Absolut Empire’s Ball 2024 stands as a beacon of celebration and empowerment within the vibrant world of drag culture. More than just a competition, it’s a platform where drag houses converge to showcase their boundless creativity and talent, mesmerizing audiences with top-notch performances and extravagant productions. With each passing year, Absolut Empire’s Ball grows in significance, not only as a showcase of drag artistry but also as a testament to inclusivity and diversity.
Embracing All Forms of Drag
At the core of Absolut Empire’s Ball lies a profound commitment to embracing the full spectrum of drag expression. Drag, in its myriad forms, serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, empowerment, and celebration of individuality. Whether it’s the classic glamour of drag queens and kings, the boundary-pushing artistry of gender-bending performers, or the fearless exploration of non-binary and genderqueer identities, Absolut Empire’s Ball welcomes all with open arms.
Scarlett BoBo’s words resonate deeply within the halls of Absolut Empire’s Ball: “We embrace and celebrate all forms of drag.” This ethos of inclusivity creates a space where performers feel seen, heard, and valued for their unique contributions to the drag community. It’s not just about the artistry on stage; it’s about the sense of belonging and acceptance that permeates every corner of the event.
As Bethan Hamilton, Absolut’s Senior Brand Manager at Corby Spirit and Wine, affirms, Absolut Empire’s Ball is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of diversity and inclusion. Since its inception, Absolut has stood proudly behind the 2SLGBTQ+ community, championing equal love for all.
The Journey to Crown Canada’s Next Drag Empire
The journey to crown Canada’s next drag empire kicked off with the exhilarating preliminaries held on March 6th and 7th, 2024, at The Drake Underground. This iconic venue set the stage for an electrifying display of talent as drag houses from across the nation came together to showcase their creativity and flair. From jaw-dropping performances to innovative costume designs, the preliminaries offered a glimpse into the boundless creativity and fierce competition that awaited.
For the performers, the preliminaries represented more than just a chance to advance in the competition; they were an opportunity to make their mark on the drag scene and share their artistry with the world.
Semi-finals: April 4, 2024 at El Mocambo
As the competition heated up, the top six houses advanced to the semi-finals, held on April 4th, 2024, at the legendary El Mocambo. This iconic venue, steeped in history and musical heritage, provided the perfect backdrop for the next chapter in the journey towards crowning Canada’s next drag empire.
The semi-finals proved to be a pivotal moment for the remaining houses as they vied for a coveted spot in the grand finale. With stakes higher than ever, the pressure was on to deliver show-stopping performances that would leave a lasting impression on judges and audiences alike.
Grand Finale: May 9, 2024, at The Great Hall
The culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and fierce competition, the grand finale of Absolut Empire’s Ball takes place on May 9th, 2024, at The Great Hall. As the final houses take to the stage one last time, anticipation reaches a fever pitch as audiences await the crowning of Canada’s next drag empire.
Houses of Absolut Empire’s Ball 2024
Bath Haus (Toronto): Bath Haus embodies the essence of Toronto’s drag scene, boasting a lineup of four fierce and fabulous performers: Angëll Mörana, Mirana, Logan The Queen, and Haus Mother Rosie.
DreamHaus (Ottawa): Hailing from Canada’s capital city, DreamHaus boasts a lineup of four fierce drag artists: Bae Root, BJ Stroker, Ruby Foxglove, and Shea D. Ladie. With a focus on innovation and boundary-pushing creativity, DreamHaus is poised to make a splash at Absolut Empire’s Ball.
House of Dare (Toronto): The House of Dare brings a unique blend of vibrancy and creativity to the stage, with a lineup that includes four drag queens and one drag bean: Ava Dia, Penny Martini, Bobby Jupiter, Elle Dare, and Styla Artois. Their eclectic performances and bold aesthetic ensure that House of Dare is a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
House of Melanin (Toronto): Celebrating queer, POC joy, House of Melanin brings together a diverse lineup of performers, each with their own cultural background and perspective. Ocean La’Vodka Giovanni, Tygr Willy, Kuya Atay, and The Noise Witch come together to create performances that are as dynamic as they are empowering.
Frat Haus (Toronto): Frat Haus brings a unique twist to the drag scene with their satirical take on toxic masculinity. Composed of Stefan Fetamean, Andy Fetamean, Devery Bess, Coyote Ugly, and Archie Called, Frat Haus promises to challenge stereotypes and defy expectations with their bold and irreverent performances.
Ni Haus (Toronto): Ni Haus makes history as the first-ever all-Asian Drag Haus to compete in Absolut Empire’s Ball. With a lineup that includes Phoenix Black, Destiny Doll, Star, and Lena, Ni Haus is ready to showcase the diversity and talent of Toronto’s Asian drag community on the national stage.
House of UTI (Uniquely Talented Individuals): With a lineup that includes renowned performers like Makayla Couture, Rosacea Cheeks, Jelly, Bleu, and Twinklet, House of UTI is a force to be reckoned with in the world of drag. Their eclectic blend of styles and personalities ensures that every performance is a feast for the senses.
O-Town Packers (Ottawa): The O-Town Packers bring a fresh perspective to the competition with their lineup of local Kings. Miles Zinya, Ben Dover, Sir Racha, and Jak Ammer combine years of experience with a passion for performance, promising to deliver a truly unforgettable show at Absolut Empire’s Ball.
House of Venom (Toronto): House of Venom injects the drag scene with a potent blend of innovation, wit, and unapologetic fabulousness. Nasty, Vyper, Zi, and Midas come together to create performances that push boundaries and challenge conventions, cementing their place as one of the fiercest houses in the competition.
Absolut’s Legacy of Supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ Community
Since its inception in the early 1980s, Absolut Vodka has been a proud advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, championing equal love and acceptance for all. This commitment to inclusivity is deeply rooted in Absolut’s core values, which emphasize the importance of diversity, creativity, and self-expression. Over the years, Absolut has collaborated with renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and David LaChapelle to celebrate the vibrant spirit of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and promote positive social change.
One of the most iconic symbols of Absolut’s support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community is the rainbow flag, which has been proudly featured on Absolut bottles since 2008. This bold statement of solidarity serves as a reminder of Absolut’s dedication to fostering a more colourful, diverse, and inclusive world for all.
Corby Spirit and Wine’s Contribution to Canadian Culture
As the driving force behind Absolut Empire’s Ball, Corby Spirit and Wine plays a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Canada. As one of the leading manufacturers, marketers, and distributors of spirits, wines, and ready-to-drink beverages in the country, Corby’s portfolio includes some of the most iconic brands in Canada, including J.P. Wiser’s, Lot 40, and Pike Creek Canadian whiskies, as well as Absolut Vodka.
Corby’s affiliation with Pernod Ricard S.A., a global leader in the spirits and wine industry, further strengthens its position as a powerhouse in the Canadian market. Through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing initiatives, Corby continues to push boundaries and redefine the boundaries of Canadian culture.
At its core, Corby Spirit and Wine is committed to celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and supporting initiatives that enrich the cultural fabric of Canada. By partnering with Absolut Empire’s Ball, Corby reaffirms its commitment to championing the 2SLGBTQ+ community and creating spaces where everyone can feel seen, heard, and valued.
Conclusion
As the curtains close on another dazzling season of Absolut Empire’s Ball, there’s a profound sense of admiration for the remarkable talent, creativity, and diversity showcased within the drag community. This year’s event has been truly extraordinary, featuring electrifying performances and fierce competition. Yet, beyond the glitz, Absolut Empire’s Ball embodies a deeper celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of self-expression, standing as a beacon of hope and acceptance.