Shea Couleé Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Real Name, Gender, Boyfriend, Songs

Jaren Kyei Merrell, also known as Shea Couleé is a trailblazing American drag queen, musician, and reality TV star who’s captivated audiences with her fierce style and multifaceted talent. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she skyrocketed to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 and won All Stars Season 5, solidifying her status as a drag icon.

Known for her high-fashion looks, powerful performances, and music like the album 8, Shea’s African-American heritage and bold creativity make her a proud symbol of American artistry.

Profile

• Full Name: Jaren Kyei Merrell
• Stage Name: Shea Couleé
• Born: February 8, 1989
• Age: 36 years old
• Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Drag Queen, Musician, Reality TV Personality, Fashion Designer
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Merrell
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $2 million to $5 million

Early Life and Education

Jaren Kyei Merrell was born on February 8, 1989, in Chicago, Illinois, to Mr. and Mrs. Merrell. Raised in the Chicago suburb of Plainfield, her ethnicity is African-American, and she grew up in a Christian household, though she keeps her personal beliefs private.

Details about her siblings are not publicly available, as Shea prioritizes family privacy. She began exploring drag at a young age, inspired by Chicago’s vibrant drag scene.

Jaren graduated from Plainfield South High School and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costume Design from Columbia College Chicago, where she honed her skills in fashion and performance.

Career

Shea Couleé started performing drag in Chicago’s club scene around 2012, gaining recognition at venues like Berlin Nightclub. She rose to prominence on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 (2017), winning four challenges and placing fifth, known for her iconic lip-sync to Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” against Trinity Taylor.

She returned for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 5 (2020), winning with five maxi-challenge victories, earning the crown and $100,000. In 2022, she competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7, the first all-winners season, placing in the top four.

Shea appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World (2022) as a guest and Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs. the World (2024) as a guest judge.

Her music career includes the 2017 EP Couleé-D and the 2023 album 8, with singles like “Your Name” and “Let Go.” She collaborated with GESS on “Bad Juju” (2020) and appeared in Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby” video (2021).

Shea’s acting credits include Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3 (2021) and We’re Here (2021–2024) as a guest.

Awards and Nominations

• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Winner, Season 5 (2020)
• Critics’ Choice Real TV Awards: Nominated for Best Ensemble Cast in a Reality Series for We’re Here (2021)
• New York Magazine: Ranked among “Most Powerful Drag Queens in America” (2019)
• Queerty Awards: Nominated for Drag Royalty (multiple years)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @sheacoulee
• Facebook handle: Shea Couleé (active)
• Twitter handle: @SheaCoulee

Personal Life

Shea Couleé, 36, splits her time between Los Angeles, California, and Chicago, Illinois. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, she’s known for her stunning runway looks and polished drag aesthetic.

Shea identifies as a gay, nonbinary individual, using she/her pronouns in drag and they/them out of drag, embracing their gender fluidity.

She is single, with no spouse or children, and keeps her dating life private. In 2017, she survived a violent carjacking in Chicago, an experience that deepened her advocacy for community safety.

Raised by a supportive mother who attended her Drag Race finale, Shea remains close to her family.

Discography:

• Couleé-D (2017) – EP (Tracks: “Cocky,” “Ride,” “Feeling So”)
• 8 (2023) – Album (Tracks include “Your Name,” “Material,” “Let Go”)
• Singles: “Creme Brulee” (2017), “Bad Juju” (2020, with GESS), “Collide” (2020, with Mykki Blanco), “Self Love” (2023)
• Featured: “Always” (Waze & Odyssey, 2017), “Room Pt. 2” (The Vixen, 2018)

Filmography:

• RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 (2017) – Contestant (5th place)
• RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked (2017) – Herself
• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 5 (2020) – Contestant (Winner)
• Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3 (2021) – Herself
• We’re Here (2021–2024) – Guest
• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 (2022) – Contestant (Top 4)
• RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World (2022) – Guest
• Industry Baby by Lil Nas X (2021) – Cameo (Music Video)
• Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs. the World (2024) – Guest Judge
• The Traitors Season 3 Watch Party (2025) – Co-Host

Net Worth

Shea Couleé’s estimated net worth is between $2 million and $5 million. Her income comes from RuPaul’s Drag Race winnings, music sales, live performances, her fashion line Maison Couleé, and endorsements with brands like Savage X Fent.