Slayana Cashay may not have taken the crown at Drag Royale, but finishing as second runner-up was only part of the story. For her, the competition was never about beating anyone else—it was about beating herself. “I joined Drag Royale for self-growth,” she explained. “My dream has always been to be on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and this competition had all the elements I needed to challenge myself.”
From the beginning, Slayana embraced every acting challenge, runway theme, and performance as a chance to push her artistry further. She described Drag Royale as an experience that gave her room to evolve and build confidence in her creative vision. Each week, she would review photos and videos from her performances and feel proud of what she accomplished. One highlight was her Show Your Pride runway look, featuring a 24-foot train and a corset she constructed herself. “I had never done anything like that before,” she said, “but the competition brought it out of me.”
Slayana began drag in 2018 and has been auditioning for RuPaul’s Drag Race ever since, a process she describes as long and strenuous. She believes Drag Royale gave her not only the growth she was seeking but also incredible footage she can now use for her audition tapes. “That’s one of the biggest takeaways for me,” she said. “I get to use everything I did this season to help me toward my Drag Race dream. My husband was a huge part of the process in the competition and without him my journey wouldn't have been as successful.”
When asked about her drag persona, she described Slayana as a character rooted in femininity rather than exaggeration. “Slayana is a woman,” she explained. “She’s inspired by women—the way they dress, the way they carry themselves. I don’t over-exaggerate or cover my brows. I want to keep it subtle. When I’m in drag, no one can tell me I’m not a woman.”
Her favorite challenge of the season was the family resemblance makeover. Though she initially hoped to transform her husband, she was instead paired with her longtime best friend Q, who she has collaborated with since she was 18 years old. The experience became a meaningful highlight. “He has supported Slayana from the start,” she said. “Whatever idea or concept I have, he helps bring it to life. Seeing him step into drag.”
Performing at Gipsy was another milestone. She described taking the stage there as being part of the club’s legacy of iconic performances. Her finale number, she believes, belonged on a Drag Race live tour stage. “I always perform like I’m on the biggest stage ever,” she said. “I want fire, smoke, spectacle. My job is to entertain and give the crowd something fresh, not just repeat what they’ve seen before.”
Now that Drag Royale has ended, fans can still catch Slayana at her favorite Las Vegas venues, including Gipsy, Piranha, and The Phoenix. Her advice to new queens is simple: be yourself. “There are plenty of imitators, but there’s only one you. Do that, and do it well.” She also thanked the fans who cheered her on throughout the season. “The love and energy I get from the crowd fills my heart. Please continue to support, believe, and show love—because that’s what the world needs more of.”