# The Vivienne Wins Icon Award—Her Dad’s Emotional Speech Steals the Show

At last night’s (26 February) Metro Pride Awards in central London, The Vivienne – real name James Lee Williams – was posthumously honored with the **Icon Award**. Her father, Lee, and sister took the stage to accept the accolade, delivering a heartfelt tribute that left the audience moved.  

In an emotional speech, Lee Williams expressed gratitude to The Vivienne’s fans for their unwavering support.  

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“James loved being part of the entertainment world, and I know he would have absolutely loved tonight’s event,” he shared.  

He recalled how thrilled The Vivienne was to be nominated for a Metro Rising Star award this year, making the night’s recognition bittersweet yet deeply meaningful.  

Through tears, he concluded: “Thank you to everyone for your huge love and support for James, thank you so much.”


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The Vivienne, who shot to international fame after winning the first-ever season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, was found dead at home in Chorlton-by-Backford on 5 January. She was 32.

Chester Police confirmed there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding her passing. However, an inquest earlier this month revealed she died of an “unnatural cause,” with further investigation ongoing.

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After her historic Drag Race UK win, The Vivienne returned for the first-ever all-winners season in 2022. She quickly became a TV and theatre staple, competing on Dancing On Ice, appearing in Emmerdale, and starring in the West End’s The Wizard of Oz.

To honor her incredible legacy, five of her Drag Race UK sisters and closest friends took the stage for a moving tribute performance at the Metro Pride Awards.

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TV host Rylan introduced the tribute with a powerful supercut of The Vivienne’s most iconic Drag Race moments, setting the stage for an electrifying performance.

Drag Race UK stars Baga Chipz, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Cheryl The Queen, and Michael Marouli then stormed the stage, delivering a high-energy routine to You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive—a song by one of The Vivienne’s all-time idols, Pete Burns.

Choreographed by Cheryl, the queens strutted through the venue, jumping onto chairs as the audience erupted in cheers, with images of The Vivienne illuminating the screens.

Later in the night, The Vivienne’s publicist Simone Jones, who first announced her passing in January, received the LGBT+ Trailblazer Award. After being presented the accolade by Girls Aloud stars Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, he dedicated it to his late client and dear friend.

“Viv was the absolute definition of a trailblazer, and her light will shine on us forever,” he shared.

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The Vivienne’s Dad gives emotional speech accepting her award 🏆

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