After four electric weeks, *Drag Royale* saw a double-elimination as Santanna Synner, sashayed away. But the competition was less of an ending and more of a beginning. Originally from Guatemala and newly stepping into the Las Vegas drag scene, Santanna used the show as a springboard to reconnect with her artistic passions and introduce herself to a new city.
“I’m very grateful to have lived this experience,” she said. “Being part of Season 1 is a big deal for me. This was the motivation I needed to really start doing drag here in Vegas.”
While new to the local scene, Santanna comes with experience—having previously performed in Guatemala—and a strong foundation in fashion. Her journey into drag began through her love of sewing, a skill she learned from her mother before studying fashion formally.
“My drag started with fabric. I love turning an idea into reality,” she said. “Kim Chi on Season 8 of *Drag Race* inspired me. I saw that you could make art from your imagination—and I wanted to do that too.”
Santanna’s looks were carefully crafted and full of meaning, with her Week 1 signature runway standing out as her personal favorite.
“That look was inspired by Eve from the Bible and the Virgin Mary. My drag name, Santanna, comes from Saint Anne—the Virgin Mary’s mother. So I wanted to embody that idea of being the ‘mother of all mothers.’ And yes, everything came from Michaels—I’m proud to say that!”
Another fan-favorite look was her blue-handed photo shoot ensemble, which explored themes of sensuality and touch.
“I always try to express sensuality in my drag. The idea of hands on the body came to me, and I’ve been building on it ever since. For my next shoot, I’m adding more—on my arms, my legs, everywhere.”
Behind the scenes, Santanna built strong bonds with queens like Rita Bitch and Samara, especially during the roast challenge.
“Rita and I really connected. We’re both good at reading and throwing shade, so we had so much fun preparing together. We were always laughing in the dressing room.”
Taking the stage at Gipsy came with a sense of pride—and responsibility.
“As artists, we have to be ready for any stage,” she said. “Gipsy is one of the best clubs to show your drag. You have to bring energy, connection, and fun.”
She also took feedback from guest judge Shannel and host Mirage seriously, treating critiques as tools to improve rather than take personally.
“I implement everything. Shannel and Mirage have the experience and the eye. I’m grateful for their insight.”
Though she’s not performing elsewhere just yet, Santanna is focusing on social media, organizing professional photoshoots of her looks, and preparing to step into new opportunities.
“I’m putting my energy and resources into building my drag online. But I’m definitely ready to be booked—and I’d be so happy to take the stage again soon.”
Her advice to the next queen to be eliminated? “Live in the moment. Have fun. Don’t stress. Be yourself.”
And for the QVegas community?
“Support the queens! Follow your local queens and show love—because every artist deserves to be seen.”