by Jorge Treviano
Gender-bending sensation Courtney Act's new single, Welcome to Disgraceland was inspired by her live stage show. Some of the biggest names in the world have seen her "Act" including George Michael and the Pussycat Dolls.
Courtney made a named for herself in 2003, when after trying out and failing to get on Australian Idol as Shane Jenek, she returned for the next day's audition as Courtney Act. Courtney's explosive, energetic performing style and joyous personality resonated with audiences. With performances of songs like "You Don't Own Me", "W.O.M.A.N." and "You Shook Me All Night Long", the country was mesmerized and Australia had a new, slightly less conventional sweetheart.
Now Courtney is ready to take on the world. But is the world ready for candy-licious Courtney Act?

What made you come back in a dress after being rejected by Idol?
>>When the judges gave me the thumbs down as Shane I had this strange sense of knowing that I was suppose to be there. I marched out of the room excited about the fun that would occur the next day.

Are you the first drag personality to appear on Idol?
>>Yes. I think I may also be the first "out" competitor on any of the world's Idols. I don't believe any other hopeful has competed as an out artist.

What do you make of the Trans-Revolution that has exploded in the USA and the UK?
>>Drag personalities are colorful and interesting. We're hyper-real. Courtney is like a female pop star with 25% more fabulousness.

Did you always know you had an interest in drag?
>>I have always enjoyed dressing up and creating characters. When I was a 14 I contrived a birthday invite to a costume party so I could go as Wonder Woman.

How has your family reacted to your choice of career?
>>I am sure they were slightly shocked at first, but they gave me the tools to be an independent thinker. They came to see me perform at Sydney Mardi Gras a few years ago. My Dad has a really big moustache so I was worried he would blend into the crowd looking like a member of the Village People.

How do you define your music?
>>Fun electro/pop. The songs I write are about my world and experiences. I am a very positive and happy person and I think the meaning of life is to feel good, so I try and reflect that in my music.

Any misperceptions about Courtney Act or Shane Jenek that you'd like to clear up now?
>>Shane is a boy who loves being a boy and who enjoys dressing up as Courtney and performing.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
>>I often wonder that. As Courtney, I look like I'm about 30 years old. As Shane, I look like I am in my early 20's. I am bound to hit puberty eventually and I wonder what that might mean for Courtney? What happens when twinks grow up?

For more information, visit www.courtneyact.com.

By Jorge Treviano

Killian Wells is shaking up airwaves with a catchy new single and music video that shines the spotlight on today's celebrity obsessed culture, "V.I.P.".

"My biggest career goal is for Perez Hilton to draw a penis on my face because that's when I'll know I've made it," joked the singer at the announcement of "V.I.P." in New York. Killian's crass attitude and outlandish clothing have already caught the attention of bloggers, but it's his "electro-pop with an urban edge" tunes that are raising eyebrows today.

"I wanted to create a fun party song that depicted today's celeb lifestyle," continued Wells. "I'm thrilled life is starting to imitate art in my career."

According to Wells, being V.I.P. is a state of mind. "You can be broke and still be a very important person if you carry yourself with confidence. In Manhattan, it's cool to be a struggling artist. "

Growing up, Killian knew early on that he didn't fit in a small-town lifestyle. "It was tough being the freak, wearing Diesel in an area where cow dung on jeans is always in style."

At 14, against his parent's wishes, he dropped out of high school. Killian didn't want to be a part of "a system designed to condition followers". He turned to what he refers to as a life-learning program; first making frequent trips to Manhattan to study music and eventually moving there. Creating music has always offered solace to Wells, who has suffered from panic attacks since he was a boy.

"Manhattan may not be my hometown but it's where I grew up because the city allowed me to find myself."

By 15, Killian Wells was working with pop producers from around the country. He was even approached by a well-known manager who offered him a gig fronting a reincarnation of The New Kids on the Block in Germany. The group hadn't even been formed but a record deal with a major label and a reality show was already in place. Killian passed on the opportunity when he learned he wouldn't be allowed creative input.

Though a proud party-boy, Killian Wells is not afraid of hard work. He insists on having a hand in everything that touches his music career, including designing his clothing and art directing his photo shoots. He is adamant that a pop artist's job doesn't stop with the music.

"I may not always take myself seriously but when it comes to my career, I am no joke," he confirms. "Ultimately, I strive for one thing - to move people with my music."

"Even if it's only for three and a half minutes at a time."

Visit KillianWells.com

By Jorge Treviano

Derrick Barry has made a career out of being Britney Spears. In addition to his own six-nights-a week Vegas show, his impersonation of the pop princess has landed Barry on TV shows America's Got Talent, The Next Best Thing, Today, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. This summer he has added Lady Gaga to his show and you don't need to go to Vegas to see it. Derrick Barry performs Chicago's Hydrate on Wednesday, August 4th.

Barry grew up in Modesto, California where he trained as a gymnast from age five. At twelve, he traded the parallel bars for the theatre stage. He says musical theatre gave him the opportunity to perform with his body and voice.

Today, Barry utilizes that musical theatre background in his career as an impersonator. All of his stage performances incorporate live vocals, whether singing the numbers live or a cappella.

Barry's career as an impersonator began seven years ago when he first dressed up as Britney Spears for Halloween. His impeccably accurate and choreographed impersonation of the pop princess has won him praise - including from Britney herself. Britney applauded Barry when he danced while she was interviewed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Barry has also been featured several times on Britney's official website. While on her recent Circus tour, Britney kept a copy of their shared magazine cover in her dressing room.

The adoration is mutual. "Britney inspires me," says Barry who shaved his head the day after Spears shaved hers in a sign of solidarity. "Her music video concept for '...Baby One More Time' remains iconic. She proved her talent to the world and accomplished so much at a young age. I am excited to see what is next in her career."

As for Barry's career, he recently added Lady Gaga to his act.

"I am huge fan of Gaga's music," he says, although it takes significantly longer to create an accurate representation of Lady Gaga, the artist.

"I spend hours creating crazy costumes and perfecting her elaborate make-up tricks," continues Barry. On his days off, when not working on his vocals or choreography, Barry adorns his costumes with Swarovski crystals.

"Lady Gaga told me I was beautiful. She was shocked to learn that I do my own make-up."

Before Barry added live vocals to his Gaga act, he apologized to Lady Gaga for lip syncing to her music. Her response: "It's okay, because if you didn't, you drag queens would put us out of business."

Lady Gaga's job is safe. Derrick Barry's ultimate career goal is not in music. It's in comedy. More specifically, he'd love to land a role on Saturday Night Live.

"Fans are surprised to learn that I am more like Jim Carrey in my normal life. I am always hiding around corners, scaring people, or making funny faces and voices. I love to get a laugh."

In the meantime, he's enjoying being part of the resurgence of the impersonation industry. He credits icons like RuPaul who he says has made the art of impersonation a huge part of today's culture.

Derrick Barry performs. Visit Derrickbritney.com.