Shangela is about to take fierce to a complete new stage on 'DWTS.' Get to know this gifted drag entertainer who is likely one of the movie star contestants of season 31.
Halleloo! Shangela, 40, is able to slay on the dance ground! The enduring drag performer, born D.J. Pierce, shall be taking up types of ballroom dancing in hopes of profitable the mirrorball trophy on the finish of Dancing With the Stars season 31.
Shangela and DWTS professional Gleb Savchenko are probably the most highly-anticipated pairs of season 31. Shangela is aware of a factor or two about competitions, so be ready for this standout. HollywoodLife has rounded up 5 key issues you might want to find out about Shangela.
1. Shangela and Gleb Savchenko are making historical past.
Shangela and Gleb would be the first-ever all-male pair in Dancing With the Stars historical past. “I used to be completely thrilled and nonetheless am,” Shangela instructed reporters after the casting information was introduced on September 8. The pair follows Jojo Siwa and Jenna Johnson, who have been the first-ever all-female pair to compete on the present. They got here in second place.
2. Shangela is the primary movie star to compete in drag on DWTS.
“I’m the primary particular person to ever be capable to compete in drag on Dancing with the Stars within the historical past of the present right here, so I hope that we present folks that it’s all in regards to the coronary heart and soul of who you might be as an individual,” Shangela additionally mentioned. “It doesn’t matter if it’s two males dancing collectively, if it’s a person or a drag entertainer like myself dancing collectively. It’s in regards to the spirit of dance and the enjoyable, and the power to attach and to be taught extra about different individuals’s worlds.”
Shangela added, “I’m not a technically skilled dancer, however I’m not afraid to be on this area as a result of I’m prepared to be taught. I’m excited to be taught from Gleb and hope that I can educate him a few issues, too.”
3. Shangela is a RuPaul’s Drag Race alum.
Shangela first appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race in season 2. The drag entertainer returned to compete within the third season. Shangela additionally appeared within the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars.
4. Shangela is a co-host of We’re Right here.
Shangela has been the co-host of We’re Right here since 2020. The critically-acclaimed collection follows Shangela, Bob the Drag Queen, and Eureka O’Hara as they journey throughout the US to recruit small-town residents to take part in one-night-only drag exhibits. The present has gained two Primetime Emmys and been renewed for season 3. Shangela has additionally appeared in Glee, A Black Woman Sketch Present, and A Star Is Born.
5. The actor and drag performer grew up in Texas.
D.J. was raised in Paris, Texas. He graduated with honors from Southern Methodist College and serves as an advisory board member, in response to his official web site.