The Reign of Miss Shalae: Inside the World of a Beyoncé Impersonator

In the world of tribute artistry and drag, where performers channel the essence of music icons and stage presence is queen, Miss Shalae reigns supreme as one of the most sought-after Beyoncé impersonators on the planet.  With a striking resemblance, powerful vocals, and electrifying stage presence, she doesn’t just mimic Queen Bey; she embodies her spirit, delivering performances that leave audiences breathless and believing they’ve witnessed the real deal. But behind the shimmering costumes and flawless choreography lies a dedicated artist with a unique journey, one fueled by passion, hard work, and an undeniable connection to glamor. 

“My stage name is Miss Shalae. That’s how everybody knows me,” she shares. “I started getting into performing when I realized my friends were doing drag, and this was before I was out as a trans woman. I started doing it and I realized I couldn’t go back.” 

The path to becoming a world-class tribute artist is rarely a straight line. For Miss Shalae, the connection to Beyoncé’s music began early, shortly after discovering her love for drag performance. It wasn’t just about the catchy tunes; it was about the empowerment, the artistry, and the sheer force of Beyoncé’s talent. This admiration blossomed into a desire to share that energy with others.

“I fly all over the world, and I’m so blessed to do this,” she says. “I’m so blessed that I get to do this for a living. Where she goes, I go, and I perform at night clubs and afterparties all over the world when she’s performing. I love that I get to do this as how I make my living. I get to meet fans all over the world who love her as much as I do” 

While the specific moment of realization might be nuanced, the dedication to honing her craft has been unwavering. It’s not enough to simply look like Beyoncé; capturing her essence requires meticulous attention to detail. This includes countless hours spent studying her performances, mastering her intricate choreography, and perfecting her vocal delivery. Miss Shalae doesn’t just learn the steps; she internalizes the emotion and intention behind them. She doesn’t just sing the notes; she channels the power and soul that define Beyoncé’s voice.

The transformation into Miss Shalae is a multi-layered process. The visual aspect is undeniably crucial. From the iconic hairstyles to the dazzling costumes, every detail is carefully considered to recreate the signature looks that have defined Beyoncé’s various eras. This often involves working with skilled designers and stylists who understand the nuances of Beyoncé’s fashion evolution. However, the true magic lies beyond the surface. It’s in the way Miss Shalae carries herself, the confidence she exudes, and the way she commands the stage.

And somewhere along the line to doing that, she had a personal realization and discovered that she had been a woman all along. Like many drag performers who are drawn to the art of embodying femme beauty before coming out as trans women, she realized that while the full-on Beyoncé garb might be drag or a costume, living fully as a woman was something that had always been in her heart and soul. 

Given that she’s a Black, trans woman in the public eye in 2025, one might expect a scared, angry, or defensive attitude towards the hate and transphobia in the world today. But Miss Shalae embodies an attitude we could all learn from—one of hope, strength, and resilience. 

“I believe that right now, we’re seeing the pendulum swing (away from acceptance and inclusivity), but it always swings back,” she says. “It’s all about what you put into the universe, so I just try to stay on that higher frequency. When I found out that the highest frequency, even higher than love, is authenticity, that changed my life. So we all need to just keep being ourselves and being authentic despite the hate, because that’s the highest frequency there is.

“One of the strongest and bravest things you can do is just continue living your life,” she continues. That’s the best thing we can all do right now is keep living as authentically as possible.” 

The journey of a tribute artist is also one of personal growth and discovery. By embodying another artist, performers often gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their own capabilities. Miss Shalae’s dedication to her craft has undoubtedly honed her skills as a performer, pushing her beyond what she might have thought possible. The confidence and stage presence she exudes as Miss Shalae likely permeate other aspects of her life, a testament to the transformative power of her art, as well as what she offers the community. 

Naturally, since she follows Beyoncé around the globe, one of her bucket list goals is to meet the queen herself. 

“That’s a bucket list item for sure,” she shares. “It’ll happen.”

But ultimately, Beyoncé aside, Miss Shalae is her own woman carving her own path as an artist, performer, and strong woman. In a world where authenticity is highly valued, the art of impersonation might seem paradoxical. However, artists like Miss Shalae demonstrate that tribute can be a powerful form of artistic expression. It’s about more than just imitation; it’s about connection, celebration, and the ability to transport an audience through the power of music and performance.

Photos courtesy Yuriel Young