CBS.com: Congratulations Trent, how does it feel?
TRENT DAWSON: It’s easier this year than last year because last year was the first time I was nominated and everything was scary. The best part was seeing Alex [Chando, Maddie] nominated. Not that I am not as equally excited for everyone else at our show who got nominations.

CBS.com: Terri Colombino was at the announcement ceremony and was so just so thrilled for you.
TRENT DAWSON: She’s my partner in crime. I love her, it was very sweet. She was one of the first people to call me.

CBS.com: Where were you when you heard?
TRENT DAWSON: I was on my couch, waking up from a hangover and all these people are calling, I just wanted to sleep it off.

CBS.com: What episodes did you submit?
TRENT DAWSON: I submitted an episode of me and Emily dealing with the whole money issues; it’s intense but also has humor. I think Kelley [Hensley] and I had great chemistry in those scenes; we had this great rhythm together.

CBS.com: Did you pick those scenes out yourself?
TRENT DAWSON: I was looking at other stuff and the producers weighted in. there was stuff when I exposed Louis as a rapist and scenes with Maddie in the limo. But the producer really encouraged me to use the stuff with Emily. Looks like it paid off. Now I have to figure out what my second tape will be; maybe something in drag. Henry loves to dress like a woman; I have many episodes to choose from of that.

CBS.com: Are you excited to be going to Los Angeles?
TRENT DAWSON: I am, it’s a nice change. Since I live in Manhattan it was great having it at Radio City [Music Hall]. I lived around the block and I would just roll out and be there. The Emmys this year are Father’s Day weekend. Usually my father and his wife come into New York for the weekend, so maybe I will fly them out to Los Angeles to come with me. I think it would be great to see my dad all dressed up.

CBS.com: Did you do anything to celebrate your nomination?
TRENT DAWSON: I partied the night before so I thought my celebration was the nice warm tea in the morning. I am having a house warming party this weekend, and a lot of my cast members are coming over so I think we’ll all celebrate together.

CBS.com: Do you have a good luck charm you’ll bring with you?
TRENT DAWSON: My best friend in the world died in November, and at his funeral they collected small rocks, and I have one. I’m actually holding it right now, so I think I’ll bring that.

CBS.com: Do you have any thoughts on what you’ll wear?
TRENT DAWSON: No, last year I went through the whole hula boo of finding people to dress me. And I’ll tell you the attitude of people in fashion, wow these people really love themselves. I think I may just buy something, and accessorize it for the next couple of years. Hugo Boss has always been good to me.