Exit Interview with Janey Jacké
How did it feel to represent Holland in Drag Race UK Versus The World?
Showcasing Dutch drag was important to me because it wasn’t as well known to the rest of the world, and I can honestly say I have never been prouder of myself on this journey. It felt amazing to represent Holland in this international arena. I have made my country incredibly proud.
I’ve received so many wonderful messages and the most amazing response to the show. The viewing parties in Holland were incredible and it was an honour to be the first ever Dutch drag queen to be on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK versus the world.
You were so close to reaching the final, are you proud of what you were able to showcase in your time on the show?
I am so proud of myself for making it as far as the Semi Finals. There was a moment where I really felt truly happy and comfortable being there with the girls. I showed so many different things on that runway and got so many compliments and amazing feedback from the judges…and I think my track record on the show speaks for itself. Not many girls are bringing home that golden RuPeter badge or gave such a fun and iconic lip sync as me and Pangina.
Would you do anything differently if you could?
SNATCH GAME HUNNYYYY! What else haha! But for real, I wouldn’t have done anything else, as you learn from your mistakes and the challenges really made me werk!
There were a few challenges that I didn’t have any experience in like the sewing challenge, which I won(!) and the singing challenge, when I recorded a song for the first time ever, even though I can’t really sing. I went for it, learned so much and enjoyed every moment.
The Snatch Game was a harder challenge for me - and maybe I would have made smarter choices, and got less in my head if I’d had some more improv acting classes? I Don’t know ?! I think I just needed to let go and just have fun, but, as I say , the challenges have made me a better queen for it, and I have learnt from my mistakes!
Did you learn anything from the experience?
I learn a lot from every experience, all the time. The judges and especially Ru and Michelle dispensed so much knowledge. Things like: you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, believing in your own star power and being a nice flexible person to work with will get you far in this industry. Besides that, I love that the show and the high-pressure atmosphere makes you grow as a person. You can reflect a lot on your own personal behaviour or being by watching the episodes. I came in as the underdog that wasn’t really known and I feel that I really proved myself to my peers as well as the judges.
What’s next for Janey Jacké?
Next for Janey Jacké is a lot! No limits! I’m doing it all! I have an international tour scheduled, starting in the UK. My first single ‘Turned Heads’ will be released the 4th of March, together with Lady Bee -an iconic famous Dutch DJ in the dance scene- we created an amazing and really fun dance track and aaaaaamazing video that will turn all heads and the track really showcases what people can expect from Janey. I have already recorded my new track and I will have a great guest on it that we all know and love.
Next to that I will be at DragCon in May and I will do my first ever US tour for which I’m super excited but most of all I’m excited to be on stage a lot and give everybody the full Janey experience.
The series airs on British screens exclusively on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer from at 9pm, with new episodes released weekly (on Tuesdays).