Long before RuPaul's Drag Race became a global phenomenon, RuPaul herself competed in a "Drag Race" and emerged victorious. Drag icon Chi Chi LaRue revisited this tale during an interview on the Shut Up, Chanel podcast hosted by casting director and producer Chanel Perrillo, shedding light on RuPaul's early triumph in the drag world. LaRue reminisced about a spontaneous opportunity she had in 1986 to host a show at the Four Star Saloon, now known as Micky's West Hollywood. She mentioned "I was hosting this show, and you know what it was called? Drag Race! And one evening, someone unexpectedly entered the contest and ended up winning. Can you guess who that person was? Ru-f*cking-Paul!” LaRue recalls that RuPaul sang 'Star Booty' and won the contest. LaRue reminisced about this anecdote directly with RuPaul himself during an October 2014 episode of the What's the Tee podcast. Reflecting on their friendship, LaRue mentioned that RuPaul’s "Drag Race" victory in question likely occurred around 1987 or 1988. During an August 2021 interview on Squirrel Talk, LaRue mentioned that RuPaul's triumph in the 1980s "Drag Race" competition earned him a $100 grand prize. #Queer Up Drag Culture