Jaida Essence Hall

Jared Johnson, known professionally as Jaida Essence Hall, was born on December 9, 1988, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She began her drag career in the early 2010s, quickly establishing a reputation for her unique design aesthetic and makeup artistry. Her drag name, Jaida Essence Hall, reflects her journey and connections: “Jaida” was a name given by a friend, “Essence” came from her boyfriend referring to her as the “essence of beauty,” and “Hall” represents her drag family, which includes prominent figures like Mercedes Iman Diamond, Naysha Lopez, Dida Ritz, and Kahmora Hall. Prior to gaining international fame, Hall was a noted figure in the pageant circuit, securing titles such as Miss Five, Miss Gay Madison, Miss Wisconsin Club, and Miss City of the Lakes. Her talent extended beyond pageantry, as she performed a halftime show for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019 and is recognized for crafting many of her own costumes and jewelry. Her skills as a makeup artist were also showcased when she did Silky Nutmeg Ganache’s makeup for the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11 finale.

Hall rose to global prominence as a contestant on the twelfth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which premiered in 2020. During her time on the show, she exhibited her versatility and talent, winning three main challenges including a Fosse-style number, a political debate, and a makeover challenge. Her compelling performances culminated in her virtual crowning as the winner on May 29, 2020, after a final lip sync against Crystal Methyd and Gigi Goode. Following her win, Jaida Essence Hall became a staple in the drag entertainment world, participating in numerous domestic and international tours such as Werq the World, A Drag Queen Christmas, and Drive ‘N Drag. Her visibility expanded further in October 2020 when she was a featured performer in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Fashion Show Vol. 2, and in September 2021, she performed alongside Christina Aguilera at LadyLand Festival. She has also guest-starred in various television shows and web series, including The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

In 2022, Hall joined the rotating cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! in Las Vegas and performed with Katy Perry during her ‘Play’ concert residency. She also returned to the Drag Race franchise, competing in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, an all-winners season. Her career continues to evolve, exemplified by her role as a new host for the fourth season of the reality television series We’re Here in 2023, alongside Priyanka and Sasha Velour. In 2024, she was named a participant in Painting with Raven, a spin-off of the WOW Presents Plus series Painted with Raven. Jaida Essence Hall consistently demonstrates her prowess as a multi-talented entertainer, constantly seeking new platforms to showcase her artistry and connect with audiences.