Vanessa Vanjie Mateo

José Luis Cancel, known professionally as Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, or simply Vanjie, was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Kissimmee, Florida, and Texas. She began her drag career after being hired as a backup dancer for Alexis Mateo, a RuPaul’s Drag Race alumna. This early exposure to the drag world provided a foundation for her future endeavors. Her professional journey gained significant traction in 2018 when she was announced as a contestant on the tenth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Although eliminated in the first episode, her memorable exit, repeating “Miss Vanjie… Miss Vanjie… Miss… Vanjie,” became an internet meme, significantly raising her profile and setting the stage for future opportunities.

Following her initial appearance, Vanjie returned to RuPaul’s Drag Race for its eleventh season in 2019, where she placed fifth. This return solidified her status in the drag community and expanded her fanbase. Her career progression includes appearances in numerous spin-offs of Drag Race, such as RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue, and Canada’s Drag Race. In 2024, she competed on the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, achieving a runner-up position. Beyond television, she released her debut single, “I’m Vanjie,” in 2018 and has appeared in music videos for artists like Iggy Azalea, performing as a backup dancer for her on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2019.

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo has also expanded her influence through significant media presence and brand partnerships. She graced the cover of Gay Times in September 2018 and has accumulated over 1.5 million Instagram followers, showcasing her digital reach. Her work includes guest appearances on web series like “Fashion Photo RuView” and “The Pit Stop,” and hosting her own dating show, “Vanjie: 24 Hours of Love,” in 2022. Collaborations with major brands such as Chips Ahoy! for a Mother’s Day social media campaign further demonstrate her appeal beyond the drag entertainment sphere.