Entertainment News | TV & Film | Drag
Actor and “Drag Race” alum D.J. “Shangela” Pierce has officially made “Dancing With the Stars” history after being cast as the first-ever drag queen to compete.
The announcement came Thursday (Sept 8th) during the season 31 cast announcement. Shangela will dance with Gleb Savchenko when the former ABC competition show makes its debut on Disney+.
In a recent interview on Good Morning America, Shangela discussed his history-making moment for the community.
“I just want to show up for the moment, show up for everyone who ever felt like they were on the outskirts, or didn’t feel seen…because baby, here we are and we will be seen!”
Shangela later shared more excitement on Instagram:
"I CAN FINALLY SHARE THIS!!! (Mama, I know ur Watching!!!) I will be competing on the new season of @dancingwiththestars !!! I feel so honored to be the first drag entertainer to compete on the show. It’s about darn time!!! So all y’all who’ve been in my corner all these years, tell a friend! We’ve got Another One! Let’s go win this Crown… I mean, Mirrorball! 😀 I luv y’all!"
Shangela will be competing alongside prominent Hollywood figures such as Wayne Brady, Selma Blair, and Jordin Sparks. The show is scheduled to premiere on Sept. 19, with Tyra Banks and Season 19 winner Alfonso Ribeiro as the competition’s host.
Congratulations Laquifa! 👏🏽💃🏽🪩