For over 13 years, RuPaul’s Drag Race has been a staple series among members of the LGBTQIA+ community, thanks to its representation, inclusivity, and celebration of the art of drag. Since its first season aired in 2009, the show has only gotten bigger and better. It's become a mainstream global phenomenon, with shows and spin-offs launching across the world. RDPR has given the world incredibly quotable moments, spawned numerous memes, and ultimately become one of the most groundbreaking franchises in history. It's no surprise that the show has won 26 Emmys, and received 56 nominations.
The USA series alone crowned winners such as Jinkx Monsoon, Alaska, Violet Chachki, Willow Pill, Shea Couleé, Symone, Trixie Mattel, Raja, and Aquaria, to name just several. These queens have gone on to become household names, whether they have established themselves in the fashion or music industries, or created drag empires. With every season comes a new winner, who is ready and willing to take the world by storm. Whether they are walking in fashion shows, launching music careers, starring in tours and shows, or just existing, these queens know what they are doing. For example, Willow is currently flaunting it on Instagram, in full drag, and recently described herself as, "beautiful."
For RuPaul's Drag Race Alums, Losing's The New Winning
On many occasions, queens that were runner-ups, or went home early in their seasons, have risen to stardom, all because of their wit and personality. These qualities made fans fall in love with them in the first place. Some examples are Katya, Adore Delano, Alyssa Edwards, Shangela, Willam, and Brooke Lynn Hytes. Katya has gone on to become one of the most famous queens to come out of the show, and started a very successful web series with All-Stars 3 winner, Trixie Mattel. Trixie is a RPDR season 7 alum, and their joint venture is called, UNHhhh. Adore has put out numerous albums, and has remained a fan favorite, while Alyssa has gone on tours, and had her own docuseries, Dancing Queen, on Netflix. Shangela and Willam have both acted in numerous films and television shows, with one of them appearing in A Star Is Born, alongside Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Shangela also has her own show on HBO, called We’re Here, alongside alumni Eureka and season 8 winner, Bob the Drag Queen. Brooke Lynn is now the host of Canada’s Drag Race.
Representation Matters (& RPDR Is A Shining Example)
RuPaul’s Drag Race is a safe haven for queens, where they can showcase their signature drag style, and use RPDR to challenge themselves. Almost every contestant who enters the Werkroom becomes known as a “Ru Girl,” as they are taken under the wing of the queen of drag herself. However, along the way, they open up about their pasts, and it allows them to be their most vulnerable selves. It is because of this that fans around the world tune in each week. They watch to see the gorgeous drag onscreen, and also because they can see themselves being represented. It is about overall star quality and memorability, as these elements make a drag queen successful, whether they win or lose.
Queens from far and wide audition every season for RuPaul’s Drag Race, and each time, eight to 14 are picked to compete for the crown. With their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, they fight wig and nail to secure themselves in the competition. They hope to win the coveted RPDR crown, and $100,000. While some haven't snatched crowns, that doesn't mean that they aren't winners.
Source: Willow Pill/Instagram