The fourth season of Drag Race Down Under screened in November last year, showcasing ten of the best and fairest queens from Australia and New Zealand — none more spectacular than Sydney’s own Vybe.
The iconic queen’s striking figure can be seen on the door and on the stage of many of Sydney’s most popular queer venues, and she is in high demand as a hostess with the most dress. Being on Drag Race represents a mere notch among many achievements and further ambitions, but a significant notch nonetheless.
“Drag Race is an incredible opportunity to be a part of. It’s something that you have to audition and get through for…it’s something that I tried to get on for a couple of years — so, being able to get on and go on to do Season 4 was incredible,” Vybe told Pride of Sydney. “You know, it’s not the be-all and end-all of a drag career, but it is something that I was personally striving for and very happy to have ticked it off the bucket list.”
Vybe competed alongside notable queens including fellow Sydney queen, Karna Ford, and Nikita Iman. She also got to meet queens whom, up until Drag Race, she’d only interacted with on social media but had always admired.
“It was really great to be in the room with them and be able to do the challenge that is Drag Race. But I had a really, really great time, you know…I think I just laughed for the entire three weeks that we were filming,” says Vybe.
It was a tough competition which was eventually won by Lazy Susan. Vybe nabbed a very respectable second place, with which she was more than happy.
“My goal was just to make it to the finale and represent the drag that I love from Sydney and the style of drag that Sydney is famous for.”
Sydney Drag: A Legacy of Showgirl Glamour
Vybe explains that there are lots of different types of drag: experimental drag, alternative drag, drag kings, drag creatures — there are no limits really, to how someone can approach the art form.
“The drag that I grew up with and have been doing for the last 13 or 14 years is very sort of traditional showgirl. So, it’s campy tracks, it’s big costumes, it’s sequins and massive hair and production showcasing quality drag.”
Vybe describes herself as a “very gay child” who was naturally drawn to dance programs, musicals, and generally arty things at school.
“Then when you leave school, the opportunities are very different. But I think going out on Oxford Street and seeing drag and meeting people who weren’t just the drag queens but some of the dancers, some of the choreographers and show producers. It was just like a world that just enticed me and pulled me in.”
The road to drag stardom, however, is rocky and heel-breaking with a very steep learning curve. It takes time to gain sartorial skills, get make-up perfect, and finesse the performance. Vybe refers to the early stages as the “ugly years”.
“Stepping out in a horrifically ugly face and bad outfit just builds character,” she adds, philosophically.
It helps to have some good girlfriends by your side, and Vybe was blessed to have met drag sisters, Ivy Leaguee and Coco Jumbo early in her career.
“We sort of found each other, formed a little family and taught each other how to do drag, and we basically lived together since that day. It’s been more than 10 years that we’ve literally not left each other’s side and we’re still living in the same house today.”
Mardi Gras 2025: Where to Catch Vybe Live
So, with Mardi Gras around the corner, what has Vybe got going on?
“Lots of things. This year I’m performing at Poof Doof for their brunch on parade day and for their after-parade party.”
She’s also doing lots of corporates and lots of galas, basically bringing Mardi Gras to many varied places and people.
Drag Race Down Under Tour: Live on Stage!
Beyond Mardi Gras, Vybe and her nine co-contestants will be touring Drag Race Down Under Season 4: Live on Stage! at capital theatres around the country in March. The Sydney show is at Roundhouse, Kensington on March 29. Tickets are on sale now (see link below).
“I literally could not shout from the heavens enough that each one of these girls is so incredible, and I’m so excited to get on the road and perform our damn arses off for everyone, so yeah, it’s an absolute must come to!”
Vybe has spoken.
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