Paolo Perfección Talks Drag Race Elimination, Spirituality & Iconic Trash Bag Look | S6 Exit Interview

Canada’s Drag Race Season 6’s first out, Paolo Perfección, joins us to talk trash bags, third eyes, and staying fabulous. From their spiritual journey to a runway inspired by chakras and circus glam, Paolo opens up about their Drag Race experience, fashion-forward looks, and what’s next (hint: music!). Watch as we kiki about confidence, kindness, and going the extra mile

TEM (The Extra Mile ) : How did you come up with your name?

Paolo: Okay, that’s so funny. So, like, in high school, I was, like, getting hella bullied. And then my Spanish teacher kept telling the kids, “No hablen así con Paolo Perfección”, which means, like, “Don’t talk to Paolo Perfección like that.” Like, he’s perfect. And then I was like, oh my God, I would make, like, such a good Instagram handle.

TEM: How did you feel after elimination? Did you feel like that elimination was a lot harder than what you anticipated?

 Paolo: I didn’t care like that, I’m not gonna lie. I think I had a good run. I think that, especially now seeing the show, seeing that crazy outpour of love I’m getting, it’s like crazy. I think there’s a cool girl, very fun head factor of like, leaving a party early. And that’s just what I am, so.

TEM:  How long did that promo look take to make, and what was kind of the whole idea behind that?

Paolo: Oh my God, so it took me around like three weeks. That one was quite the journey, let me tell you. Obviously, our team was like circus, right? Shockers, I don’t really follow themes. I was like, okay, I’ll usher something that’s going to give circus. Like, I’ll follow your color palette, if anything. So the eyes basically all the appliqués were representing my chakra points. So yeah. I don’t know, it was very spiritual before getting on the show.

TEM: Have you been on a spiritual journey kind of your whole life? Like, what made you get into that?

Paolo: No, I just randomly started doing kundalini yoga. And then I kept seeing like angel numbers, and I felt super connected to the universe. And then I got on the show after I made a deal with the universe… and I don’t know.
The whole thing—I… I don’t know. It was crazy. I can’t even explain it. I don’t know what to tell you.

TEM: So from the looks that we did get to see on the show, which one was your favorite and why?

Paolo: Oh my God, hands down the trash bag. I think that’s the look I was the most excited to show, because I think that it’s so fun. It’s so I don’t care, baby, I’m on Drag Race wearing a trash bag. I don’t know, and I think it was my most in my mind, that was my draggiest look I brought on the show, because it was camp, it was fun. It was just telling a story. It was something different, you know?

TEM: And was there anyone, you know, that you were excited to see kind of walk in the room, or anyone that intimidated you?

Paolo: Honestly, to be fair, at the time, my mindset.. I  was very intimidated by everyone. Because everyone was giving me drag, you know? And I was very new to it. I think I’ve always been I know how to do my makeup really good, but that’s pretty much all I’ve done. I know how to sew also, but even the way I used to sew wasn’t what I would consider now to be drag. I think that being around like even Van, who’s an amazing seamstress I feel like my costumes have already evolved so much. Like, when you’re on stage, you need a little sparkle, a little rhinestone, a little placement. There are certain things you do differently when you make a drag costume.

TEM: What would you say to fans who are rooting for you and just kind of wanting to see more?

Paolo: Well, to everyone rooting for me and wanting to see more thank you. That really means a lot. You can always catch me online, baby. Paolo Perfección on everything—YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Cameo, baby. Anything.

TEM:  What’s next for you? Any big projects coming that you can share?

Paolo: Yeah, so I’m definitely working on some music right now. I got such good reception with my song on the show, so I was like ooh. I never thought about it, but kind of so fun, you know? And you just never know what I’m up to.
Like, baby, I’m always up to no good. Like me randomly getting on Drag Race it was so real.

TEM:  So my last question before we wrap up is: we’re all about going the extra mile—what does “going the extra mile” mean to you?

Paolo:  I try to navigate in the most positive, fun headspace. I try to be kind with myself and others, and maybe that’s my way of going the extra mile—actually, to show kindness.