Rhys Nicholson on Drag Race, Traitors, and Natural Burial 2026

Rhys Nicholson, the acclaimed comedian and judge on Drag Race Down Under vs The World, shares his candid thoughts on Australian drag, reality TV, and his unconventional funeral wishes. In this exclusive interview, Nicholson reveals what gives Australian queens their edge and why he prefers a natural burial over a traditional ceremony.

Australian Drag: Character Over Impersonation

Nicholson believes Australian drag stands out because it prioritizes character creation over female impersonation. "Our drag tends not to focus as much on female impersonation. It’s about building a character," he explains. He praises Lazy Susan, a fellow judge, for her creativity: "There’s no illusion about this being a man in women’s clothing, but there’s creativity to it."

This artistic approach resonates with audiences who appreciate drag as a form of self-expression rather than a mimicry of gender. Nicholson emphasizes that Australian drag is about "creating art, as opposed to creating a woman," which offers a fresh perspective in the global drag scene.

Reality TV: From Judge to Contestant

Nicholson is also set to appear on The Traitors Australia, but the experience taught him he prefers being in the know. "Doing Traitors actually taught me that I don’t think I want to be a contestant again," he admits. On Drag Race, he's "in on everything," but on Traitors, he felt the anxiety of uncertainty: "Oh my god! What would I do?"

When asked about other reality shows, he jokingly mentions the UK's Hunted, where contestants go on the run. "I’d just go to Daylesford and hang out in a house for a few weeks. Put on a wig or something," he laughs, showcasing his trademark humor.

The Suit Collection and a Memorable Op-Shop Moment

Nicholson's fabulous suits are a staple of his Drag Race appearances. "I have a new suit for every episode, so it’s in constant rotation," he says. He owns about 40 suits, many of which are lent or styled by his stylist. Last year, he decluttered and donated 10-15 suits to an op-shop near his Melbourne home. "I dropped them at the door and a few days later I walked past and the windows had become all the suits. It looked like a memorial for me," he recalls with a chuckle.

Funeral Plans: A Natural Burial with a Thud

Nicholson has specific plans for his final send-off. "What I actually want for my funeral – and this is true and my husband told me to keep telling people this so they don’t think he’s a monster – is a natural burial," he reveals. He wants to be wrapped in a cotton shroud and have a tree planted on top. "But I want to go in with a thud. That’s important to me," he adds, emphasizing the humor in the moment. "It’s like the last time someone will go 'Jesus, Rhys.'"

Key Takeaways from Rhys Nicholson's Interview

• Australian drag focuses on character and art, not just female impersonation.
• Nicholson prefers being a judge over a contestant on reality TV.
• He owns around 40 suits and regularly donates to op-shops.
• His funeral plan includes a natural burial with a comedic twist.

Comparison: Australian vs. American Drag

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