Nobody said it was easy being beautiful – but talented drag queen Chad Michaels certainly makes it look simple.

Sure, any man can put on some diamond studded clothing and lipstick and call it drag – but Michaels feels it, looks it and is the epiphany of the ultimate drag queen.

The world’s premier Cher impersonator has spanned a decade of his life (the last time he had a "real" job was in 2001) impersonating the popular singer to the point where many people (and People magazine itself!) actually mistake Michaels for the diva herself.  But he says it’s a challenge to keep it fresh considering she hasn’t released a full length album since 2001.

"The lack of new material has been frustrating," Michaels says while on tour. "Luckily, Cher’s music and body of work is at such a high standard that audiences never seem to get tired of hearing Turn Back Time and Believe."

The soundtrack to Cher’s most recent movie Burlesque in 2010 certainly helped, but Michaels just has to strut his – or hers when in drag as Cher – stuff to the classics, which of course leave the crowd ravenous for more.

"It’s an honour for me to play one of the most famous and influential women in entertainment. She’s universally loved and it’s very rewarding for me to deliver her to hungry audiences across the world."

Michaels has also impersonated Celine Dion, Marilyn Manson and others, but despite wanting to impersonate Madonna, he gravitated towards Cher because of his uncanny resemblance to her while dressed in drag.

"Usually, no matter how I do my makeup, people always say I still look like Cher."

People magazine even included a Michaels as Cher photo in a collage they compiled dedicated to the singer’s changing looks through the decade. Oops – yes, he’s that good.

The art of looking like Cher only takes two hours for Michaels these days, which he admits took years to master.

"I’ve got it down to a science now to the point where very little can go wrong," Michaels adds. "It’s nice being a professional."

But he must look good for his adoring fans, many who love Cher and many who just love Michaels the performer.

"My audiences are usually very receptive to my craft.  For me it has always been about drawing any reaction from a crowd," he says. "Love me or hate me, but please feel something.  In a world that beats us down and desensitizes us, come see me and feel alive again."

Michaels says one of the highlights of his career was actually meeting Cher at a benefit for her hosted by music mogul David Foster in 2002.

"She was lovely, engaging and all together breath taking.  It was such a thrill to meet her in person."

Despite collaborating with other amazing and talented singers such as David Foster, Bruce Roberts, Elton John, Christina Aguilera and Cyndi Lauper, Michaels says Cher still "shines the brightest."

Michaels currently produces and performs with the longest running female impersonation show in California, dubbed The Dreamgirls Review and is in constant demand on the national nightclub circuit as well as for private bookings.

Between touring the globe, performing and crafting new costumes, Michaels spent a memorable and fulfilling season on RuPaul’s Drag Race (season four).

"That was one of the most amazing experiences I have had during my career," he says. "The competition itself was challenging and exciting, but working with RuPaul who is a master in the art and business of drag was amazing."

But Michaels says it was the outpouring of support by the fans of the show that has been the most rewarding.

"I never knew how many people have my back and it feels good to have an Army of Chad.   RuPaul has essentially broken off a piece of his fame for all of us who competed on the show. He has given us a voice and a platform and it has been the most incredible gift."

Michaels credits the show with opening many more doors for him in his career, and despite not winning, Michaels finished in the top three.  RuPaul says he "elevated the competition forever."

"I’m so grateful to RuPaul for taking a chance on me. Working with the women on the show and helping them find their inner divas was an emotional experience for me I will never forget. This has been a magical year for me and I’m looking to the future with eyes wide and full of wonder."

Because of the show, Michaels has been busier than ever but he makes sure to take some downtime and relax with his partner of nine years, who he adores, in the comfort of their west coast home.

"We have a very peaceful home and it keeps me grounded and recharged. I love our pets and I love our home and any moment we can steal together, we do something fun."

As much as he loves his home time, he also loves meeting his fans while on tour, and of course, performing as Cher.

"Meeting my fans face-to-face is a humbling and rewarding joy for me," he adds.

Calgarians will be happy to know Michaels will be performing on Saturday September 1 for the official Calgary Pride dance presented by PurePride, a date he’s very much looking forward to. The drag queen diva will own the dance floor that night at Flames Central.

"See you soon Calgary, I can’t wait!"