Kerri-Anne to frock up for DIVA

One DIVA will meet another when daytime television queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley frocks up for the Drag Industry Variety Awards later this month.

DIVA organisers this week told Sydney Star Observer Kennerley would be making a special appearance at the Star City Showroom ceremony on 22 August, but were tight-lipped on specifics.

Even if she remains an observer, the one-time nightclub singer can expect antics at the award night, according to first-time DIVA hostess Cleopatra Coup?/p>

Coup?who will steer the 2005 ceremony alongside Mitzi Macintosh and Courtney Act, said comedy, bitchiness and definite fireworks were in store for DIVA punters this year.

One thing we have done very differently from previous years of DIVA is that we are trying to make it as funny and entertaining as we possibly can, she told the Star.

And while the DIVA comperes aren’t scheduled to perform, Coup?idn’t rule out a late grab at on-stage glory.

You never know -“ Courtney and I could end up having a sing-off before the end.

Coup?nd Macintosh are nominated in several categories at the drag awards night, for shows they appeared in together as well as for individual efforts.

Mitzi’s nominated in almost every category -¦ and it’ll be interesting to see if I beat her or she beats me, Coup?aid, raising the prospect of an on-stage stoush.

You can expect definite fireworks -“ maybe not from me, but I tell you what: last year Mitzi wasn’t happy when I beat her [for Show Of The Year -“ 3 Or Less], so if it happens this year it could be very interesting on stage.

Drag queen rivalries aside, Coup?aid DIVA 2005 would feature a new take on local showgirls’ talent.

All the girls are working together, and often in combinations you don’t [usually] get to see, she said.

It’s a great night to really say thank you -¦ and also to show off just all the stuff we can do that we may not be able to do weekly in a pub.

Public voting for the 2005 Drag Industry Variety Awards is on Saturday 20 August at the Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst. The 2005 DIVA are on 22 August from 8pm at Star City Showroom. Tickets cost $97. For bookings call 9266 4800 or visit the Ticketek website