Who is Valentina host of ‘Drag Race Mexico’?
Who is Valentina? Learn more about the charismatic presenter of the Mexican version of the popular franchise.
2024-01-03T21:34:17+00:00
- Who is Valentina, host of Drag Race Mexico?
- Her journey from contestant to host.
- Success and controversies on Drag Race Mexico.
The beginning of 2024 brings the hotly anticipated season 16 of the popular reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race.
In total, there will be 14 contestants vying to become ‘America’s Next Drag Superstar.’
On the other hand, on September 7, the first season of Drag Race Mexico concluded with great success. It was by Lolita Banana and Valentina.
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But, who is Valentina? James Andrew Leyva was born on May 14, 1991, in Bell, California..
Before becoming the host of Drag Race Mexico, she competed in the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she finished in seventh place.
Despite this, she won the title of Miss Congeniality and also took part in the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars. Again, she finished in seventh place.
On May 12, it was announced she would host Drag Race Mexico alongside Lolita Banana.
Who is Valentina?
Of Mexican descent, Valentina started working as a professional drag queen just ten months before competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
However, she already had prior knowledge of fashion and performing arts. In 2015, she won a club version of the Dragula competition by the Boulet Brothers.
She is recognized for drawing inspiration from Latin culture. She has declared herself a fan of the Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja, to whom she has paid several tributes.
Her elimination from RuPaul’s Drag Race sparked controversy on social media, as she was one of the most popular contestants.
Valentina and her life after RuPaul’s Drag Race
Before becoming the host of Drag Race Mexico, Valentina was involved in various projects.
Among them was the Werq the World Tour and her own web series: La Vida de Valentina.
She also took part in the sixth episode of Season 24 of America’s Next Top Model and appeared in an episode of the series Claws.
Moreover, in 2017, she appeared in the October issue of Vogue Mexico and recorded a makeup tutorial video.
How Valentina got her name
Perhaps few would have imagined that Valentina owes her name to a popular brand of Mexican salsa.
During her time on the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she is remembered for several memorable quotes.
Some of these include: «I’m glad these girls see me as a threat» and «I didn’t come on the show to prove I’m a star, I came on the show to show the star that I am.»
She also said on one occasion: «Ladies, we’re gonna do an exercise. Everybody raise your arms up to the sky, and Shea this is for you, one word: DEODORANT, B***H!»
Fans are waiting for Drag Race Mexico’s second season
Finally, on July 31, it was reported that Drag Race Mexico would have a second season. Will Valentina return as the host?
So far there was still no official release date for the show, so we’ll have to stay tuned.
Both Valentina and Lolita Banana received some criticism for their hosting of the reality show.
Some of her more memorable quotes are shared on the RuPaul’s Drag Race Wiki page.


