The glitter has settled, the wigs are secured, and a new sovereign has been crowned. Bones is officially the UK’s Next Drag Superstar, emerging victorious from a thrilling season seven finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The atmosphere was electric, filled with stunning performances and a palpable sense of anticipation as the final four battled for the coveted title.
The finale demanded everything from the queens – lyrical prowess, stage presence, and sheer star power. Catrin Feelings, Elle Vosque, Bones, and Silllexa Diction faced the challenge of crafting and performing “Money Shot,” a brand new track designed to test their versatility. But the night wasn’t just about the competition; it was a celebration of the journey, with eliminated queens returning to bestow the title of Miss Congeniality upon Chai T Grande.
The tension reached fever pitch as RuPaul narrowed the field to two: Bones and Elle Vosque. Their final showdown arrived in the form of a lip-sync to Jimmy Sommerville’s iconic anthem, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).” Every movement, every expression, was scrutinized as they poured their hearts into the performance, vying for the ultimate prize.
In a moment that resonated with emotion and triumph, RuPaul declared Bones the winner, bestowing upon her the crown and the title of ‘The Queen of Soho.’ The £25,000 prize represents more than just financial freedom; it’s a validation of years of dedication and artistry. Bones, overwhelmed with joy, playfully acknowledged her victory: “I’ve had the most amazing experience, but once you get rid of the B and the S, you’ve got the one!”
Just hours after her win, Bones reflected on the whirlwind experience, admitting the reality hadn’t fully sunk in. “It’s still not computed fully, for sure,” she shared. “It’s so overwhelming in the best way. It’s the cherry on top after a great season.” The shared experience of watching the finale with her fellow contestants added another layer of sweetness to the victory.
Beyond the immediate excitement, Bones is already envisioning how she’ll leverage her platform. She’s determined to amplify her work, expand her creative horizons, and champion the vibrant queer nightlife scene that has always been so central to her identity. A celebratory holiday with runner-up Elle Vosque is also firmly on the agenda – a testament to the strong bond forged during the competition.
For Bones, the timing of her win feels particularly significant. She passionately believes that drag is more vital than ever, especially as LGBTQ+ venues face increasing challenges. “It’s more important than ever,” she asserted. “Soho is dying… It feels like we’re reversing, which just means it’s even more important that things like this are happening because drag has always been a guiding light for so many people.”
The loss of cherished LGBTQ+ spaces hits close to home for Bones, who credits these venues with fostering her creativity and building her community. “They’re where I met most of my closest friends,” she recalled. “And it’s a whole community that’s dissipated because of these closures.” Her reign as Queen of Soho comes with a renewed commitment to preserving and celebrating queer culture.
Throughout the competition, Bones demonstrated remarkable resilience, earning three challenge wins while also navigating moments of vulnerability. She acknowledged the importance of both her successes and setbacks, recognizing that even the toughest experiences contributed to her growth. “I was confident but I didn’t forget my bottom placements,” she admitted.
Perhaps the most affirming aspect of her Drag Race journey has been the outpouring of support from fans. Her deeply personal Snatch Game performance resonated with many, sparking heartfelt conversations and fostering a sense of connection. “To be able to talk quite openly about stuff that everybody goes through and have so many messages from people is probably the most affirming thing to come out of it,” she shared.
Drag Race has undeniably transformed Bones’ perspective, solidifying her belief in her own talent and potential. She recalled RuPaul’s empowering words: “It’s in there. You just need to believe it’s in there.” Now, armed with the crown and the validation of her peers, Bones is ready to embrace her future with unwavering confidence.
The support from fellow queens, including Krystal Versace and DeDeLicious, has been a source of immense joy. Bones, though admittedly overwhelmed by the influx of messages, expressed gratitude for the love and encouragement from her “sisters.”
A surprising revelation from Catrin Feelings regarding a behind-the-scenes encounter with Tayris Mongardi added a layer of intrigue to the post-finale discussions. While initially shocked, Bones maintained a playful attitude, acknowledging the complexities of life in the competition.
Despite a bit of early tension with Paige Three, Bones affirmed their current bond, describing their relationship as a playful, catty dynamic typical of close friends in the London drag scene. The camaraderie and sisterhood forged on the show are clearly enduring.
A particularly heartwarming moment came with the mention of Charlotte Church, who invited Bones to her retreat in Wales after the memorable makeover challenge. Bones described Church as an “angel” and expressed her eagerness to accept the invitation.
Acknowledging the criticism surrounding the season, Bones remained unfazed, dismissing negativity as simply the price of being in the spotlight. “At the end of the day, they’re talking about us,” she stated with a touch of defiance.
Looking ahead, Bones hasn’t ruled out a potential return to the Drag Race universe, specifically expressing enthusiasm for an All Winners season. “If there’s a fee, I will be there,” she quipped. She envisions a diverse lineup of international queens, naming Venus from Canada’s Drag Race and Spankie Jackzon from Drag Race Down Under as dream competitors.
