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  • RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Feeling Faint

    Now that’s more like it. This episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race has everything: beautiful gowns, hideous jumpsuits, fighting, crying, fainting, accusations of faking that fainting, and Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford singing about boobs. Just four episodes into the season, we’ve already had some remarkable ups and downs, but here’s hoping things stay on this track.

    I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the two best episodes this season (this one and the premiere) have been the sewing challenges, where the producers get out of the girls’ way and just let them be drag queens. To be clear: This is not a great episode because of the challenge, which is convoluted and off-putting and seemingly designed because the producers were worried about the karmic retribution they were facing by depriving Vita of her first-episode win. It’s a great episode because the cast is really good, and watching them interact is an utter delight. The girl-group songs were terrible; the RDR Live! scripts stank; this challenge is weird. The success of this season will rest on the girls, not the twists, and if the producers can just not fuck it up, I think we’re in for an entertaining rest of the season.

    The episode opens on the first legitimately dramatic mirror-message session I can remember. Normally, the show tries to stir up scandal with a healthy helping of sound effects, but this week Briar, Mia, and Athena really are fighting. You see, Briar has run afoul of South Florida by not respecting Athena’s boundaries while expecting Mia to understand her implicit ones concerning her previous relationship. Additionally, Mia thinks Mandy should have stayed in the competition over Briar. Plus, it turns out that Briar’s been shady off-camera toward Athena, stirring up a little drama between her and her drag daughter Juicy.

    A lot of the drama that comes up this week, particularly here, is centered on stuff that we didn’t initially see. Mia joking Briar was the reason her relationship failed wasn’t shown last week; Briar telling Mia she crossed a line was off-camera; Briar joking about Juicy and Athena’s relationship was behind the scenes. Drag Race is notorious for its draconian rules about contestants’ whereabouts, and, from what I’ve heard, typically keeps them on ice (a reality TV term for “shut the fuck up”) backstage. Clearly, that is no longer the case because this the second time that BTS drama has played out between these very queens, after glove-gate during the premiere.

    Honestly, I’m fine with this. The queens don’t start real drama on-camera anymore because of their reputations, but they are drag queens, so there will be drama. It just doesn’t happen when the camera is on them. If letting scandal fester offscreen is what it takes to get good story lines onscreen, then that’s fine. Just make sure the situations are clearly explained.

    The challenge this week starts by having the girls pair up with their friends. Then, they are turned against each other in a “Who Wore It Best” competition. The idea is cribbed from Drag Race U.K. season two, if I’m remembering correctly, where it resulted in Tia Kofi’s eternal “I’m serving you an adequate dress with materials that are stuck on my body.” Good challenge! Messy, but not in a way that would result in someone with a top-tier outfit going home, even if she can’t beat her partner. Plus, it results in a shorter challenge (just a runway walk) and they use the excess airtime to critique every single girl, which I think is a stroke of genius. Heading into next week, every single contestant will have a story line with the judges in place.

    The sewing challenge asks each girl to mash up two randomly selected red-carpet looks. Too bad this was filmed last summer when it was still reasonable to include Nicki Minaj content on this show. The pairings and looks are as follows:

    ➼ Briar & Juicy: Lil Nas X’s pink cowboy suit and Rihanna’s Guo Pei Met Gala coat

    ➼ Discord & Jane: Cher’s Oscars black two-piece and Sarah Paulson’s green Prada spikes

    ➼ Myki & Nini: J.Lo’s green Versace dress and Nicki Minaj’s leopard-print Grammys look (the only outfit I was not familiar with)

    ➼ Ciara & Kenya: Lady Gaga’s meat dress and Britney Spears’s all-denim dress

    ➼ Mia & Vita: Katy Perry’s Met Gala chandelier and Lil’ Kim’s purple VMAs outfit with a boob hanging out

    ➼ Darlene & Athena: Kim K.’s floral extravaganza and Zendaya’s Mugler robot

    In the Werk Room, Briar cries to partner Juicy about the fighting and feeling attacked, which makes sense. It’s notable that these are the queens under 29 in the cast, especially since Juicy has allies in the Florida girls. The word undergirding all of Briar’s actions is “immaturity.” Otherwise, the Werk Room stuff is all fun but inconsequential. I’m really starting to fall in love with Mia, who knows she is not beating Vita but still tries really hard and keeps her spirits up. Jane and Discord eye each other up, since they both consider themselves look queens. Juicy is still asking for help. Vita reveals that she literally makes replicas of celebrity outfits back home. Seriously, they probably just designed this challenge with her in mind. (Which is fine; she should have a win.)

    On the runway, it’s time to see some face-offs. Juicy and Briar are first. I love Juicy’s outfit. Who knew she could make this after the disastrous first-week look? It’s got a fun hood and some faux-fur lining. The judges get on her a bit about the fur being meager, but it’s a sewing challenge, so I’m not bothered. Briar really does look bad. “Neon-yellow bodysuit” is just not a word combination that makes sense. Also, if you’re doing true female-illusion drag, with a glamorous face and big hips, it does not make sense to me to forgo breasts. The outfit just doesn’t make sense proportionally. I don’t think her head was in the game this week.

    Next is Discord and Jane. I don’t like Discord’s look at all. She’s doing “high fashion” drag, showing a lot of body, but the bodice sits too low, so it just gives, in Law’s words, “man in a dress.” The pieces trailing off the bodice as her skirt, lined with green fur, are not cute. And her face is too harsh. Walk still bad. Jane’s look is definitely better, but I’m not falling all over it in the way the judges are. The length is odd, and the dress has nothing to do with the original looks other than the colors. What about Cher and Sarah’s looks gave Auntie Mame? And the length is weird. She’s still a front-runner, but it’s not my favorite week for her.

    Myki and Nini have the hardest time combining their two fabrics (leopard and green jungle) and give probably my least favorite looks of the week in the aggregate. Myki’s Hollywood-glamour ensemble really is overaccessorized. It’s not hideous or anything, it’s just totally forgettable. This queen needs to step on the gas. Nini’s look is a disappointment from her. A leopard bodysuit with green sashes, it’s definitely well made, but it’s just … ugly.

    Ciara Myst does by far the best work I’ve ever seen her do in this competition. She builds a meaty-looking bodysuit with a denim cocktail dress over the top, then ties herself up like a Christmas ham. This is what I’ve been waiting for with her: It feels genuinely odd and creepy, but also leans away from the plasticky Halloween aesthetic that’s defined her drag so far. Really into it. Kenya definitely improves on her first challenge design look, creating a red and denim mermaid dress, but it’s not interesting and doesn’t engage enough with the meat dress.

    The judges love Mia’s gown with a breast hanging out, but I think it’s just okay. She does what was asked of her, for sure, but the random piece of purple fabric that snakes up her dress is ugly. I don’t get the passion for this one. Vita’s look, though, is drop-dead stunning. It’s one of the best gowns I’ve ever seen made on the show. This is better than a lot of queens’ ultimate finale gowns. Amazing work. Well-deserved win.

    Finally, it’s Darlene and Athena. This is the only decision that I fully disagree with. I really like Darlene’s outfit! It helps that she’s eight feet tall with a model’s disposition, but she looks amazing in her space-age cowboy fit. It’s totally Darlene and very fashionable. The judges ding her for the shoes, but I think she makes up for it in innovation. I don’t like Athena’s look at all. It’s a dress with a cape. Look, the name of the game with her is “well-rendered but basic drag,” and that’s just never going to set me on fire. I’ve seen this a billion times both on the show and off.

    During critiques, Briar gets the harshest reviews by far, and, just as Ru is about to declare Juicy victorious over her, she faints. It’s a shocking moment, one that I’ll remember for a long time. The especially iconic grace note is the reveal of the hole in her crotch as she tumbles to the ground. The doors that ANTM cycle four’s Rebecca has opened. Then, the girls quickly start to speculate about whether it was real or faked. That’s crazy! Vita fully comes down on the side of it being fake. Other girls are less willing to do that on-camera, but they seem suspicious. I don’t have anything to say about that, as I was not there. The speculation, though, is definitely mean-spirited (and also fun to watch).

    Jane, Vita, and Ciara are declared the overall top three. I’d have replaced Jane with Juicy or even Darlene. Vita wins, as she should have three weeks ago. Glad to see her on top where she belongs. The bottom three are Kenya, Discord, and Briar, with the bottom two being Kenya and Briar. Sorry, but I think Discord should be down there with Briar. Did not get that look at all, even if it was well made. The song is a late-stage Kylie Minogue track called “Lights Camera Action,” which … this show is as it ever was. Neither girl has an amazing grasp on the words, but Kenya is about 300 times more entertaining. She gets to stay, and Briar gets sent home mere hours after fainting on the main stage. (Or, if you ask Vita, falling for fun.)

    • The girls spend most of their time on Untucked freaking out about whether Briar will get cleared to come back and, if not, who will wrongly take her place in the bottom two. Loved seeing all of them do the Discord walk. It’s a total joy. I reiterate: I’m having fun with this cast, and if the show can just play to their strengths, we could have a really good season on our hands.

    • “I don’t want to squabble this opportunity” is very funny.

    • Trauma Makeup Corner: Briar and Mia use this time to patch up their relationship by both sharing parts of their trauma. I was glad to see the tearful talks motivated by story line, but this did feel a little forced. Both their stories were very emotional, but the whole segment just feels produced, whether by production, editing, or the queens themselves.

    • Predicted Top Four: Holding strong on Jane, Juicy, Vita, and Nini. But Nini needs a pop and a real story line soon, because the other three front-runners are gaining on her by the week. “Underestimated” can only take you so far when the person underestimating you was Discord.

    Jason P. Frank

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  • RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: When Athena Takes the Stand

    Welcome back, girl groups! Oh, how I missed you. Except maybe not this version of girl groups, filled with dated references that most of the girls don’t fully understand. Okay, let me back up a little.

    Last season on RuPaul’s Drag Race, the show eschewed girl groups entirely, and it was a mistake. I thought it was weird. Suzie Toot told me it was weird when I interviewed her. And fans thought it was weird. We all like girl groups! Watching the girls struggle to put together a number reflects what they actually do at home, and the ones who are good at performing can use that to their advantage on tour and online. It’s the single challenge that most accurately reflects these girls’ ability to work as a drag queen in 2026. In the U.K., it’s become an incredibly standard challenge, spurred on by that country’s love of girl groups like Spice Girls, Little Mix, Girls Aloud, and others.

    But for some reason, American Drag Race refuses to let the girls just do modern girl-group drag. In season 14, they had to do doo-wop songs based on girl groups that the girls clearly did not know the differences between. In season 15, they literally had to become old ladies for some reason. The high-water mark for girl-group challenges in recent years is season 16, which got out of the girls’ way and just let them slay. (Remember how Nymphia ate that? Oh, those were the days.) Maybe this difference is because we have a messier history with girl groups in America, especially during the show’s heyday in the 2010s, when the only American girl group of note was Fifth Harmony, who were a mess.

    But in 2026, girl groups are huge again — specifically K-pop groups like Le Sserafim, Blackpink, and the globally based Katseye, which even includes some American members. So I was excited when I heard they were going to do “Q-pop” groups. Until, that is, RuPaul revealed the songs’ genres were all just ’60s–’80s pastiche. Look, I believe drag queens need a Rolodex of pop culture that extends beyond their years. The problem is that the show refuses to update its Rolodex. You’re telling me that Leland couldn’t work up a serviceable “Gnarly” parody that the girls could do something with? Instead, we have to sit through critiques about how Mandy Mango could not accurately evoke Sylvester. These girl groups need to get with the times.

    Still, it’s a pretty solid episode. There’s drama and hurt feelings, with some queens managing to stand out as performers and other queens managing to stand out as characters. Chief among that latter camp is Athena Dion, who, it turns out, is not a “Sasha Colby.” No, no … She’s a “Shannel.” Specifically, she’s a season-one Shannel: a classic drag queen who is utterly sour when things don’t go her way. In other words, she’s a perfect shit-stirrer for reality TV.

    The episode starts with Ru announcing the challenge: Form a “Q-pop” group and perform a song in one of three genres — doo-wop pop (à la Wham), disco (à la Sylvester), or punk (à la the Runaways). Then, Ru lets Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr, as the top two from last week, pick the teams, with the four unchosen queens forming the final group of “leftovers.” They end up as such:

    Team Nini: Nini, Mia Starr, Ciara Myst, Myki Meeks, and Kenya Pleaser

    Team Vita: Vita, Briar Blush, Juicy Love Dion, Discord Addams, and Jane Don’t

    Team Leftovers: Athena Dion, Darlene Mitchell, Mandy Mango, and DD Fuego

    Athena is obviously pissed not to be chosen and promptly becomes a sourpuss for the entire episode because of it (immediately proving Nini and Vita right for not choosing her).

    When it comes time to pick the song, every single team wants disco and nobody wants punk, which is obviously a mistake. Punk requires the least dancing, so it’s helpful if you have any only-okay or even bad dancers, which every group has. Plus, it’s easily parody-able and visually interesting. And why on earth do these queens want disco? It’s Ru’s favorite genre, and she’s obviously going to be pedantic about their interpretations of it. Anyone who doesn’t have a backlog of references about disco should avoid it at all costs. The pop song is totally fine, but ultimately, it’s hard to break through on a restrained, chipper track. Athena and Vita go at it until the ungainly Discord, who literally performs in a rock band, manages to convince her team that punk is the way to go (she’s right). And Athena, who keeps referring to disco as “her era,” gets the genre she wants.

    During choreography, Nini’s pop team is filled with at-least-competent movers along with Mia Starr, who is a professional dancer, so it goes swimmingly. The punk team has to deal with Discord, who cannot move, as proven on last week’s runway, but otherwise seems fine with Juicy taking the lead. And the disco team has no clear leadership except a pissed-off Athena, and they are also saddled with Darlene, who is awful at choreo.

    The vocal recordings with Michelle go well enough for everyone except Nini, who has lost her voice. It’s definitely sad to see her struggle, but for all her freak-outs, I was confident that the judges wouldn’t hold it against her. That’s one level of unfair too far for even RuPaul.

    When the performances begin, Team Disco goes first. They are … not good. Athena starts the number off and performs exactly the kind of Drag Race verse that people like to make fun of. She has the most basic of rhythms, and sings lines like, “Pay no mind to what they say / This is your journey, lead the way.” It’s tough to watch. And the choreo, which she spearheaded, is the most basic drag choreo imaginable. Athena is a classic drag queen, but her lack of innovation is immediately hurting her. Darlene can’t dance, but she creates a fully realized ditzy character and includes a Sylvester-y high-note bit that Ru loves. She knows how to play the game. Mandy is overenergetic and performs by-the-book drag choreo, with an uncharismatic vocal performance on her verse. DD isn’t bad so much as she is boring.

    The doo-wop team is definitely better than the disco team, but I wouldn’t say they kill it. Mostly, that’s because the song sucks. Mia Starr fares the best, largely because she turns it into a Meghan Trainor track. She performs it very well, has a good voice, and has innate musicality. I hate her costume, though. Kenya does pretty well, with a cute verse. She does lose her face a little bit when she kicks her leg in the air. On TV and on Drag Race, you need to be “on” all the time. Ciara Myst really leans into the “inspirational” idea in her lyrics, which I’ll cop to finding a bit grating. Her verse isn’t bad, but it plays like Ms. Rachel for tenderqueers. Also, her costume is too busy. Nini is in the unfortunate situation of not being able to perform to her vocal recording. There’s definitely a mismatch between her big performance and her meek voice on the track, but it’s unavoidable. She definitely deserves her safe placement. Myki sounds good and looks a lot like guest judge Dove Cameron. I was impressed that this comedy queen could hold a tune and dance pretty well. Excited to see what she does next week in RDR Live! when she’s finally in her element.

    Finally, it’s the punk group. One huge advantage they have is that their song’s chorus is the only one without faux-inspirational lyrics for them to write to. Instead, they all get to be hot, badass sluts. It makes for much better drag. Discord is first. She is very lucky to be on the punk team, because I think she’d go home on either of the other teams. She mostly just stands still and performs her verse with fear in her eyes. I don’t think she’s long for this world. Vita has a little bit of the Athena problem, where her musicality is very basic, but she makes up for it with a balls-to-the-wall performance. Briar surprises me! I think she is one of the clear standouts in her group, and her look is sexy and fun. Jane goes next, and she’s great. She has a clear idea, playing a woman possessed by the devil who is vacillating between a demonic voice and her normal, more meek one. It’s very funny, very well executed, and totally inventive. Clear winner. Juicy is great throughout the number, but I wouldn’t say punk is her natural habitat. The judges end up choosing just two tops. I think if there were a third, it would be her, but I get why her pirouettes didn’t inspire much love in the rocker-chick song.

    The runway is “favorite body part” — always a great one and vague enough that it gives the queens a lot of space to have fun interpreting it. Athena goes first, showcasing her back with a … backless dress! She looks good in her ever-classic drag. Next is Darlene, doing “skin” with a trashy sunburnt look. It’s great. Her boobs are hamburgers! There are roaches in her hair! Darlene is one to watch. Mandy showcases her face by going as her grandmother’s side table with a photo of her on it. The wood-table base does not read. DD immediately made me laugh when she came out as a cloud with legs to show off her legs, but then she stood up and was wearing an ill-fitting pink leotard. Not great!

    Mia Starr wore a full-body dress that just showed off her neck, her back, her pussy, and her crack, with the reveals of each built in. It’s clever, but not pretty, and the zipper on the back isn’t pretty. Kenya shows off her “everything” in a stoned bodysuit. I get it, but also … do the damn challenge. Ciara turns my favorite look of hers so far, featuring her eyes, with eyes on her head and her boobs. It looks cute! She looks like Carol Burnett. Nini stuns on the runway, wearing a 3-D-printed brain hat and a gorgeous pink look. This is the first Nini look that has blown me away, but it’s looking like she really is the runway queen of the season. This rocks. Myki wears a leotard with a billboard advertising her legs over the top of it. Totally fine for a week where you’re guaranteed safe.

    Discord also wears a backless dress. It’s an ugly mishmash of black and gold. She continues to walk like Tina Belcher, and her lace is a completely different color from her face. She is very, very lucky that the disco team was bad this week. Vita shows off her butt. It’s a black leather leotard with belts that looks great and does, in fact, show off her butt. But I would prefer to see a little more wit. Briar wears an all-covering black-widow outfit, with just one finger poking out. It’s funny! Very Testament of Ann Lee (go see that movie). Jane shows off her mouth with a “Wendy Williams on Masked Singer”–esque outfit featuring a giant red mouth. It’s very visually striking. She knows how to deliver impact. Finally, Juicy shows off her “left leg” with a dress that features just one leg poking out. It’s cute but not jaw-dropping.

    The disco team is put in the bottom as a group, while Ru declares Jane and Mia tops. That makes sense to me, and it gives the judges a chance to express how much they like Darlene and Athena’s general drag, even as they tsk-tsk them for their challenge performances. Ultimately, Jane wins the challenge, and Mandy and DD are made the bottom two. I think that’s mostly right if you’re taking future performance into account, but I do think Athena did the most “wrong” this week. The lip-sync song is Dove Cameron’s “Too Much,” which is exactly the kind of anonymous pop track that you’d find playing at drag shows across America on any Tuesday night. In other words: It’s a clean slate and a completely fair fight. Mandy throws the table off of her and then performs an unremarkable but totally energetic version of the track, with lots of stunts but not a ton of musicality. DD just kind of walks. And so DD Fuego becomes our first out! I’m definitely disappointed to see New York out of the competition so early this year, but I can’t really argue with the results.

    • Nobody gets into a huge fight, and the girls seem mostly happy with the tops and the bottoms this week. Juicy worries about Athena. All in all, a totally fine 22 minutes of time.

    • An edit I loved this week: Pre–lip sync, the two comedy queens of the season, Myki and Jane, double-teaming a description of the queens facing off. Very funny!

    • A joke I loved this week: When the girls ask how much Athena paid DD to claim she’s a team player, DD says, “A trip to Mykonos!”

    • Last week, I claimed that Malaysia was the first queen from Florida. That was obviously wrong, and she instead was the first queen from Miami, and I got confused. Either way, the show’s recent overindexing on FL stands.

    • Trauma Makeup Corner: DD gets to talk about growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, but she doesn’t cry about it. Discord talks about being in a punk band and standing up for queer rights. Later on the runway, Darlene cries about missing performing as a queer person while being a bedroom queen after getting sober. Jane and Darlene have both cried on the runway recently. I think both were completely natural, and, at the same time, I do think enterprising queens would be smart to save their tears for when they’re in front of RuPaul, who loves vulnerability.

    • Gay thoughts from gay people: This week, Michelle Visage sent me her new perfume, Wednesday. It smells a little minty and a little like leather. It’s honestly very nice. Thank you, Michelle!

    • Predicted top four: Jane, Vita, Nini, and a wild card. Darlene?

    Jason P. Frank

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  • How to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Live for Free to See Which Queen Stays & Sashays Away

    All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

    It’s time lip sync for your life. To ring in the New Year, RuPaul’s Drag Race is back for its 18th season, and who will be crowned America’s next drag superstar?

    And if 2026 weren’t juicy enough, we might be locked in to see another courtship on the main stage. “Um, all I’ll say is I did see Vita [VonTesse Starr]’s hand disappear into Athena [Dion],” admits Juicy Love Dion to Entertainment Weekly. These Season 18 contestants have borne witness to the blooming showmance. “The most likely to kai kai after the show, during the show, before the show, currently now,” DD says. “They are in love, they are in lust, and I can’t wait to meet their babies.”

    How to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 at a Glance

    RuPaul’s Drag Race airs exclusively on MTV and streams the next day on Paramount+. This season brings all your favorite judges and celebrity guest judges like Teyana Taylor, Cardi B, Dove Cameron, and more. The new cast members also promise that it’s close to the show’s original roots. “I love this season. I think it’s kind of back to basics. It feels like a traditional season,” Myki Meeks says

    How to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race on MTV

    RuPaul’s Drag Race airs on MTV every Friday on MTV at 8 p.m. local time. Here are all the options to watch it live, or if you want to binge the season all in one go.

    DirecTV Stream delivers CBS across all its packages with a five-day free trial, making it perfect for tonight’s celebration. Plans start at $89.99 per month after the trial period ends. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial with CBS included in its Pro package for $79.99 monthly. Hulu + Live TV also provides access to CBS at $89.99 per month and includes Disney+, Hulu’s on-demand library, and ESPN Plus in one convenient bundle. For viewers who want access to CBS’s entire library alongside live programming, Paramount+ Premium offers the livestream plus every episode of every iteration of RuPaul’s Drag Race (yes, including All Stars) at $12.99 per month after the trial period. Check out the full details on your streaming options for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    How to Watch RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 Live for Free

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    Who are the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 contestants?

    • Athena Dion, 38, Miami, Florida
    • Briar Blush, 25, Boston, Massachusetts
    • Ciara Myst, 32, Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Darlene Mitchell, 34, Los Angeles, California
    • DD Fuego, 37, New York City, New York
    • Discord Addams, 35, St. Petersburg, Florida
    • Jane Don’t ,32, Seattle, Washington
    • Juicy Love Dion, 24, Miami, Florida
    • Kenya Pleaser, 27, Sumter, South Carolina
    • Mandy Mango, 29, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Mia Starr, 39, West Palm Beach, Florida
    • Myki Meeks, 29, Orlando, Florida
    • Nini Coco, 29, Denver, Colorado
    • Vita VonTesse Starr, 38, Montgomery, Alabama

    Who are the RuPaul’s Drag Race guest judges?

    Judging on the main stage are the following:

    • Teyana Taylor
    • Benny Blanco
    • Dove Cameron
    • Cardi B
    • Zara Larsson
    • Brooke Shields
    • Iman
    • Atsuko Okatsuka
    • Jamal Sims
    • Amy Taylor
    • Annaleigh Ashford
    • Danielle Pinnock
    • Julianne Nicholson
    • Sarah Sherman
    • Leland

    Lea Veloso

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  • Orlando drag luminary Myki Meeks is competing on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and she has a few things to say



    Myki Meeks Credit: courtesy image

    Maybe you’ve seen her perform as one of the core members of Best of Orlando-winning drag night Off the Record. Maybe you’ve seen her hosting Orlando’s own take on Drag Race, YouTube series The Gig. Maybe you caught her as part of the Ren’s Nosferatu aftershow, V-Bar. Myki Meeks is one of the busiest drag artists in the City Beautiful, and her calendar got a hell of a lot more full with the recent announcement that she’ll be a contestant on Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race premiering Friday, Jan. 2, on MTV. Orlando Weekly caught up with Meeks right before things get wild …

    Congratulations, and I assume you had to keep this news secret for far too long?

    It was very difficult! I mean, I just left town and did probably the biggest thing I’ve done in my life so far. And to come back and act like I was just going to see Grandma for a few weeks, it was hard. But, you know, it felt very cool to just enjoy these last few months of normalcy before everything erupted. 

    How would you describe your drag artistry to folks who will be just now discovering you through Drag Race?

    I’ve always said Myki Meeks is a theatrical, dynamic powerhouse. My aesthetic reference points are old Hollywood glamour and party girl. So I see myself as a cross between Ava Gardner and Charli XCX.

    That’s quite a …

    Very specific references, but it’s true. I came up through the Orlando drag scene, which has very strong roots in pageantry. I’ve done pageants a few times, but my weekly gigs are more “party girl,” so I find that I like just going between the two.

    As you were moving farther along in the audition process, did you turn to any Orlando RuPaul alumni for advice? 

    So in between the calls — the first call was to say, “Hey, you’re being considered,” and the second call was, “You got it” — I don’t think I brought it up to anybody except Jewels Sparkles from Tampa, because we’re close sisters and I didn’t want to put too much energy into it without confirmation. But once I got the final call, I sat down with Roxxxy Andrews. We went through my whole runway package. She gave me some fantastic advice, and Ginger Minj gave me some really good words of encouragement.

    What was it like performing at OTR the same night the news hit the internet?

    That was overwhelming, for sure. This is a show that I’ve helped promote and create for the past four years. This past year, we started bringing in queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and now to be on the other end of that — to showcase the community in this way, to say, “Hey, your girl has made it to this big platform” — it felt very, very special. I did my very first meet-and-greet with the community of OTR. It was a little silly, because it’s the same people I see every week, but to see the love and energy come back to me, it was just a very special night.

    Speaking of television, did hosting The Gig prepare you for Drag Race at all? 

    You know, I don’t think I brought up The Gig at all during Drag Race. So I love hearing these types of questions. The Gig was a special project in partnership with The Ren. There was a lack of competitions in the scene, and I’ve always wanted to do my own. Donald Rupe, the producer of the Ren, was like, “Well, why don’t we take this to the next level and make this a whole YouTube series as well?” How did it prepare me for Drag Race? Well, I was literally getting ready for Drag Race as we were filming and producing The Gig, both things at the same time. So if you saw me at that time, you would have seen the stress behind my eyes. It was such a special time. I mean, it really did prepare me. I had cameras on my face. I had microphones. We had to do confessionals. It also gave me the insight of what it felt like to be a judge and what I wanted to see from a contestant. I think one of the biggest takeaways was, everybody in the competition was fantastic, and that’s undeniable. It’s not about who is good, who’s bad. It’s about who shone the brightest that week. And I took that mindset with me to Drag Race and thought, well, if I don’t have a top placement this week, I can’t deny that I at least did it and I showed up the best that I could.

    Myki Meeks Credit: Courtesy

    Do you have any plans for the holidays? Or anything leading up to Jan. 2? 

    I think this is definitely the time to catch up on sleep. I just came back from New York and Chicago for press week. It was four or five straight days of 8 a.m. drag. And this is definitely the time to enjoy with my family, before things get wild. It all feels a little unreal. So I’m just going to be with my friends, visit my family, play a lot of videogames, relax until Jan. 2. 

    What’s the promo grind like for this?

    Once we did the premiere party, there was a huge press junket, I think I spoke with like, 12 to 15 different outlets, and after I was done, I just sat back in the dressing room and thought, like, “What the hell just happened?”’ It’s a little imposter syndrome to me, because I’m like, “How did I get to this point?” But now that I’ve been able to sit with it for a little, I’m like, I’ve worked so hard for something like this and now I’m ready to receive that energy back. 

    Where can we see you perform locally for now?

    Even during the run of the show, I will still be at Off the Record Wednesdays as much as I can. So we’re working right now, if I can give away a little bit, we’re working to bring in my Season 18 sisters during the airing of the show on Wednesdays. There’ll be viewing parties on Fridays. I’ll definitely be at the Renaissance Theatre Co. [at 54 W. Church St.] Jan. 2 for the premiere party for the first episode. And then when I’m available, I’m still on cast at Southern Nights on Thursdays. You know, there hasn’t been an Orlando queen on a regular season since Season 9, and this is Season 18, so almost 10 years. It’s a whole new generation, and I’m just excited to represent them.

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    “It’s a whole new generation, and I’m just excited to represent them.”

    This article appears in Dec. 31, 2025–Jan. 6, 2026.





    Matthew Moyer
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  • ‘Drag Race’ star claps back at Florida AG ‘Mister Urethra’ for targeting Christmas show



    The cast of “A Drag Queen Christmas” 2024. Credit: Nina West/Facebook

    Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration this week continued its holiday tradition of targeting Christmas drag shows.

    In a letter to Pensacola City Council, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier called “A Drag Queen Christmas,” the touring show of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, “openly anti-Christian,” expressing his concern it would result in religious discrimination.

    The show, he said, “openly mocks one of the most sacred holidays in the Christian faith.”

    No word on if he’s coming after Orlando resident The Grinch, who’s never been criticized in his 68 years and three remakes for mocking Christmas.

    Uthmeier also claimed the queens are attempting to “expose themselves to the kids innocently enjoying Christmas festivities” at a nearby winter festival, despite the event being a ticketed 18-and-up show. He’s still trying to reignite the blocked 2023 law restricting drag shows.

    It’s not the first time the DeSantis administration has come after this drag show specifically. In 2022, the administration targeted liquor licenses at the Hyatt Regency Miami and Orlando’s Plaza Live for hosting a “Drag Queen Christmas.” That same year, Proud Boys and evangelists protested outside its Clearwater appearance at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

    This year, Uthmeier attacked specific queens.

    In his letter, the Attorney General specifically denounced Suzie Toot (calling her  “demonic Betty Bop,” a misspelled reference to her Vogue photoshoot); Bosco, AKA “the Demon Queen of Seattle”; and Crystal Methyd, for her “glamorous and beautiful” satanic imagery.

    Trinity “The Tuck” also got a shoutout for her role in previous versions of the show. And since Uthmeier opened the library, Trinity read him back.

    In a video addressing “James Urethra,” Trinity clarified that the show is not anti-Christian.

    “’A Drag Queen Christmas’ is mostly about stupid Christmas numbers, not necessarily about the birth of Jesus. Regardless of that, drag is an art form that is free speech, and we are allowed to do that by law.”

    Trinity encouraged Floridians to sell out every “A Drag Queen Christmas” show in the state as an act of resistance.

    “Show them the support so we can show this administration … drag is fun, drag is art, and it’s not hurting anybody,” Trinity said. “If you’re worried about children, worry about gun control and feeding them instead of worrying about drag queens.”

    “A Drag Queen Christmas” returns to Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall on Dec. 22, the day before it’s slated for Pensacola. Tickets start at $49.

    A version of this story first appeared in our sibling publication Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

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    Two ‘Daily Show’ alums dispense with the niceties

    Uthmeier called the touring show “openly anti-Christian,” expressing his concern it would result in religious discrimination.

    The three-day event is aimed to help raise awareness of and prevent diabetes, in recognition of National Diabetes Month





    Selene San Felice
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  • ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars’: Alyssa Edwards Returns With Some ‘Unfinished Business’ and the Other Queens Are Feeling the Pressure

    ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars’: Alyssa Edwards Returns With Some ‘Unfinished Business’ and the Other Queens Are Feeling the Pressure

    “I’m ready to share Alyssa Edwards again.”

    After six long years, drag superstar Alyssa Edwards is back. Edwards is one of the 12 queens competing for a place in the international pavilion at the Drag Race Hall of Fame in “RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars,” which premiered Friday on Paramount+. 

    And while she faces some fierce competition from the other queens, Edwards declares she has some unfinished business and wants to be crowned Queen of the Mothertucking world.

    But what took her so long? She puts it down to trusting her gut; but also, timing was everything. So when the opportunity to appear on “Global All Stars” presented itself, Edwards snatched it up. “I remember sitting there thinking, ‘I’m ready to challenge myself. I’m ready to put my art out back out there.’” She added, “This was a chapter that I felt was unfinished business.”

    The show will see all 12 queens representing their home countries bringing charisma, nerve and talent on an international level. Edwards will represent the flagship American show. “This is where it all began,” she says.

    “Drag Race Global” also features Athena Likis (Belgium), Eva Le Queen (Philippines), Gala Varo (Mexico), Kitty Scott-Claus (United Kingdom),  Kween Kong (Australia), Miranda Lebrão (Brazil), Nehellenia (Italy), Pythia (Canada), Soa de Muse (France), Tessa Testicle (Switzerland) and Vanity Vain (Sweden).

    Edwards likens the latest iteration of the franchise to the Olympics of Drag. Rather than entering through the classic workroom entrance, the queens come out onto a main stage, thus providing them with the brightest of spotlights from the get-go.

    That large platform is important for the queens when it comes to representing their countries and their drag, but some are feeling the pressure of taking on this responsibility.

    “Drag Race Italia” Season 2 alum Nehellenia admitted she has been feeling nervous. “Italian drag queens are underestimated,” she says. “We’re not famous around the world. We don’t have the same opportunities. We’re just working in clubs. We don’t do TV and premieres, so to be here representing my country and all of my drag sisters can be the first time an Italian queen can show the world that we are all the same.” She adds, “Maybe I can be the voice of all Italian queens and to ask for more.”

    Scott-Claus admits, “At first, I was thinking, ‘Okay, it’s just like the last time.’ But it’s not just ‘Drag Race UK,’ it’s the entire bloody United Kingdom. It’s huge, but that’s what also makes it so exciting. To showcase our drag on this global stage is such an honor.”

    “Drag Race France” alum de Muse has to grapple with coming from a country considered to be the fashion capital of the world. “That’s just a cliché,” de Muse says, but of course, it adds to the pressure when putting her looks together. “I’m just going to have fun because I see all this talent in front of me, and we can learn from each other,” she teases.

    Pythia hasn’t let her run on “Drag Race Canada” give her any preconceived ideas. “I’m going to have fun and go with it,” she says promising to deliver an elevated version of herself. “What happens in the past is in the past, and it served me at the time. This is the future, this is the now, and let’s create something new.”

    McKinley Franklin

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  • ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ winner Yvie Oddly comes to Orlando to sign copies of new memoir

    ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ winner Yvie Oddly comes to Orlando to sign copies of new memoir

    Photo courtesy Yvie Oddly/Facebook

    Yvie Oddly signs at Writer’s Block this week

    Would you, the discerning drag fan, like a fabulous new tome to add to your home library?

    Of course you would. So duck out of work early on Friday and make your way to Winter Park because RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Yvie Oddly is doing a book signing and meet-and-greet at Writer’s Block.

    The usually quiet lil’ book nook is going to see an exponential uptick in glitz and glitter as “authentic weirdo” fashion-plate Oddly inscribes copies of their recently-released new memoir All About Yvie [excellent punnery, right there].

    Oddly, the winner of Drag Race Season 11 and contestant on Drag Race All-Stars Season 7, spills all in their new book — from childhood to becoming a doyenne of outsider glamour.

    Pre-registration is required, because you can’t just go spontaneously rolling up to royalty like a bumpkin.

    5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, Writer’s Block Bookstore, 316 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, writersblockbookstore. com, $32.


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    Matthew Moyer

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  • RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens hit the Beverly Center

    RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens hit the Beverly Center

    LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Tourism will join the 54th annual LA Pride festivities this June through its support of the organization and its annual lineup of events. LA Pride stands as one of the largest Pride celebrations in the United States and the world.

    Throughout LA Pride, local Angelenos and travelers can secure a nearby hotel with the best available rates and enjoy welcome amenities, discounts and more at select properties.

    “LA Pride beautifully captures the spirit of our City of Angels with its focus on unity, inclusivity, and self-expression,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “We are incredibly proud to invite both our fellow Angelenos as well as travelers from around the world to join us in celebrating our LGBTQ+ community.”

    LA Pride returns, promising an incredible lineup of events, including LA Pride in the Park headlined by Ricky Martin, the LA Pride Parade & Block Party on Hollywood Boulevard, LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium and PRIDE is Universal

     

    LA Pride in the Park will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024 across more than 20 acres of lush green space at LA State Historic Park. The event will feature dozens of local and LGBTQ+ vendors, a huge variety of food & beverage, beer gardens and a special lineup. The global icon Ricky Martin will headline LA Pride in the Park, with additional artists to be unveiled. As the first openly gay Latin artist to take center stage at LA Pride, this also marks Martin’s first-ever headliner Pride performance, anywhere.

    The series of events during LA Pride includes the iconic LA Pride Parade which will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Hollywood Boulevard Area. Over 150 contingents will march this year, using the theme “Power in Pride.” The route will be along Hollywood Blvd, and surrounding streets. Those who can’t make it in person are able to watch a live broadcast on ABC7.

    “LA Pride radiates a vibrant tapestry of acceptance, unity, and celebration year-round,” shared Gerald Garth, Board President, LA Pride/Christopher Street West. “It’s a testament to our city’s unwavering commitment to embrace diversity and foster an inclusive spirit that transcends boundaries.”

    Additional top events during LA Pride include LA Pride in The Park, Parade Block Party, LGBTQ+ Night at Dodger Stadium and Pride is Universal. Read on for details on top events and hotel deals throughout Pride.

    For more information about how to celebrate Pride in Los Angeles, visit DiscoverLosAngeles.com/GayLA.

    LA PRIDE: EVENTS

    LA Pride in The Park – June 8th

    Returning to LA State Historic Park for a talented music line-up, dozens of food trucks, sponsor giveaways and activities and much more. LA Pride in The Park takes place on Saturday, June 8th. It’s all happening on over 20 acres of lush green space with a view of the DTLA skyline. Ricky Martin will headline LA Pride in the Park, with additional artists to be unveiled. Tickets can be purchased here.

    Parade Block Party – June 9th

    Don’t forget the fun Parade Block Party on June 9th, a free Block Party adjacent to the Parade, open from mid-day and going into the evening. With a performance stage, large vendor village, food, pop-up bars, and more. Last year, 35,000 people enjoyed this free Parade “after-party,” don’t miss it! Talent and other announcements coming soon!

    LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium – June 14th

    Come watch the Dodgers take on the Kansas City Royals with LA Pride pre-game festivities featuring DJ party, and Pride merch for special ticket holders, only available at dodgers.com/lapride

    Pride is Universal – June 15th

    Our exclusive after-hours theme park takeover is a fan favorite. Pride is Universal will feature live DJs, Universal character meet-and-greets, photo ops, and more, with musical guests, drag performers and all new elements for this year.  Hours, details, and new features to be announced. Tickets go on sale soon.

    LA PRIDE: STAY & SLAY

    Visitors coming to Los Angeles to celebrate Pride from June 8-11 can “Stay and Slay” with a collection of hotel offers specially curated by Los Angeles Tourism to welcome revelers from around the world. Highlighted hotel offers are listed out below.

    Dream Hollywood Hotel

    Tucked among the scenic Hollywood Hills, Dream Hollywood boasts 178 playfully sophisticated guest rooms with subtle nods to the mid-century modern aesthetic iconic to LA. Featuring accommodations with unparalleled views, Tao, Beauty & Essex, and The Highlight Room, one of the LA’s swankiest rooftop pools. Book the best available rate here.

    The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood

    Exuding the energy of old Hollywood and walking distance to Sunset Blvd, the new Godfrey Hotel features one of the largest rooftops in Los Angeles, four on-site bars, various indoor-outdoor event spaces and About Last Knife, an energetic, chef-driven gastropub-meets-steakhouse. LA Pride Staycation: Celebrate love with The Godfrey and receive 15% off the best available rate here.

    Hollywood Hotel – The Hotel of Hollywood

    Contemporary accommodations meet quintessential Hollywood glamour at Hollywood Hotel. From a sparkling pool to the Route 66 Bistro Bar & Lounge, the historic Hollywood Hotel reflects classic movie star style in every sense. Visit hotel site for best available rate here.

    The Hollywood Roosevelt

    The Hollywood Roosevelt is a complete lifestyle destination, fusing entertainment, art, culture, design and music all around the property while providing a glimpse at its storied past. Visit hotel site for best available rate here.

    Kimpton Everly Hollywood

    Kimpton Everly Hollywood is a breath of fresh air in the midst of one of the world’s most storied neighborhoods. The sophisticated Hollywood Hills-infused residential vibe invites lingering and intimate interaction in the café, living room and skyline pool area. Book the hotel’s best available rate here.

    Loews Hollywood Hotel

    Loews Hollywood Hotel rises 20 floors above the famed intersection of Hollywood and Highland. Spectacular views of the iconic Hollywood sign and Los Angeles cityscape set the stage for 628 rooms including 113 spacious suites, as well as the rooftop pool. *Use CODE: PRIDE to receive 2 comp cocktails at H2 Kitchen & Bar and complimentary upgrade to a suite. Website here.

    Mama Shelter

    Designed by Thierry Gaugain to honor the beauty of the SoCal landscape, Mama Shelter LA features five floors of uniquely decorated rooms, each a cozy haven in itself. 70 rooms have king-size beds decked out in 5* linen – fit for a movie star! The hotel boasts one of LA’s best rooftop bars, while dining options will appeal to carnivores and vegans alike. View hotel site for best available rate here.

    Sheraton Universal

    Nestled below the Hollywood Hills, the Sheraton Universal Hotel is just steps away from Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk. Unwind at the poolside lounge or be dazzled with a 270-degree view of Hollywood from the 20-foot windows of the rooftop Starview Room. Book the hotel’s best available rate here.

    Thompson Hollywood

    Thompson Hollywood is a luxurious new hotel that brings elevated service, and laidback California cool to the heart of Hollywood. The hotel features 190 sophisticated guest rooms and 16 suites, a rooftop pool with sweeping views of Los Angeles, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The world-class culinary and nightlife destinations include the rooftop lounge Bar Lis, chef Lincoln Carson’s French-inspired Mes Amis, and The Terrace, which pairs European fare with Californian views. Use CODE: STAYPROUD to receive best available rate + bottle of wine + 10% donation to Hollywood LGBT Center. Website here.

    Tommie Hollywood

    Get comfy in a California way, at Tommie Hollywood. There’s a stylish rooftop pool, fitness center, and a terrace bar in the heart of Los Angeles. This 4-star hotel includes the latest restaurant by award winning chef, Wes Avila, Ka’teen. Use code: STAYPROUD to book the best available rate and receive a welcome amenity and bottle of wine, plus a 10% donation to Hollywood LGBT Center here.

    W Hollywood Hotel & Residences

    Welcome to the new Hollywood. W Hollywood brings together the magnetic spirit of the Golden Era, infused with epic innovation, elegance and excitement. Welcome backstage, where W guests are insiders in the vivacity of the spotlight. Receive 10% off hotel stay plus welcome amenity. Website here.

    When you’re not celebrating LA pride at the parade or many events around the city, celebrate by visiting one of the many LGBTQ+ owned restaurants around Los Angeles. Start off in Casita Del Campo in Silverlake for Mexican dishes, make a stop Liberation Coffee House for a latte and end the night at n/naka which was featured in Season 1 of Netflix’s Chef’s Table. n/naka is your ultimate destination for fine Japanese cuisine. View the full guide to LGBTQ owned restaurants in LA here.

    For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com, follow at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

    Special to the LA Blade

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  • ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars’ Is Now Streaming Online

    ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars’ Is Now Streaming Online

    If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.

    “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is sashaying back to the screen. Season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” premieres Friday, May 17 on Paramount+.

    The new season will consist of eight alumni of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stretching from its first season to Season 14. It’s the first season of “All Stars” — other than the all-winners seventh season — to feature just eight queens.

    This year’s returning queens are: Angerie Paris VanMichaels (Season 14), Gottmik (Season 13), Jorgeous (Season 14), Nina West (Season 11), Plastique Tiara (Season 11), Roxxxy Andrews (Season 5, “All Stars” Season 2), Shannel (Season 1, “All Stars” Season 1) and Vanessa Vanjie (Season 10, Season 11).

    They will be competing for a $200,000 grand prize, but for the first time in “Drag Race” herstory, the money will be donated to the charity of the winner’s choosing. The prize is supplied through The Palette Fund, a private foundation “dedicated to breaking down barriers and advancing social change in communities that are under-resourced and facing significant challenges,” according to an official release.

    Last year’s “All-Star” winner was Jimbo and runner-up Kandy Muse who went on to headline their own WOW Presents Plus original series last summer. They also participated in “RuPaul’s DragCon U.K in London this past January.

    The “Drag Race” franchise accumulated nine Emmy nominations during the 2023 season. The nominations, including those for outstanding reality competition program and outstanding casting for a reality program, make “Drag Race” the most nominated reality program of the year. 

    Stream “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 16 finale live on Paramount+ tonight.

    Atingley4

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  • RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Snatch the Game, Snatch the Crown

    RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Snatch the Game, Snatch the Crown

    It’s Snatch Game! Woohoo!! Everybody’s favorite challenge that inevitably turns out to be worse than you remember (then romanticized within a few months) is back, baby! Last year’s Snatch Game left me with Snatch blue balls — they did the episode with 14 queens, dividing them into two crews. It was a fun experiment but not something I’d ever want to see used again. Snatch Game works best as a ratcheting up of the pace and a divider of the season. Most seasons can be separated into BS and AS (Before Snatch and Anno Snatch), with the before being filler and the after being the main characters. We’ve been in a bit of a lull this season — the contenders were fully established but there was still some filler — but now it’s full steam ahead. Even one of the presumed filler queens got the boost she needed this week to have a full arc.

    Part of the reason Snatch Game works so well as a divider is that it is, in fact, really hard. The iconic performances are funnier, and bombs are more tragic than any other challenge because the queens have no room to move. It’s a gladiator battle without anything but your wit to help you. Even queens who are clearly prepared can end up tanking when Snatch Game, something that doesn’t happen with pre-made makeover looks or a pre-written verse. This shit is hard, and the show is all the better for it.

    By now, the one true rule of Snatch Game is firmly established: Make RuPaul laugh. In a season that has been rife with strategy and where the queens are actively and occasionally tiringly playing into what they think the show wants from them (would they be constantly calling themselves dumb if Ru didn’t like it?), Snatch Game is the test. The smart queens choose a character they know Ru will like, and the smarter queens are funny even if she doesn’t. Sometimes a queen will truly innovate in the challenge and up the stakes, like when Kennedy did a man, Bob did two characters, or when Gigi actively went against Ru’s advice, but most of the time the challenge is as it was. It’s a constant, it’s a difficulty, and it’s what keeps Trixie Mattel up at night.

    Anyway, enough ink has spilled for 15 seasons now on the idea of Snatch Game. The real question is how this crop did. Ultimately, I’d say it was pretty good. Despite some transcendentally good individual performances through the years, no Snatch Game is as good as you remember it. There are always flops, there are always some pretty good performances, and there are always middling queens. Tonight, there were two legitimately good performances, one surprisingly okay one, some meh at varying degrees, and two tragedies. Not a bad track record. Would it be better if some of the “meh” was either good or flop? Of course! But I laughed both with and at the queens, so I’m satisfied. My Snatch load has been blown.

    But before we get to the performances themselves, I should note that the episode crams in two iconic challenges. Following the beginning of the episode, in which Mhi’ya says more words than she’s gotten out the entire season, we get the reading challenge. Generally, I’m not a fan of modern reading challenges — they’re edited within an inch of their life, and the one queen who gets the most reads in the edit always wins, which takes some of the fun out of the proceedings. Also, nobody does it with panache anymore. Back when the first reading challenge was presented, part of the reason Jujubee gave the best performance to this day was that she embodied her reads vocally. How many reads over the past few seasons can you remember the rhythm to? I know every beat of Jujubee’s. Xunami ultimately wins, but my favorite read of the episode is Dawn’s Nymphia read about bananas.

    The Snatch Game preparation time is pretty lowkey — no two queens are doing the same character, only one queen switches her pick, and it’s Mhi’ya, so she’s not very loud about it anyway — but it’s still fun. Because this is a returning challenge, part of the fun of a Snatch Game episode is predicting who will do terribly based solely on their character. For what it’s worth, I knew immediately that Xunami was sunk. Ru seems into her Gold Tooth Fairy, which is wrong. She never articulates her angle, only that she is free to choose any angle she wants. Also, I’m not into made-up characters. Do the challenge.

    Okay, onto Snatch.

    I do not care for Q’s comedy. She is a competent queen, but lately I’ve come to find her competence dull. She plays Amelia Earhart (groan) and starts off with a pre-written joke about peanuts that doesn’t answer Ru’s question at all. Eight weeks in, I feel confident saying it: She is just not interesting enough for me. Making Q look better is that the two queens to her left are Xunami and Nymphia, the cratering bombs of the episode. Xunami is so bad it is funny, while Nymphia is mostly just sad. Xunami has no idea what she’s doing, and Nymphia’s idea isn’t funny. At judging, Ru comes down on Nymphia for being “too cerebral,” but she’s stated multiple times that she simply has trouble communicating. That could be the weakness that loses her the competition. The final member of the top row is Dawn, who is fine. Her issue is that rather than play Meghan McCain, she criticizes Meghan McCain. It would be both funnier and sharper commentary not to be so blunt.

    Our first great Snatch of the episode is Sapphira as James Brown. Choosing James Brown is obviously wise since Ru loves him, and Sapphira is high energy, very glittery, and quick on her feet. She has yet to screw up. Next is Plasma, who does a serviceable Patti LuPone impression and then proceeds to mostly just share facts about Patti LuPone. You couldn’t think of a time to yell at somebody about a phone, girl? Morphine’s Anna Delvey is just boring, and “You’re poor” does not a character make. Mhi’ya gets a lot of credit this week for her performances as “Trina’s cousin Shaquita.” It’s great to see her do well. I’m happy that her trajectory has changed, and I hope she keeps it up. Also, I don’t think this performance was that good; it was mostly just surprising.

    Finally, there’s our winner. Plane Jane has, by now, fully established herself as the best comedian of the season, and it’s exciting that she kept that up here. She plays Serbian pop star Jelena Karleuša, who, if you were not aware of, should be your next YouTube rabbit hole at the very least. My favorite fun fact about her: She has won multiple awards at the Balkan award show with the best name in award show history: Music Awards Ceremony. Balkans! Plane kills it. Slavic accents are, sorry, often inherently funny in the way that the accents on Derry Girls are inherently funny. Her comedy beats are natural — listen to the pause she takes when she says, “No, it’s not true, you are very … ugly man” — and her responses are quick and pertain to the situation. When they ended the game, I was disappointed I wouldn’t get to see more of her.

    The runway category this week is “Dancing Queen.” Q is the robot, which I’m pretty sure translates to “I already had a robot costume.” It’s fine. Xunami looks beautiful in her Salsa outfit, but her lowkey drag style means that she often toes the line between “fashion forward” and “forgettable.” This week falls into the latter category. Nymphia does a Japanese Butoh-inspired look and performance, and it is maybe my favorite look of the season — both beautiful and interesting. For more context on Butoh, I’d recommend watching a performance by the art form’s founders Kazuo Ono and Tatsumi Hijikata. Dawn has the unfortunate onus of following Nymphia, but her polka look is cute enough. Sapphira’s Drag U Majorette look is great, the wig makes it even better, but the best part is Sapphira’s performance. Plasma’s performance is also the best part of her look, but the difference is that her outfit is ugly. Morphine’s Flamenco outfit is adorable. Mhi’ya continues her good week with a solid ‘90s hip-hop look. Plane’s Latin ballroom outfit is a little underwhelming.

    Ultimately, Plane wins out, even if Sapphira was right at her heels with the better runway. Nymphia ekes by, probably due to her runway, but Morphine has every right to call bullshit if she wants — she was not nearly as bad as Nymphia in the challenge. We ultimately get a Xunami/Morphine best friends lip sync to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” and my primary thought was: It’s insane that they haven’t used this song yet. There’s a lot of cute dancing together, but Morphine still wins out pretty decisively. Xunami going home does feel like a turning point this season — we’re officially at the stage where it feels like anyone can go home, and, as usual, it’s Snatch Game that brought it on.

    • Q says that she’s done improv before, but Snatch Game is different because you have to think of things on the spot. Plane says some shit that gets people annoyed.

    • Ru has her best pun in ages this week to Nymphia with, “Your Jane Goodall wasn’t … good at all.”

    • More strategy talk this week with the potions thing! I cannot imagine Plane using it on someone else unless it’s the last week.

    • Trauma Makeup Corner: I found Sapphira’s story about her dad deeply affecting — we’re at the point in the season when these segments start working a little better because they’re not trying to get me to care about queens I don’t know; they’re providing insight into the queens I do know.

    • Top Four Predictions: The top three are clear with Nymphia, Sapphira, and Plane. Nymphia’s gotta have more than a bad Snatch Game for me to lose complete faith in her. Against my will, I will stick with Q for the fourth spot.

    • Gay thoughts from gay people: I asked my friend and one of the best working stand-ups, Jay Jurden, what his advice for Snatch Game would be. His advice: “(1) Land your jokes! (2) That lady is seasoned; she loves a classic. Save your new shit for TikTok!”

    • UK vs. the World report: The branding challenge was cute enough, but it’s no surprise that the top two was, for the first time, made up of queens whose countries primarily speak English. Gothy continuing to be there while having the runway walk she’s got is insane. Come on now. Sorry to say it, but there’s no love lost for me with Jonbers going home. Just not my kind of queen. Moderately happy for Scarlet, who seems to have finally connected with the judges, and extremely happy for Tia, who is finally ready to slay. Still, I reiterate: This is primarily a Marina and LGD stan account.

    Jason P. Frank

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  • Grindr Launches Sex-Positive Podcast With ‘Drag Race’ Star Katya (EXCLUSIVE)

    Grindr Launches Sex-Positive Podcast With ‘Drag Race’ Star Katya (EXCLUSIVE)


    Grindr, the ubiquitous LGBTQ hookup app that continues to expand into original content, will launch a new sex-focused podcast with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Katya Zamolodchikova.

    “Who’s The Asshole?” is billed as a provocative look at love and sex, offering an “unfiltered and judgment-free space to explore the messy gray areas of lust, love and everything in between…the cheeks.” The first episode will hit all major podcast platforms on Feb. 15.

    Each week, Katya will sit with celebrity guests and discuss dilemmas and anecdotes submitted by Grindr users. Inaugural visitors include actor Trace Lysette, comedian Jordan Firstman, country star Orville Peck and rapper Saucy Santana.

    “When it came to choosing our host, Katya was an absolute no-brainer for us, bringing the perfect combination of honesty, humor and some incredible personal stories,” said Tristan Pineiro, VP of Brand Marketing and Communications at Grindr. “Be it in a hookup or a date, sometimes we can all be the asshole, and Grindr’s new podcast is the no-holds-barred destination where we dig into the good, the bad and the sometimes messy.”

    Katya, a prolific digital creator and two-time “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant, said she will channel famed sex guru Dr, Ruth Westheimer for the series.

    “I love diving deep into the dirty, juicy, filthy tea, so when Grindr said I could be paid to do it?! I jumped at the opportunity with all the enemas and poppers I could find. There are so many topics people are too embarrassed to discuss, but I have no shame to go there,” she said. “No story is too wild, and in fact, we all have them… assholes, that is.” 

    Watch a teaser for the audio series:



    Varietymattdonnelly

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  • Philly’s Sapphira Cristál shows off her singing and dancing skills in latest ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’

    Philly’s Sapphira Cristál shows off her singing and dancing skills in latest ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’


    After an emotional exit last week from Mirage, the contestants of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 16 found joy through a group project that challenged their musical skills.

    First up was the Mini Challenge, which tasked queens with coming up with the title, cover photo, and bio for a fictional memoir. The queens were only given 30 minutes to prepare, and the results were quite hilarious.

    MORE: South Jersey woman to compete on FOX dating show ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’

    Philly-based contestant Sapphira Cristál wore a tall wig, a brown fur coat and high heels for her cover shoot. Sapphira’s “memoir” had the title “Throat Goat: A Singers’ Guide to an Open Pharyngeal Wall,” quite the raunchy title that also nods to Sapphira’s classical vocal training.

    RuPaul cackled as Sapphira made obscene gestures to the camera. “The biggest mouth in the tri-state area,” the “memoir’s” bio read. Sapphira’s fictional book emerged victorious in the Mini Challenge. “Yours will be the first book burned in Florida,” RuPaul joked.

    “I feel like my slew feet are winning me these Mini Challenges,” said Sapphira in a talking head interview before giggling. Sapphira won an autographed copy of RuPaul’s new memoir and $2,000.

    But Sapphira gained another perk by winning the Mini Challenge. This episode’s Maxi Challenge had the contestants split into three “girl groups,” and Sapphira got to pick her own team.

    Each team would be assigned a track from RuPaul’s album “Black Butta,” having to write and record original verses and choreograph a performance of the remixed track.

    Sapphira’s team consisted of Dawn, Morphine Love Dion and Q, who Sapphira defeated in episode 1. The group was assigned to the song “Star Baby.”

    Citing her experience with a Philly girl group Philly’s Foxes, Sapphira expressed her excitement to work with the group. “So I feel geared up to step up to the plate and then… home run.”

    When it came time to practice choreography, Sapphira delivered a bit of shade while watching the other teams. Sapphira observed the growing tension between fan-favorite Amanda Tori Meating and season villain Plane Jane, who were on the same team.

    “Plane must be feeling some type of way right now, ’cause Amanda Tori Meating is eating her up in this choreography, baby,” Sapphira said in a talking head. “And that’s the T.”

    Geneva Karr’s group had Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige lead the choreography for the song “ASMR Lover,” although the observing contestants joked that they couldn’t hear Mhi’ya speak. “Oh that’s why they’re whispering. They got ASMR,” Sapphira joked to the contestants to laughter.

    Unfortunately for Sapphira’s group, which had Morphine lead the choreography, Q was less adept with dancing. Other contestants compared Q to a robot or Frankenstein’s monster.

    While putting on makeup and preparing for the performance, Sapphira spoke to Plane Jane about her perceived negative attitude towards the other queens. “From the outside looking in, I feel like you’re misspeaking a lot.” 

    “Sapphira’s mother. So I’m taking in what she has to say,” Plane Jane said in a talking head interview. “But when an entertainer puts themselves out on stage, it’s fair game to criticize what they put out there.” Despite showing respect to Sapphira, Plane Jane remained mostly unapologetic.

    With synth-pop duo Icona Pop serving as the guest judges, the challenge commenced. The members of Sapphira’s girl group, called “QDSM,” wore outfits of different color, with Sapphira wearing a sparkly red dress and boots.

    Sapphira’s verse was a rap, with confident lyrics and once again proclaimed herself as a crown jewel.

    Afterwards, the runway category was “Faster Pussycat, Wig, Wig.” Sapphira wore a blindingly white dress with large shoulders and a cat’s face in the back of her wig. She then took off her wig to reveal her bald head and did a Dr. Evil pose. “I’m serving villain supreme realness. And I want $200,000.”

    RuPaul then declared Geneva Karr’s girl group as the winners of the main challenge. The judges complimented Sapphira’s performance, comparing her to Beyoncé, and the judges praised her drag take on the “Austin Powers” villain.

    Each queen then said which of their fellow contestants should go home; Sapphira reluctantly said Amanda Tori Meating. “She’s a growing queen. However, this is not the place to grow.”

    Sapphira survived the episode, and unfortunately for fans, Amanda went home after losing a lip sync battle with Q. With the competition thinning, Sapphira remains a strong contender, and it’s clear that she has the respect of her competitors in a “mother role.” But how far will that take her? 

    “RuPaul’s Drag Race” airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on MTV.



    Chris Compendio

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  • ‘Don’t Give Up’: Charlize Theron Voices Support for Drag Community in Her Debut as ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Guest Judge

    ‘Don’t Give Up’: Charlize Theron Voices Support for Drag Community in Her Debut as ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Guest Judge

    SPOILER ALERT: This contains spoilers from the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 16.

    Charlize Theron expressed her strong support for the drag community in her debut as a guest judge on the season premiere of MTV’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

    In the opening episode of Season 16, the Oscar-winning actor and longtime LGBTQ told the queens that the groundswell of efforts to curb the rights of drag performers is driven by fear and ignorance.

    “Given the climate in our country right now, there’s a lot of energy being put toward your community not existing. I truly believe that all of that is coming from a place of fear,” Theron told the contenders on the long-running competition series. “The beauty of what your community brings and the truth of who you are and represent will come out. Don’t give up.”

    Contender Xuname Muse, daughter of Kandy Muse, praised Theron for speaking out. “I love that Charlize came here,” Muse said. “She is using her platform to protect our rights. It’s affirming as an artist when our allies share the message of love that we bring when we do this.”

    Theron later sat down with the queens on “Drag Race’s” post-show “Untucked,” where she talked about having two young children. Theron said, “I want them to grow up in a world where they know what it means to accept what’s not you, what is different and love that, to not be scared of that, and to embrace it, and that’s my job as a mom.” She continued, “I feel like we’re living in a day and age where our words can so easily be weaponized against us. I worry about us as people and what we can do to each other, and how powerful it is when you love and how powerful it is when you hate. One destroys and one builds.”

    As previously announced, “Drag Race” returned to its 90-minute format this season. In addition to Xuname Muse, queens competing for the title of America’s Drag Superstar include Amanda Tori Meating, Dawn, Geneva Karr, Hershii LiqCour-Jeté, Megami, Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige, Mirage, Morphine Love Dion, Nymphia Wind, Plane Jane, Plasma, Q and Sapphira Cristál.

    The new season brings a twist to the show’s usual “Rate-A-Queen” process, in which contestants rank their fellow queens to determine the top and bottom contenders of the week. Host RuPaul announced that this time around, the week’s top two queens will face off in a lipsynch elimination battle. Sapphira and Q were chosen to “slay-off” by performing Beyonce’s 2022 hit “Break My Soul.”

    In an Instagram post, Theron said it was “a dream come true” to have the opportunity to serve as a “Drag Race” judge.

    Jazztangcay

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  • How to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Live For Free & Stream Season 16

    How to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Live For Free & Stream Season 16



    How to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Live For Free 2024: Where to Stream Season 16 – StyleCaster

























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    Maya Gandara

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  • #DragRace Season 16 Trailer: Charlize Theron, Becky G & Law Roach Get Guest Judge RuVealed As 14 Queens Compete For The Crown

    #DragRace Season 16 Trailer: Charlize Theron, Becky G & Law Roach Get Guest Judge RuVealed As 14 Queens Compete For The Crown

    A wildly popular competition series has RUvealed the star-studded line-up of guest judges who’ll help crown “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

    Attention all squirrel friends, MTV has announced the celebs who will join Emmy award-winning host RuPaul and mainstay judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and Ts Madison for the 16th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    Source: MTV / RuPaul’s Drag Race

    A press release confirmed that guest judges will include Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Charlize Theron as well as acclaimed musician Becky G who’ll judge during the two-episode premiere airing on Friday, January 5, and Friday, January 12. Episodes will follow the 90-minute format and air on Fridays at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV.

    In addition to Theron and G, this season’s guest judges also include Law Roach, Adam Shankman, Icona Pop (Caroline Hjelt + Aino Jawo), Isaac Mizrahi, Jamal Sims, Joel Kim Booster, Kaia Gerber, Kelsea Ballerini, Kyra Sedgwick, Mayan Lopez, Ronan Farrow, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

    Season 16 of Drag Race will feature 14 queens vying for the crown and a cash prize of $200,000, served by Cash App.

     

    The previously announced cast of queens include Amanda Tori Meating (Los Angeles, CA),

    Dawn (Brooklyn, NY),

    Geneva Karr (Brownsville, TX),

    Hershii LiqCour-Jeté (Los Angeles, CA),

     

    Megami (Brooklyn, NY),

    Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige (Miami, FL),

    Mirage (Las Vegas, NV),

    Morphine Love Dion (Miami, FL),

    Nymphia Wind (Taiwan/NY), Plane Jane (Boston, MA),

    Plasma (New York, NY),

    Q (Kansas City, MO),

    Sapphira Cristál (Philadelphia, PA),

    and Xunami Muse (New York, NY).

     

     

    Will YOU be watching RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 when it premieres Friday, January 5 at 8/7 c on MTV?

    RuPaul’s Drag Race and the after-show RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked are produced by World of Wonder Productions with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Steven Corfe, Mandy Salangsang, Michele Mills and RuPaul Charles serving as Executive Producers. Daniel Blau Rogge serves as Executive Producer for MTV and Julie Ha serves as Supervising Producer.

     

    Danielle Canada

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  • This Beauty Tip Makes Sasha Colby Feel Like a Little Kitten With a Whip

    This Beauty Tip Makes Sasha Colby Feel Like a Little Kitten With a Whip

    To say Sasha Colby is well known for her mastery of drag is a vast understatement. Walking into the Werk Room for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15, her fellow queens were gooped and gagged at competing against drag royalty. Formerly Miss Continental 2012, the legend stood out with fierce confidence and beauty, coupled with tight, polished performances and the ability to make us all feel like she was Mother, warm yet in command. After snatching the RuPaul’s Drag Race crown, Colby became the fourth transgender queen to win, confirming her already solidified icon status across the globe.

    So what’s next for America’s Reigning Drag Superstar? Sasha Colby Hair, a line of hair extensions embodying her iconic ponytail style, which, in Sasha’s words, allows anyone to “unleash and embrace their fierce inner diva.” Yas, queen! In collaboration with Salon Xtensions, the line is available in 10 exciting colors of 28-inch ponytails, each made of a unique fiber blend for a human hair look and feel at an accessible price point ($99). “Making this ponytail not only user friendly but affordable was really important to me,” Sasha tells StyleCaster over Zoom, explaining that developing an inclusive and accessible collection was of the utmost importance. An easy, affordable way to become an honorary member of the House of Colby? Add to cart!

    Below, Sasha dishes on hair, the power of transformation, and feeling snatched.

    Image: Preston Meneses

    This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

    StyleCaster: You looking stunning.

    Sasha Colby: Thank you! How are you? Nice to meet you.

    StyleCaster: I’m great. Congratulations on the launch. It’s such a big deal! You’re launching with the pony, your signature style. Why is that the first product, and how did you come up with the idea?

    Sasha Colby: My pony has always been my signature. It’s been my activation piece for myself to like, feel activated in drag. And I love how it makes me feel pulled up and snatched, like a little kitten with a whip. It’s gotten me through 20 years of great drag, and I just thought that it would be so fun. This is more a response to a lot of the fans and people who watch the show and love the ponytail. They want to know how to do it. They want a ponytail tutorial. So all of these people and fans asking really got me thinking about, how do I make this accessible to the masses?

    StyleCaster: Do you have tips for people who are new to wigs or extensions or any sort of hair?

    Sasha Colby: I mean, the hair journey is a fun journey. It’s a way to really express what you’re feeling. And especially nowadays, there are so many varieties and different venues of hair choices that you can really play and be so many different characters or alter egos, just to have a little more spice in your life. 

    StyleCaster: Totally. I always joke when I have my gay friends over, or even my straight friends, I always bust out the wigs and we just start playing around with them. 

    Sasha Colby: Oh, we do that all the time! I mean, especially when you have a wall of wigs and people come to your house.

    StyleCaster: And the straight boys always want to try one. 

    Sasha Colby: They want the longest, like, diva hair.

    StyleCaster: Do you have any thoughts on the power of transformation, or the power of drag in that regard? It’s like a superpower.

    StyleCaster: Absolutely. The idea of having the ponytail is an extension of what drag is, which is being able to transform yourself into whatever you need. Actually, that’s the fun thing about drag, to transform yourself into whatever you may need at that point in your life. If you feel like you’re not very confident or a little shy, putting on drag, transforming yourself, and giving yourself the confidence that you feel is exterior actually brings out what is already inside you, which is beautiful. 

    My pony has always been my signature … I love how it makes me feel snatched and pulled, like a little kitten with a whip.

    Sasha Colby

    StyleCaster: The line is very reasonably and accessibly priced. Why was that important for you?

    Sasha Colby: Making this ponytail not only user friendly but affordable was really important to me. I make my own ponies. My best friend and I, we’ve kind of came down to this formula, but we use human hair. We were buying bundles, and it’s great for drag and Drag Race, but not really feasible for everyday life or the traveling drag we need. So I really wanted to make sure that the hair quality was easy. Just pull it out, brush it, shake it out, and it’s brand new.

    Whereas with human hair, you’re gonna have to be a little more careful with it and prep it more. So that saves time. And that helps with a lot of people who are maybe intimidated with using a lot of tools and all of that. This could just be for them. And those are the same people that I feel that watch Drag Race and that this particular price point fits for: the younger drag queens, maybe single moms, who knows! That’s the lovely thing about this ponytail, is it can cater to everyone and I really wanted that.

    StyleCaster: It comes in a variety of colors. Do you have one that you gravitate towards or is a favorite? 

    Sasha Colby: For myself, I have Pele on right now. This is a pony that you will get when you order your Sasha Colby ponytail. It’s 28 inches long, and it’s a nice, full pony. I definitely have my tutorials up on my Instagram and my social media so you can always check that out. It’s really easy to do. This one just matches perfect for any ginger, but I do have a bluer tone that’s more for that auburn, darker red girl. Also, a bunch of blondes, a bunch of browns, just like the basic colors right now, 10, which is an amazing selection. But stay tuned because we definitely have more colors coming for you.

    Image:  Preston Meneses

    StyleCaster: That was my next question: What else can hair fans expect?

    Sasha Colby: We can expect a lot with this ponytail line. We’re working on new colors. We’re going to have a lot more variations of colors (fun colors also), and I’m working on ombrés. So if you have darker hair, and you want to be blonde that day, it’ll make sense with the ombré pony. And also, we’re gonna have a lot more textures we’re playing [with]. So even though this is heat-safe and you can style the straight one, we’re going to have a lot of different beach layers, beach curls, big round curls, and a lot of textures for our POC girls. So we’re really excited for that.

    StyleCaster: You are obviously iconic for your hair and the pony. Do you have any other drag inspiration or celebrity inspirations that you look up to for hair?

    Sasha Colby: Oh, celebrity hair-spirations… I love a ’90s model. I love a layered cut. That’s just like my go-to. I’m actually currently under this ponytail rocking the Rachel from Friends. Yesterday, I had my hair in a claw, half up, half down and I looked like Sarah from The Craft. So I think I’m in my ’90s era right now.

    StyleCaster: You’re going on tour next year, so what can we expect?

    Sasha Colby: Oh, yes, we will be going on tour. My one woman show called Stripped. We’ll be hitting 22 cities all over the continental U.S. (and Hawaii!), so I’m very excited to be performing at home. You can expect a really stripped down version of what I always show you. What Sasha Colby is. I like to say it’s a peek behind the inner workings of my mind. What inspires me, what I live for. And just sharing stories and getting to know the audience, which I think is really stripped down and what a lot of people are craving right now.

    StyleCaster: Over the past few years on Drag Race, and in the drag world period, we’ve seen the boundaries being pushed—from inclusivity and identity to more avant garde performance. What is your hope for the future of drag?

    Sasha Colby: That it just keeps on expanding everyone’s perceptions of what art, beauty, gender, and really, to be alive is. From being a safe haven for queer people that were kind of ostracized and we couldn’t be in everyday society, we found this, this thing called drag, to give us a sacred place. And it was very much for the queer community, but is now opening up and really expanding the perceptions of queer community and of art for cis people, straight people, heterosexual people. It’s like the new sports, you know?

    StyleCaster: All my straight friends love it. My family loves it. 

    Sasha Colby: It’s a great a common denominator. 

    StyleCaster: I think we all crave having fun. And that’s what it is. 

    Sasha Colby: You cannot not feel like you want to be yourself or do something daring when you’re watching someone else dare. 

    StyleCaster: You took home the crown on your season. I was obviously rooting for you. What was it like watching your daughter, Kerri Colby, on the previous season when she competed? 

    Sasha Coby: Watching Kerri in Season 14 was so fun. I love her. It was so nice to watch the world fall in love with her and her personality and being like the narrator of the show. She’s just so fun to watch and so relaxing and such a star. 

    StyleCaster: You recently attended your first fashion week. Do you see yourself getting more involved in the world of high fashion?

    Sasha Colby: I definitely feel inspired, since I was young, with high fashion and the fashion industry. Not just the beauty aspect or the models, but really fashion, the clothes. I just love learning about fashion through history. And I would love to be more in the fashion world, be a fashion girly. It’s a lot of fun. It’s like watching drag, really! When you go to these fashion weeks, everyone’s in their order. Everyone’s in their artifice. And they project who they want to be and are just these fantastical people.

    StyleCaster: One final question. What else are you looking to accomplish in the future?

    Sasha Colby: Oh, you know, just, sky’s the limit for me right now. I’m really excited to travel more, perform more, meet more fans, and make more connections. And also, just getting into telling more stories through my music and through acting.

    Jonathan Borge

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  • Entertainment Daily Awards 2023: Vote for your Best Entertainment Show

    Entertainment Daily Awards 2023: Vote for your Best Entertainment Show

    Voting in the Entertainment Daily Awards 2023 is almost over – but before we close the polls we need you to vote for your Best Entertainment Show.

    It’s been a sparkling year for our favourite shows – but which is your favourite?

    All you have to do to vote for your Best Entertainment Show in the Entertainment Daily Awards is click here to have your say. It’s one click and it’ll take you less than 10 seconds.

    Does Strictly Come Dancing get your vote? (Credit: ED!)

    Entertainment Daily Awards 2023: Best Entertainment Show

    Who’ll get your vote this year?

    Both Strictly and I’m A Celebrity have nods – and with both on screen at the moment we could see a fight even bigger than a ratings war!

    Ant and Dec go head-to-head with themselves in this category, as their Saturday Night Takeaway is also up for the award. So if you’re a fan of the boys, which of their shows will you pick?

    Elsewhere, The Masked Singer and The Voice UK are worthy contenders. Meanwhile, Mamma Mia: I Have A Dream and RuPaul’s Drag Race are also nominated.

    Ant and Dec on I'm A Celebrity
    Will Ant and Dec win this year (Credit: ED!)

    How to vote

    All you have to do to vote for your Best Entertainment Show in the Entertainment Daily Awards is click here to have your say. It’s one click and it’ll take you less than 10 seconds.

    The full survey takes two minutes to reply to – and you can find it here.

    Read more: Vote for your Best Celebrity Documentary in the Entertainment Daily Awards 2023

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    Read more: Vote for your Best TV Judge in the ED! Awards 2023

    So who gets your vote? Head to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and share your thoughts. 

    Nancy Brown

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  • Lizzo brings drag queens on stage at her Knoxville show to protest law

    Lizzo brings drag queens on stage at her Knoxville show to protest law

    Grammy-winning singer Lizzo protested a recent law restricting drag shows in Tennessee by bringing 20 drag queens out on stage during her Knoxville show on Friday. Among the queens present were RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.

    “Thank you to these beautiful drag queens for showing their pride in Tennesee,” the singer wrote in a video caption of the concert that she posted to Instagram. 

    “Thank you so much for the platform for me and the drag race girls and especially for uplifting the queens on Tennessee,” commented Aquaria. 

    “Those ladies are all so strong and brave and I know tonight was definitely the best of a tricky situation for everyone. Thanks for shedding light for our friends who definitely need our hand these days,” Aquaria added.

    A Tennessee law banning “adult cabaret” in public or in front of minors was signed in February by Republican Gov. Bill Lee, but was blocked by a federal judge in April, just hours before it was set to go into effect. The judge sided with a Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater company, who filed a federal lawsuit claiming that the proposed statute violated the First Amendment.

    Lizzo also posted video of her seemingly addressing the Tennessee drag ban to the Knoxville crowd at the Thompson-Boling Arena and responding to those who had called for a boycott.  

    “In light of recent and tragic events, I was told by people on the internet, ‘Cancel your shows in Tennessee. Don’t go to Tennessee,’” Lizzo said. “Their reason was valid, but why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most? The people who need to feel this release the most?” 

    “Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?” Lizzo added, to overwhelming applause from her fans.

    While Tennessee was the first state to pass a law restricting drag shows, there are other states looking to follow suit. Earlier this month, the Florida Senate approved a similar bill, S.B. 1438. It has been sent to Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.

    C Mandler


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    C Mandler is a social media producer and trending topics writer for CBS News, focusing on American politics and LGBTQ+ issues.

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  • Apparently Video Game Characters Look Great In Drag

    Apparently Video Game Characters Look Great In Drag

    Photo: Velvet Caveat

    There are many gifts to be found on self-proclaimed “video game siren” Velvet Caveat’s TikTok, like gay Team Rocket and, most recently, an electric blue Gyrados puppet holding down Ariana Grande’s part of “Rain On Me” during a lip-sync performance.

    “No, but Gyariana killed it,” Caveat writes in the caption, perhaps underselling the surreality of watching a sharp-toothed Water/Flying type handle Ariana Grande’s vocal runs with ease while she’s dressed as a tastefully nude Misty.

    The puppet was a collaboration between friends, Caveat tells me over email—Matti made the head and puppet, Zac and Alex worked on the body.

    “It was inspired by Carmen Farala from Drag Race España who did this amazing snake look I loved,” she says. “I wanted to reinterpret it in my own way. Why not Misty being constricted by a Gyarados? I even had Staryu earrings from my friend, Girl1000 Jewellery! It was a fun interpretation that hadn’t been done before and it meant that Gyariana (her name) could duet with me doing “Rain On Me” for the show finale. She even shot water out in the final chorus!”

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    A jaw-dropping Gyariana, to me, marks just another night for Caveat, who has been performing her video game-themed drag show SlayStation in London since December 2021. The Gyrados performance was part of its recent Pokemon-themed Master Ball.

    About founding SlayStation, Caveat says she “decided I wanted to start my own show and space and thought, ‘Why not combine my two passions, video games and performing?’”

    Caveat, who is trans, had never attempted cosplay before starting SlayStation, but felt like “video games have always let me express myself and my identity in a safe space, especially while I was still figuring it out in the real world.”

    “I really wanted to portray the importance of that for me and so many other people with the event,” she continues.

    Video games form the rhinestone-glued platform to Caveat’s plans—even her name was inspired by Odin Sphere. And only a little over a year old, SlayStation has already motivated plenty of video game drag, including a Goldeen cosplay topped with inky fake lashes, a glamorous Lopunny, and for Caveat, Bayonetta.

    “As a 6’4” woman, I felt like I could really do her justice,” she tells me.

    The event is already gaining recognition through TikTok and through industry pros like Kim Chi, who competed on season eight of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and British Drag Race star Dakota Schiffer, who both attended SlayStation’s Master Ball event.

    But it isn’t only fun to look at. it’s also creating a vibrant and comfortable space for queer video game fans.

    “The best show I’ve seen in a good while,” one Instagram commenter wrote on SlayStation’s post highlighting the importance of trans representation. “So much love in the room, cannot wait for the next one.” They’ll only have to wait a bit longer—there’s a Doki Doki Literature Club-themed event coming in February, and Caveat tells me she’s already planning “a big Final Fantasy show in a few months to celebrate the new games.”

    “Should have some more fun looks and performances,” she says. Here comes the Square Enix hurricane, bitch.

     

    Ashley Bardhan

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  • RuPaul previews Season 15 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

    RuPaul previews Season 15 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

    RuPaul previews Season 15 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” – CBS News


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    RuPaul joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss the 15th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and his new CBS game show “Lingo.”

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