D.J. "Shangela" Pierce

D.J. Pierce, known professionally as Shangela, is an American drag queen, actor, television producer, and entertainer recognized for contributions to drag culture and LGBTQ+ visibility. Pierce became the first contestant to compete on three separate seasons of the Emmy Award-winning reality series "RuPaul's Drag Race." Initially eliminated in season two, Pierce returned as a surprise contestant in season three and later competed in "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars," where the journey from early elimination to finalist became a notable narrative within the franchise.

Pierce's academic background includes a degree in corporate communications, graduating with honors. During undergraduate studies, Pierce was a Hunt Scholar, Hilltop Senator, chair of the entertainment committee for the SMU Program Council, an M Award recipient, and a member of The Association of Black Students. After college, Pierce transitioned from a corporate public relations career to full-time drag performance. The catchphrase "Halleloo" gained cultural traction, with Los Angeles Times naming it among the "2010 Top Terms We Learned on Reality Television." New York magazine ranked Pierce second on its list of the most powerful drag queens in America, highlighting influence within the drag and entertainment industries.

Pierce has expanded into mainstream film and television, appearing in "A Star Is Born" alongside Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, and became the first drag queen to walk the Oscars red carpet in drag. Television credits include guest roles on "Glee," "The Mentalist," "X-Files," "A Black Lady Sketch Show," "Katy Keene," "Community," and "2 Broke Girls." Film appearances include "Hurricane Bianca" and "Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate." On "Dancing with the Stars," Pierce was the first male performer paired with a male dancer, finishing in fourth place.

Pierce co-hosts "We're Here" on HBO with Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka O'Hara, traveling across the United States to recruit small-town residents for one-night-only drag shows. Recognition includes being named one of OUT Magazine's "Most Compelling People," inclusion in the TIME 100 Next List, and receiving a Peabody Award for Entertainment. Pierce was also invited to attend the signing ceremony for the Respect for Marriage Act at the White House.

In addition to performance work, Pierce operates a boutique production and management company, producing comedy specials and supporting other drag artists. Philanthropic efforts include the Feed The Queens initiative, which provided food grants to out-of-work drag entertainers. Pierce has performed on six continents, maintaining a global presence in entertainment, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and drag performance.