‘Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs The World’ finalists talk poutine, edibles and what it would mean to win

RuPaul’s Drag Race was known as “the Olympics of drag” long before the franchise decided to embrace the label with its vs The World spin-off. For this go around the Drag Race carousel, Canada played host to queens from around the globe with Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs The World.

Three of the visiting queens, Victoria Scone (U.K.), Ra’Jah O’Hara (U.S.) and Silky Nutmeg Ganache (U.S.), made it to the finale, alongside hometown Canadian finalist Rita Baga. Ahead of the finale, Xtra caught up with each of the international finalists (Rita Baga declined to participate in media) to talk about their favourite Canadian snacks, their Ru-Demption arcs and what it would mean to be named Queen of the Mother-Pucking World.

Victoria Scone

Your first run on Drag Race sadly ended in injury. What was your reaction when you got the call to do Canada vs The World?

I was delighted. I had hoped to come back at some point, but I’d expected to make a comeback on the U.K. [edition]. Canada vs The World, for me that was such an elevation. I didn’t know who I’d be doing it with, but it would be people from all over the world, kind of like going straight to All Stars. 

Your Fabio-inspired drag king look was a sensation. It was a big talking point this season. What would drag kings add to the Drag Race universe if they were invited to compete?

You hit it there yourself; it was such a talking point. It adds variety and is a more genuine representation of what drag is. We’re missing out on half the drag scene by only showing queens. There’s drag kings, drag things, so many different styles of drag and if you put all of these different styles of drag together in this beautiful mixing pot, you’re going to have a gorgeous drag cocktail. 

You helped the cast understand the misogynistic root of the term “fishy.” I’ve seen a lot of unwarranted backlash toward you online. Has the reaction been difficult for you?

I knew what I was doing when I said it and I said it knowing I was going to get backlash. I don’t care. It’s far too important to not talk about. I can’t be in a room as the only cis woman, as I often am in a queer space, and not say it—to just let it be said.
I’ve also never asked anyone to not say it. I’ve never said, “Don’t say that.”

I just want people to be aware of the meaning. And if you then know the meaning and you still say it, then that’s on you.

Lots of Drag Race contestants refer to themselves as “big girls” or “thick and juicy.” You often use the word fat—can you talk a bit about how and why you use the word fat to describe yourself?

Because it has been used against me in such a negative way, I’m sort of reclaiming it. Me and my British drag sister Lawrence Chaney, we’re both in agreement that we like using the word. It shocks people when we describe ourselves in that way, but we’re reclaiming it and owning it. I am fat. I have fat on my body; we all have fat. But I’m not just fat—I’m funny, I’m generous, I’m kind. Fat is just one thing that I am. 

What did you learn about Canada during filming?

I wish I learned more! We’re sequestered and locked away. But I did learn that everyone is so bloody nice—and attractive as well! Everyone’s stunning. 

I think the Canadian way rubbed off on us this season. We did really form a sisterhood bond. It’s really nice to see a season that’s not all catty and horrible. We can be loving!

Did you have a favourite Canadian snack?

I had the cheese curds, the poutine. They were getting me all different snacks all the time, because I also had a lot of [THC] gummies. That was probably my favourite thing about Canada: I could have edibles. Every night there would be a knock on my door with my edible allowance. 

What would it mean for you to be crowned Queen of the Mother-Pucking World? 

It would mean the world! It would also mean a lot for a lot of other people: they would feel represented and seen. A lot of what I do in my drag is for other people at the moment. I always try to make good with my platform—having difficult conversations, doing a drag king look, putting my ‘lesbian’ at the forefront of my comedy. But ultimately I would like to win for me because I feel I’m a very fucking good drag queen. Period.

Ra’Jah O’Hara

You competed against Brooke during season 11 of Drag Race. What was it like being judged by her? Was she fair?

Prior to competing, I thought it was maybe going to be an issue, then I wrapped my head around it. In the pageantry system, there are always former [winners] that come back and judge the pageant and it’s because they know what it takes. She’s definitely qualified.

She was absolutely fair; she didn’t play favourites at all. She was there to give it to us and kept it real. Sisters always hold each other accountable.

How was Canada vs The World different from your previous Drag Race experiences?

Going into Canada vs The World, it was different because of my mind frame. Of course, I’ve already done Drag Race a couple of times. I came in absolutely confident, reassured and really wanted to show the world who I am. I’ve already won the hearts of America; now hopefully the world will see me, fall in love and I’ll be able to take the crown.

You always serve looks in the werk room and in confessionals. What was your approach to your out-of-drag wardrobe for this season?

My wardrobe for the confessional was heavily inspired by Coming to America. I was coming to Canada to find my crown, which is kind of the story of Coming to America. I wanted to take inspiration from that because of course it’s a Black classic. Shout-out to Eddie Murphy! 

You were filming Drag Race when season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race aired. Have you seen it yet?

I have! I went back and watched it. There was a lot of drama on that one! Rita, Jimbo, Lemon! Oh my goodness. And shout-out to Priyanka! 

You talked about your difficulty dating as a queen during this season. Have gentleman callers been sliding into your DMs since that episode aired? 

I don’t check my inbox too often. It’s a dangerous place! I like people to talk to me face to face. If you’re out there reading, I love people in Canada. I don’t discriminate. I’ll be going on tour in Canada, so show up to the meet and greet and meet me. 

Were you looking for Ru-Demption this season?

The only Ru-Demption I’m coming for is that crown!

What did you learn about Canada during filming?

I actually had previously toured Canada before. Me, Silky and A’keria did a To Wong Foo–style tour around Canada. I absolutely love Canada, I knew the people would be nice and it would be a great experience because I love the country. Being there [during filming] I got to see the heart of Canada, which is the people.

Did you have a favourite Canadian snack?

I had some great poutine when I was there, but I had a cheesecake at this one restaurant—I’m not going to name it because they’re not paying me for no adverts, but this pecan cheesecake? To die for. You know it had a little hint of maple syrup up in it!

What would it mean for you to be crowned Queen of the Mother-Pucking World? 

It would be a full-circle moment, knowing where I’ve started and what my journey has been throughout the years I’ve invested in competing on Drag Race. It would be validation of the persistence I’ve had throughout my journey. I’m a lover of sisterhood and that’s what Drag Race stands for for me, it’s been my family, my saving grace, everything to me. To have the title of Queen of the Mother-Pucking World, that would just mean it’s solidified in herstory the work that I’ve done. 

Silky Nutmeg Ganache

You competed against Brooke during season 11 of Drag Race. What was it like being judged by her? Was she fair?

She was very fair. She didn’t have no choice—she didn’t want to be beat up by all us. Honestly, she had a job to do and I had a job to do and we both did our jobs very well. 

How was Canada vs the World different from your previous Drag Race experiences?

The biggest difference is the girls see me as an icon and a legend and they compete against me. They told me all the time, “We look up to you,” and “You’re such an inspiration to us.” That was one thing I’d never received and girls have never told me while competing. That was refreshing and that put me a little bit more at ease to compete as myself.

You’ve now done Drag Race, Drag Race All Stars, Drag Race: Vegas Revue, Secret Celebrity Drag Race and now Canada vs The World. What keeps you coming back to the franchise?

It’s a real honour for them to call me and ask me to return. I mean be one of the girls that’s constantly read, but one thing most people should learn when they see me or my name or anything from my history, you should know that Silky always shows up, she shows up on time, she does a great job, she entertains and she leaves. 

Would you keep coming back if asked?

Why not? Juju did it and she’s made a career of it. Why not—what makes me different? I know some girls say no and that’s up to them. It’s an honour to get that call, because look how many girls haven’t received that call. Look how many girls are waiting by the phone. I consider it a true honour.

What did you learn about Canada during filming?

They sequestered us! What would you like me to know about Canada? I’ve gone on Canadian tours and Canadians are nice, but I knew that before filming. 

Do you have a favourite Canadian snack?

As an American, I have poutine and I like to put chicken tenders and ranch on top of it. That’s my Canadian snack—the Canadian-American marriage you didn’t know you needed.

You’re a lip sync assassin. Should the other girls be watching out in this finale?

Absolutely. Especially because they had the opportunity to vote me out and they did not on Episode 5. They should definitely be watching out.

What would it mean for you to be crowned Queen of the Mother-Pucking World? 

For me, it would be an honour to represent as the Queen of the World and represent those who have given me my start before I even knew anything about RuPaul’s Drag Race. Those pageants that helped polish me, the people who helped me get garments, all the way to competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race and losing. To win would be to signify the true definition of perseverance and I hope that I get that opportunity.

The finale of Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs The World will be available to stream Friday, Dec. 23, at 9 p.m. EST on WOW Presents Plus in the U.S. and on Crave in Canada.