SPECIAL THANKS TO JASON WOODLEY AND MATT LAHBIBI AT PREMIER

Bonjour, bonjour… bonjour. Oui, GAY TIMES is currently speaking fluent French to commemorate the launch of Drag Race France, the latest international edition in RuPaul’s Emmy Award-winning franchise.

Hosted by season 12 alum Nicky Doll, who makes herstory as the second contestant to host a series after Brooke Lynn Hytes, the first season introduces 10 fierce French competitors who will, as per, compete in maxi-challenges, runways and lip-sync showdowns to be crowned France’s First Drag Superstar.

The premiere, which received overwhelmingly positive reviews on social media, saw the contestants flex their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent with lip-sync performances, live vocals, burlesque and more. In the words of one viewer, “Drag Race France HAS TALENT!”

“I was gagged every time,” Nicky tells GAY TIMES of the talent show. “This season was so emotional for me because when I did season 12, my goal was to represent my country the best I can and make my country proud.”

The Mistress of Ceremonies, who sits alongside TV host Daphné Bürki and French DJ/activist Kiddy Smile on the judging panel, says hosting the series was a no-brainer because it’s important for her to “level up the drag scene” in France and “make sure these girls are paid what they deserve and not just a cheap 80 bucks”.

Read ahead for our full interview with Nicky about following in the footsteps of RuPaul, Brooke, Supremme de Luxe and more as the host of Drag Race France, why she does not plan on stealing your husband and whether her new gig rules out a potential comeback on All Stars.

Nicky, condragulations on Drag Race France! The premiere was absolutely outstanding. How are you finding the reception so far?

It was definitely big shoes to fill. There can only be one RuPaul but, at the end of the day, being the one who broke through in that field as the first French queen [on Drag Race], I was really humbled to be the one to represent as host and highlight these girls. As you saw, there’s so much talent in this country and they deserve to have a spotlight. Overall, I’m very happy and I think the premiere was really well received, so I’m over the moon!

How have you found the entire process so far, especially the shift from contestant to host?

When I realised that I would be on the other side, I felt like it would be much easier! When you sit on the other side as someone who has a past as a contestant and have girls with big dreams who are fighting in order to get to the top, you have empathy that you didn’t expect. I feel like it connected me to be able to give my best for these girls and really understand them. It gave me this big sister energy that I didn’t think I’d have. It made us bond a lot.

Is this what surprised you most about being a judge?

Yeah, because it made eliminations very hard, very emotional. I didn’t win [season 12]. I got eliminated, so I know what it means to have your dreams crushed. You know when you didn’t have the best parents and then you become a parent and try to do a better job? You’re trying to do things you wish you had. You really try to remember your past as a contestant and I think I did. It was so much fun, I did not want it to end. I was like, ‘Can we bring more girls in?’ I was comfortable in my seat and I wanted to do more.