The tension in the Werk Room was palpable. Following a non-elimination last week, the stakes on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World had skyrocketed, and tonight, a queen would be sent home.
The challenge, dubbed “Runway Ru-Mix,” demanded both creativity and respect for the past. Each queen had to resurrect a look from their original season, offering a second chance at perfection, and then deconstruct and rebuild a garment from a competitor – a true test of skill and nerve.
Serena Morena, Sminty Drop, Kate Butch, and Zahirah Zapanta earned their reprieve, their runway presence deemed strong enough to avoid immediate scrutiny. But the spotlight shone brightest on Mariah Paris Balenciaga, Fontana, and Gawdland, ultimately crowning Gawdland the week’s victor.
A shocking twist then redefined the game. RuPaul announced a new power for the winning queen: the “Chippy Tea,” allowing them to save a bottom three contestant. The weight of that decision, and the potential for betrayal, hung heavy in the air.
The bottom three – Minty Fresh, Melinda Verga, and The Only Naomy – faced the judges’ harsh assessment. Their looks were described as underwhelming, lacking the impact expected from international drag superstars. The critiques were pointed, the pressure immense.
Melinda Verga’s attempt to revisit her iconic Vivienne Westwood-inspired look from Canada’s Drag Race drew particularly stinging criticism. Guest judge Kristen McMenamy bluntly suggested Westwood herself wouldn’t have been pleased with the result, a devastating blow to the hopeful queen.
In a dramatic turn, Gawdland wielded the Chippy Tea, choosing to save Minty Fresh. The decision left Melinda Verga and The Only Naomy to battle it out in a lip-sync for their lives to Dannii Minogue’s “I Begin To Wonder.”
Melinda unleashed a flurry of energetic moves, but struggled with the song’s lyrics, a fatal flaw under RuPaul’s watchful eye. The performance lacked the polish and precision needed to survive, and RuPaul delivered the heartbreaking verdict: “Sashay away.”
The news sent shockwaves through the Drag Race fandom. Fans expressed devastation at Melinda’s early exit, remembering the captivating drama she brought to Canada’s Drag Race. Her infamous meltdown after previous critiques had cemented her place in Drag Race history.
Social media exploded with reactions, many referencing Melinda’s iconic outburst about “reciprocating with gratitude.” The phrase became a rallying cry for heartbroken fans, a bittersweet reminder of her unforgettable personality.
Despite the disappointment, a glimmer of hope emerged. Fans pointed to the trajectory of Lemon, another queen who experienced a similar arc on Canada’s Drag Race and UK vs The World, ultimately finding victory on Canada’s Drag Race vs The World.
The theory gained traction: Melinda’s journey wasn’t over. Her story, so full of passion and vulnerability, felt unfinished. Many believe a future All Stars-style season awaits, offering her a chance to rewrite her narrative and claim the crown she deserves.
Melinda’s departure, though painful, sparked a renewed sense of anticipation. The Drag Race universe is known for its unexpected twists, and fans are already speculating about what’s to come, holding onto the belief that this isn’t the last they’ve seen of the unforgettable Melinda Verga.
