'Judge' Ross Mathews holds court with Queen RuPaul

If you're addicted to the weekly antics of "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestants, you know there are two new judges sizing up the queens' talent and passion for drag. Joining the panel are Carson Kressley, formerly of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," and one of Palm Springs' favorite sons, TV personality Ross Mathews.

We recently caught up with Mathews about his experience with the show:

QUESTION: What would be your drag name if you were competing on "RuPaul's Drag Race"?

Jean Jacket.

Your favorite RuPaul catchphrase?

Hands down, "ConDRAGulations."

Do the judges get to see what's going on in the Untuck Lounge as it's happening?

Nope. I get to see it at the same time the audience does — on TV!

What's the most surprising thing you've learned about how the show is made?

I am most surprised at how emotionally attached I have become as a judge. I thought I could be very professional and distant, but being a super fan, I'm invested in these contestants and rooting them on.

During the "Lip-sync for Your Life" segment, there are people who love it when the drag divas pull off their wigs in the heat of the moment. Others hate it because it destroys the illusion. What's your take?

I don't like it. To me, it's a sign of desperation. Drag is an illusion and that illusion should be respected, both by the audience and by the queen herself.

Give us a hint (in five words) about something fun or outrageous coming up this season.

Boob to boob drag wrestle.

"RuPaul's Drag Race" airs Mondays on LOGO TV. Check your local cable listings for the time.