The decadent and charismatic Nina Flowers (a.k.a Jorge Flores) was not only a stunning presence on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race; she was crowned the official Miss Congeniality, even after coming in second place to BeBe Zahara Benet. The Colorado resident rejoined RuPaul's coterie for the first season of All Stars, and this week she and fellow season one alumna Tammie Brown sashayed away after a Laugh-In-styled comedy challenge.
Since Nina is one of our all-time favorite queens of the show, we immediately phoned her to discuss the current season, the wrath of Santino Rice and Michelle Visage, and the legacy of the late Sahara Davenport. Check back Monday for my interview with Manila Luzon, but for now, enjoy the kooky and lovable Ms. Flowers.
AfterElton: First, we have to discuss your elimination on the show this week. Were you shocked?
Nina Flowers: I will say yes and no, but I'll explain my answer. When I came to All Stars, I knew that this was going to be a totally different experience from season one. I knew it was going to be tougher because all of the girls on the show are really talented and everyone's on the top of their game. When I went there, I had no expectations for myself at all because I knew I would be competing against very competitive, talented people. But I was really sad [to lose] more than surprised. I was sad because even though I had no expectations, i wanted to take it all the way to the end, just like I did in season one. But the whole experience of competing in pairs, it was really different -- and not just for me, but for everybody. Nobody expected that twist. I would say I wasn't surprised, but I was really sad.
AE: When you found out about the partner format and, specifically, that you'd be partnered with Tammie Brown, did your attitude and confidence toward the game change?
NF: My confidence didn't really change, but I knew it would definitely be tougher. When you're competing in pairs, it's not just about you, it's also about your partner. We knew if there was no chemistry going on and we didn't move forward in challenges that our chances would be jeopardized. It was really tough, very difficult. Very difficult.
AE: You so proved yourself during your original season. Did you have anything else to prove this time around?
I was really excited to get the call for All Stars just because the best of the best were competing; to be considered an All Star, I thought, "I can't let this go. This is a wonderful opportunity." I thought it'd be a second shot to make it happen, you know? I was thrilled when I got the call. They have 46 or close to 50 girls, and they chose me to be one of the 12. That in itself was a privilege.
AE: What kinds of criticism from the judges stung and stuck with you the most?
NF: All critiques all tough! [Laughs.} As much as they call it constructive criticism, the critiques can make you wonder, "Should I really be doing this for a living?" But being on the show is really tough because the minute you sign for it and you know you have to be spotless and everything has to be perfect. I take my job seriously -- though I have fun while I'm doing it -- but like, Santino for example, he said something that I thought was really mean. He said I wasn't really giving him the quality that he saw in me in season one. I just thought that was out of line and not fair. That was in the first episode, and I think it was definitely not cute. Definitely not cute.
AE: During your season, Merle Ginsberg was a judge, and I generally found her to be more sympathetic than Michelle Visage. Was Michelle's presence more intimidating?
NF: They're both really good, amazing. Merle is a fashion journalist, so she knows her fashion. But Michelle is really a wonderful judge with an eye for details. It was a little nerve-wracking being judged by her for the first. I saw her in seasons three and four and I thought, "Wow, she's tough! She's a bitch!" Now, being on the runway and being judged by her, I thought I got some great feedback from her, overall. I think she's tougher than Merle, definitely.
AE: It's hard not to watch the show and think of Sahara Davenport. Though you were never on the same season with her, can you talk about the effect of her death on you, your fellow queens, and the show?
NF: Sahara's passing has been devastating for everyone. I had the opportunity to meet her and spend time with her only on one occasion, and she was so humble and sweet, and just an amazing entertainer. To not have her anymore is shocking; she was so young, so full of potential, and it's been really, really sad. Everyone's devastated, and even though I didn't get meet her closely, I think about it and just can't believe it. I just don't know what to say. I'm really sad for Manila, who was her partner. I tried to reach her a couple times, but I haven't been successful at it. It's been difficult for everyone.
AE: So, now that you're off the show, who are you rooting for? Anyone specific?
NF: I definitely would love to see one of my Latina sisters take the title. Latinas always come and always serve it. They always bring it, and they do an amazing job. I think Yara Sofia and Alexis Mateo are an amazing and consistent team. Yara brings the edge, and Alexis brings the glam. And they're both Puerto Rican! Maybe I'm being biased with this answer, but I think I'd like to see them walk off with the title. She wouldn't just be winning it for herself; she'd win it for our community. I'd love to see that.
