There are moments on reality TV that feel bigger than a competition.
Jasmine Rice LaBeija stepping onto the Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) stage in full drag — hair: sky-high, gown: glittering, and voice: soaring — was one of them.
The veteran New York City drag artist, who also happens to be a Juilliard-trained opera singer and the International Godmother of the legendary Royal House of LaBeija, stunned the BGT audience with a powerful rendition of Loren Allred’s Never Enough from The Greatest Showman.
The performance brought judge Bruno Tonioli to his feet — and then to the Golden Buzzer.
“I was truly not expecting it,” Jasmine told GLAAD.
“I was only thinking about trying to do my best and showing what I have been working for my whole life as an artist. It is just such a dream come true and honor to be recognized on such a huge international stage.”
It’s the kind of moment that sticks — not just because of the vocals (which were flawless), or the visuals (which were everything), but because of what Jasmine represents: a stunning fusion of drag and expression as high art, at a time when both are under fire.
This wasn’t just performance. It was protest, a celebration, and a story all woven in one.
“I fell in love with opera because of how grand it was,” she shared.
“In the beginning of my drag career I tried to keep the two separate because the opera world was something serious and proper and drag was just late night fun entertainment. However, I came to realize that they are both art and deserve the same respect.”
That’s the line that lingers — they both deserve the same respect.
Jasmine isn’t asking for permission, she’s claiming her space. And the timing couldn’t be more powerful as in the U.S. and around the world, drag is being politicized, banned, and mischaracterized.
Jasmine knows that all too well.
“The biggest challenge continues to be how people view drag as something less than other art forms,” she told GLAAD.
“Also, people confuse drag with gender identity and sexuality. Somehow people want to differentiate other traditional theater from drag when drag has been around and has been part of traditional theater from the beginning.”
That duality — breaking barriers while honoring tradition — is exactly what makes Jasmine’s story so resonant. As the International Godmother of the Royal House of LaBeija, she carries with her one of the most storied queer lineages in history.
“To be part of the Royal Iconic House of LaBeija is such a blessing,” she added.
“To follow in the footsteps of so many icons that have paved the way for the POC queer community is truly magical. I try to honor them by shining the LaBeija name bright with the utmost dignity. LaBeija is known as ‘La Sunshine,’ the source of light.”
Since the semi-finals performance aired, Jasmine says the outpouring of love has been overwhelming and incredibly affirming. The operatic performance of Never Enough follows her BGT audition performance of Nessun Dorma, which stunned the judges, prompting even Simon Cowell to say, “There was something special about that; you have found your home.”
“How people say I am a work of art, how I moved them to tears, made them feel good,” Jasmine said.
“To receive love as much as I give out love while performing on stage gives me so much hope and fuel to continue to spread the message of tolerance, love, empathy, and kindness.”
When asked who inspires her, Jasmine doesn’t hesitate.
“I would definitely like to say I am inspired by my late grandmother and mother the most,” she shared.
“They continue to be an incredible inspiration for me every day and an example of unconditional love. I love them so much and they mean the world to me as I am truly nothing without them.”
For fans — especially young LGBTQ creatives — Jasmine has a message: “Never get tired of doing and being good. Even when it is hard. If your heart is in the right place and you are doing it to spread positivity and love, there is nothing that can stop you. Trust in yourself that you are exactly who you are meant to be.”
At GLAAD, we know that storytelling moves hearts and changes minds — and Jasmine Rice LaBeija is more than reminding the world that drag is not just worthy of respect, it’s worthy of standing ovations.
Moreover, Jasmine is a living example that opera and drag can and should belong on the same stage — together.
Jasmine’s just getting started as she is set to compete in the BGT finals in London in the coming weeks.
