Texas Entertainer of the Year
Modern entertainment embracing the art of traditional female impersonation.
Texas Entertainer of the Year F.I.
Our Story
Texas Entertainer of the Year FI serves as the Texas preliminary to the National Entertainer of the Year, showcasing the best in female impersonation. To compete in the Texas EOY competition, participants must take part in one of the preliminary city competitions held throughout the state, aiming to either win or secure the position of 1st alternate.
Established in 1991, Texas Entertainer of the Year FI crowned its first titleholder, Tasha Kohl, who later claimed the National Entertainer of the Year crown the same year. This year, we proudly celebrate Tasha Kohl's 35th Anniversary as Texas EOY Emeritus. The Texas EOY competition has a notable history of contestants and winners, representing a distinguished list of female impersonators. Beginning with the first Entertainer of the Year winner — Tasha Kohl of Dallas — six of the first 16 national winners hailed from Texas. They were the late Amazing Grace (1992), the late Coco (1995), Maya Douglas (1997), Roxie Hart (2000) and the late Erica Andrews (2006). In 2019, John Buchanan, a longtime flight attendant, realtor, and LGBTQ+ activist, took over as the promoter of Texas EOY, organizing the 2020 Texas EOY FI and the inaugural Mr. Texas EOY competition in Houston, Texas. April Rition won the crown for Texas Entertainer of the Year FI 2020. Tragically, in August 2021, John Buchanan was hospitalized due to the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, which ultimately claimed his life on September 2, 2021, at the age of 57.
The Texas EOY competition paused for several years as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many LGBTQ+ events. In 2023, Bishop Dr. Mark Zorn, an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights from Dallas and widower of beloved female impersonator Sheri Powers, stepped up to take the helm as the new promoter of Texas EOY FI. Before Sheri’s passing in 2010, Mark was actively involved in her career, demonstrating his dedication to the art of female impersonation.
Texas EOY FI made its comeback on May 30, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, at The Rose Room, celebrating its rich legacy in female impersonation. Despite severe weather conditions that caused power outages and affected attendance, Mark insisted, “The show must go on.” With four contestants and a small but determined crowd, the competition proceeded. Tasha Kohl, Texas EOY FI Emeritus and former National EOY, captivated the audience once again, solidifying her status as a true legend. Our host and MC, Jenna Skyy, brought her talent and wit to keep the show engaging. National Entertainer of the Year 2023, Twila Holliday, energized the crowd, getting everyone on their feet.
Finally, it was time to crown a new Texas EOY FI, and the winner did so in true Texas style, sweeping every category. Vivien Vee Lauren took home the crown, with Essence DeVille as first alternate and Nirobi capturing second alternate along with the Sheri Powers Congeniality Award. Both Vivien and Essence later competed at the National Entertainer of the Year competition in Louisville, Kentucky, where Vivien placed in the top 12 among a talented group of entertainers.
As Texas EOY FI enters its second year under Dr. Mark Zorn's direction, expectations are high. Tasha Kohl once again dazzled the audience with her unmatched talent. Entertainer of the Year 2024, Genesis, charmed everyone with her southern drawl. Mark Alan Smith, also known as Nakoma Shaye, returned to the Dallas stage after an eight-year absence, serving as one of the judges. Former Miss Gay USofA, Jenna Skyy, beautifully presided over the evening as Mistress of Ceremonies. Ultimately, Deja Dubois was crowned Texas Entertainer of the Year FI 2025, winning in true Texas style by sweeping every category at The Rose Room in Dallas. Nirobi was recognized as first alternate and received the Sheri Powers Congeniality Award. Congratulations to Deja and Nirobi!
The 2026 competition promises exciting changes. This year marks the first time Texas EOY FI will be a closed competition with preliminaries determining the contestants, a significant step towards expanding EOY into a nationwide powerhouse. Additionally, Texas EOY FI 2026 will be hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, making it the first state preliminary female impersonation competition ever held in Fort Worth. We are proud to be hosted by Southside Preservation Hall, anticipating an exhilarating year with new sponsors and partners. Lastly, we are introducing an open bar for the event. Once you purchase your ticket to the Texas EOY competition, everything is set, and your cocktails are included in the ticket price. Tipping the bar staff is still appreciated. There are many more surprises in store for the big night! You won't want to miss it!
