The call has gone out – engines revving, wigs secured, and dreams primed for the spotlight. A new era of fierce competition is upon us as the fourteen queens poised to battle for the crown in RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18 have been revealed.
It feels like only yesterday we were captivated by the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent of Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles, Joella, and Suzi Toot. Their introductions on season 17 sparked a fire that continues to burn, yet the relentless march of drag excellence demands a new ruler. Seven months after Onya’s triumphant win, and with Bones, Ginger Minj, and Mami Watta newly enshrined in the Hall of Fame, the stage is set for another unforgettable journey.
On January 2nd, the original drag competition returns, promising a season brimming with talent, drama, and breathtaking artistry. This year’s cast, unveiled by reigning queen Onya, is a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds and styles, ready to vie for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and a life-altering $200,000 prize.
From Miami, Florida, comes Athena Dion, a force of nature and the matriarch of the prestigious Dion Dynasty. Her lineage includes season 16 star Morphine Love Dion, and now, a direct competitor: her own drag granddaughter, Juicy Love Dion. This familial face-off promises a captivating dynamic.
Boston’s Briar Blush describes herself as a captivating blend of conceptual artist and street clown, a queen who intends to deliver both high fashion and infectious humor. She carries the weight of representation, hoping to become the first Latina winner since Bianca Del Rio in 2014.
Ciara Myst, hailing from Indianapolis, is a true multi-talent. A prosthetics expert, political advocate – having worked with Michelle Obama’s “When We All Vote” – and theatrical performer, she brings a unique blend of artistry and activism to the runway.
Darlene Mitchell, representing Los Angeles by way of Indiana, embodies the spirit of “Country Cutie Camp.” By day, she’s a skilled hairstylist, but by night, she transforms into a dazzling drag diva.
DD Fuego, a self-proclaimed “Dragtrepreneur” from New York City, is a quintuple threat. Her fashion credentials include collaborations with designers who’ve dressed icons like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, and her talents extend to costume design, music, and even television appearances on *The Real Housewives of New York City*.
Florida’s Discord Addams is a high-fashion punk rock maximalist, promising chaos, striking looks, and an unapologetic attitude. As a musician, she’ll infuse her performances with a dark, raw energy.
Jane Don’t, from Seattle, carries the legacy of comedy queens like Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme. With sisters Bosco and Irene The Alien having excelled on *All Stars*, she’s determined to live up to the city’s legendary drag reputation.
Juicy Love Dion, the second member of the Dion Dynasty, is Miami’s Afro-Cuban Dancing Doll. A competitor on *So You Think You Can Dance*, she aims to surpass her mother, Morphine Love Dion, and claim the ultimate crown.
South Carolina’s Kenya Pleaser makes history as the first queen from her state to compete. A professional Lizzo impersonator and recent opener for Chappell Roan’s tour, she’s a performer with undeniable star power.
Philadelphia’s Mandy Mango, “The Sweetest Fruit,” is a registered sexual health nurse and the reigning Miss Gay Gettysburg. She’s ready to trade scrubs for sequins and pursue her next title.
Mia Starr, another Florida queen, embodies the spirit of a “gangstar mob wife,” bringing a captivating blend of hosting skills and hair-flipping glamour to the competition.
Myki Meeks, the fifth Florida representative, is a comedy queen, thespian, and co-host of Orlando’s “The Gig.” Having also opened for Chappell Roan, she’s a rising star with a packed schedule.
Denver’s Nini Coco, an anagram for “Icon Icon,” is a costume designer and a pre-Drag Race champion, having won The Denver Drag Olympics in 2023.
Finally, Alabama’s Vita VonTesse Starr is a pageant powerhouse, bringing elegance, precision, and dramatic flair to every performance. A consistent contender at the National Entertainer of the Year contest, she’s ready to claim her rightful place on the throne.
Prepare to be captivated. RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18 promises a spectacle of talent, artistry, and unforgettable moments, beginning January 2nd.
