Drag Race
Summer Camp: So, have you had a chance to watch this season?
Adore: Yeah I have! Fucking Logo and World of Wonder caught me up when we filmed some things for them.
Summer Camp: Are you allowed to say if you’re team Ginger, Violet or Pearl?
Adore: Of course! I like Violet, but I think Ginger’s gonna win. I like Ginger too. I like all of them, but I think Ginger’s going to win. But, I do love Violet. I don’t know.
Summer Camp: We’ll find out tonight! (Editor’s Note: Violet won)
Adore: Yeah, I can’t believe it’s tonight. Crazy.
Summer Camp: So, what about their music, have you heard any of Violet or Pearl’s music?
Adore: I haven’t, but I’m excited! I’m like, bring it on, play it in my fucking car.
Summer Camp: So, I have some crazy weirdo questions, like, what’s your favorite swear word?
Adore: “Fuck.”
Summer Camp: Yeah, that’s a good one. What about, if you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Adore: To be invisible, because I’m a creeper, yeah.
Summer Camp: If someone said they were making a time capsule, what is something of Adore that you’d want to put into it?
Adore: Maybe my blonde rooted wig? [laughs]
Summer Camp: If you could cast anyone to play Adore Delano in a move of your life – big budget – who would it be?
Adore: Jessica Alba! Or, Miley Cyrus.
Summer Camp: One of my friends who’s also performing that night asked if you’re a meat lover or a veggie lover kind of girl.
Adore: See, I’m really picky with meat but I love vegetables. So, I have to think. I guess I’m leaning more towards the veggie. I could do without meat.
Summer Camp: How about menthol or non-menthol?
Adore: I haven’t smoked in a week and a day now! But I hate menthol cigarettes, they give me a headache.
Summer Camp: This cute kid on Instagram, he described himself as a “15 year old, cross dressing faggot…”
Adore: Gorgeous.
Summer Camp: He wants to know what your favorite place to get wigs is? Also, he loves you.
Adore: Um, hairwigharlem.com. Any black girl website slays, girl. Like, because, girl, let me
tell you, they know the fucking perfect type of hairs that I love. It’s all the rooted hair, it’s all for $30 to $40, and it just looks amazing. I love it.
Summer Camp: I’m gonna look that up. One other guy wants to know what your favorite Disney character or princess is.
Adore: Ariel, oh my god.
Summer Camp: Good one. I watched a video of your performance at the finale, and kudos to you for your Ariel joke when your sunglasses got stuck.
Adore: Oh yeah, that just happened! I didn’t even think about it.
Summer Camp: That was brilliant. My friends and I were busting a gut over that. This morning we were watching that. I’m at my fifteen minutes, is there anything I didn’t ask you that you really want to say?
Adore: Uh, well the pregnancy rumors are false?
Summer Camp: We’ll make sure they all know that. Anything that you want add?
Adore: Nope, just gotta go back into the studio now.
Summer Camp: Well, thank you for taking the time. I can’t wait to meet you. I’ll see you at the Flashback
party.
Adore: Should be fucking fun!
Summer Camp: Good luck in the studio, have fun at home, and we’ll see you next Friday!
Adore: Yes, girl! See you!
(end)
Adore Delano and Summer Camp both perform at the BYT & Capital Pride FLASHBACK opening party on Friday, June 12 at Arena Stage. This party always sells out, but tickets are available now.
—
BYT & Capital Pride Present:
FLASHBACK
Gonna Make You Sweat!The Official Capital Pride Opening Party
With performances from:
Adore Delano (RuPaul’s Drag Race)
Frenchie Davis (The Voice / American Idol)
The 40 Years Of Pride DJs:
2008-2015: Pearl (RuPaul’s Drag Race)
2000-2007: DJ Ca$$idy (Garutachi)
1992-1999: DJ Matt Bailer (Peach Pit/ Mixtape)
1985-1991: TBA
1976-1984: Shea Van Horn (Mixtape)
NOT TO MENTION
Team Peaches
Summer Camp
Mundy
Birdie LaCage
Pu$$y Noir
Adam Kyle
Jezzibell Jaxknife
+ Bars! Photobooths! Go-Go Dancers! More bars!Even though the theme is Flashback, the venue is from the FUTURE:
Croosh Deets:
Advance tickets are $20 / Day of tickets are $25
Last 3 years we sold out!
This is a 21+ Event
As always there is no dress code,
but we recommend staying on theme with:
vintage aerobics / richard simmons / olivia newton john
unitards / spandex / workOUT clothes
(OMG the outfits are going to be amazing)
This is an LGBTA friendly event!
Stay informed:
https://twitter.com/BYGays
http://www.capitalpride.org/
