In the lead up to the Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVA), over 500 people cast their votes at the event's Voting Day on Saturday.

Held at the Midnight Shift, members of the public voted in eight categories including Most Popular Male Performer, Most Popular Female Performer, Most Popular Venue and My Favourite Drag Queen. Shows up for nomination included ARQ Candy, We’re Super and Home Sweet Homo.

A panel of eight judges, including DIVA Chair Paul Croft and board director Peter Skillicorn, have voted on another eleven categories including Entertainer of the Year and Costume Designer of the Year.

“It’s been very popular. We had quite a lot of people in and through, about 500 or 600 people,” Skillicorn told SX.

He added that this year, drag queens have utilised new media to attract votes.

“There’s been a lot of Facebook messages sent around this year – that’s a new tool people have used to get their point across. I think that’s worked very well.”

As for DIVA itself, Skillicorn remains poised for surprises.

“There’s always a shock isn’t there? Someone always thinks they’re going to win and they don’t, so that’s why the ‘Bitch and Boast’ party is where it all happens – the knives come out!”

The DIVA Awards will be held tonight at 7pm, at Paddington Town Hall. Tickets still available from Evolution Online Shop. For details, CLICK HERE . A limited number will be available at the door.

The ‘Bitch and Boast’ after-party will be held at Trademark Bar, Kings Cross and the post-DIVAs ‘Brunch with the Ladies’ recover party will be held from 7am at Stonewall Hotel.

Pictured: Natasha Knowles, right, campaigning for votes on Saturday. Knowles is up for DIVA Rising Star. (Photo: Adam Bub) 

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