Met Room Crowns NEXT TOP DRAG QUEEN Winner

The 6-foot glam goddess Strawberry Fields won by a razor-thin margin Monday night as six drag queens duked it out in "New York's Next Top Drag Queen Contest" at the Metropolitan Room. In the final round of the talent contest that forbids lip syncing and rates singing ability, originality, as well as looks, Fields' fluid singing, poise and intelligence carried the day. Her competition in the 6-week juried affair was stiff to say the least.

Going toe-to-toe with Fields were these hard-working cross-dresers: Louvel and Ruby Powers tied for 1st Runner Up, and Julia Beaumont was the 2nd Runner Up. The other finalists were LeeLee Heavenly and Tammy Spénks

Tragically unable to attend the finale was the contest's reigning Top Drag Queen, Crystal Demure, who is in the national company of "Kinky Boots." In a slightly gracious move, she sent a telegram to the club, wishing the winner well, "whoever you are." Fields will receive a cash prize of $500 and a one-night Metropolitan Room-produced show, plus the 2015 crown.

Hosted for the second year in a row by the hysterical Holly Dae, the competish began on March 30, fielding nine vigorously pre-screened singer-illusionists. Rated Best Drag Queen by Get Out Magazine; Queen to Watch Out For by Next Magazine, and the first runner-up at the National Miss'd America Pageant, Dae said, "The singing was consistently good, and the contestants really were interested in growing."

Macchia, the Metropolitan Room's talent booker and one of the contest's permanent judges, added, "It really was a smart group of girls, really inventive, and at times daringly inventive, with very little cattiness and next to no excessive drinking, unlike other years. We loved how grounded they were."

In addition to Macchia -- the MAC and Bistro award-winning cabaret producer of "Cabaret Cares," "Broadway on 22nd Street" and "Boys Night Out" -- the contest's permanent judges included Arsenio Amadis (AIDS activist and Mr. Eagle 2013) and event and party promoter Matt Tratner.

The Nightlife, MAC and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, has been keeping kids off the streets and adults from spending too much time watching television since 2006. For reservations call 212/206-0440 or to order online visit www.metropolitanroom.com.

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