Dance-music mainstay Kristine W. wears many hats. Every one brims with vim. In a recent interview, the veteran performer reflects on her 20-plus-year career – from working the beauty pageant circuit and collecting a check from The Colonel (think Memphis, not Louisville) to raising a family and fighting for her life. And that’s just the half of it. Kristine – otherwise known as the fab Ms. W to her loyal legion – also discusses her latest album Power of Music, and in a world exclusive reveals the results of a MySpace contest for fans to choose the song they’d most like to hear on her soon-to-be-released Christmas CD. Our vote? “Come All Ye Faithful.”

Gay & Lesbain Times: Before we get into the meat and potatoes of this thing, let’s take a minute to admire you. I read somewhere that since your debut album in 1996, you’ve broken records previously held by Madonna and Janet Jackson for consecutive hits on the Billboard Club Play chart. Is that true?

Kristine W.: Yes, that’s true! I’m very proud of that, and I owe that success to my fans that continue to inspire me.

GLT: Have you bumped into to either of them since you ripped the dance-hall tiaras from their pretty little heads?

KW: No, we don’t roll in the same circles. I like to be with my people, hang with them after the shows, dance with them after the shows. I like to be accessible. It’s way more fun.

GLT: While we’re talking tiaras, in the early 1980s you were a contestant in the Miss America competition. Did you ever have to kick a bitch’s ass backstage?

KW: Yes, it was the mid-80s and one of the girls put water in my hairspray bottle. I told them all if I find out who did it they’ll be missing some teeth – so don’t f—k with me. [Laughs] That shocked ’em.

GLT: After you retired your world-peace speech, you headed to Las Vegas where, during the late 1980s and early ’90s, you performed more shows at the Las Vegas Hilton than anyone in its history – including the King of Rock-n-Roll, Elvis Presley. Now, I could ask a safe question like, “How does it feel to be in the company of the greatest?” But I don’t care about that. What I really want to know is what kind of trouble you caused in Sin City? You were young, single and financially independent. And those are the top three reasons in my book to do whatever the hell you want. Anything you’d like to confess, missy?

KW: I took my scholarship money and hit the road from my farm town in Washington State and headed immediately to Vegas. I worked my way through school performing on stages, singing everywhere. I was offered my own show at the Las Vegas Hilton because I had built up such a big local following. Soon we could not fit any more people in the 200-seat room, so they built me a 500-seat room. I learned a lot of history about Elvis. His manager, The Colonel, was very old and lived at the Hilton. He was always in the entertainment office sitting there when I would pick up my check. The entertainment director, Foster Wilson, told me many stories about Elvis, and when my son was born [Foster] opened the glass case with the famous Elvis outfit and guitar and I took a picture with [my son] JR next to it in his car seat. A lot of good memories at the Hilton. My Mom says I became a grown up while I was playing those stages. About my personal life during that time – I had fun, but kept it on the down low because I was the leader of the band, the star of the show, and the producer. But, yes, I enjoyed the company of some really hot guys!

GLT: Considering you sordid past (wink), it’s no wonder you have such an avid gay following! But I’ve always wondered, how does one get an avid gay following? I mean, it’s not like you set out to be the next Betty White. Right?

KW: Being a gay icon just happened organically. One minute I was in London performing for straight people in straight clubs. The next, I’m in NYC with 2,000 half-naked men. Pretty fun!

GLT: I’ve seen the company you keep – Junior Vasquez, RuPaul, etc. So it might be more appropriate to ask that question differently. Do you know any straight people?

KW: Yes, I have straight friends! [Laughs] You would not believe the diversity of my friendship pool. It’s hilarious!

GLT: There’s no easy transition into this next question so I’ll just come out with it: While making it in Vegas on your own is admirable, overcoming leukemia is a modern-day miracle. My brother passed away from the disease in 2002 at age 22, so I know firsthand the devastation cancer can cause the people it affects. What were your thoughts when you were diagnosed, and how did the battle to beat the disease change your life?

KW: I was devastated when I was diagnosed, angry, scared. I cried for about three days straight. Then I called upon my faith and I knew I had to be a soldier rather than a victim. The odds of my survival were pretty slim so I needed to really focus and educate myself on the disease. The two-year battle changed my priorities. I have always been in love with my two children since they were born. I know their love saved me and gave me the fight to hang in there. Children and music, that’s my focus – and without a doubt, I have seen the power of love and the power of music through them and my loyal fan base.

GLT: Your October calendar is filling up fast. First up is the “Come Out with Pride Parade” at Disney World, which is way late since the annual Gay Days is in June. So what’s the significance? Is this your first time participating?

KW: This is the first time I’ve performed at Orlando Pride, so I’m really excited about it! We’ve had some amazing shows at The Parliament House, and I know how fun the people in Orlando are. So watch out and fasten your wig on, honey!

GLT: After you’re done rubbing elbows with Hanna Montana, you’re performing at the Save the Ta-Tas Pink Party in Boston. What’s your mission that evening?

KW: To give my fans a great show.

GLT: I’ll be honest, I’m not that into boobies – but I do think they’re all worth saving! Is that enough to get me on the guest list as your date?

KW: You can be my date anytime. I don’t care what side of the fence you’re on.

GLT: BTW, I must say – and this is in no way related to me being your arm candy at the Pink Party – but you don’t look your age. At all. I won’t tell the world the actual number – I’ll leave that to your discretion – but how do you keep yourself looking so … sexy? You Mousercise, don’t you?

KW: I eat healthy, dark chocolate, sex, champagne, exercise, and loving my cool gay friends that make me laugh. It seems to be working.

GLT: Your newest single, “The Boss,” from the upcoming Power of Music, recently earned you your 11th #1 Billboard track. Can we expect more of the same when the record drops later this year? Any collabos we should look out for?

KW: My next single from Power Of Music is called” Never,” and I’m also releasing a seven-song Christmas EP called “Hey, Mr. Christmas.” It’s a very uplifting project because the holidays can be a bummer for a lot of people. It’s definitely good medicine. We asked my MySpace peeps which Christmas song they would most like to see me redo and we put the winner on the album. I will tell the world for the first time in this interview which one it was – it was a dance mix of “Hard Candy Christmas.” How’s that for new scoop! I’m also working with [pop-pianist] Jim Brickman at the moment – so stay tuned.