Drag queen and opera singer Jasmine Rice LaBeija has made history as the first drag act to reach the Britain’s Got Talent finals. With just one performance left, she stands on the brink of potentially winning the whole competition.
Known simply as Jasmine Rice on ITV, she has captivated audiences and judges alike. Her powerful rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun dorma” wowed Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Bruno Tonioli during the auditions. As the curtain lifted to reveal her in a stunning, baby blue gown that she created herself, the crowd erupted in applause.
In the semi-finals, Jasmine delivered a breathtaking performance of Loren Allred’s hit “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman. This earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer from Tonioli, catapulting her straight to the finals.
Reflecting on her journey, Jasmine expressed, “It’s just been a magical experience, and this is an unimaginable dream coming true.” Though nervous about her final performance due to ongoing hay fever allergies, her excitement is palpable.
Jasmine Rice’s Journey: Rejected by the Opera World
Jasmine shares, “I definitely want to win, but my goal is to showcase what I’ve prepared for my whole life.” A Juilliard-trained operatic tenor, she began her music lessons in fifth grade. Initially, she kept her drag and opera careers separate, believing opera to be the more “proper” art form.
However, after facing repeated rejection from the opera world for her “femininity” and identity as a “friend of Dorothy,” she decided to merge the two worlds. “I have a very outspoken, rambunctious personality,” she says, emphasizing how it contrasts with classical norms. “I thought opera would embrace that, but they wanted to put me in a box.”
Despite the rejection, Jasmine found solace in New York’s queer venues like Balcon Salon and Pieces Bar, where she hosts free LGBTQ+ opera and variety shows. In NYC, she is celebrated as the International Godmother of the iconic drag collective, The House of LaBeija.
After her audition, Simon Cowell, who has often been critical of drag acts, told Jasmine she had “found a home” in the competition and lamented the “idiots” in the opera world who had overlooked her talent. Following her semi-final performance, he joined her on stage to offer praise.
Jasmine Rice’s Impact on Britain’s Got Talent
“It was truly a shock,” Jasmine reflects. “If I can win over Simon, there’s no hill I cannot climb.” She believes that genuine passion and hard work can change perceptions. “If you share your true self and connect with the audience, it can truly move anyone’s mind.”
Her journey is a significant milestone, challenging the harmful narratives surrounding drag and its place in society. “Drag has been present in every civilization since the beginning of theatre,” Jasmine notes, highlighting its rich history.
Jasmine Rice: ‘Drag Isn’t Something to Be Afraid Of’
Jasmine addresses misconceptions about drag, saying, “Suddenly, they think drag is something to be afraid of, but there are various genres.” She points out that while some performers may be risqué, many drag artists are simply entertainers. “If you enjoy Mrs. Doubtfire, you shouldn’t have a problem with me performing in an amazing gown.”
Her audition gown was a dazzling creation, likely more extravagant than most wedding dresses. “We probably wear more layers of fabric than most clergymen or nuns,” she jokes. Since her semi-finals, she has received countless requests for photos from children, and parents have reached out, sharing how Jasmine’s presence on TV has reassured them about their children’s self-expression.
“I thought I was just doing this for me, but I resonate with so many individuals around the world,” she smiles. If she wins the Britain’s Got Talent title, she’ll perform for King Charles at the Royal Variety Performance later this year—“A queen in front of a king,” she laughs.
Regardless of the outcome, Jasmine feels victorious every day since her first audition. “I feel like I’m winning every single day,” she concludes.
The Britain’s Got Talent final airs on 31 May 2025 on ITV and ITVX.
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Conclusion
Jasmine Rice LaBeija’s journey exemplifies resilience and the power of self-expression. As she prepares for the grand finale, her story reminds us that authenticity can pave the way for acceptance and change.
