Decade of ‘Drag Race’: Stacy Layne Matthews Looks Back at Season 3 (2024)

As part of our Decade of Drag Race week, we caught up with one queen from each season of the Emmy-award-winning seriesto reminisce about the show’s journey, share some never-been-told memories and throw shade where shade is due.

Below, we spill the tea with country queen Stacy Layne Matthews, henny. Read all the interviews here.

Is there something that happened behind-the-scenes or off-camera that you’re surprised didn’t make the television edit?

I think one of the things that stands out is during Untucked when were talking about my grandmother’s home cooking because, you know, I’m from the country and we talk a lot about Southern food and how much we miss that good Southern cooking. We didn’t get to see that on TV, but it was such a good sweet moment for all of us girls.

Since your season aired, what have you gotten tired of fans bringing up?

It’s kind of weird when you meet people and they don’t want to know about you, they want to know about some other girl and if they could get a connection or if you can tell them they said this. The question I get the most is “How is RuPaul in person?” instead of, you know, “How are you?” [laughs]

Has there been a starstruck moment since the season aired?

On Drag Race when we had Snatch Game, I was able to play Mo’Nique from the movie Precious so my manager got me a gig with her at Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Pride Fest. I was able to open up to her and have a long conversation. She watched the show and watched the Snatch Game. She was one of the people that I looked up to growing up especially when I started my drag career. I based my aesthetic on her character from The Parkers, the comedy show that came on TV. She was probably one of the sweetest people. It was kind of drizzling outside and instead of just getting in her car and leaving she waited and talked with everybody. I thought that was pretty cool.

Which one queen have you grown the closest to since your season?

We’re at different stages in our lives. But, since the season, the one person I think I grew the closest to was Shangela. But she’s fully booked, honey. She’s all over the world. She came to where I’m from. She’s been in the back swamp. My grandmother cooked for her. I try to message her every now and then but, you know, she’s a busy girl, honey. I try to keep up with her when I can.

Is there a lip-sync-for-your-life decision you would’ve changed if you were in Ru’s shoes?

I honestly never would’ve put me and Alexis Mateo in the bottom. I did not think that during that particular episode that we were the worst onstage, but it’s not our decision to make so I took it like it was. I just thought there should’ve been a different outcome.

What’s one of the most overrated runway looks from your season?

Probably Raja’s indigenous — I don’t remember exactly what it was. It was just a skirt and a little coconut top that they lived for but I just didn’t quite get it, but it’s not my decision.

What’s the worst decision someone made during your season?

I think probably the worst decision is when Mimi [Imfurst] decided to pick up India Ferrah onstage because I feel like whatever you do back home doesn’t always work on television. I think that was one of the moments that set her back a little bit.

Did the right person win?

Okay, thank you. Bye! [laughs]I think I come from a different type of drag. I come from a type of drag where we are very pageant queen and I think on our season there was a separation between pageant and fashion. If I were to pick, I don’t think I would’ve picked Raja to win even though she is very talented. She would’ve definitely been in the top three. Honestly, I was really rooting for Alexis Mateo. She is what I strive to be as a drag queen and a pageant girl. Yeah, I think she should’ve won Drag Race.

Season 1:Ongina|Season 2:Tatianna|Season 3:StacyLayne Matthews

Season 4:JigglyCaliente|Season 5:Detox|Season6:LaganjaEstranja

Season 7:GingerMinj|Season 8:Bob the Drag Queen

Season 9:NinaBo’NinaBrown|Season 10:Aquaria?

AllStars1:MimiImfurst|All Stars2:RoxxxyAndrews|All Stars3:Aja