Tonight, Elvis Duran and Cynthia Germannota brought together a night filled with music, costumes and pride as we gathered around our TV screens for Elvis Duran's Drag Spectacular all to benefit Born This Way Foundation as well as the ALI Forney Center.
The show featured fantastic performances from drag queens like Pietra Parker, Bobby Dysmorphia, TP Lords and Ara Besque to be judged by Cynthia, Idina Menzel, Tituss Burgess and Michelle Visage all to choose a winner for a $10,000 prize! The show kicked off with Pietra Parker with an amazing rendition of Enigma by Lady Gaga. Of course Cynthia loved that one!
After discussing what makes an 'icon status' with Tituss, the show continued with Tyreisha Jones who had a beautiful video performing Rainbow by Kesha going from a black and white video to a beautiful rainbow. The colors actually blew us away. Following this came unforgettable performances including Ara Besque who performs Defying Gravity as both Elphaba and Glynda. Idina of course loved this rendition.
After a beautiful compilation of more videos that came in during auditions as well as one from Laveau Contraire who performs an epic makeover video, Ara Besque was eventually crowned the winner of the $10,000.
If you wish to donate to either Born This Way Foundation or their partner ALI Forney Center you can do so here.
Cynthia is the current president of Born This Way Foundation which she co-founded with her daughter Lady Gaga in 2012. She explained to Elvis Wednesday morning that when Gaga was touring and listening to the stories of her fans they came up with the idea to start an organization that benefits the LGBTQ community. The goal of the foundation is to support the wellness of young people and empower them to build a kinder and braver world.
One of their main partners is theALI Forney Center. Germanotta explains the organization as "the largest LGBTQ homeless shelter in the united states. There mission is to protect the LGBTQ youth from their homes. It’s not just taking them in and sheltering them but it’s getting them back on their feet." Most importantly, the center has NOT shut down during the pandemic. The organization has found ways to help shelter the youths while still abiding to the CDC guidelines. "We're really proud to support and partner with them."