From “Spice Gurlz” Rejection to Drag Race Royalty: Athena Dion’s Full-Circle Moment
Athena Dion, a rising star on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18, is reflecting on a past audition that didn’t quite spice up the judges’ lives – her 2016 appearance on America’s Got Talent as part of the drag group “Spice Gurlz.” The performer shared her reaction to being rejected by Howie Mandel, telling Entertainment Weekly, “Well, look at me now, hoe, honey! America sure does have talent, and here it is!”
Before becoming a celebrated drag artist and the drag mother of season 16 alum Morphine Love Dion, Athena Dion was part of a quintet aiming for stardom on the 11th season of the talent competition. The Spice Gurlz – comprised of Athena, Sasha Lords, Nicole Halliwell, Calypso Monroe, and Nicole Saphire – brought a drag twist to the iconic girl group aesthetic.
The group performed a rendition of “Spice Up Your Life” for judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and, notably, original Spice Girl Mel B. While Mel B and Cowell offered their approval, Klum and Mandel delivered a resounding “no,” halting the group’s advancement in the competition.
Now, on the cusp of captivating audiences on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18, Athena doesn’t shy away from revisiting the experience. She describes the audition as a “comical misstep,” but fondly recalls receiving a “yes” from Simon Cowell after the group strategically “buttered him up.”
“We sang live, not well,” Athena admitted with a laugh, while also acknowledging Mel B’s support. Despite the less-than-stellar performance, Athena maintains a sense of humor about the experience, even admitting, “I don’t think I would’ve given us the yes either. Looking back, I would’ve been like, that was terrible. I want it to be erased from the internet!”
The judges’ deliberations were lively, with Mel B questioning Mandel’s decision: “I mean, obviously I enjoyed it. Yeah, why the bloody hell did you buzz at the Spice Girls?” Mandel responded, stating he appreciated the performance but was critical of the backing track. A playful slap from Mel B followed his remark.
The judges then requested an acapella performance of “Say You’ll Be There,” which was met with boos from the audience. Cowell, however, surprisingly praised the rendition, joking that it showcased what the Spice Girls could have been like with stronger vocal abilities. This prompted him to reverse his vote to a “yes.” Klum subsequently changed her vote to a “no,” with Mel B also choosing to advance the group.
Ultimately, the decision rested with Mandel, who delivered the final verdict: “I don’t know. I’m sorry, it’s a no. Sorry.” The Spice Gurlz then left the stage.
Since her time on AGT, Athena has flourished as a prominent drag artist, even garnering attention from The View co-hosts Ana Navarro and Sunny Hostin, who welcomed her as a guest on the show in 2024.
Adding another layer to her Drag Race journey, Athena will be competing alongside her own drag “granddaughter,” Juicy Love Dion, who is also part of the season 18 cast.
“This show does expose you for who you are, whether you like it or not. You see a lot of my personality,” Athena previewed, hinting at a revealing season filled with “spirals, wow moments, mothering, and just me!”
RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18 is set to premiere on Friday, January 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Fans can preview the new season and hear from Athena and the rest of the cast in exclusive interviews with Entertainment Weekly available on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_YOUTUBE_LINK_HERE
