WhenRuPaul’s Drag Racecalls, you answer! To help celebrateRuPaul’s Drag RaceSeason 17, Collider was invited to attend the exclusive Finale Viewing Party and Crowning in New York City. With the Top 4 in their red carpet best, I was able to talk with the queens before the big moment. Alongside someDrag Racealum and superfans and friends,the night was a truly extraordinary evening of cheers, tears, and queers.From start to finish, the night was filled with love.
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Held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square, the jam-packed evening included hors d’oeuvres, libations, and performances, on top of the big finale episode. It’s safe to say that wherever you view the episode,whether at a large gathering with fans or from the comfort of your couch, it’s like the gay Super Bowl.Every person in the room had their favorite, but no matter who was on stage or screen, it was a thunderous round of snaps and claps.
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 17 Strut the Red Carpet
Although the season started with fourteen queens fighting for the crown, only four were able to make it to this point.There’s something I find so exciting about watching four dreamers fulfill their destiny.Decked out in four couture looks, each queen presented something that was truly representative of their drag identity. Whether adorned with stars or evoking the promo look and RuPaul’s motto of “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag,” there was an aura of completion as I saw the four queens walked the carpet.
Before the general public was welcomed in, I had some “alone” time with our finalists,Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love,Onya Nurve, andSam Star. The Top 4 finalists were extremely gracious with their time. I spoke about their favorite moments of the season, and what it meant to be there at the finale, but on the theme of love, I asked each queen what they had learned from their fellow Top 4 sisters. Let’s just say, the love was overflowing. “I learned so much compassion and empathy from them, too,” Jewels Sparkles revealed.“Love is unconditional,“Onya said of her sisters.
This Is the Main Event
When it comes to the final episode, it may be one of the best in franchise history.With the entire cast back together on screen, the fashion was top-notch. BetweenJoella’s referential mattress moment andKori King’s complete glow up, the eliminated queens came prepared to stomp the runway. But, by far, the biggest reaction from the crowd came the moment when fifth-place finisherSuzie Tootstepped out in herLittle Shop of Horrors-inspired look. The fly traps were the arms! Simply masterful. Proving that she was the elevated version of what I watched, the camera captured her reaction shots throughout. Her tears whenLiza Minnellicame out on her throne, all too real. While she emoted on screen, it was Season 16’s resident theater queen,Plasma, in our crowd at the Hard Rock Hotel, who was the night’s biggest cheerleader. On her feet throughout the viewing, she was the night’s hype girl, alongside New York City’s award-winning queenKiki Ball-Change. When her sister, Season 16’s winnerNymphia Wind, who served as our event’s host, appeared on-screen in her step-down look, Plasma’s mouth was on the floor. I can’t imagine what the night would have been like without Plasma in eyesight. Her energy was palpable.
From the introduction of the solo numbers presented by the finalists, it was the first time the contestants recorded their own songs. It was perfect. Not only did the tracks fit the queens exceptionally well, butthey also showcased their potential should they want to step into the world of music.The accompanying performances were ready for Werq the World. Each queen tapped into something that made them unique. Onya Nurve’s number was filled with sass, attitude, and power. Lexi Love showcased her impeccable roller skating skills, honoring her roller derby identity. Jewels Sparkles tapped into her comedic and campy side. And, simply put, Sam Star proved she is a star. Reveal on reveal. Walking her own red carpet. And a lift and toss?! This kid is ready for the road. AndRuPaul’s Drag Race Livein Las Vegas! If this is what you can expect from this quartet in the real world, it’s safe to say you’ll get your money’s worth. Oh, in case you didn’t peep the cameo, formerDrag Racemakeover partner and currentThe Amazing RacecontestantMark Romainwas back on stage dancing backup in each number!
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Whenever Mother Ru invites a crowd to a finale, it’s filled with love. In the audience for each queen was a pair of loved ones. Chosen family or biological, watching the loved ones watch the show was beautiful. Onya’s dad, who was her makeover partner this season, was in tears because he was so proud of her. But the real gift for me was watching Onya’s mom on screen…and in the theater I was in. Yes, Onya’s mom was front row center at the Hard Rock Hotel. When the room clocked her, she became an instant celebrity. Of course,being able to watch her watch her child, beaming with joy, was simply indescribable.She knew why she was in the audience with us. She was awaiting her child’s fate.The moment RuPaul announced that Onya was the season’s winner, she leaped out of her seat, screaming for joy. What an incredibly special moment to witness a parent watch their child achieve their dream. Perhaps she knew what Onya’s fate might be, but her raw emotions uplifted us all.
The night concluded with performances from our four finalists. They each brought their best, proving just why they made the grand finale. Onya shocked the room with a live sung performance of “I Want To Be Evil” byEartha Kitt. For us viewers, we’ve heard a packaged vocal on the show.Hearing her sing live and unfiltered was further proof as to why this queen was the most deserving winner.Before I left, I was warned that Onya would be heading to Times Square for an exclusive photoshoot with her newly unveiled video billboard. To be present at that moment, watching her see herself in the middle of Times Square, with tourists and fans flocking around, it’s something I’ll never forget.
My experience covering the event was a first. And hopefully not the last. But what I realized is just how strong this community is. We come together to elevate queer voices being celebrated in the mainstream media. There are very few other reality shows that put on a party quite like this for their finale.Drag Racedoes it because, at its heart, the show is about community and chosen family. And yet, it’s more than that. As New York City CouncilmemberErik Bottchertold me, “We’re supporting our drag artists. We’re elevating drag as the art form that it is, andit’s now an act of political protest against hatred and intolerance in our country.” The queer community comes together without fear as we all say “love.“RuPaul’s Drag Raceis available to stream on Paramount+.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
