Vanessa Vanjie Mateo Biography
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, also known as Miss Vanjie or simply Vanjie, is an American drag performer/drag queen from Tampa, Florida who has left an indelible mark on the world of drag. She is best known for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” seasons 10, 11, and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5 & 9.
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo Age and Ethnicity
Born as José Luis Cancel on October 3, 1991, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo hails from a vibrant Puerto Rican heritage. As of May 2024, Vanjie is 32 years old.
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo Mom, Father
Vanessa Vanjie has a fascinating lineage within the drag world. Her drag parents are none other than Alexis Mateo (Mother) and Jeffrey Kelley (Father). These seasoned performers have undoubtedly influenced Vanessa’s journey and contributed to her captivating presence on stage.
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo Height, Tattoo
Vanjie stands at a height measurement of 5 feet and 9 inches (approximately 175cm).
While her tattoos remain a personal expression, they add to her fierce aesthetic.
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo Job
Vanjie’s journey into the dazzling world of drag began when Drag Race alumna Alexis Mateo hired her as a backup dancer. Little did she know that her destiny would lead her to the main stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race!
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo RuPaul’s Drag Race Journey
Season 10:
Vanessa was announced as one of the fourteen fierce contestants competing for the crown on the tenth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which premiered on March 22, 2018.
Her unforgettable exit in the first episode became legendary. As she lip-synced to Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man” against competitor Kalorie Karbdashian Williams, Vanessa walked backward off the stage, leaving us with her iconic parting words: “Miss Vanjie… Miss Vanjie… Miss… Vanjie.” This moment turned into an internet meme, tweeted by RuPaul, and Michelle Visage, and even edited into clips from various movies and TV shows.
Season 11:
Vanessa returned for the eleventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She won two lip-syncs, showcasing her fierce moves against Plastique Tiara and Shuga Cain.
Unfortunately, she was eliminated by Brooke Lynn Hytes in the penultimate week, placing fifth overall.
All Stars 5:
Vanessa made a triumphant return as a “Lip Sync Assassin” in Episode 5 of All Stars 5. Although she lost the lip sync against Shea Couleé, her presence was electrifying.
All Stars 9:
Vanessa Vanjie is a cast member of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9. The All Stars season 9 premieres on May 17, 2024, on Paramount when “eight fan-favorite queens return to use their drag superpowers for good, competing to win a supersized donation of $200,000.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9 Cast
The cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9 features eight fabulous queens who are ready to sashay, and shantay, and compete for the coveted title. Here they are:
- Angeria Paris VanMicheals:
- Age: 29
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Original Season: 14 (3rd place)
- Charity: To be announced
- Gottmik:
- Age: 26
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Original Season: 13 (3rd place)
- Charity: Trans Lifeline
- Jorgeous:
- Age: 23
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Original Season: 14 (6th place)
- Charity: NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Nina West:
- Age: 44
- Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
- Original Season: 11 (6th place)
- Charity: The Trevor Project
- Plastique Tiara:
- Age: 26
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Original Season: 11 (8th place)
- Charity: TAAF (Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia)
- Roxxxy Andrews:
- Age: 39
- Hometown: Orlando, Florida
- Original Season: 5 (Runner-up), All Stars 2 (4th place)
- Charity: Miracle of Love
- Shannel:
- Age: 44
- Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Original Season: 1 (4th place), All Stars 1 (3rd place)
- Charity: ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
- Vanessa Vanjie Mateo:
- Age: 31
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Original Season: 10 (14th place), All Stars 4 (5th place)
- Charity: ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo Net Worth
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo’s net worth is estimated to be between $100,000 and $1 million. Her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent have undoubtedly contributed to her financial success.
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