Dida Ritz

Xavier Hairston, known professionally as Dida Ritz, was born on December 20 and raised in Lansing, Michigan, by a pastor. After completing high school, he relocated to Chicago, where he established himself as a drag performer. Dida Ritz gained significant public recognition as a contestant on season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012. During her time on the show, she became known for her engaging performances, particularly a memorable lip-sync to Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).” While she did not win any main challenges, her compelling stage presence secured her sixth-place finish.

Following her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Dida Ritz continued to be an active and prominent figure in the drag community. She performed regularly at Chicago’s Hydrate Nightclub and later at the gay bar and nightclub Berlin. Her career highlights include participating in the “Fashion Does Drag” Ball hosted by Marc Jacobs during New York Fashion Week in 2017. In 2018, she was part of the “Black Girl Magic” drag show in Detroit, performing alongside fellow Drag Race alumni. By 2020, Dida Ritz engaged with online platforms, including RuPaul’s Digital DragCon, and advocated for social change, participating in the Drag March for Change to demand justice for victims of police brutality and emphasizing LGBTQ+ community issues. She also took part in a benefit concert organized by the Chicago Artists’ Relief Fund to support artists impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has continued to host LGBT events and tour across the United States, performing at events like Pridefest in Bloomington, Indiana in 2022 and the Official Unofficially Official Club Renaissance Party in Chicago.

Dida Ritz’s career is marked by her consistent engagement with her audience and her contributions to the drag and queer communities. Her captivating lip-sync performances have garnered acclaim, with many considering her 2012 performance to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” as one of the best in RuPaul’s Drag Race history. This performance, where she duetted with Natalie Cole, underscored her ability to connect with music and an audience deeply. She has maintained a visible presence, hosting viewing parties for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and being recognized by Out magazine in 2021 as a top mover and shaker in queer nightlife.