It’s never easy being the first one eliminated on Drag Race Down Under, but Wellington queen Olivia Dreams bid farewell to the competition with love, new-found courage and a legion of new fans.
Originally from Te Tai Tokerau and of Te Rarawa descent, Olivia Dreams has been a rising force in New Zealand’s drag scene.
Having moved to Te-Whanganui-a-Tara four years ago, she’s made it her mission to build a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.
Reflecting on her journey, Olivia shared to 9Entertainment: ” Drag Race Down Under was just such an amazing experience. I’m so glad that I’m part of the family, and I’m so glad that I got to experience it with all the other Season 4 girls.”
For Olivia Dreams, drag is about raw creativity and authenticity.
“I like to see drag Down Under as a little bit unpolished around the edges. And that’s a good thing. I think it really shows who the queens are,” she said.
Growing up in a small town with a population of just 5,000, Olivia Dreams didn’t have access to LGBTQIA+ spaces or role models who looked like her.
Now, she’s on a mission to inspire young people who may feel isolated or unseen.
“I want those people who were in my position growing up to know that you can go out there, work hard, be passionate, and you can achieve greatness,” she added.
The “Pork Chop” of Season 4
Despite being the first to sashay away, Olivia Dreams is embracing her new title with humour.
“I’ll be iconic forever because I’ll be the Pork Chop of the season, and I’m at peace with that,” she laughed. “Sorry, Amyl [the Season 3 Pork Chop], but it’s my turn now!”
The reference to ‘Porkchop’ refers to Victoria “Porkchop” Parker, the first contestant to be eliminated on the first season of Drag Race.
Reflecting on her elimination, Olivia admits it was tough to take in the moment but she sees the experience as invaluable.
“The judges’ comments were exactly what I needed to hear. I think I’d really gotten into my head, let that inner saboteur in,” she said.
“It was hard, but I don’t think any of the critiques were harsh. They just helped me refine who I am as a drag artist.”
Mentorship from Kween Kong
One memorable moment was when Kween Kong, one of the judges and recent runner up in RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars, gave Olivia Dream’s some “tough love.”
“I think Kween came from a motherly or aunty perspective. She saw the potential in me that I didn’t see in myself and really wanted me to bring that out,” she added.
The lip sync and going home first
Olivia Dreams admitted she was initially nervous about the song choice for her lip sync. Episode 2 featured Zoë Badwi’s dance hit Freefalling.
“I’m going to tell you this in secrecy, but that was the first time I’d actually heard of who Zoë Badwi was,” she confessed.
“Honestly, I kind of wanted to lip sync to Rush, but it was such a fun song to perform.”
Troye Sivan’s hit single Rush was the lip sync performed in the first episode.
As for her thoughts on being sent home, Olivia feels there might have been other options. “I don’t think I should have gone home, but I bet everybody says that,” she admitted.
“The obvious choice was Lucina Innocence. I mean, she was in the bottom for both episodes. But hey, the judges saw something in her, and I’m glad she got to slay another day.”
What’s next for Olivia Dreams?
Though her Drag Race journey ended early, Olivia Dream’s career is only beginning to soar. She plans to continue her national touring show, bringing her unique artistry and message of acceptance to even more rural communities.
She’s also got her sights set on Australia, the UK and the US. “If I’m ever in town, come to my show. If you don’t, I’ll cancel you on sight,” she teased.