Jaida Essence Hall

Jared Johnson, professionally known by the stage name Jaida Essence Hall, is an American drag performer and reality television personality. Born on December 9, 1988, Johnson achieved international recognition by winning the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2020. Johnson later re-entered the franchise to compete on the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, an all-winners edition.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Johnson was influenced by the city's diverse drag scene and strong sense of community, frequently performing at local venues such as Hamburger Mary's. The stage moniker originated through personal interactions: a friend suggested "Jaida" during Johnson's first time wearing a wig, Johnson's boyfriend described Johnson as "the essence of beauty," and "Hall" represents Johnson's drag family lineage under drag mothers Tajma Hall and Prada Diamond, alongside drag sisters Mercedes Iman Diamond, Naysha Lopez, Dida Ritz, and Kahmora Hall.

Johnson built a reputation through pageantry, winning titles such as Miss Five, Miss Gay Madison, Miss Wisconsin Club, and Miss City of the Lakes, and delivered a halftime performance at a 2019 Milwaukee Bucks game. Known for design and beauty skills, Johnson constructs personal stage outfits while Johnson's partner creates jewelry. Johnson also worked as a makeup artist, painting Silky Nutmeg Ganache for the season eleven finale of RuPaul's Drag Race.

Announced for season twelve of RuPaul's Drag Race in January 2020, Johnson won three main challenges featuring a Fosse-style routine, a debate, and a makeover. After a bottom-two placement, Johnson won a lip sync against Heidi N Closet to Prince's "1999." Johnson earned the season title during a virtual finale on May 29, 2020, following a lip sync to Destiny's Child's "Survivor" against Crystal Methyd and Gigi Goode, earning a 2020 People's Choice Award nomination.

Following the win, Johnson headlined major tours including Werq the World, Drive 'N Drag, and A Drag Queen Christmas. Notable appearances included a spot in Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Fashion Show Vol. 2, the cover of Attitude magazine, a performance with Christina Aguilera at LadyLand Festival, and appearances at PridetoberFest and Night of the Living Drag.

In 2022, Johnson joined the residency show RuPaul's Drag Race Live! in Las Vegas, performed with Katy Perry during her Play concert residency, and hosted a TikTok-sponsored Grammy fashion show. After appearing as a "Lip Sync Assassin" on All Stars season six, Johnson competed on All Stars season seven, winning episode three and a lip sync to Beyonce's "Green Light." In July 2023, Johnson was named a host for season four of We're Here alongside Priyanka and Sasha Velour. Johnson later joined Painting with Raven in 2024. Johnson is queer, previously lived in West Allis, and currently resides in Las Vegas.