Needles was born Aaron Coady on November 28, 1981 in Newton, Iowa. He has been candid in discussing his childhood years growing up in Iowa as a difficult time when he faced anti-gay and anti-"outsider" harassment, which prompted his to drop out of school before he could complete his high school education. In 2004, Needles moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he began working as a professional drag performer in nightclubs and various other venues with the drag troupe "the Haus of Haunt", which Needles describes as "one punk rock, messy mash up of very talented, fucked up weirdos."
In November 2011, it was announced that Needles had been selected to compete as a contestant on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. The series premiered on January 30, 2012, and Needles was an instant stand-out for his "ghoulish" fashion sense and unconventional make-up choices. On the night of the premiere episode, Entertainment Weekly columnist Tanner Stransky hailed Needles' macabre style as "drop dead genius" and rhetorically asked "Is Sharon Needles the most 'sickening' (a drag term for 'fabulous') contestant ever?"
In a departure from previous seasons of Drag Race, where rumors of previous winners had leaked before the final episodes could air, the decision was made not to pre-tape the finale episode announcing the season's winner. Instead, RuPaul decided to give fans an opportunity to voice their opinions as to who should win before taping of the final episode on April 25, 2012. For the taping, three outcomes were filmed announcing each of the "final 3" as the winner, with the true outcome only known to RuPaul and a select few involved in the editing.The finale episode aired on April 30, 2012, when it was announced that Needles had been crowned "America's Next Drag Superstar".
In June 2012, Needles won the Facebook vote to appear as a contestant on RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race, but declined, as the reigning champion, to participate in the competition.[16] He also confirmed that his replacement in the competition would be fellow RuPaul's Drag U professor and the runner-up in the Facebook voting, Pandora Boxx.
Needles became a horror host in October 2012 when he began presenting horror and suspense films airing on the Logo network under the series title Fearce!
In April 2013, Needles was featured on the single "RuPaulogize," from Willam Belli's debut album The Wreckoning.
In October 2012, Needles became the face of an advertising campaign by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals promoting vegetarianism, appearing on billboards throughout the United States.
Needles lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Needles had a 4 year relationship with fellow RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Alaska Thunderfuck; they broke up in 2013.
I Wish I Were Amanda Lepore
Sharon Needles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I show it off. I'm always on.
Verse 1:
Silicone
Tiny waist
Red carpet lips
Porcelain face
She's got it all
She's built for men
A blow up doll
PreChorus:
I might be drastic but I'm more than plastic
I show it off I never mask it
Does she see me or 600ccs?
See me, see me
Chorus:
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Verse 1:
She's extreme
Hollywood
I'd take her place
If I could
What you see
Is what you get
Midnight monroe
No need to dress
PreChorus:
I might be drastic but I'm more than plastic
I show it off I never mask it
Does she see me or 600ccs?
See me, see me
Chorus:
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Bridge:
Everything next to her seems like a flaw
Yes I'm perfect but even perfect has a heart
Her beauty blinds to the point that I can't look away
Everything is beautiful in it's own way
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
Chorus:
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
The song "I Wish I Were Amanda Lepore" by Sharon Needles is an ode to the iconic transgender model and performer, Amanda Lepore. In the first verse, Needles describes Lepore's appearance, using imagery such as "silicone," "tiny waist," "red carpet lips," and a "porcelain face." Lepore is presented as a "mannequin" who has "got it all" and is "built for men." The pre-chorus then acknowledges that Needles herself may be seen as drastic, but she is "more than plastic" and never masks her true self. The chorus repeats the titular line, expressing the desire to be Lepore, and the second verse continues to describe her as "extreme" and someone Needles would want to switch places with.
The bridge shifts the focus to Needles' own self-reflection, acknowledging that even though she sees herself as "perfect," everyone has their own flaws. Lepore's beauty is so captivating that it's difficult for Needles to look away, but she ultimately accepts that "everything is beautiful in its own way." The chorus repeats one final time, emphasizing the longing to be Lepore.
Overall, "I Wish I Were Amanda Lepore" is a celebration of Lepore's uniqueness and an expression of admiration for her as a prominent transgender figure. It also speaks to the universal desire to feel confident and comfortable in one's own skin.
Line by Line Meaning
I might be drastic, but I think I'm fantastic
I may do extreme things, but I believe in my own abilities and am confident in myself.
Silicone
Referring to the use of plastic surgery and implants to achieve a certain look.
Tiny waist
Having a slender waist, often artificially achieved through surgery or corsets.
Red carpet lips
Full, pouty lips often seen as glamorous and desirable in Hollywood.
Porcelain face
A smooth, white complexion that resembles fine china, often achieved through makeup or cosmetic procedures.
A mannequin
A figure or model used for display purposes, usually with an idealized or unrealistic body shape.
She's got it all
Amanda Lepore is seen as having everything someone could want in terms of beauty and desirable physical features.
She's built for men
Amanda Lepore's appearance is designed to appeal to the male gaze and desire.
A blow up doll
A derogatory term used to describe someone who is seen as overly plastic or artificial in their appearance.
I might be drastic but I'm more than plastic
Even though Sharon Needles may use plastic surgery to alter her appearance, she has more to offer than just a physical facade.
I show it off I never mask it
Sharon Needles is proud of the way she looks and doesn't try to hide it or pretend to be anything else.
Does she see me or 600ccs?
Is Amanda Lepore attracted to Sharon Needles as a person, or just to the size of her breast implants?
See me, see me
Sharon Needles wants to be seen for who she truly is, beyond her physical appearance.
Everything next to her seems like a flaw
Amanda Lepore's beauty is so striking that it makes everything else look less than perfect in comparison.
Yes I'm perfect but even perfect has a heart
While Amanda Lepore may appear flawless on the outside, she is not immune to emotions and vulnerabilities.
Her beauty blinds to the point that I can't look away
The sight of Amanda Lepore is so entrancing that Sharon Needles can't help but be captivated by it.
Everything is beautiful in it's own way
Even though Amanda Lepore may be seen as the epitome of beauty, Sharon Needles acknowledges that everyone has their own unique beauty and worth.
I wish I were Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Sharon Needles envies Amanda Lepore's beauty and wishes she could be like her.
Tonight tonight
Reinforcement of the desire and longing to be like Amanda Lepore.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ShinraElectro
I noticed people calling this a sad song, for me this is why his song stands out, it's not even a negative thing!
Sure some people could discuss it's sad, but that is the strenght of this song!
That dress Sharon Needles is wearing at the start, flaunting all the way!!
This isn't just a Sad song, it's Art. This kind of style reminds me of david lynch (Lost Highway)
I love this style and it saddens me that it isn't up at the youtube charts some more!
Beautiful Hommage to Amanda Lepore (opinions shatterd, but who cares)
I can only imagine how it was for Sharon, workin' together with Amanda Lepore from a journalistic point of view!
Points up for this one again! <3
George Marian
Amanda Intro:
I might be drastic, but I think I'm fantastic
I show it off. I'm always on.
Silicone
Tiny waist
Red carpet lips
Porcelain face
A mannequin
She's got it all
She's built for men
A blow up doll
PreChorus:
I might be drastic but I'm more than plastic
I show it off I never mask it
Does she see me or 600ccs?
See me, see me
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
She's extreme
Hollywood
I'd take her place
If I could
What you see
Is what you get
Midnight monroe
No need to dress
PreChorus:
I might be drastic but I'm more than plastic
I show it off I never mask it
Does she see me or 600ccs?
See me, see me
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Everything next to her seems like a flaw
Yes I'm perfect but even perfect has a heart
Her beauty blinds to the point that I can't look away
Everything is beautiful in it's own way
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
JORGE GIOVANNY CÉSPEDES MUÑOZ.
I might be drastic, but I think I'm fantastic
I show it off. I'm always on.
Silicone
Tiny waist
Red carpet lips
Porcelain face
A mannequin
She's got it all
She's built for men
A blow up doll
PreChorus:
I might be drastic but I'm more than plastic
I show it off I never mask it
Does she see me or 600ccs?
See me, see me
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
She's extreme
Hollywood
I'd take her place
If I could
What you see
Is what you get
Midnight monroe
No need to dress
PreChorus:
I might be drastic but I'm more than plastic
I show it off I never mask it
Does she see me or 600ccs?
See me, see me
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Everything next to her seems like a flaw
Yes I'm perfect but even perfect has a heart
Her beauty blinds to the point that I can't look away
Everything is beautiful in it's own way
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
I wish I were
Amanda Lepore, Amanda Lepore
Von Ray
This song is not just about wanting to be Amanda Lepore. It's about wanting to be someone else, or live someone else's live, no matter who they are. It's really depressing. I often have this wish and I know that it can really hurt you and bring you a lot of pain inside. I always have to shed a tear when listening to this.
Alexa Shelby
This song is quite sad in a way, and the video more so creates that sad feeling -- of desperately wanting to be beautiful, to do anything one can to be accepted in the eyes of the world. I like this one by Sharon, because it's a reflection of how so many of us feel.
Glowboutin
everytime i listen to that i become sad
Angel Derek
Alexa Shelby right!!!
Sheed
If I met Amanda I would be scared to even breath near her. She looks so delicate
Angel Derek
She looks like a mannequin, and an amazing presence
Max Ammo
I honestly just want to give her a big hug
ferni
Sheed S. I saw her with 2 club kids in a restaurant in NYC about a week ago. It was 2 in the morning and it was evident they came from a club partying. She definitely did look delicate...she got up to go to the bathroom and spent 15 minutes freshening up while security waited outside of the bathroom door lol
Brianna Campbell
Me too, like she'd shatter immediately.
Bella J
this song is so much deeper than it may seem. Im so proud of all the people who have come out with being lgbt+ and for people who haven't, I really hope you can learn to love yourself bc you are important.