Melinda Verga
Melinda Verga | |
|---|---|
Melinda Verga at RuPaul's DragCon LA, 2024 | |
| Born | Mike Derrada November 20, 1978 |
| Television | |
| Website | melindaverga |
Melinda Verga is the stage name of Mike Derrada, a Filipino-Canadian drag performer known for competing on season 4 of Canada's Drag Race, season 2 of The Traitors Canada, and season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World.
Career
Derrada is a drag performer known as Melinda Verga. She was named Mz. Gay Edmonton 2017 and Edmonton Drag Idol Winner 2018, and has performed at Jasper Pride.[1] Prior to appearing on Drag Race, her day job was in the shipping industry.[2]
Melinda Verga competed on season 4 of Canada's Drag Race.[3][4] She won the Snatch Game challenge for her impersonation of Manny Pacquiao.[5]
In September 2024, Melinda Verga was announced as participating in the second season of The Traitors Canada.[6]
Personal life
Derrada is of Filipino origin,[5][7] and is based in Edmonton, Alberta.[8] He was born in the Philippines and moved to Canada at age 16, and later moved to Toronto to attend fashion school.[9] He started performing in drag in 2015, at the age of 37, and made his debut at Evolution Wonderlounge in Edmonton.[9] Derrada uses the pronouns he/him out of drag, and has no preferred gender pronouns when in drag.[1] He is married to Scott Green.[2]
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2024 | Canada's Drag Race (season 4) | Contestant | 5th place | |
| 2024 | The Traitors Canada (season 2) | Contestant | Banished; 6 episodes | |
| 2026 | RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World (series 3) | 10th place |
Web series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Bring Back My Girls | Herself | Season 4, episode 4 | |
| 2025 | Binge Queens: Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale | Host | [10] |
References
- ^ a b "Canada's Drag Race Series 4: Meet the Queens". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2023-12-15. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ a b Valdes-Carletti, Miriam. "Melinda Verga makes 'herstory' as first Edmonton drag queen on Canada's Drag Race". ctv.news.ca. CTV News. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ^ "An ode to Melinda Verga: The Canada's Drag Race queen bringing the mess and drama we need". The Tab. 2023-12-19. Archived from the original on 2023-12-19. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ Wratten, Marcus (2023-12-15). "Why this fight on Canada's Drag Race is being hailed as the 'best ever' by fans". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ a b Antonio, Josiah. "Melinda Verga wins 'Canada's Drag Race' S4 Snatch game as Manny Pacquiao". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ Marcus Wratten, "Canada’s Drag Race icon signs up for The Traitors and fans are gagged: ‘Best news I’ve had all week’". PinkNews, September 6, 2024.
- ^ Antonio, Josiah. "Melinda Verga redeems self in 'Canada's Drag Race' S4 after premiere fumble". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on 2023-11-26. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ Guzzo, Bianca (2023-10-18). "Canada's Drag Race Season Four: Meet The Queens". IN Magazine. Archived from the original on 2023-11-07. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ a b "MELINDA VERGA SNATCHES HEARTS". why.edmonton.ca. City of Edmonton. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ^ "Binge Queens: Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale". WOW Presents Plus. Retrieved September 5, 2025.