Pomp and performance reign at the sixth annual Mister PowerDiva Pageant. While queens tend to get all the mainstream attention, the drag kings are out to prove that they have balls, too.

"There is a whole application process. It's like entering Miss Teen USA," said Bradley Briegel, owner and promoter of PowerDiva Productions.

A pageant like any other, the drag kings compete in a variety of categories and are rated on their performance and appearance.

The first segment features a casual interview.

"[It's] like a job interview that determines how smart the contestant is and how they would represent the company if they win," Briegel said.

Mister PowerDiva Drag King Pageant Rumors Nightclub, Grand Rapids Aug. 22, 10 p.m. $7 / 21+, $10 for minors / 18+ rumorsnightclub.net (616) 454-8720

But, there is more than simply brains over brawn. The Evening Wear category allows the kings show off their best duds "and whether they can find evening wear that fits," Briegel said.

Beyond smarts and suits, the kings also strut across the stage for the Talent category performing anything from singing and dancing to lip synching and more.

"It's the really creative people that do well," said Briegel, describing a previous pageant where "one drag king did a whole boy band thing and they had all the choreography worked out."

Another pageant featured a stilt-walking knife thrower.

The Mister PowerDiva Pageant always features local performers, but drag kings have traveled from far flung places like Kentucky and even New York to get in on the nationally recognized contest.

"If it is something you want a career in, winning titles is a definite career boost," Briegel said.

The winner receives cash, a crown to wear throughout the year and becomes a representative for the organization.

"You get paid to travel and do shows," Briegel said.

Privileges include special performance bookings, along with the opportunity to regale the crowd at the annual West Michigan Gay Pride event.

Additionally, the event is an exciting break from the rotation of drag king, and drag queen, cabaret performances featured regularly at Rumors Nightclub and Diversions bar in Grand Rapids.

"Competitions are always more fun. And it's always fun to guess who [will win] based on how the evening unfolds," said Briegel, who encourages attendees to reserve a table at Rumors beforehand to ensure a seat for the night.

For a peek at previous title holders, PowerDiva Productions can be found on Facebook and MySpace. The glittering counterpart to Mister PowerDiva, the Miss PowerDiva Drag Queen Pageant, is scheduled for Sept. 12.

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