"It was overwhelming but so much fun" — RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars' Phoenix talks about her experience after returning in season 10

Phoenix made a spectacular return to RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 10, more than ten years after her initial appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race. She delivered standout looks, sharp observations, and quick wit. HHer reappearance made a statement as one of the show’s most seasoned performers. From the moment she entered the Werk Room, her fame and talent spoke for themselves.

Reflecting on the experience, Phoenix admitted the updated pace and elevated stakes caught her by surprise:

”Now, people walk in with an entrance line, ready to go; it’s crazy! It was overwhelming but so much fun, it really was."

She opened up about the internal pressure she endured. She described how, even after years of performing on stage, she still found herself overanalyzing situations involving problems and criticism. Even confidence needs to be constantly tended to, especially in front of the judges’ panel and a watching world.

For Phoenix, returning to the RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars stage was more than a chance to take a stroll down memory lane. It was a powerful reminder of how far she’s come and how far the franchise has come since she first appeared. Even if she didn’t make it to the semifinals, her presence allowed for new discussions about authenticity, resiliency, and legacy in drag.

Phoenix reflects on returning to RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 10 and embracing the bracket format

Phoenix looks back at the bracket-style RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 10 and finally getting another shot at a successful and meaningful comeback for the franchise and the queen herself. She faced a platform that had transformed beyond recognition since her last time on it. Some changes showcased her creativity; others created challenges — over 15 years since her RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars Season 3 debut.

Nostalgic comeback meets a revamped werk room

Phoenix was astounded by the show’s expansion when she returned to the Werk Room. Thinking back on her return, she acknowledged:

”It was so exciting, overwhelming. As someone who has not been on ‘Drag Race’ in almost 15 years, coming back to such a huge phenomenon was intense, it really was."

The polished, heavily produced setting of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 10 stood in stark contrast to her Season 3 experience, when reality drag was still a specialty. The theatrical buildup, increased camera work, and entrance lines demonstrated how much the performance has changed. Phoenix experienced a mixture of nostalgia and a realization that the stage she was accustomed to had evolved into something much larger.

Fewer queens, deeper moments

Phoenix embraced the smaller bracket-style casting, which was one of the season’s most praised changes.

"I have some different thoughts with it. I did like walking in and there not being so many girls. It gives everyone a moment to shine and I think that is a huge part of it," Phoenix said.

In RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 18 returning queens were split up into three groups of six. The format was refreshing to Phoenix because it highlighted individuality, provided clarity, and decreased clutter.

Each queen had the opportunity to display their skills, personalities, and artistic abilities without being overshadowed by a larger cast. Instead of depending solely on flash, this format enabled Phoenix to intentionally stake her comeback.

Phoenix's thoughts show a seasoned performer coming back to a stage that has evolved and changed with her. She didn’t simply enter to relive previous victories. Instead, she welcomed RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars comeback and navigated its modern challenges and celebrated its renewed focus on individuality.

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Watch all the episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 10 on Paramount+.

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