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And the winner is ... Tyra Sanchez!

By Matt Kailey

Tyra Sanchez. LOGO.

It was a battle to the end, but Tyra Sanchez, the youngest contestant on the show at age 21, walked away victorious after working it for all she's got on the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Now Ms. Sanchez and her two runners-up, Raven and JuJuBee, will be working it on their upcoming Drag Race tour, starting right here in Denver on May 14 at Tracks Nightclub, sponsored by Logo and Absolut, which will introduce its newest flavor, Berry Acai, on the tour. Let's listen in on what the girls had to say to OFC before the tour's kickoff.

Tyra Sanchez

As the youngest contestant on the show, you don't have the years of experience that some of the other contestants do. How did you manage to beat out more experienced competitors?
I think that I probably had more experience than some of the other contestants, because I hang around the older queens - a lot of the Atlanta queens. And my drag mother is from the old-school drag, so I learned a lot, [and combined it with] the new-school drag, and created Tyra.

What attracted you to drag in the first place?
Just hanging out and going to the gay clubs and stuff. And then wanting to imitate Beyonce is what really got me to want to do it.

Everyone wants to win, but did you think that you would?
I thought that I would win at times, but at the very last moment, I was just nervous. I was like, "I want to win, but what if I don't win?" I think that's what it was. I think I just didn't want to go back home to that same situation.

Did you learn anything new during the show?
I learned new techniques in my makeup. And I learned that I was sort of a bitch. I need to correct some of the things that I would say, or my behavior.

Has that happened so far?
It has happened. I think I'm a better person now. Of course, if you piss me off, I get into that bitchy mode again. I'm sweet all day, but of course, if you piss me off, there are times when I can be a little bitchy.

What were the best and worst things about the show?
The best thing about the show was just simply being there. And then the worst thing would have to have been the stress that came with it. It would be the stress and not being able to call home. You know, your family relieves the stress that most people have. So not being able to talk to anyone was very stressful. The moment you get there, they take your phone. There's no Internet. No computers. Nothing that connects you to the outside world.

If you couldn't have been the winner, who would you have wanted to win?
I would have wanted either Raven or JuJu to win. They were really good competitors.

Do you have any tips for people who want to become drag performers?
You have to remain true to yourself. Always challenge yourself to do new things, or to step outside of your box, but still remain true to yourself. If you're looking at challenges, I would do what the judges asked of me, but at the same time, you could still see Tyra. It wasn't like a completely different person. It was always Tyra in the illusion that they asked for. And some of the other girls kind of got lost with that.

Besides your upcoming tour, what do you see for your future?
I plan on moving to Los Angeles and starting my acting career.

What does your family think of all this?
My family supports me 100 percent all of the time.

Raven. LOGO

b>Raven

The first and fierce runner-up Raven had some things to say about the show as well.

What was the best and what was the worst thing about being on RuPaul's Drag Race?
The best thing about Drag Race was creating a better bond with Morgan and also making a lifelong friend in JuJu and some of the other girls. Also, getting to get my take on the art of drag out there for the world to see! The worst thing would have to be standing in heels for eight hours at a time! Those elimination days were murder on all of our feet. All in all, it was an amazing experience and I would never give it up.

If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently - or would you do it at all?
If I had it to do over, I don't think there is one thing that I would have changed. Well, maybe I would have worded things a little differently - and learned to sew!

What would you like to say to Denver fans?
Denver! Thank you for supporting and being a fan! Not only of me, but Drag Race and drag in general. I cannot wait to come and visit and give you all a little "sumpin sumpin"! Viva Nina!

Anything else you would like to add?
Be sure to tune in to Logo this summer and catch me and few of the other fiercest queens from Season 1 and Season 2 on RuPaul's Drag U - you will love it! Muah!

JuJuBee. LOGO.

JuJuBee

And rounding out the top three is Miss JuJuBee - also on her way to the Mile High Citee!

What was the best and what was the worst thing about being on RuPaul's Drag Race?
Being on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2 has been one of the best experiences of my life. The best part was meeting the other contestants and building a kinship with them. The worst part was elimination. I did not want anyone to go home! 

If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently - or would you do it at all?
I would have definitely had more of the Absolut Berri Acai. It was delicious! What I wish I had on hand was RuPaul's new book, Workin' It! It is a must-have!
How's that for a plug? Oh, wait - www.jujubeeonline.com - ha!

What would you like to say to Denver fans?
All I can say is I love you and can't wait to work it out for you! Meeeow!

Anything else you would like to add?
Vote for me! I am up for a NewNowNext award in June - www.newnownext.com/vote –and Tweet #realityJUJUBEE on Twitter. Please and thank you!