You probably know the tongue pop. That sharp, percussive sound that echoed through the workroom of RuPaul’s Drag Race and somehow became a global linguistic phenomenon. But behind the towering wigs, the heavy contour, and the legendary "backrolls" comment lies Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson.
He isn't just a reality TV character. Honestly, calling him a "drag queen" feels like a massive understatement in 2026. He is a business mogul, a high-stakes dance coach, and a man who managed to turn a disqualification from a national pageant into a multimillion-dollar empire.
Most people see the lashes. They miss the grit.
The Mesquite Roots of Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson
Born on January 16, 1980, in Mesquite, Texas, Justin Johnson didn't have a glitter-paved path to stardom. It was kinda the opposite. Growing up in a working-class Texas environment, he was a kid who just wanted to dance. But his father, Jimmy Harold Johnson, was a man’s man. To get to jazz class, Justin had to strike a deal: he’d play football if he could dance on the side.
He played defensive tackle. He hit hard. And then he’d go to the studio and work on his pliés.
This duality is basically the blueprint for his entire career. You’ve got the toughness of a Texas athlete mixed with the precision of a prima ballerina. It’s why, when he eventually stepped onto a stage as Alyssa Edwards, he didn't just walk—he commanded.
Why the Pageant Scandal Changed Everything
In 2010, Justin reached the pinnacle of the drag pageant world. He was crowned Miss Gay America. It was the dream. Then, it became a nightmare. Because of scheduling conflicts and what the pageant organization deemed a failure to fulfill duties, he was stripped of his title.
Coco Montrese, his eventual rival, took the crown.
A lot of people would have crumbled. Most would have vanished into the local club scene and faded away. Not Justin. He leaned into the "fallen queen" narrative. When he was cast on Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013, he didn't hide the scandal. He weaponized it. That season didn't just make him famous; it revolutionized how "villains" or "troublemakers" were viewed in reality TV. He was too charming to hate.
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Beyond Belief: The Business of Being Justin Johnson
While the world was watching Alyssa Edwards give iconic testimonials on Netflix’s Dancing Queen, the real work was happening at 1010 East Main Street in Mesquite. That’s the home of Beyond Belief Dance Company (BBDC).
This isn't a hobby. It's a powerhouse.
Justin Johnson is the Artistic Director and owner. He’s the guy who stays up until 3:00 AM cutting music and choreographing routines for 7-year-olds who dance with the intensity of professionals. If you watched the Netflix docuseries, you saw the "Dance Moms" energy, but with a lot more heart and a lot more Texas heat.
The studio has a track record that most dance coaches would kill for:
- Two-time quarterfinalists/semifinalists on America’s Got Talent.
- Multiple national titles in the competitive dance circuit.
- A training ground for future stars (like Plastique Tiara).
It’s easy to think the drag pays for the dance studio. In reality, the discipline of the dance studio is what made the drag successful. Justin runs his business like a drill sergeant. He expects perfection because that’s what the industry demands. He’s mentioned in interviews that dance saved him, but drag gave him the platform to share that salvation with others.
The Global All Star Victory in 2024
Fast forward to the recent past. In 2024, the stakes for Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson got even higher. He was cast in the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars.
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The competition was fierce. You had the best of the best from Germany, Mexico, the UK, and beyond. Many fans wondered if an "old school" legend could keep up with the new generation of TikTok-famous queens.
He didn't just keep up. He won.
Taking the crown as the first-ever "Queen of the World" wasn't just a win for his trophy room. It was a validation of his longevity. He proved that his brand of entertainment—the "Alyssa-isms," the high-energy choreography, and the sheer charisma—is universal. It doesn't matter if you're in Mesquite or Manila; everyone understands the language of a performer who gives 110%.
Addressing the Misconceptions
People often think Justin and Alyssa are two different people. They aren't.
There's a common misconception that drag is just a costume for him. But if you talk to anyone who has trained at BBDC, they’ll tell you that the "Alyssa" energy—the "Always and Forever" mantra—is baked into Justin’s coaching style. He is unapologetically himself. He doesn't filter his personality for the cameras. Whether he’s in a tuxedo at a dance gala or a gown on a main stage, the drive is identical.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Success
Success in the entertainment world is usually fleeting. You get your 15 minutes, you do a few club gigs, and you move on. Justin Johnson has been a household name for over a decade. Why?
- Diversification. He didn't just rely on TV. He kept the studio. He launched a makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills. He toured the world with a solo show (Life, Love, and Lashes).
- Authenticity. He’s messy. He’s been late. He’s been called out for his "backrolls." He laughs at himself before you can laugh at him.
- The "Haus of Edwards" Legacy. He didn't just build a solo career; he built a family. His drag daughters, including Shangela and Laganja Estranja, are some of the most successful names in the industry. He’s a mentor first.
Moving Forward: The 2026 Landscape
So, what’s next for the man from Mesquite?
As of 2026, Justin is expanding the Beyond Belief brand. There are whispers of a second studio location and more international masterclasses. He’s also become a staple guest judge on various international Drag Race franchises, bridging the gap between the American roots of the show and its global future.
If you’re looking to follow in his footsteps—whether in business or performance—the lesson is simple: don't wait for the crown to be given to you.
Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson proves that even if they take your title away, they can’t take your talent. You just have to be willing to work twice as hard to prove they were wrong to let you go in the first place.
Practical steps to take away from the Justin Johnson story:
- Invest in your roots: No matter how big your "persona" gets, keep the core business that keeps you grounded.
- Own your narrative: If there's a scandal or a failure in your past, be the first one to talk about it. It takes the power away from your critics.
- Vulnerability is a strength: Showing the man behind the makeup is what builds a loyal audience that stays with you for decades, not just seasons.
His story isn't over. It's just getting to the good part.