Shangela

Chantaize Darius Jeremy Pierce, known to the world as Shangela Laquifa Wadley, is a dynamic American drag queen and television personality born on November 22, 1981. With a career that spans various forms of entertainment, Shangela has made a significant impact in the realms of drag performance, television, and film. She first gained national attention as a contestant on the iconic reality series RuPaul's Drag Race, where she was initially eliminated in season two but made a memorable return in season three, ultimately placing sixth. Her journey continued with a strong showing in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, where she finished in joint-third/fourth place alongside the first season's winner, BeBe Zahara Benet.

Beyond her Drag Race fame, Shangela has showcased her talents in numerous television series, including notable appearances in Community, 2 Broke Girls, Glee, Bones, The X-Files, and Broad City. Her versatility as a performer is further highlighted by her roles in films such as Hurricane Bianca and its sequel, as well as the critically acclaimed musical drama A Star is Born. In a historic moment for the drag community, Shangela became the first drag queen to walk the Oscars red carpet in full drag while representing A Star Is Born at the ninety-first Academy Awards.

From 2020 to 2024, Shangela co-hosted the HBO reality series We're Here, alongside fellow Drag Race alumni Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka O'Hara. The show has been praised by critics for its heartfelt storytelling and representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Regularly performing across the United States and Canada, Shangela continues to captivate audiences with her charisma, talent, and unwavering dedication to her craft.