Sweet like Kandy

Kandy Ho entered the werk room of Rupauls Drag race season seven, a little over three years ago. Since then she’s represented her home of Puerto Rico traveling the world and meeting fans.

Now a contestant on season two of The Switch she’ll be killing it on the runaway showcasing her talent.

Dragadventures: When and how did Kandy Ho come to life? First time in drag memories (or any other unforgettable moment) you’d like to share with us?

Kandy Ho: Since I can remember I’ve always been interested in dancing and performing but never thought I’d be a fulltime dragqueen. Little Kandy Ho’ was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. My first time doing drag was in a talent show imitating Madonna, Hung Up. I remember being so nervous backstage but once that curtain opened I felt like that’s where I needed to be, the spotlight.

After that, I started imitating the famous group called The PussyCat Dolls with a few of my drag sisters and we called ourselves The Dollhouse. The Dollhouse, became a really famous drag house in PR and that’s when me and my 8 other sisters started competing in beauty and talent pageants, we were snatching dem’ crowns- FYI April Carrion from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 6 is one of my drag sisters.

DA: What are three things Kandy can’t live without?

KH: I can’t live without my Anastasia highlighters a nude lipgloss and my cat Bibi .

DA: You fiercely represent Puerto Rico. What is the local drag scene like? Can you recommend some amazing local queens to us?

KH: The drag scene in Puerto Rico when I was growing up was amazing but now when I’m in Puerto Rico I don’t go out as much. I really don’t know how the drag scene is doing. *NOT TRYING TO BE SHADY BTW*. (laughs)

DA: How has life changed after you appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race? What was your overall experience like?

KH: My life after RuPaul has been more than I’ve ever expected, I’ve been traveling ever since. Visiting beautiful places and meeting amazing people. I always go by “Everything happens for a reason”, whether we understand it or not. I feel that RuPaul’s Drag Race was a school for me, an experience to help me understand where I wanted to go with my drag.

I remember it being overwhelming at times and I have to admit it still is. But I love what I do and I have to thank RuPaul and her team for seeing something in me that I couldn’t see before.

DA: You’re currently appearing in the drag talent competition The Switch. Can you tell us more about the format itself and about your decision to audition for it?

KH: The format of The Switch is pretty much like RuPaul’s Drag Race but with a twist, we have to sing in front of a live audience.

I got an email from one of the producers from The Switch, they told me they were interested in me being in the show, after a long thought process I finally agreed and I had the time of my life.

DA: What makes this year’s competition different from last years? What can we expect from the contestants this season?

KH: I think this season the chilean girls felt the pressure of having international queens compete with them. They knew we weren’t coming to play. On this season of The Switch, you can expect alot of emotions alot of disagreements and a few cat fights. Who doesn’t like a little controversy, right?

DA: What are you most excited for viewers to see you showcase that you perhaps didn’t get to show on Rupaul’s Drag Race?

KH: Growth. I want them to see me and get excited. I want the viewers to feel connected with me. It feels good when fans send messages to say how much drag race has inspired them. I just want to keep my feet on the ground and live this amazing journey that has been given to me.

DA: We’ve seen your “Robotika” lip synch on Youtube and we’ve seen you slay the stage live at Dragtech in Manchester. What’s a perfect performance for Kandy like and what is your creative process when you prepare a performance?

KH: It literally takes a few takes a few days for me to pick the perfect song. I like to feel a connection with the song not just do a song because it’s popular at the moment. After I pick the song I start the thought process of picking out the look, makeup, shoes, wig etc. My drag show has changed over the years. From a fierce dancing queen to a lipsync assassin but right now I’m living my female fantasy. I love everything that has to do with woman and their sexuality.

DA: As Drag is becoming more and more mainstream, “meet and greets” have become a standard experience for fans to now meet their favorite drag queen at a show. How do you feel about the concept? Is there something you would like to tell the fans so the process stays fun for both parties?

KH: Part of my job is to greet people and I love every minute of it. I just want the fans to remember that we are human too and we need our personal space. We understand the excitement of meeting us and wanting to say hello but always with respect. If you’re kind to us that kindness will be returned and you’ll get the picture you want. Say cheeeeeeessseeee!

DA: Can you give us a sneak peak of what’s next for Kandy?