When she sashayed into the workroom on Season 8 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ fans were wowed by her uniqueness, talent – and of course, by her cucu.
But Cynthia Lee Fontaine is also one of the nicest queens out there and when we got the chance to meet her last year, we got to experience her positive energy and caring personality for ourselves.
After her time on the show and performing all over the world alongside her sisters, this queen is now ready to merge the best of two worlds. In a 100% Texas-produced album, the trained opera singer will combine her two favorite art forms – Drag and Music. We interviewed our favorite “Miss Cucugeniality” about this exciting project and found out why her album will be the Sound of our Lives.
Dragadventures: When and how did you start doing drag? Can you remember your first time performing?
Cynthia Lee Fontaine: I started doing drag in Puerto Rico (where I’m from originally) in 2006. It was a last minute request from one of my friends from the west of the island and he used to have a drag show there. He couldn’t make it that night, and he hadn’t found any performer to replace him for that night’s show. So he asked me to do it and I said yes! I had no experience in drag before ( laughing) But it was great! Also, for the record… Every single entertainer remembers their first-time performance (laughing) what question is that? (laughing) A close friend of mine did my make up and clothing, and when I stepped onto the stage for the first time in drag it was magical! And I said to myself: This is my chosen career!
DA: You’re also a trained opera singer. How does this influence your drag performances?
Cynthia: The more you’re prepared to become an entertainer the better. Before I found the extraordinary world of drag, I was a professional singer, actor, and dancer from Puerto Rico. You need to prepare yourself the best that you can and explore all the areas of performing arts expertise in order to become a great entertainer.
DA: What are your favorite musical genres to listen to and perform?
Cynthia: My favorites are: Ballads, pop, tropical music and Spanish music (almost everything – merengue, salsa, bachata etc.)
DA: Top 5 songs everyone should have listened to in their lives.
Cynthia:
1. Celine Dion “That’s the Way it is”
2. Ednita Nazario “Quiero Que me hagas el Amor”
3. Whitney Houston (Cover) ” I will always love you”
4. Anastacia ” I’m outta love”
5. Lady Gaga ” Speechless”
DA: Three must-have things to bring with you when going on tour.
Cynthia: Headphones to listen to my music, my drag of course (laughing) and a book to read.
Cynthia: Headphones to listen to my music, my drag of course (laughing) and a book to read.
DA: As a Texas queen, what makes the local drag scene unique and special?
Cynthia: What makes our Texas local entertainers unique is the new diversity of styles and interpretations about this art. Austin, especially, is amazing too so sooo many types and different styles but most of all every single human trying and exploring this art.
DA: What’s your favorite/least favorite thing about drag?
Cynthia: Favorite part: doing my makeup, less favorite part: shaving (laughing) – imagine this 37-year-old hairy guy constantly trying to look like a baby booty cucu skin all the time?(laughing)
DA: How did you get the idea for the album? What can your fans expect from this project?
Cynthia: The idea came last year during my presentation at the opening show for the First Dragcon NYC of 2017. I was sooo happy that I got to show my talent on a bigger platform like this and that just touched my heart. Also, this new music production will contain a lot of my life experience, personal and professional. Can’t wait!
DA: What part of the creative process are you most excited about?
Cynthia: To be very honest in regards to lyrics and music! That’s what I’m excited about!
DA: Do you have a dream collaboration for your album?
Cynthia: I would love to collaborate with great entertainers: Adore Delano,Willam,Trixie Mattel, Courtney Act or Shea Coulée. It would be amazing to work with other talented entertainers as well too. Would be a dream come true! I encourage everyone to follow your dreams and also please continue supporting my Kickstarter project – it will be a blast!
DA: Is there anything else you would like to tell us that nobody ever asks you in interviews?
Cynthia: I whistle with my teeth, I love coffee in the morning, and I listen to Sandi Patty every day (She’s a gospel singer and Grammy winner).
We would like to thank Cynthia for this interview and we can’t wait to see her dream come to life. Please go and support this lovely and fierce queen by donating to her Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/974285789/sound-of-my-life-a-project-by-cynthia-lee-fontaine
Be sure to keep up to date with all Cynthia’s projects, follow on her social media below:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lee_fontaine
DragAdventures 