D.J. 'Shangela' Pierce

Shangela (D.J. Pierce) is a high-energy, electrifying performer who entertains audiences through his dance performances, stand-up comedy and sick'ning ability to breathe fire into any party or event. Named one of OUT magazine's Most Compelling People of 2011, he first catapulted to fame as one of the stars of the second and third seasons of Rupaul's Drag Race and has continued to spread his talents in television, film, music, and stage. His catchphrase “Halleloo” was named as one of the Los Angeles Times' “Top 10 Words from Reality TV” and can be found on various merchandise, including t-shirts and wristbands.

A native of Paris, Tex., Pierce graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University and worked a corporate "cubicle" lifestyle in public relations before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of entertainment. He first started performing as his drag character “Shangela” in 2009 as a one-night-only experience, but his love for the stage prevailed... and there has been no turning back.

Since filming Rupaul's Drag Race, Pierce has continued to grow as an on-screen actor, guest starring in and out of drag on television shows like Terriers (FX), Detroit 187 (ABC), and most recently with Chevy Chase and Joel McHale in Community (NBC). In 2011, he filmed two network pilots: A. Mann's World (executive produced by Sex and the City creator Michael Patrick King) for NBC and Spring/Fall (with Sigourney Weaver and Tea Leoni) for HBO. He also starred in the award-winning short film Body of a Barbie, which aired on BET in the fall of 2010, and appeared in two commercials on MTV's LOGO network. Recently, he taught his infamous death drop move on Lifetime's Dance Moms and will be appearing on TLC's Toddlers & Tiaras in early 2012.

Pierce hosted and starred in the “One-Night Stand-Up” comedy special on LOGO, performed as his pimp-ho character LaQuifa in San Francisco's “Drag Queens of Comedy” showcase, headlined at The World-Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, and opened for original queen of comedy Mo'Nique at Milwaukee PrideFest. He has also performed in stand-up comedy fundraisers for the HRC and the LA Gay & Lesbian Center.

And there's no slowing down for Ms. Shangela LaQuifa Wadley. In 2011 he released a single on iTunes “Call Me LaQuifa," which was featured on Dance Moms, and he continues to perform to sold-out club crowds across the country. He recently partnered with charity organization Hope's Voice in a program called Divas of Diversity, through which he conducts anti-bullying and diversity workshops on college campuses. In 2012 he looks forward to hosting more Pride Festivals around the world, working on film projects and extending his arms more into the LGBT youth community. For more information, visit www.shangela.com.