Star power

With the Academy Awards just days away, you’ll forgive Traci Ross if she’s riding a little high in her heels this week. On the diva holiday calendar, Oscar night ranks behind only Halloween on the glamour scale.

"It’s a night to up the ante, to make it unpredictable," said Ross, who still is glowing over last year’s "Dreamgirls" coronation. "It’s the red carpet, the costumes, the makeup, the dresses. It’s Hollywood. What’s a better night to celebrate?"

The popular female impersonator will perform during breaks in the action Sunday at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club’s annual Oscar party. "I love to be able to deliver," said Ross, who portrays celebs such as Beyonce, Tina Turner and Jennifer Lopez. "Whatever the big theme of the Oscars is, I go for it."

Here’s what else the faux film star told us about Oscar night done right.

What can we expect this year?
The theme is Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth" because of the theatrics, the makeup, the costumes. I’m going to make it over-the-top drag.

You’ll be changing costumes a few times. Can you tell us what else you have in store?
No. I like the shock and awe element. I really like the effect when the curtain opens and I come out and my costume is unexpected.

What kinds of reactions do you get?
Oh, my god. I’ve had people jump up on the bar, scream, pulling at me, taking pictures. Some people take so many pictures I never get through the song. It’s like paparazzi crazy. Everybody has their camera, everybody’s popping pictures. That moment of the surprise element, that is my high.

You’ve performed as Janet Jackson. Have you ever had a "wardrobe malfunction"?
[Laughs.] Not that many times. I once got my heel caught in a lace dress. I’m known for doing kicks and splits and flips. I went to kick, and everything went black. My legs went out from under me. Pow! No one knew (it was unintentional) because they thought it was part of the act!

What’s more important, watching the red carpet or the ceremony?
The red carpet for me. The Oscars has gotten boring, except for last year because of "Dreamgirls." I was on an Oscars high. And the year that Halle Berry won. Oscars high.

Are you a red carpet critic?
Of course, of course, of course. … You can’t do this and not be a critic. I’m sure a lot of people don’t like everything I wear, but because I’m the entertainer it’s my artistic vision. I’m open to constructive criticism if it’s done tastefully.

What is the most important part of any Oscars party?
Keep it classy and keep it minimal. Too many people can take away from the elegance of it.

Let’s talk predictions. Who’s going to win best leading actress?
That’s a tough category. I don’t know if Ellen Page will win for best actress, but "Juno" may win best picture.

Best supporting actress?
Ruby Dee may win for "American Gangster." She’s 83, she’s been in this business forever, she lost her husband a year ago. She might get the sympathy vote.

[ Michael Hines is a Metromix special contributor. ]
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