Updated January 27, 2025 at 9:31 PM.
Nine queens entered the glittering gauntlet, but only one could emerge victorious. The Blue Moon Pageant returned Sunday night with a standing-room-only crowd. In the end, it was Joey Young who claimed the crown.
This year’s theme was “Pittsburgh Icons,” and Joey came out swinging from the very first moment. Draped in a stunning blue dress inspired by Lydia B. Kollins’ Drag Race look, Joey made it clear: honoring Pittsburgh’s drag royalty was a priority. For their talent portion, Joey served live vocals that were nothing short of spine-tingling, weaving in real audio from their Pride Month National Anthem performance.
“It feels incredible,” Joey said about winning. “It feels like I am the recipient of something that is way, way, way more than myself. My entire drag family–the Haus of Young, the Haus of Kollins–helped put it together, as well as Brian David the incredibly talented Pittsburgh designer. And my family, my sister Jenn and my mother Marcie, everyone, everyone came together to see me have this moment. It’s a win for me but it’s [also] a win for all the people in my life who support me”
While Joey ultimately took the title, the competition was packed with talent. First runner-up, Chi Chi de Vivre, served up a tribute to Pittsburgh Poetess Rachel Ann Bovier, complete with a dramatic ballad and a whole billboard. Stevie Crotchford raced onto the stage as a pierogi, Snoozy Q had us in stitches with her animatronic parody of Kennywood’s infamous Laffin’ Sal, and Miss Demeanor brought the house down with a performance honoring Pittsburgh’s beloved Mac Miller.
At the end of the night, Mr. and Ms Blue Moon 2024, Jaxa Froot and Joe MyGosh, passed the torch to Joey. The pair had seen Joey grow within Pittsburgh’s drag scene over the years and couldn’t have been more proud.
“They’ve been doing amazing work,” Jaxa shared. “At the end of the day, we want the Miss Blue Moon title to go to someone who’s a role model for the community and represents everything we stand for in the scene.” JoeMyGosh added, “We’re in good hands with Joey.”
So what’s next for the new Miss Blue Moon? Oh, they’ve got plans, and they’re dripping in glamour. “A lot of red,” Joey teased. “A lot of red clothing. A lot of great drag shows with a lot of uniqueness and a lot of diversity within the shows and with the people who are coming to the bars, not only Blue Moon, but all Pittsburgh drag shows. Support local drag!”
With that kind of passion, it’s clear Joey’s reign is going to be iconic. Congratulations to Miss Blue Moon 2025, Joey Young! Long may they reign!
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