Drag Illusionist Inspires Others Through Demi Lovato
By Alyssa Hernandez | WeINSPIRE Journalist
PEMBROKE, N.C.— A celebrity drag illusionist is someone who creates the illusion they are a celebrity by using wigs, costumes and makeup. Demetria Cherry is a drag illusionist who impersonates Demi Lovato. Cherry stays true to Lovato’s story in her shows. One way she does this is by honoring Lovato’s they/them pronouns when performing.
Cherry also does a video package sharing Lovato’s story. She says her shows are “ a production.” To get ready Cherry gets into the mentality that she is “too cool for school.” She goes into it with "punk rock energy", channeling her teenage angst. Cherry is in communication with Lovato as Lovato follows her on Instagram.
“Most of the time when Demi and I speak, it’s about makeup and glam,” Cherry said.
Demetria Cherry in Demi Lovato drag. Courtesy of Demetria Cherry.
Cherry spoke on how inspirational Lovato is as well as how Lovato has helped her become more accepting of herself. Cherry spoke about how she relates to Lovato’s struggles with losing their father and experiences with body dysmorphia. Cherry explained that performing as a confident person like Lovato helped her with these struggles.
“If you know anything about Demi Lovato, Demi’s story is very powerful. I encourage anyone if they are watching this to watch Demi’s documentary, ‘Dancing with the Devil,’” Cherry said in her interview.
Demetria Cherry in Demi Lovato drag. Courtesy of Demetria Cherry.
Cherry started her drag career in Houston, Texas as Demi Lovato. Within a year of doing drag, she was in the local Houston news. She promotes people to live authentically no matter how hard it may seem.
Demetria Cherry in Demi Lovato drag. Courtesy of Demetria Cherry.
“I would like to inspire others with do not be afraid to be yourself,” Cherry said.
Cherry decided to become Demi Lovato because of the similarities they both have as well as a friend who told Cherry she looks like Lovato when in drag.
“When I was told I looked like them …it was like a lightbulb. I was like this is what I want to do. Not only am I gonna do it but I am gonna do it on the grandest scale,” Cherry said.
Cherry is now performing in Las Vegas with other drag illusionists.
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An In-Depth Talk With Demetria Cherry