With dozens of heats and months of competing in LGBTQ venues across the country, Drag Idol UK 2025 has finally crowned a winner. A big thank you to Flick The Drag Queen for all the reports on the many heats, competitor interviews, and insider news at this fabulous event. Flick’s final interview is with the winner, Beverly Bacon.
It’s been a couple of weeks since you were crowned this year’s winner of Drag Idol UK 2025. Has it sunk in yet?
It has been overwhelming to win Drag Idol. I never thought for a minute that I would be the one to take the crown. However, I am overjoyed to hold such a prestigious title. It has just about sunk in, and I feel I have only just begun the hard work, with lots to come.
How was the Two Brewers Street Party?
The street party was such a warm (sweltering, even) and lovely welcome from the London scene. Having the amazing Son of a Tutu backstage and familiar faces from the Two Brewers final in the audience just made it that much more special. The audience was singing along and felt like the beginning of a busy summer for me.
Have you entered other competitions, and how did Drag Idol differ?
Before drag idol I had only entered one other physical competition in Birmingham called Ladywood’s Legends (hosted but the delightful Crip Ladywood). This was my first delve into competing, and it was there that I found that I am truly not competitive (ironic, I know). Both competitions made me realise that having the chance to perform alongside other drags makes me really happy and puts me in the same boat as someone, rather than going it alone like you do when gigging.
So, in many ways other than the sheer scale (and pressure to represent yourself well on such a huge platform), there isn’t that much difference; competing is competing.
Any stand-out moments throughout the competition for you?
Drag Idol has given me one of the most special moments I have ever had as a performer. At the final, I stripped back all the camp and silly bravado and just wanted to sing a song for my family. They are a huge part of my support system, but they can’t be with me a lot due to poor health. So I stood in a single spotlight and sang, I felt the room go silent, and I felt like a star. So, thank you for that.
Talk us through your inspirations for your drag.
The queens I looked up to when first getting into drag are the old-school British icons. Lily Savage, Danny La Rue and then a new era of those queens like Myra Dubois and Bianca Del Rio. That’s where I get inspired for camp cabaret and comedy. But for me, I always wanted to showcase great vocals in drag and that came from my love of old soul/jazz singers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald. And the powerhouses like Whitney Houston and Celine Dion.
What are you hoping to do with your win? What’s next in store for Bev?
Now, as you know, if you were at the final, I run a youth theatre school back home and I love it. But I am now ready to focus more on drag and performing. It is truly my happy place. So, this hope for the next year is to visit the Drag Idol venues, make some connections, have plenty of laughs, and start filling my diary with what I love to do the most.
What advice would you have for any future contestants?
Don’t take yourself too seriously; the worst someone can say is they didn’t like it. Go into the competition determined to have a good time! Remember, the people around you are in the same boat and are probably just as nervous (no matter how much they say they aren’t). Just remember, kindness is key! No one likes a nasty queen (off stage at least).
The competition is known for sparking some friendships that really endure (and also some fun frenemies). Who has the competition exposed you to that you’d like to mention?
I have seen some familiar faces this year, which has been lovely. But I can truly say that every drag performer I have competed alongside this year has been an absolute delight. Especially my fellow contestants: Burt Lash, Irene Bru and of course, my drag sister Pam Sandwich. (Also, special mention to the people who supported me all the way!) My drag mother (last year’s runner up) Mama Tasty, the boys at Sequin Showstoppers, Riley Ivory (Wigs by Riley), and my drag sister, Tom the Drag Queen and Athena Pussycat,
But mainly, the competition has exposed me to one of the kindest and supportive venues I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Eden Bar, Birmingham, thank you so much for all your unwavering support! Much love, Bev.
