With a gargantuan 700k+ likes on her #TEAM post, Onya Nurve had already made herstory as the finalist with the most online support heading into a RuPaul’s Drag Race finale. It wasn’t a surprise, though — the theatre buff racked up four maxi-challenge wins over the season, including the coveted Snatch Game, all while consistently serving Black excellence with her unwavering celebration and homage to Black culture. Then, on 18 April, Onya dominated! the finale — showcasing her powerful vocals on the original track ‘It Do Take Nurve’, before abracadabra, amor-ooh-na-na’ing her way to glory in the final lip-sync smackdown against Jewels Sparkles.

While Onya has “barely had time to eat” or sleep since her win — thanks to a whirlwind of media and club appearances, including a guest stint on Good Morning America (major) — she’s already laser-focused on her next dream: conquering the EGOT. “I want to get my Emmy. I want to get my Grammy. I want to get my Tony. And I want to get my Oscar,” Onya tells GAY TIMES, adding that she also envisions buying her own home and, of course, continuing to be “the bad bitch that I am.”

Here, Onya Nurve reflects on her triumphant Drag Race season 17 journey — from the episode she’s most proud of, to her undeniable impact on future Black queens, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. She also opens up about why she skipped a reveal during her ‘Abracadabra’ lip-sync, and spills which iconic show she’s destined to appear on. In the words of Onya herself: “It do take Nurve!”

Onya Nurve! America’s Next Drag Superstar! How are you feeling? Has it sunk in yet?

I don’t think so! I don’t think so. You can imagine how fast everything is moving. I’ve barely had time to eat, honey! So, it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I am over the moon, girl.