Amanda Shaw is crowned the 2026 Greasing of the Poles champion at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street, New Orleans with additional greaser contestants being Bella Blue, Caleb Morse, and Ron Orleans on Friday, February 13, 2026.
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Amanda Shaw Takes the Crown at Royal Sonesta's Greasing of the Poles
Text by Carrie Sagen-Severino
Early Friday morning, contestants and performers assembled
inside the Royal Sonesta ahead of the annual Greasing of the Poles, joined by
familiar local personalities and invited guests. Inside the Jazz Playhouse,
guests gathered over champagne while final preparations continued, all of it
part of a tradition that, for many, signals Mardi Gras weekend has officially
begun. Within the hour, the crowd would shift outside for the spectacle itself.
By 10 a.m., Bourbon Street was already alive with anticipation.
A Tradition That Launches Mardi Gras Weekend
Now in its 56th year, the Greasing of the Poles began
decades ago as a practical safety measure to prevent revelers from climbing
balcony supports during parades. Over time, it has evolved into a theatrical,
crowd-pleasing competition judged on creativity, showmanship, and performance
energy. For many locals, it has become one of the clearest signs that Carnival
is fully underway.
This year's theme, "Royally Superstitious," invited
contestants to lean into mysticism, folklore, and playful superstition, and
each competitor brought their own interpretation to the stage.
Contestants Bring Personality to the Spotlight
Each participant approached the challenge differently,
transforming the morning into a showcase of humor, theatrical flair, and
hometown pride.
Musician Amanda Shaw, who would ultimately take the crown, reflected on what the tradition means to her before stepping outside. "Any time I get to take part in our culture and traditions here, it reminds me what a special place New Orleans is and how meaningful it is to be part of something bigger than yourself."
She added, with a smile, "I've spent nearly 30 years training my hands as a musician, so I figured that might finally pay off in a competition like this."
Podcast host Caleb Morris leaned fully into performance mode. "It definitely made this Louisiana boy's heart explode. I didn't know my biggest dreams involved grease, but they do apparently." His strategy, he said, was simple. "It's all show. I'm gonna walk out there, shake my butt, win the people over, and then grease the poles best I can."
Performer Bella Blue described competing as a full-circle moment. "I grew up watching this, so it's really exciting to finally get to be part of it." Her approach was straightforward. "The strategy is just to have a good time."
Meanwhile, Ronald Anthony Johnson Jr. reflected on what it meant to finally participate in an event he had long admired. "It feels surreal. I've seen it done so many times before, and I always thought it looked fun, but I never imagined I'd actually get to do it myself."
He added: "I was scared, nervous, and excited all at the same time, and I knew I had to do it."
And the Winner Is
When the grease settled and scores were tallied, Amanda
Shaw claimed the title, winning over judges and crowd alike with a performance
that blended musical charisma, humor, and fearless showmanship. She even
incorporated her violin bow into the act, proving that technique and
theatricality can share the same spotlight.
More Than a Competition
What stood out most was not just the costumes or
performances. It was the shared sentiment expressed by each contestant before
the show began. Every one of them had grown up watching this tradition, never
imagining they would one day be part of it themselves.
That is the magic of New Orleans traditions. They do not just entertain the crowd. Eventually, they invite you onto the stage.
