On April 27, RuPaul’s Drag Race fixture and Drag Race Philippines co-host Jiggly Caliente passed away at 44. Devastated by the sudden loss of one of the most iconic performers to grace Mama Ru’s mainstage, fans, friends, and family close to Jiggly took to social media to pay tribute to the late star. Former RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sasha Velour and Drag Den host Manila Luzon have highlighted Jiggly’s musical prowess, spotlighting her ability to blend fierce stage presence with undeniable vocal talent.
While we continue to mourn the passing of a beloved drag performer, we look back on the times our favorite plus-size Barbie snatched the mic and dazzled us with her unforgettable musical performances, proving time and time again that Jiggly was a true pop star.
‘Purong Pinay’ (feat. Manila Luzon)
Straight from her 2018 debut album T.H.O.T. Princess comes “Purong Pinay,” a bold anthem where Jiggly celebrates her Filipino heritage and unapologetically Pinay confidence. Featuring Manila Luzon, the first Filipino to compete in RuPaul’s Drag Race, “Purong Pinay” is Jiggly’s own take on hip-hop, including shout-outs to Filipino artists like It’s Showtime host and comedian Vice Ganda, singer Lea Salonga, and pop icon Bruno Mars.
Lip Sync Smackdown vs. Silky Nutmeg Ganache
In the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars back in 2012, Jiggly went toe-to-toe with Mississippi-born drag queen Silky Nutmeg Ganache in a lipsync smackdown. Performing Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” both queens, dressed in an alarming amount of leopard print, give it their all onstage. But Jiggly’s makeshift lollipop mic and dance moves weren’t enough to secure her the win.
‘All This Body’ feat. Alaska & Ginger Minj
Jiggly’s 2018 single “All This Body” features not one, but two RuPaul’s Drag Race alums: Alaska and Ginger Minj, both of whom lend their vocal talents to this empowering, upbeat track celebrating body positivity and self-love.
‘Rudemption Lip Sync’ vs. Serena ChaCha
Another iconic Jiggly moment comes from her “Rudemption” (“redemption,” but RuPaul-coded) lip sync battle against Panamanian-American drag performer Serena ChaCha in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 6. Having already been eliminated in an earlier episode that season, Jiggly made a stunning comeback with a fierce performance of En Vogue’s “Free Your Mind,” securing a win against Serena and sending her home.
‘Ratchet Christmas’
Of course, Jiggly had a Christmas single! Her 2015 release “Ratchet Christmas” is a high-energy holiday anthem that blends humor with fierce holiday spirit. Featuring Jiggly’s signature unapologetic charm, the track delivers a twist on traditional Christmas music, perfect for anyone looking to add some drag queen flair to their holiday playlists.
