Mayhem Miller Talks Tears, Gratitude and Which of Her Drag Sisters Is Ready for Season 11
Mayhem Miller said it herself: she was rumored to be cast on almost every season of RuPaul’s Drag Race for the past nine seasons. When she finally hit the workroom and won that first challenge, she seemed poised for greatness on Season 10.
Sadly, a lip sync against fellow dynamo Monet X Change sent her packing. But something tells me we certainly haven’t seen the last of Mayhem Miller, especially after she waited so long to hit that workroom.
Hornet caught up with Mayhem to discuss what it was like to finally get the call that she’d made it onto the show, the possibility of an All Stars 4 return and how she continues to raise the bar in terms of her own personal growth.
Mayhem Miller, you could go down as the most grateful contestant to ever compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race. You seemed truly appreciative to have made the cut for Season 10.
Oh, I was very grateful that I finally got that opportunity. When I got the call, as you can see on the show, it was immediate tears. When I initially got the call that I’d made it I was in the airport in Vancouver. I was overwhelmed and emotional, and people were standing around looking at me. [Laughs] It was a great feeling. It was like, it was actually happening after all of these years.
Your elimination went smoothly, and except for some tears during Untucked you really kept it together.
The difference for me was that when I came in and won the first challenge, that was the moment I’d been waiting for all these years. I had been waiting for that moment all of my life, and getting the stamp of approval from the queen of all queens, RuPaul — I really felt it was all worth it.
When the time came for me to exit, I had really made peace with it. I set out to do what I went there to do. I played the game the way I wanted to play it, and I held onto my dignity and my integrity, and I handled it with class. I didn’t want to take away from that. I wanted to end the experience on a good note.
Now that you’ve seen the episodes, some of your fellow queens were intimidated to compete against someone like Mayhem Miller. Ironically, one of the girls who said that was Monet X Change, who you ended up going up against in the lip sync. How did it feel going up against ladies you knew were somewhat intimidated by your reputation?
I was honored that my competitors knew who I was and that my legacy was known within the workroom, but at the same time it put a target on my back. It’s different for some girls who enter the competition, where your competitors don’t know your strengths, weaknesses or who you are — you get to learn them as you go along with the game. For me, they knew this was a powerhouse drag queen, and we have to get her out somehow or some way.
Although you know so many ladies who have competed and even won past seasons, is there anything that once you arrived really surprised you about the competition?
I was surprised how well they fed us! [Laughs] I have had some horrible craft service situations in the past!
They really took care of us and made sure we were fed, and it was all good food, good quality and they had options for people who were vegan. The bacon for breakfast was fucking amazing! That was the most heartbreaking thing about leaving — I’m never gonna get that bacon for breakfast again! [Laughs]
You left before the notorious “Snatch Game” challenge. What was your character going to be?
You know, I don’t know that I should tell you in case I get called back to be on the show again. I don’t want people to know!
Many people think you’re primed for a spot on the All Stars 4 cast. Would you do it if they asked you to come back?
Um, abso-fucking-lutely!
From Morgan McMichaels to Raja to Delta Work, so many queens who are part of your drag family are also part of the Drag Race family as well. Is there anyone from your family that you think would be a perfect addition to Season 11?
I would definitely have to say Vicky Vox. She would not hold back or bite her tongue. She would cuss everyone out and put everyone in their place. She knows how to deliver, she’s a well-rounded queen and is absolutely hilarious. I think she would do pretty well on the show.
You’ve officially competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race, a bucket list check for your career, but what’s the next achievement you’re looking to accomplish?
Right now what I want to do is show the world my talent, and now I have the platform to do that. I can’t wait to travel the rest of the country and abroad and show the world what Mayhem Miller really is, and why everyone knew who she was when she walked into that workroom.
What keeps you wanting to hit your goals?
I believe in personal growth. You never stop growing and learning. Even though I have reached a point that many girls would be satisfied at, I am not satisfied. I want more. The fun part about it is that you get to push yourself and see if there are any limits. Now I know there are not any limits at all, and I just have to keep going.
