Nicole Sanders (born January 27, 1976), known professionally as Nikki Exotika and informally as Nikki Xtravaganza is an American television personality, actress and singer. She is best known for appearing on Season 10 of TLC's 90 Day Fiancé.
Personal life Nikki Exotika grew up in New Jersey near the Jersey Shore, but switched schools frequently due to bullying. She developed an interest in performing from a young age and has cited performers including Madonna, RuPaul, and Janet Jackson as influences. During her school years, she participated in marching band, choir, and after-school theatre club.
After developing an early interest in music and performance, Exotika moved to New York City following high school, where she connected with prominent ballroom figure Octavia St. Laurent, and became involved in the city's ballroom and entertainment circles. She began identifying as a transgender woman after high school and has discussed her experiences with gender identity, transition, and public perceptions of her identity in media interviews. Exotika has also attracted media attention for undergoing extensive cosmetic procedures, stating that she has spent more than US$1 million on surgeries including a rhinoplasty, breast implants, and calf implants.
She is a member of the House of Xtravaganza, one of the prominent ”houses” within the New York City ballroom scene, where she uses the name Nikki Xtravaganza. She was featured briefly in the 2024 documentary I'm Your Venus which explores the life and legacy of Venus Xtravaganza.
Exotika has also been outspoken about her Christian faith, and added that she doesn't follow politics, stating "I follow Jesus".
90 Day Fiancé Exotika appeared on Season 10 of TLC's 90 Day Fiancé when she went to Moldova in 2023 to meet with her boyfriend, Justin Shutencov. Throughout the season they opened up about their issues, including how Exotika's journey as a transgender woman affected their dynamic. Shutencov abruptly broke up with Exotika over text, citing he felt that the relationship made him sacrifice his dignity.
Filmography Credits adapted from IMDb. +Television and film rolesYearTitleRoleNotes202390 Day FiancéHerself 18 episodes2021Hooked on the LookHerself 2 episodes2019Orange Is the New BlackGala Guest (uncredited)Episode: "God Bless America"Mr. and Mrs. JacksonNaomiEpisode: "Brooklyn Boosters"2018PoseWorking Girl (uncredited)Episode: "Pink Slip"2017This MorningHerself 1 episode2016Vamp Bikers TresStreetwalker2014My Trans LifeHerself Episode: "Transgender girl band: Singer creating America's first Transgender Music Act"2010JerseyliciousHerself Episode: "Gaga for Glam"2008The Tyra Banks ShowHerself Episode: "Plastic Surgery Nightmares"MauryMerylEpisode: "Red Carpet Queens Revealed! Born a Man or a Woman!"2006TrantasiaHerself Contestant in the 'World's Most Beautiful Transsexual Pageant'.
Discography As lead artist
Singles Title Year Writer(s) Producer(s) "Million Dollar Barbie"2024Kali J, Nicole SandersEddy Beethoven Nunez"Padam Padam"2023Ina Wroldsen, Peter Rycroft"Your Body"2019Myah MarieMyah Marie"Young Wild and Free"2016Kali JRyan Snow"All Lined Up"2015 Nicole Sanders rowspan="4""Secret Girl"2012"Manwhore"2011Ashley Breathe, Nicole Sanders"Electric Touch"
Extended plays Title Details Your BodyReleased: March 7, 2021 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download, streaming
See also Kara Leona
References
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