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Photo: Sara Kelly Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close Image 2 of 24 Adore Delano performing at South Beach nightclub during the Pride Superstar competition in Houston. Adore Delano performing at South Beach nightclub during the Pride Superstar competition in Houston. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 3 of 24 Adore Delano performing at South Beach nightclub during the Pride Superstar competition in Houston. Adore Delano performing at South Beach nightclub during the Pride Superstar competition in Houston. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 4 of 24 Adore Delano performing at South Beach nightclub during the Pride Superstar competition in Houston. Adore Delano performing at South Beach nightclub during the Pride Superstar competition in Houston. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 5 of 24 Image 6 of 24 Adore Delano performing at South Beach nightclub during the Pride Superstar competition in Houston. Adore Delano performing at South Beach nightclub during the Pride Superstar competition in Houston. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 7 of 24 Adore Delano and Homer Martinez during the Pride Superstar competition. Adore Delano and Homer Martinez during the Pride Superstar competition. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 8 of 24 Adore Delano reunited with "Idol" BFF Kady Malloy onstage at Pride Superstar at South Beach in Houston. Adore Delano reunited with "Idol" BFF Kady Malloy onstage at Pride Superstar at South Beach in Houston. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 9 of 24 Kady Malloy and Adore Delano. Kady Malloy and Adore Delano. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 10 of 24 Image 11 of 24 Kady Malloy and Adore Delano. Kady Malloy and Adore Delano. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 12 of 24 Morena Roas, from left, Adore Delano and Homer Martinez during the Pride Superstar competition. Morena Roas, from left, Adore Delano and Homer Martinez during the Pride Superstar competition. Photo: Sara Kelly Image 13 of 24 Photo: Austin Young Image 14 of 24 Adore Delano. Adore Delano. Photo: Austin Young Image 15 of 24 Image 16 of 24 Adore Delano. Adore Delano. Photo: Austin Young Image 17 of 24 Adore Delano. Adore Delano. Photo: Austin Young Image 18 of 24 Adore Delano was also an American Idol season 7 semifinalist as Danny Noriega. Adore Delano was also an American Idol season 7 semifinalist as Danny Noriega. Photo: Magnus Hastings Image 19 of 24 Adore Delano. Adore Delano. Photo: Magnus Hastings Image 20 of 24 Image 21 of 24 Adore Delano. Adore Delano. Photo: Magnus Hastings Image 22 of 24 RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6 contestant Adore Delano. RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6 contestant Adore Delano. Photo: Mathu Andersen Image 23 of 24 Danny Noriega was 18 during his time on "American Idol." Danny Noriega was 18 during his time on "American Idol." Photo: AP Image 24 of 24 Adore Delano: Pop tarts, pizza and serious partying 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

Adore Delano has plenty of reasons to party.

The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 6 favorite released her debut album, “Till Death Do Us Party,” last month. It’s one of the year’s most dazzling dance-pop confections, veering effortlessly from camp to heartbreak. Three singles — “DTF,” “I Adore U” and “Party” — have already been released, and more are on the way.

The album registered the biggest sales week of any post-“Drag Race” release (and there have been many), shifting 5,000 copies its first week. It debuted at No. 3 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart and at No. 59 on the Billboard 200.

That success is also the result of nonstop work. Delano has been criss-crossing the country for late-night performances and returns Saturday to South Beach nightclub in Houston. She performed for a huge crowd and served as guest judge in May for the kickoff of the popular Pride Superstar singing competition.

“I’m working my ass off every single day,” Delano says between yawns. “I have one day off at home, and I’m so excited to be laying in my bed right now.”

Many fans were already familiar with Delano’s musical talent. As Danny Noriega, he made it to the Season 7 “American Idol” semifinals alongside local girl Kady Malloy. (The two reunited onstage during Pride Superstar.)

You’re coming back! Did Houston give you life the first time you were here?

It was awesome. That was one of the longest meet and greets I think that I’ve done. That was one of the most memorable, though, because they were so lovely. The weather was (expletive) crazy hot. But I had Whataburger. It changed my life.

How do you keep up the pace?

Pop tarts and pizza. No, really, it’s difficult. Sometimes it’s like, “Oh my God. Have I really been awake for three days?” I learned to sleep on the plane now. That’s your only choice. We do a gig and leave at six in the morning.

What were the goals with “Till Death Do Us Party?”

I really wanted to make a solid pop record, and I wanted to put a lot of work into it. You gotta pay for product to move ahead as well. I might be the most broke (“Drag Race”) top 3 contestant. I’m paying for the music videos. But that’s what you gotta do.

Does the money you make performing go right back into your career?

Absolutely. (Laughs.) I’m literally — no one believes me — every single day in a different state. I do Austin. Then I fly to Chicago. Then from Chicago I fly to Houston. I’m saving up, and I’m putting it back into the product. Of course I’m saving some for taxes as well, because I’m not a dumbass.

I imagine original music has been a long time coming for you.

It’s just really magical. That’s the word I always use. I was in Canada for World Pride, and they’re singing every single word. It’s crazy. It’s awesome. It feels like it’s finally paying off a little bit. I just did a Yahoo acoustic session. I’m living the dream, and I’m very appreciative.

Was it a conscious decision to release singles with very different sounds and visual aesthetics?

I already filmed the fourth one before the third one was out. We’re filming the fifth one in a couple of weeks. Then the sixth one. I wanted to kind of reinvent myself with every one. I wanted to be different and give the children every color of the sprinkles.

You co-wrote every song on the album. Was that a new challenge?

In the beginning I was like, “I’m not a writer.” The first song that we co-wrote was “Calling All Goddesses,” and I wanted nothing to do with it. But the more we started writing, it became easier. Now, one-two-three we got a formula going down.

Why was ’80s hit Give Me Tonight by Shannon the right cover song to include?

I had three in mind. I wanted to do “Saturday Night” by the Misfits, “Dancing On My Own” (by Robyn) or Shannon. I remember getting ready for gigs when I was in high school and listening to that song. It just gives me a feel. I love that song.

What’s the ultimate, long-range goal?

I would love to get signed to a major record deal and just be given a chance, basically. I had no money to promote my album at all (and still managed) No. 59 on the Billboard 200 chart. I want to show them what I can do if you invest. I want somebody to believe in me. I can do it.

Have you been surprised by all the love and goodwill you’ve generated?

I grew up not having a lot of friends, not being the most popular kid in school. When people wanna take a picture with me, I always say yes. You never turn them down. It’s an honor to have people wanna take a picture with you. I’m like, “Me? Really? If you knew me in eighth grade …” It’s awesome.

Adore Delano: 9 p.m. Saturday at South Beach, 810 Pacific. Free before 10 p.m. 713-529-7623 or sobehouston.com.