UPB hosts ‘Drag Bingo’ with RuPaul star Alyssa Edwards

Alyssa Edwards, of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” joined Chapman students for a special “Drag Bingo” event Feb. 12. JACK CLENDENING, Staff Photographer

With a hot-curled rainbow wig, sparkling black dress, metallic pink folding fan in hand and charming Southern class, drag performer and television star Alyssa Edwards graced the screens of 120 Chapman University students to host a “Drag Bingo” night Feb. 12. 

Edwards, a drag performer, choreographer and television personality who debuted and rose to fame on the fifth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2012, hosted six rounds of virtual bingo in an event set up by Chapman’s University Program Board (UPB). Participants were given a link in the Zoom chat that presented them with an individual computer-generated bingo card that could be reused or recycled for a new one after each round. 

“I remember going to play bingo with my granny and I thought it was so hilarious, and now here I am playing bingo and being the host,” Edwards told the attendees. “You guys are so much fun. Chapman is lit up.” 

Edwards, whose real name is Justin Johnson, has quickly captured the attention of many “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fans around the globe, returning on season two of “RuPal’s Drag Race: All Stars” four years after her appearance on the original show. Her enrapturing personality shone through Feb. 12 between each bingo round, as Edwards congratulated the winner and connected with the students through friendly banter. 

At the end of the fourth round, she announced a surprise lip-sync battle and encouraged two students to compete to showcase their ultimate drag performing skills. Sophomore Jennifer Carpenter and senior Jimmy Elinski were eager to take the Zoom stage, selected via the Zoom chat feature to perform. Carpenter was accompanied by a pair of bedazzled, white-framed, early-2000s inspired sunglasses and retro LED lights and Elinski rocked a blonde wig, shocking the audience with a jaw-dropping death drop. Neither was awarded the winner, but both — in addition to all bingo winners — were awarded a pair of AirPods and an Alyssa Edwards eyeshadow palette. 

Bradley Brooks, UPB’s special events and traditions director, told The Panther he hoped to provide students with a fun, engaging and inclusive virtual experience. 

“This was a cool way to engage and to be personable with the audience while bringing in drag knowledge,” Brooks said. “Also, as a gay person, I wanted to reach that audience and I want students to be able to see themselves in the guests we bring to campus.”

Jordan Sunada, a sophomore business major and first round Bingo winner, felt the engaging atmosphere Brooks was hoping for. She said the opportunity to speak with Edwards was the highlight of the event for her.

“She is so sweet and funny,” Sunada said. “It was a great way to end a stressful week.”

During a brief Q&A session at the end of the night, Edwards shared her favorite drag moments with the students and even got a little personal with her Valentine’s Day plans. After the banter and jokes, Edwards closed the night with the consistent charm she’s become adored for. When asked by a student about her biggest achievement, Edwards didn’t provide the typical answer one might expect from a television personality. 

“As much as I enjoy being in drag and being on stage, my biggest accomplishment is following my heart and opening my dance studio, Beyond Belief Dance Company,” Edwards said. “I’m so grateful my passion became my purpose.”