Kandy Ho talks 'RuPaul's Drag Race' elimination

Kennedy Davenport, Dallas, TX. April 25 at South Beach nightclub. Kennedy Davenport, Dallas, TX. April 25 at South Beach nightclub. Photo: Mathu Andersen Photo: Mathu Andersen Image 1 of / 107 Caption Close Kandy Ho talks 'RuPaul's Drag Race' elimination 1 / 107 Back to Gallery

RuPaul has a soft spot for Puerto Rico.

His long-running reality show, "RuPaul's Drag Race," has a history of spotlighting PR divas: Nina Flowers, Alexis Mateo, Yara Sofia, Jessica Wild. Kandy Ho is the newest addition to that list. She was a fierce competitor, surviving two lip-syncs for her life before being eliminated.

"It's not a hobby for me. it's my job," she says. "I know how good I am. It bothered me more maybe when the judges were like, 'We don't like this. And we don't like this. But you're safe. So go.' I think that was more draining.

The Latin queen made her Houston debut last month at South Beach nightclub.

Were you surprised at being sent home that week?

I didn't even feel that I was the one that was supposed to be in the bottom two. I don't think I did an amazing job (with the Ru Hollywood Stories Challenge). But I wasn't the worst. Thank God I lip-synced with someone who does good shows like Jaidynn (Diore Fierce). The girl can move. I would be so mad if it were someone who can't do (expletive) onstage.

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Do you feel viewers got a real sense of your personality?

It's kind of uncomfortable and upsetting that people think a 45-minute show is who I am. But I am who I am, and if you like me, well 'Yay.' And if you don't, well 'Yay.' I guess it's all in editing, but I can't do anything about that. People really think that Tempest (DuJour) and me were like cat and dog, and we're really not. She texts me. I text her. It's really nice.

Who did you click with on the show?

Kennedy Davenport, of course. Jaidynn, Jasmine Masters and Mrs. Kasha Davis.

Who was the most challenging personality?

Violet Chachki. As soon as I went in the workroom and started to say hello to everyone, I thought, 'Uh-oh. She's gonna be the one.' I think you really have to get to know Violet. I sat down with her and said, 'Girl, you know, I didn't like you at first.' She's like, 'Girl, I know. A lot of people don't like me, and I don't care.' But once you get to know her, you see where she comes from.

You missed the Snatch Game by one week!

I know. I had two ideas. In my audition tape, I did Britney Spears, but Tatianna did Britney (in Season 2). So I had Martha Stewart. I'm not lying. That would have been fun.

What planted the first sequins of drag inspiration?

I knew I wanted to be a performer. I always saw myself dancing for someone. But I never saw being in drag as a big thing until after I did the Pussycat Dolls at a Puerto Rican gay parade. I looked extremely busted because it was my first time. But it just started to grow on me.

What's your big takeaway from your time on the show?

As a performer, I love to absorb good things from other good queens. Meeting all the other girls and being able to sit down with most of them and see where they're coming from and feed off their good vibes – that really helps me to be a bigger and better performer and drag queen.