Mo Heart Explained

Mo Heart
Other Names:Monique Heart
Birth Name:Kevin Leandrew Richardson
Birth Date:22 May 1986
Birth Place:Long Island, New York, U.S.
Years Active:2011–present
Known For:RuPaul's Drag Race (season 10)
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 4)
(series 1)
Education:International House of Prayer University

Mo Heart,[1] formerly Monique Heart, is the stage name of Kevin Leandrew Richardson[2] (born May 22, 1986), an American drag queen, reality television personality, and recording artist best known for competing on the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race (2018),[3] [4] [5] the fourth season of (2018–2019),[6] and the first series of (2022). Since first appearing on Drag Race in 2018, Mo Heart has appeared in a number of web series produced by World of Wonder, including a starring role in Manic Moments With Monique Heart, and hosted her own podcast, Ace of Hearts with Monique Heart. In January 2019, she released her debut single "Brown Cow Stunning", and later released her debut extended play Beloved SoS 6.3 in 2020.

Early life

Richardson was born on May 22, 1986, on Long Island, New York.[7] He spent time in areas in Long Island which includes Roosevelt, New York and Freeport, New York.[8] He also stayed in Bedford-Stuyvesant[9] with his father when he was growing up.[10] Richardson was often teased at school for being different.[10] He moved to Virginia state in 2000[11] before moving to Kansas City, Missouri after graduating from high school and studied the Bible at the International House of Prayer University in Grandview, where he experienced conversion therapy.[12]

Career

Richardson's original drag name was Monique Kutabetch Heart and later changed to Monique Heart.[13] Some other rejected drag names were Ariana Styles, Nevah, Jiz Zonra, and Kisha Amillion.[14] He created "Monique Heart" in 2011, and began a career as a drag queen at Hamburger Mary's, emceeing bingo and hosting Sunday drag brunch.[10]

Mo Heart first auditioned for the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race but was unsuccessful.[10] Two years later, she would audition for the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and this time succeeded in qualifying to be a contestant.[15] Before being accepted on the season, Mo Heart was ready to quit drag, but decided to continue.[10] She placed eighth overall, after losing a lip sync to "Cut to the Feeling" by Carly Rae Jepsen against The Vixen.[16] Mo Heart was confirmed to be one of the contestants competing in the fourth season of on November 9, 2018.[17] After not winning any challenges in her original season, Mo Heart won three main challenges during All Stars, eventually reaching Top 4. She was a runner-up alongside Naomi Smalls, finishing in joint 3rd/4th place to Monét X Change and Trinity the Tuck. Mo Heart's catchphrases on the show were quoted by Rihanna, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Lizzo.[18] [19]

Mo Heart was announced as part of the cast for the first season of RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race, a Drag Race spin-off where Drag Race alumni transform celebrities into drag queens.[20] On March 5 and 6, Mo Heart performed alongside fellow drag race alumni Bebe Zahara Benet, Bob the Drag Queen, The Vixen, Peppermint, and Shea Couleé in the Nubia Tour, a live drag show featuring and produced by Black drag queens.[21] [22] In August, Mo Heart will start in her very own World of Wonder Presents web series called Manic Moments with Monique Heart.[23] In June 2021, Mo Heart was a featured performer for the second annual It Gets Better: A Digital Pride Experience.[24] She hosted her own podcast, Ace of Hearts with Monique Heart.[25]

Mo Heart hosted the Amazon Music original fashion-themed TV series, The Walk In, where she interviewed celebrities as they show off some of their iconic fashion moments throughout their careers. Featured guests included Lil Nas X, Rico Nasty, and Jax.[26] Mo Heart owns her own beauty company, MoBeauty.[27]

In January 2022, Mo Heart was announced as one of the nine contestants on the first series of , now going by her new name.[28] [29] Regarding the name change, she said:

In the penultimate episode, Mo Heart placed in the Top 2, and lip-synced to "Toy" by Netta, but lost to Jujubee.[30] Mo Heart went onto compete in the Top 4 finale, and placed second to Blu Hydrangea.

Music

Mo Heart performed her debut single "Brown Cow Stunning" on the premiere episode of RuPaul's Drag Race: All-Stars,[31] and was released on January 4, 2019.[32] A music video for the song was released the same day.[33] Mo Heart appeared in the music video for "Soak It Up" by fellow Season 10 contestant Monét X Change and season 8 winner Bob the Drag Queen.[34] On September 4, Mo Heart released another single, "SUKM (Kiss Me)", as well as an accompanying lyric video, the debut single for her EP, Beloved SoS 6.3, which was released in 2020.[35] [36]

Personal life

Richardson first realized he was gay at the age of 17 while working a shift at Burger King.[10] He is a Christian.[10] In 2019, he moved to Los Angeles, and as of 2021, currently resides in Palm Springs.[37]

Discography

EPs

TitleDetails
Beloved SoS 6.3 (with KOIL)
Redemption
  • Released: June 25, 2022
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: digital download

Singles

As lead artist

TitleYearAlbum
"Brown Cow Stunning"2018
"SUKM (Kiss Me)"2019Beloved SoS 6.3
"Hot Sauce & High Heels" 2020
"Redemption"2022Redemption
"God's Been Good to Me"
"Come See About Me"

Featured singles

TitleYearAlbum
"Errybody Say Love"[38]
(RuPaul featuring Naomi Smalls, Monique Heart, Farrah Moan, and Monét X Change)
2018rowspan="6"
"Super Queen"[39]
(RuPaul featuring Naomi Smalls, Monét X Change, Monique Heart, & Trinity the Tuck)
2019
"I'm a Drag Queen"[40]
(feat. Leland, Freddy Scott, Brooke Villyani, Alyssa Edwards, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, and Monique Heart)
2020
"Better by Myself"[41]
(JORDY and Monique Heart)
"Living My Life in London (Cast Version)"[42]
(RuPaul featuring the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World)
2022
"The Big Opening"

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2020Nubia: AmplifiedHerselfOutTV original[43]
2021Being BebeHerselfArchive footage [44]

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2018RuPaul's Drag RaceHerselfContestant (8th place); Season 10
2018–2019RuPaul's Drag Race All StarsContestant (3rd/4th place); Season 4
2019KSHB-TVGuest[45]
2020AJ and the QueenMiss Terri ToryGuest appearance[46]
Hey Qween!HerselfGuest[47]
RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag RaceMentor
For Christmas Sake: The Movie MusicalCupidMusical short film[48]
2022Nubia Amplified: The SeriesHerselfPanelist[49]
HerselfContestant (Runner-Up); Series 1
iCarlyAuntie HistamineGuest appearance [50]
Trixie MotelHerselfGuest appearance[51]
Huluween DragstravaganzaHerselfHulu original[52]

Music videos

YearTitleArtist
2018"Soak It Up"Monét X Change
2019"Brown Cow Stunning"Herself
2020"Hot Sauce and High Heels (Kinky Boots Remix)"Herself[53]
"Keep That Same Energy"Widow Von'Du ft. Shilow[54]
"Sitting Alone in the VIP"Alaska Thunderfuck featuring Kandy Muse[55]

Web series

YearTitleRoleNotes
2017Crazy X GirlfriendHerselfGuest[56]
2018Cosmo QueensGuest[57]
Queen to QueenAlongside The Vixen[58]
Countdown to the CrownSeason 10[59]
2019Review With a JewGuest[60]
Watcha Packin'?Season 10, All Stars 4[61]
Radio AndyGuest[62]
Queen's CourtGuest[63]
The Stan GameGuest[64]
Yvie's Odd SchoolEpisode: "Quick Drag with Monique Heart"[65]
Drag Queens ReactEpisode: "RuPaul's Drag Race UK"[66]
Envy of My BoogieEpisode: "Dancing for Your Tips with Monique Heart"[67]
2020Bobbin' AroundEpisode: "Nubia"[68]
Alyssa's SecretEpisode: "Manic Moments with Monique Heart"[69]
Elevate Your SlayGuest[70]
Working Out Is a Drag[71]
Transformations[72]
Manic Moments with Monique HeartStar
The X Change RateEpisode: "Monique Heart"[73]
2021The Pit StopGuest[74]
BingePodcast by Entertainment Weekly[75]
2021–presentThe Walk In Host; produced by Amazon Music[76]
2022Bring Back My GirlsGuest[77]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Clark . Conor . Mo Heart reveals reason for changing name from Monique before Drag Race UK vs the World . Gay Times . January 18, 2022 . 20 January 2022.
  2. Web site: BLACK MIRROR ALL EYES ON ME . ASCAP . American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers . June 3, 2023.
  3. News: Monique Heart Talks Success on Drag Race: "You Need Money!". Yang. Bowen. Matt Rogers (comedian) . Rogers. Matt. Vulture. 2018-12-02. Bowen Yang .
  4. News: Monique Heart on racism, conversion 'therapy', and the queen who "peed on the stage". 2018-06-26. Gay Times. 2018-12-02.
  5. News: Monique Heart is reclaiming her time after 'RuPaul's Drag Race'. 2018-05-04. Houston Chronicle. 2018-12-02.
  6. News: Exclusive: Meet the 'RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars 4' cast. EW.com. 2018-12-02.
  7. Web site: Heart . Monique . Bio . Monique Heart . November 10, 2018 . December 3, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181203104034/https://moniqueheart.com/bio/ . dead .
  8. Web site: MO HEART | Give It to Me Straight | Ep 42 . .
  9. Web site: MO HEART | Give It to Me Straight | Ep 42 . .
  10. News: Billhartz Gregorian. Cynthia. KC man goes from Bible studies to drag queen to TV stardom on 'RuPaul's Drag Race'. November 11, 2018. The Kansas Star. April 20, 2018.
  11. Web site: MO HEART | Give It to Me Straight | Ep 42 . .
  12. News: How Monique Heart survived the horrors of conversion therapy and became a queen. May 20, 2021. Dan. Tracer. Queerty. May 28, 2021.
  13. Web site: Hot Tea with Monique Heart. Standardhotels.com. April 13, 2018 . 2018-12-05.
  14. Web site: MO HEART INTERVIEW: 'WORST PICK-UP LINE SOMEONE'S SAID TO ME? 'YOU'RE MY FAVOURITE, MONÉT X CHANGE!. Thomas. Stichbury. Attitude. January 18, 2022. January 18, 2022. January 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183130/https://attitude.co.uk/article/mo-heart-interview-worst-pick-up-line-someones-said-to-me-youre-my-favourite-monet-x-change-1/26478/. dead.
  15. News: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 10: Meet the 14 fierce drag queens. USA TODAY. 2018-07-12. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20180613014810/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/02/23/rupauls-drag-race-season-10-meet-14-fierce-drag-queens/366718002/. 2018-06-13. live.
  16. Web site: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Alum Monique Heart Talks Her Spirituality, The Political Side of Drag & More. Billboard.com. 2018-12-07.
  17. News: Exclusive: Meet the 'RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars 4' cast. Nolfi. Joey. 2018-11-09. EW.com. 2018-11-11.
  18. Web site: Rihanna DMed Monique Heart, Is a 'Drag Race' Fan. 2019-04-01. www.out.com. 2019-05-10.
  19. Watch Lizzo Give 'Ooh Ahh Sensation' During 'Juice' Performance on 'Fallon'. Spanos. Brittany. 2019-02-06. Rolling Stone. 2019-05-10.
  20. RuPaul Announces Drag Race Spin-Off Featuring All-Celebrity Competitors. Desta. Yohana. Vanity Fair. October 22, 2019. en. 2019-10-22.
  21. News: Peppermint, Bob the Drag Queen, Shea Coulee Announce New Show. Street. Mikelle. January 29, 2020. Out.com. January 29, 2020. en.
  22. News: Nubia Proclaims 'Black Queens Matter' in Drag Race and Beyond. Lindsay. Benjamin. March 9, 2020. Vulture.com. March 9, 2020. en.
  23. News: Mj Rodriguez, Laverne Cox and Monique Heart Will Participate In This Year's "It Gets Better: A Digital Pride Experience". Sim. Bernardo. June 9, 2021. HelloBeautiful. June 21, 2021. en.
  24. News: RuPaul's Drag Race's Monique Heart To Star In New 'Manic Moments' Series. Marsha B.. July 27, 2020. Screen Rant. July 27, 2020. en.
  25. News: 12 Sources Of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Content That'll Keep You Going Between Episodes. March 28, 2021. Mary. Colussi. Buzzfeed. January 11, 2022.
  26. Drag Race icon Monique Heart meets Lil Nas X's split SNL pants in wild Walk In preview. September 24, 2021. Joey. Nolfi. Entertainment Weekly. September 24, 2021.
  27. News: Monique Heart Launched a New Skincare Line Called MoBeauty. October 8, 2021. Maxwell. Losgar. Cosmopolitan. October 11, 2021.
  28. RuPaul's Drag Race UK Versus the World cast adds international all-stars to new competition. Entertainment Weekly. Nolfi. Joey. January 17, 2022. January 17, 2022.
  29. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race: UK Versus the World explains queen's name change this week. Digital Spy. Harp. Justin. February 15, 2022. February 16, 2022.
  30. Web site: Bernardo. Sim. Drag Race UK Vs. World Episode 5 Recap: The Top Four Is Chos. March 1, 2022. March 4, 2022. Screen Rant.
  31. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars returns with its most cannily on-brand queens yet. Kate. Kulzick. TV Club. December 15, 2018 . 22 March 2019.
  32. Web site: Brown Cow Stunning - Single by Monique Heart. 22 March 2019. Itunes.apple.com. January 4, 2019 .
  33. Web site: Monique Heart - Brown Cow Stunning (Mitch Ferrino Mix). January 4, 2019. March 22, 2019. YouTube.
  34. Monét X Change Serves Up Disco In New Sponge-Themed 'Soak It Up' Music Video: Watch. Patrick. Crowley. Billboard. December 1, 2019.
  35. News: Charting queens: How drag finally punctured pop. December 11, 2020. Nick. Levine. Independent. June 13, 2021.
  36. IAMMONIQUEHEART. SUKM (KISS ME) by Monique Heart X Koil . YouTube . 2019-09-05.
  37. News: Let Drag Icon Monique Heart's Guide to West Hollywood Inspire Your Next Trip. November 30, 2021. Sachin. Bhola. Thrillist. December 6, 2021.
  38. Web site: Errybody Say Love-Single. iTunes.
  39. Web site: Super Queen (feat. The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, Season 4) [Cast Version] - Single]. iTunes.
  40. Web site: I'm a Drag Queen - Single. iTunes.
  41. News: Jordy releases Better by Myself featuring Drag Race legend Monique Heart. August 22, 2020. Matt. Moore. Gay Times. August 22, 2020.
  42. News: 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs. The World' episode 5 recap: Final 5 add hometown verses to 'Living My Life in London'. March 1, 2022. John. Benutty. Gold Derby. March 4, 2022.
  43. Web site: OUTtv Media Group Teams With Producer Entertainment Group Launch First LGBTQ+ Apple TV Channel. Deadline. Ramos. Dino-Ray. March 29, 2021. March 29, 2021. August 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210801140757/https://deadline.com/2021/03/outtv-media-group-producer-entertainment-group-outtv-usa-lgbtq-diversity-representation-inclusion-1234723463/?goal=0_fb57ec5ec0-209a6b9133-125807816&mc_cid=209a6b9133&mc_eid=909b825a99. live.
  44. Web site: Tribeca Adds Online Screenings to 2021 Festival Lineup. The Hollywood Reporter. Lewis. Hilary. May 3, 2021. May 3, 2021. May 4, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210504112032/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tribeca-2021-movies-online. live.
  45. News: Monique Heart is ready for more RuPaul's Drag Race. KC LIVE Staff. January 4, 2019. KSHB-TV. September 25, 2021. September 25, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210925021600/https://www.kshb.com/entertainment/kcl/monique-heart-is-ready-for-more-rupauls-drag-race. live.
  46. News: RuPaul brings 22 Drag Race queens to costar on AJ and the Queen. Nolfi. Joey. 2019-12-03. EW.com. 2019-12-03. May 16, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210516232739/https://ew.com/tv/2019/12/03/aj-and-the-queen-netflix-rupauls-drag-race-queens/. live.
  47. Hey Qween. MONIQUE HEART on Hey Qween! with Jonny McGovern. 2020-01-20 . YouTube . 2020-01-20. December 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207175240/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNbZLrM3SGk&feature=emb_title. live.
  48. News: Kalen Allen Delivers A Holiday Story Full OfJoy & Inclusion In 'For Christmas Sake: TheMovie Musical'. December 17, 2020. Jason. Brown. Hollywood Life. March 29, 2021. February 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210218024104/https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/12/17/kalen-allen-for-christmas-sake-the-movie-musical-interview/. live.
  49. Nubia Amplified Episode One Black Cultural Appropriation Full Episode OUTtv. OUTtv. March 1, 2022. August 7, 2022. August 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220807173832/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmJ6akKB7c. live.
  50. News: These Drag Race Faves Are Headed to iCarly!. December 7, 2021. Rachel. Kiley. Pride. December 7, 2021. December 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207175436/https://www.pride.com/tv/2021/12/07/these-drag-race-faves-are-headed-icarly. live.
  51. Trixie Mattel puts a hotel in stunning drag (with a wig and a sledgehammer) in Trixie Motel preview. May 2, 2022. Joey. Nolfi. Entertainment Weekly. May 3, 2022. May 3, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220503161159/https://ew.com/tv/trixie-mattel-trixie-motel-preview-images/. live.
  52. Nolfi . Joey . September 14, 2022 . Monét X Change, Ginger Minj, Jujubee, more join Hulu's Huluween Dragstravaganza Halloween special . live . Entertainment Weekly . https://web.archive.org/web/20220718185752/https://ew.com/tv/monet-x-change-ginger-minj-join-hulu-huluween-dragstravaganza-cast/ . July 18, 2022 . September 14, 2022.
  53. IAMMONIQUEHEART . Monique Heart . April 24, 2020 . "Monique Heart X KOIL - Hot Sauce and High Heels(the Kinky Boots Remix)" . YouTube . April 26, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200426054739/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivfVWbnoHZQ . April 26, 2020 . live.
  54. Widow Von'Du Ft. Shilow - Keep That Same Energy (Official Video) . YouTube . May 16, 2020. May 23, 2020.
  55. Alaska Thunderfuck . September 4, 2020 . "Alaska Thunderfuck - Sitting Alone In The VIP feat. Kandy Muse (Official Music Video)'" . YouTube video . September 6, 2020.
  56. Mystical Dreams Productions. Crazy X Girlfriend Ep. 9 (Special Guest: Monique Heart). 2017-02-13 . YouTube . 2020-03-30.
  57. Cosmopolitan. Monique Heart COSMO Queens Cosmopolitan. 2018-05-13 . YouTube . 2019-06-12.
  58. VH1. The Vixen & Monique: Off Camera Relationships & Regrets Queen to Queen RuPaul's Drag Race. 2018-06-30 . YouTube . 2019-06-12.
  59. "Do You Believe in Aliens?" COUNTDOWN TO THE CROWN: RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10 . YouTube . June 27, 2018. August 30, 2019.
  60. VH1. Miz Cracker's Review with a Jew - AS4 E04 Feat. Monique Heart. 2019-02-16 . YouTube . 2019-08-20.
  61. VH1. Whatcha Packin': Monique Heart RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4. 2019-02-16 . YouTube . 2019-06-12.
  62. VH1. Peppermint & Monique Heart from RuPaul's Drag Race Join Us for the WOW Report for Radio Andy!. 2019-03-08 . YouTube . 2019-09-20.
  63. ET Live. Monique Heart Reveals What It Would Take to Get Her Back on 'Drag Race' Queen's Court. 2019-04-22 . YouTube . 2019-08-18.
  64. ET Live. RuPaul's Drag Race Trivia Showdown!!! ROUND 1 THE STAN GAME feat. Monique Heart & Eureka!. 2019-04-18 . YouTube . 2019-08-29.
  65. WOWPresents. Quick Drag with Monique Heart: YVIE'S ODD SCHOOL 103. 2019-11-06 . YouTube . 2019-12-05.
  66. WOWPresents. Drag Queens React: RuPaul's Drag Race UK with Trixie, Katya, Mariah, Morgan & more. 2019-10-23 . YouTube . 2019-10-23.
  67. WOWPresents. Dancing for Your Tips with Monique Heart: ENVY OF MY BOOGIE 102. 2020-02-20 . YouTube . 2020-02-21.
  68. Bobbin' Around!-Nubia. YouTube. March 8, 2020 . YouTube . March 15, 2020.
  69. ALYSSA'S SECRET: Manic Moments with Monique Heart . YouTube . March 23, 2020. March 23, 2020.
  70. "Elevate Your Slay" Season 1; Episode 3 "Monique Heart" . YouTube . March 13, 2020. March 25, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20211005174650/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPiJiDgZr7Y. October 5, 2021 . live.
  71. News: 'Working Out Is a Drag': Watch Celeb Trainer Jason Wimberly Coach Your Favorite Queens! (Exclusive). Kile. Meredith. April 29, 2020. ETOnline. April 29, 2020. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20200925143129/https://www.etonline.com/working-out-is-a-drag-watch-celeb-trainer-jason-wimberly-coach-your-favorite-queens-exclusive. September 25, 2020 . live.
  72. News: Monique Heart Gives Nicole Byer a Stunning Drag Makeover on "Transformations". Nguyen. Nikki. May 19, 2020. World of Wonder. May 23, 2020. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20220111220154/https://worldofwonder.net/monique-heart-gives-nicole-byer-a-stunning-drag-makeover-on-transformations/. January 11, 2022 . live.
  73. The X Change Rate: Monique Heart. BUILD Series. August 20, 2020. YouTube . August 21, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20220111220014/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Pj8GV3Fmc. January 11, 2022 . live.
  74. The Pit Stop AS6 E04 Trixie Mattel & Monique Heart Score At Halftime RPDR All Stars. RuPaul's Drag Race. July 8, 2021. YouTube . July 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210719071459/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=pFVpFS6zZ70&feature=youtu.be. July 19, 2021 . live.
  75. Naomi Smalls and Monique Heart dish on THAT shocking RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4 thrilla for Manila. July 21, 2021. Joey. Nolfi. Entertainment Weekly. July 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20220111024654/https://ew.com/ew-binge-podcast/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-4-recap-naomi-smalls-monique-heart-manila-luzon/. January 11, 2022 . live.
  76. News: Maren Morris Revisits Some of Her Most Iconic Looks with RuPaul's Drag Race Star Mo Heart. Rachel. DeSantis. March 28, 2022. People. April 2, 2022. en.
  77. News: 'Bring Back My Girls': WOW Presents Plus Sets Original Series, Will Film Live At DragCon LA. Del Rosario. Alexandra. May 5, 2022. Deadline. May 16, 2022. en.