Vanessa Vanjie Mateo Biography: Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Music Video, Singles, Awards, Boyfriend

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, born José Luis Cancel on October 3, 1991, is an American drag queen and performer from Tampa, Florida.

She rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 with her viral “Miss Vanjie” exit and returned to compete in Season 11 and All Stars 9, where she finished as a runner-up.

Profile

• Full Name: José Luis Cancel
• Stage Name: Vanessa Vanjie Mateo
• Born: October 3, 1991
• Age: 33 years old
• Birthplace: Tampa, Florida, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Drag Queen, Performer, Reality TV Star
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. Cancel
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life And Education

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo was born as José Luis Cancel on October 3, 1991, in Tampa, Florida, United States. She is 33 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Cancel raised her and is of Puerto Rican descent. Details about her siblings are not publicly disclosed. She practices Christianity and belongs to the Latino (Puerto Rican) ethnic group.

Vanessa grew up with a love for performance and art, eventually being inspired by drag mother Alexis Mateo. Though her formal education background is not widely publicized, her training and mentorship in the drag world played a significant role in shaping her career.

Career

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo rose to fame after appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 in 2018. Though she was the first to be eliminated, her dramatic and meme-worthy exit — repeating the word “Vanjie” — made her a viral sensation.

Due to her popularity, she was invited back for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11, where she placed 5th. She later appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 9 in 2024, where she finished as one of the runners-up. Since then, Vanjie has built a successful drag career through touring, brand endorsements, and media appearances.

She released the single “I’m Vanjie” in 2018 and has appeared in music videos for artists like Iggy Azalea, serving as host for her dating show “Vanjie: 24 Hours of Love.” Her humor, fierce fashion, and unforgettable stage presence have earned her a large international following and cemented her status as a pop culture icon.

Awards and Nominations

• Nominated – WOWIE Awards
• Nominated – Queerty Awards
• Finalist – RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9
• Pop culture recognition for the “Miss Vanjie” viral moment

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @vanessavanjie

Personal Life

American drag queen and performer from Tampa, Florida. Vanessa Vanjie Mateo is currently unmarried and does not have any children. She was previously in a relationship with actor Brandon Flynn, but they later separated. Regarding her height, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall, which is approximately 175 cm.

Discography

Singles:

• I’m Vanjie (2018)

TV Appearances:

• RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 10, Season 11)
• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (Season 9)
• Vanjie: 24 Hours of Love

Music Video Features:

• Iggy Azalea – Sally Walker, Started

Net Worth

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. Her income comes from multiple sources, including drag performances, world tours, reality TV shows, music releases, brand partnerships, digital content, and hosting gigs.