RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12 is just weeks away and the official line-up has been revealed, or should we say, ruvealed.

The upcoming series will see 13 new queens fight it out to be crowned America’s next drag superstar, and we couldn’t be more ready.

Fans got the first look at the contestants in a live video shared on social media, with last year’s winner Yvie Oddly giving us a stellar introduction.

‘Mama Ru needs you to pledge allegiance to the drag,’ she said.

Oh, hun, we’re ready, so let’s meet our new queens.

Aiden Zhane

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q5DuBpA37/

Brita

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q5Yjmpw-9/

Crystal Methyd

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q5ev0pI0Y/

Dahlia Sin

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q5jQzp32W/

Gigi Goode

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q5n8uJfu8/

Heidi N Closet

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q5zXHpWvu/

Jan

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q6FMcpn79/

Jackie Cox

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q56ghp31O/

Jaida Essence Hall

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q6AlsJvPh/

Nicky Doll

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q6LCfpk3c/

Rock M Sakura

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q6Qq_pQZW/

Sherry Pie

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q6VzupIcl/

Widow Von’Du

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7q6aqNJBhH/

Last year’s series was won Yvie after a series of confrontations, avant-garde looks and backbends galore, with one final statement – performing to Lady Gaga in a mirrored headpiece and a second face – snatching her the crown.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk after taking home the $100,000 cash prize, Yvie said: ‘I’m just excited to explore new ways of making art, I’m doing so many things I never thought I’d do.

‘I just released a music video [Dolla Store], that’s new for me. I’m just excited to try these crazy things, meet all the people whose lives I’ve touched and freak ‘em out.’

‘I’m just excited to explore new ways of making art, I’m doing so many things I never thought I’d do. I just released a music video [Dolla Store], that’s new for me. I’m just excited to try these crazy things, meet all the people whose lives I’ve touched and freak ‘em out.’

We’re ready to pledge allegiance to drag!

RuPaul’s Drag Race returns Friday 28 February on VH1. 

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Nicki Minaj has been confirmed as the first A-list guest judge for Ru Paul’s Drag Race season 12.

A brand new trailer dropped on Thursday afternoon, seeing the Super Bass hitmaker make her debut on the popular show.

And she has proudly pledged her allegiance to drag while announcing the brand new season.

‘Welcome to the main stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ the rapper said as she stunned in a bright red outfit and wig.

Pointing at the camera, the 37-year-old introduced herself, adding: ‘I am Nicki Minaj and I pledge allegiance to the drag. Show up and make history. Boom.’

Ru also announced the singer’s arrival as she waltzed onto the stage – giving Michelle Visage one heck of a surprise: ‘Young money in the house, Miss Nicki Minaj.’

The star shared the trailer onto her Twitter account, where she told her 20.5million followers how it had been ‘a dream of mine for so long’.

And it seems they’re more than excited to see her on the show, as they applauded the news in the comments.

‘THE BARBZ ARE GETTING FED THIS ERA,’ one wrote while another added: ‘THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US LGBTQ!! WE LOVE YOU QUEEN.’

Someone else said: ‘I’m omw to give you the biggest hug ever.’

The star teased her appearance on the show back in July when sharing a picture of herself posing in the iconic dress on Instagram.

Without revealing what the look was for, she told her fans: ‘I remember when I cried like “why me?” Now I wouldn’t Exchange my life for Armani.’

Baga Chipz has just dropped the biggest hint that they’re engaged and we have all the questions.

The RuPaul Drag Race UK star was seen vowing to ‘stay single forever’ just days ago, but proving it just takes that one person to come and sweep you off your feet, it seems Baga is now set to wed.

Say whaaaat?

The drag queen shared a snap of their new engagement rock and, boy, is it a sparkler. Baga tweeted alongside the pic: ‘The happiest boy in the world.’

So who’s the lucky man? So far it seems Baga is keeping his identity under wraps, but the star did reveal they met their seemingly husband-to-be just one day ago.

Yup, you heard right. One day ago. Baga doesn’t mess about.

It’s not surprising that fans are a little confused, though, as at the beginning of February, Baga had tweeted: ‘Staying single forever. From now on I’m just gonna be a total sl*g like @TheOnlyVinegar.’

When one fan suggested that Baga ‘moves fast’ – pointing out said ‘single’ tweet – Baga Chipz replied: ‘Met him yesterday. But we love each other.’

N’aww, how lovely. Sounds like a big congratulations is in order!

Staying single forever. From now on I’m just gonna be a total slag like @TheOnlyVinegar 😈😈😈

— Baga Chipz (@ChipShopBird) February 1, 2020

Just shows you never know what’s round the corner, right?

Metro.co.uk has reached out to a rep for Baga Chipz.

Baga Chipz was launched into the spotlight after appearing on the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, last year, and finishing in third place on the series.

It sees 10 queens hand-picked by RuPaul to battle it out to become Britain’s next drag superstar. Series one was won by The Vivienne and a second season has already been confirmed by BBC.

Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton joined RuPaul on the judging panel, with guest judges including Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall, Cheryl, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams and Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (now Horner).

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Knowing RuPaul was going to be on Saturday Night Live, it was only a matter of time before one of the cast for a drag makeover – and Pete Davidson got the luck of the draw.

In a sketch for the show, Pete’s sketch character Chad ended up on a new adventure after catching Ru’s eye on a photoshoot, being declared the new face of drag in an instant.

Getting a crash course in how to be the perfect queen, the stoner who stumbles through life with a weird amount of ease was put in some six inch heels, a full face of make-up and a full new body.

… Though clearly Chad spent a fair amount of time focusing on the boobs.

When it came to tucking, Chad got a bit of a wake-up call when he decided to tape his penis up to his stomach with duck tape, instead of in between his legs.

‘No bulge, no bump, the junk goes in the trunk…. Oh Chad you need to tape it down and back, not up and front,’ Ru then informs him. ‘That being said, you have a magnificent penis.’

Good to see that BDE is still present and correct.

‘Oh, thank you!’ Chad tells him back.

The results were actually pretty incredible – though we’re not entirely sold on Chad’s kissing technique.

He also got a bit of a shock when he discovered that RuPaul was actually a man in drag… so no points for observation either.

Put into a slinky glittery dress, he was told to put on his best moves for the cameras, and immediately fell into the craft service table.

Some people just weren’t meant to Sissy That Walk in this life, clearly.

Ru hosted this week’s SNL ahead of the launch of Drag Race season 12, and was joined by Justin Bieber as his musical guest.

Never a combo we thought we’d see on screen, but it was definitely one for the books.

Saturday Night Live airs on Sky Comedy in the UK.

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Jimmy Fallon genuinely thought he’d be hit with a ‘JimmyFallonIsOverParty’ after a super awkward run-in with RuPaul on his show.

Ahead of their SNL stint, Drag Race leading lady Ru decided to wind up the host of the show, with a joke played so straight Jimmy was convinced it was real.

When Jimmy decided to show off Ru’s stunning Vanity Fair magazine cover, he made the near-fatal error of referring to them as a ‘drag queen’.

‘A drag queen?! A drag queen?!’ Ru was seen exclaiming in a shock offended tone, leaving Jimmy’s eyes wide with panic before she deadpanned: ‘I am the queen of drag!’

The moment went viral as the look of worry on Jimmy’s face was clear for everyone to see, thinking he had said something offensive for Ru to react like that and fearing he’d potentially get dragged across the internet as a result (no pun intended).

Now he’s addressed the clip on his TV show, and admitted literally saw his career flashing before his eyes by the “slip up”.

Laughing it off, he said: ‘I really thought it was over. “That’s it. I’m cancelled, I have to start up my own #JimmyFallonIsOverParty”.

‘I had a good run, you know, 10 years in the business… I was like “wait what did I do wrong?!”,’ he said.

Thankfully he managed to see the hilarious side of things too and laughed off the moment.

‘My thanks to RuPaul, we love you,’ he ended. ‘That was a very funny moment.’

Thankfully he had some friends to help him through the hairy moment… well, friends who couldn’t help but completely rip him to shreds about it as he became the butt of the joke.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon is available on Sky Comedy and NOW TV in the UK.

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RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12 has gone and dropped another bombshell seeing Robyn announced as the next guest judge.

The Swedish singer took to Twitter where she confirmed the news with a glitzy video.

Dressed to the nines, the 40-year-old pledged her allegiance to the drag, as she told fans to ‘join the Ru-volution.’

In the caption, the Don’t Stop The Music hitmaker wrote: ‘I was trying to be composed and glamorous, but really I was just so excited and blown away by the heart and authenticity of @RuPaulsDragRace and the other judges on the show.

‘I hope you can see how amped I am through the glitter eyeshadow.’

And fans were too excited as they celebrated the announcement in the comments.

‘A thousand angels WEPT with JOY,’ one wrote while another added: ‘OMFG A lip sync for your life to a Robyn song … oh yes they betta do!’

Someone else said: ‘Love you queen, can’t wait to watch the episode.’

The star will be joining the likes of Nicki Minaj, Normani and US congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, who are all set to appear alongside Michelle Visage on the judging panel.

The Super Bass star’s involvement has already been teased – and she’s the big attraction of the opening episode, like Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus before her.

Coming in hot on her heels, however, are Normani and AOC. The former Fifth Harmony member had a major breakout last year thanks to her solo hit Motivation, and AOC has quickly become one of the most recognisable faces of American politics.

Posting on their official Twitter account, Drag Race shared videos of all three women.

It’s also been confirmed that Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Goldblum and Star Wars’ Daisy Ridley will also be joining the panel for one-off stints.

The upcoming series will see 13 new queens fight it out to be crowned America’s next drag superstar, and we couldn’t be more ready.

RuPaul’s Drag Race returns Friday 28 February on VH1. 

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Nicki Minaj well and truly sissied that walk as she managed to replace RuPaul on the queen’s own runway in the premiere of Drag Race season 12.

The Chun Li hitmaker is the very special guest judge for the first episode of the new series, but if this is new promo video has anything to go by…Nicki won’t be happy until she’s stolen Ru’s crown for herself.

First place on the runway for the show is normally reserved for the High Priestess of Drag herself…but the rapper clearly wasn’t having any of it.

She can be seen strutting down the catwalk and getting her life in a very lux all-red ensemble, complete with extravagant wig and neon nails, of course.

The only problem? Fellow judges Michelle Visage and Carson Kressley look a bit concerned.

‘Darling…’ the Strictly Come Dancing contestant begins. ‘Did you…use the wrong door?’

‘Did I?’ the rapper replied. ‘I mean…I came in where the queen was supposed to come in through?’

Oh Nicki, never change (also some handy promotion for her album of the same name there – get that coin, sis!).

The Starships icon is the big attraction of season 12’s premiere – much like fellow pop culture queens Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus before her.

However, she won’t be the only queen joining the drag race this year – the reality show has announced a bumper-line up of guest judges, including pop starlet Normani and American congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Swedish alt-pop auteur Robyn will also be joining the panel – we’re already preparing ourselves for a lip sync to Dancing On My Own.

Tissues at the ready, girls!

The upcoming series will, of course, also see 13 new queens battle for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar – following in the steps of Bianca Del Rio, Bob The Drag Queen and Aquaria.

RuPaul’s Drag Race returns Friday 28 February on VH1 in the US.

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There was a fear that RuPaul’s Drag Race was just getting too much.

Two series a year, plus an all-stars was sparking major fatigue, but then came Drag Race UK, which gave the franchise a much needed breath of fresh air. But can the US version still hold up to the comedic genius of its overseas rivals?

Well, judging by the premiere of season 12, hell yes.

This is the funniest and most entertaining premiere in years, as RuPaul reverts the format to that of season six – with the premiere split into two halves, giving us more time to get to know the queens before one is set home.

Episode one introduced us to seven of the season 12 queens, who were tasked with providing spring and summer lewks to sort out the fashion queens from the fashion victims, and a rap challenge with plenty of choreography thrown in for good measure.

Add in a brilliant starring turn from Nicki Minaj on the judging panel – this girl came to critique – and it was a classic

Drag Race episode, with hysterical one-liners and already some ones to watch.

We didn’t say goodbye to anybody this week, but still, we have ranked our first seven – before the next batch come and render this list redundant.

1.Widow Von’Du

Widow owned my heart from the moment she entered the workroom and said: ‘For those who don’t know, I’m the nastiest b*** * from Kansas City, and for those of you that do know me, you’re f***ing welcome.’

And she didn’t let the ball drop at all during the episode, serving us Missy Elliot realness with her various runway looks and already being a standout in the to-camera bits.

And that lip sync! When Widow did a spinning split and then humped the stage in the circle, she basically got herself a ticket to the semi-final, at the very least. From killer moves to boundless energy and even contortionist skills, there is a lip sync assassin in our midst.

2. Gigi Goode

As Michelle Visage pointed out, the look queens often show up with plenty of fashion and no personality. So how refreshing is it for this Vogue model in the making to have a bit of quirk?

Gigi’s styling is impeccable, and the fact her actual mother makes her costumes (including that BDSM jockey look) is darling. That green shimmering suit over latex could be seen on Zendaya.

But what gives Gigi the edge is the fact she’s not stuck in her fashion. Lying down on the floor during the Nicki Minaj number was a stroke of genius, and she embraced her poise in the rap challenge.

Plus she gave us one of the lines of the episode, in response to Heidi wishing she was the skinniest queen: ‘Maybe All Stars.’

3. Heidi N Closet

I don’t care how bad Heidi’s wig was on the runway (and oh, it was bad) – anyone with one-liners this funny in episode one is good in my books.

Saying she’s from North Carolina, ‘where the chicken outnumber the people’. That bizarre ‘mating call’. Wearing ‘leprosy print’. ‘If you’re not entertaining, it’s like watching the wall dry.’ Saying she suffered an allergic reaction to kale. Genius.

Oh, and that dancing during the rap challenge? The legs swinging around like Louis Smith on a pommel horse was just not praised enough.

Also, panel, Heidi N Closet is a great name, and now I’m wondering how much Ru and Michelle had to bite their lips when addressing Baga Chipz on Drag Race UK.

4. Crystal Methyd

I like Crystal’s quirky fashion, and her Freddy Krueger look was brilliant.

But the reason Crystal is coming this high on the list is because she has a tattoo on her chest, spelling One Direction in Arabic.

5. Jackie Cox

Jackie is obviously a very polished queen, and will go far in this competition. Her retro looks were gorgeous, and her rap performance was solid.

However, I didn’t think she stood out as much as some of the other queens, and I’d have liked the slapstick I Love Lucy vibes to come out more in her performance.

Give this girl a comedy challenge and she’ll be higher on the list.

6. Nicky Doll

The judges were right, Nicky did look a bit insecure in the group numbers, and will need to step her confidence up.

But there’s no denying this girl is drop dead gorgeous. I mean, have you seen her? That fall runway look, with the Karl Lagerfeld shirt and the monocle? Divine.

Nicky’s confessionals are pretty hilarious, so hopefully more of her personality comes through in the coming weeks.

7. Brita

Now, there’s nothing wrong with Brita – everybody did really well this week. But out of all the queens, Brita left me not really knowing that much about her.

Yes, she’s from New York. Yes, she wants to win. And, er… that’s it.

If she is ‘thee’ queen from NYC, I want the evidence to back it up, and her performance and runway looks weren’t as strong as some of her rivals.

But as nobody has gone home, I will wait for my mind to be changed.

RuPaul’s Drag Race airs Friday nights on VH1 in the US, and is on Netflix on Saturdays in the UK. 

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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RuPaul’s Drag Race already hit screens earlier this month, but Mama Ru has introduced a whole new twist seeing six more queens enter the show in another premiere.

That’s right, while we thought we’d met all of our contestants, it turns out half a dozen more will be fighting for the crown, and we’re excited.

Releasing a brand new teaser for the upcoming episode, the notorious show gave us a taste at what’s to come.

Rock M. Sakura was the first to get her introduction and compared herself to an anime character.

‘I am a high energy, comedy, anime queen,’ the rising star bragged as they told the audience to expect, ‘a big explosion of legs and arms and other body parts you might not care to see.’

But while she was working out that another bunch of queens had already taken part in the show, Rock M Sakura was joined by Dahlia Sin, who described herself as ‘a look queen.’

Making an entrance, she said: ‘I’m fierce and better than all these other b****es that are going to be on the show.’

We guess only time will tell on that one!

Sherry Pie was next to grace the studio with her presence, and joked that she is a ‘big, loud Broadway dame,’ before telling viewers that the can expect nothing less than ‘hoots and howls’ at her show.

Jan then appeared as a Varsity cheerleader, and made an awkward Fergie reference as they met the other Queens.

She promised to be ‘fun, flirty and fierce,’ but it seems she’s gone down like a led balloon with her competition.

While Jaida Essence Hall grabbed everyone’s attention with her ‘glowing’ shoulders as she made one heck of a glamorous entrance.

‘I’m the essence of beauty,’ she declared before confidently adding: ‘I’m here to slay the competition.’

The newcomer then called herself ‘classy and bougie,’ as she reminded viewers at home that she smells like money.

Last but not least was the ‘spooky Queen,’ Aiden Zhane, who came to ‘slaughter the competition,’ or so she said.

Describing her act, the last contestant to enter the show (for now) said: ‘People describe my drag as mysterious, but I don’t think there’s another drag queen out there that you can compare me to.’

Ru then made a grand entrance onto the show, where he introduced the next challenge, and it’s all about to kick off.

My queens remember it’s not about who comes first it’s about who comes hardest

There’s only six of you – for now.

‘Hello, hello, hello,’ he said when walking down the iconic stairs: ‘Welcome to the second premiere of RuPaul’s drag race 2020.

‘You may have noticed you’re not the first queen to have arrived. You six get your very own premiere so we can scrutinise every inch of your charisma, uniqueness, nervousness and talent.’

Addressing the shocked looking queens, he explained how they need to model two looks for a spring and autumn collection that will be worthy of a fashion show.

‘Are you all ready to change the world?’ he quipped: ‘I’ll see you on the runway! Let’s go.’

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RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Sherry Pie has apologised after five actors came forward accusing the queen of catfishing – pretending to be someone else online.

Joey Gugliemelli, known as Sherry Pie on the US reality show, allegedly posed as a casting director and asked the men to record themselves.

One of the victims claims to have performed an act on camera which was ‘particularly sexual and awkward’ as part of a fake audition process.

He explained on social media that he was duped into believing he was auditioning for a part in an upcoming New York play.

 Sherry has now issued an apology on Facebook, stressing she’s sorry for causing so much ‘trauma and pain’.

‘I know that the pain and hurt that I have caused will never go away and I know that what I did was wrong and truly cruel,’ she said. ‘Until being on RuPaul’s Drag Race, I never really understood how much my mental health and taking care of things meant.

‘I learned on that show how important “loving yourself” is and I don’t think I have ever loved myself.

‘I have been seeking help and receiving treatment since coming back to NYC. I truly apologize to everyone I have hurt with my actions. I also want to say how sorry I am to my sisters of season 12 and honestly the whole network and production company.

‘All I can do is change the behaviour and that starts with me and doing that work.’

Metro.co.uk has reached out to Drag Race for comment.

Sherry Pie makes her Drag Race debut in the latest instalment of Drag Race which airs on VH1 in the US tonight.

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12 airs on Netflix in the UK.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

RuPaul’s Drag Race has disqualified season 12 contestant Sherry Pie.

Her axing comes after it emerged that five actors had come forward to accuse the drag queen of posing as a casting director and asking them to record themselves for auditions.

Drag Race’s channel VH1 and production company World of Wonder confirmed to EW that that the competitor had been disqualified from season 12 of the hit show.

‘In light of recent developments and Sherry Pie’s statement, Sherry Pie has been disqualified from RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ they said in a statement.

‘Out of respect for the hard work of the other queens, VH1 will air the season as planned. Sherry will not appear in the grand finale scheduled to be filmed later this spring.’

One of the victims claims to have performed an act on camera which was ‘particularly sexual and awkward’ as part of a fake audition process.

He explained on social media that he was duped into believing he was auditioning for a part in an upcoming New York play.

The performer, real name, Joey Guiglemelli, today issued an apology on Facebook, stressing she’s sorry for causing so much ‘trauma and pain’.

‘I know that the pain and hurt that I have caused will never go away and I know that what I did was wrong and truly cruel,’ she said.

‘Until being on RuPaul’s Drag Race, I never really understood how much my mental health and taking care of things meant.

‘I learned on that show how important “loving yourself” is and I don’t think I have ever loved myself.

‘I have been seeking help and receiving treatment since coming back to NYC. I truly apologize to everyone I have hurt with my actions. I also want to say how sorry I am to my sisters of season 12 and honestly the whole network and production company.’

Metro.co.uk has reached out to Sherry Pie’s and Drag Race reps for comment.

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12 airs on Netflix in the UK.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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After the first premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12 – the best series opener in years – we have been introduced to another six new queens, who are all gunning for the same crown.

And unfortunately for this new group, after that brilliant group number to I’m That B****, they had massive heels to fill.

Splitting the group in two was absolutely the way forward for season 12 – it’s given us all a chance to get to know the queens before one gets the chop. But that inadvertently has allowed us to grow to love the first batch, before they’re ripped away and replaced with a slightly less impactful group and a less impactful main challenge.

The Fosse challenge was great, and there were a few good lines in there, but it felt more like a week five maxi challenge rather than a match for the brilliant rap performance of week one. And in the runway, none of the outfits had the same ‘bam!’ moments as the first take. It’s not really the queens’ fault, it so just so happens the first premiere set the bar really high.

That’s not to say that there wasn’t some promise in premiere part two.
We had some brilliant pop culture references, a pair of shoulders that deserve the crown themselves, actual Robyn, Thandie Newton and an astonishing Fosse related mishap up there with ‘sequence dress’.

However, IRL circumstances have led to a major issue. Sherry Pie has been disqualified from season 12 after disturbing allegations of catfishing were made against her. VH1 have confirmed the series will air as it was filmed, but Sherry will not be included in the final – which seemingly suggests that she does make it through the whole season.

Judging by episode one, this isn’t surprising. Sherry was one of the standouts of the episode, with a fantastic raincloud runway look, major drag knowledge, brilliant Miranda Priestly references, a funny Fosse turn and comedy in her lip sync.

But seeing as Sherry won’t be counted this season, we’ve stricken her from the rankings, and will do so going forward. So, in this rejigged ranking, just who will come out on top?

1. Jaida Essence Hall’s shoulders

So good, they are their own entity that deserve their own place on the list. I would pay an entrance fee to see Jaida Essence Hall’s shoulders. I would buy their merch. I would download their single on iTunes.

As Sherry Pie said: ‘They should sell her shoulders at Barneys.

2. Jaida Essence Hall

In addition to her shoulders, that yellow dress on the main stage was drop dead gorgeous, and I could watch Jaida walk all day.

And far from being just a look queen, like Gigi Goode before her, Miss Jaida proved she’s more than just a pretty face in the cabaret performance, with sass and attack in equal measure.

That lip sync was completely fierce, with Jaida complimenting her splits with touches of comedy, and she totally deserved that $5,000 tip. Unfortunately, she slips slightly in the rankings as she was the spark for the arguments during rehearsals, which got a bit tiresome five minutes in.

Still, I predict big things for Jaida Essence Hall.

3. Jan

The second coming of Cheryl Hole, Jan knows she’s talented and she is gunning for that crown. Which may get a bit grating after a while.

Jan is so perfect – a carefully chosen amalgamation of all the goodies from Drag Race seasons gone by. Voice? Check. Poise? Check. Comedy? Check. But a bit of that polish needs to be worn down with a Brillo pad before we’ll get to warm to Jan.

But the talent cannot be denied. The highlight for me was 100% the ‘Marcia Marcia Marcia’ reference, because every show needs a shout-out to The Brady Bunch. Closely followed by Jan comparing herself to ‘the b**** from Saved By The Bell’. Jessie Spano, ‘I’m so excited, I’m so… scared’ never forget.

4. Rock M Sakura

It was a game of two halves for Rock M Sakura.

On the plus side, her style is brilliant – I loved the tulle explosion (as Michelle Visage pointed out, there was still a waist there) – and she’s one of the first Drag Race queens to take anime references and execute them well.

On the flip side, fart humour and Fosse don’t really go hand in hand.

I hope that Rock M really hones her character, because her energy is needed in the competition.

5. Aiden Zhane

Now, I love a weird queen. Give me Milk, Max, Sharon Needles all day every day. But while there were some bright spots in Aiden’s first episode, her lack of confidence scares me.

Aiden is embracing her horror queen aesthetic, but there isn’t the attitude to back it up yet. With so many big personalities in the competition, Aiden needs to lean in a lot more to make a mark.

On the upside, her cabaret performance was spot on, and Robyn was living for her green runway look, which is basically winning the gay Olympics.

6. Dahlia Sin

Dahlia is GORGEOUS. There’s no denying it. I want to be her. But much like her sister Aja before her (on the OG season, not All Stars where she jumped from a great height), she failed to deliver on the performance, and she needs to step her p***y up.

That being said, her runway looks were beautiful, and Dahlia did deliver my highlight of the episode, nay, my month so far.

‘I love Fosse.’ ‘Who’s Fosse?’ ‘She, he, she… girl… Fosse is a main character on Chicago. Is it? I don’t know. I’m bad with this, don’t judge me.’

Sublime.

RuPaul’s Drag Race airs on VH1 in the States on Friday nights, and is available to stream on Netflix the following day.

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Netflix has axed RuPaul’s comedy-drama series AJ and the Queen after just one season.

The show starred RuPaul as Ruby Red, a drag queen whose life savings are stolen, which ruins her dreams of opening a bar.

She then meets her unlikely sidekick AJ, a recently orphaned, tough-talking, scrappy ten-year-old stowaway as they travel from city to city.

The show, which was created by RuPaul and Sex and the City creator Michael Parick King, aired in January although it received a mix of reviews from fans and critics.

RuPaul made the announcement on Twitter that the show would not be coming back.

However the star went on to thank fans for their ‘love and support’.

He said: ‘End of the road for “AJ and The Queen” @Netflix has decided to not extend our road trip across America. Thank you for all the love & support.

‘We’re so very proud of the work. @mizzizzyg@mlwooley@tiacarrere @joshsegarra @katerinavictoria @mwilkas#AJandTheQueen’.

Earlier this year, it was announced that RuPaul’s chat show had been cancelled following a three-week test run.

The show, simply titled RuPaul, appeared on seven Fox stations over the summer.

During its brief run, the RuPaul’s Drag Race icon invited guests such as Ricki Lake, Adam Lambert and Iggy Azalea onto his sofa.

However, the show will not see a full series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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RuPaul’s DragCon Los Angeles is the latest live event to have been cancelled over concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

The annual drag convention hosted by the RuPaul’s Drag Race star was due to take place between 1-3 May at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but the decision was made to cancel the event.

Organisers released a statement reading: ‘DragCon’s first priority is always the health and safety of everyone involved and we’ve been actively tracking the situation around the coronavirus.

‘The situation in California (and the world) is rapidly changing, with new information coming out everyday.

‘Unfortunately, there’s no way for anyone to know what the situation will be like in May. Due to that uncertainty, and out of an abundance of caution, we’ve decided that it’s in the best interest of the talent, staff, and attendees to cancel RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2020.

‘DragCon LA will return in 2021, better than ever.’

They added that existing ticketholders will be issued refunds, as the event thanked fans for their support.

DragCon LA is the latest large-scale event that has been cancelled over worries about coronavirus, with SXSW and Coachella both being pulled for this year.

Organisers have cancelled the events as a precaution over fears of the virus spreading in gatherings of large people in close proximity.

Some TV shows, including The Wendy Williams Show, Jeopardy! and Wheel Of Fortune, have also decided not to film in front of live studio audiences for the foreseeable future in order to protect audience members from the virus.

The UK version of DragCon took place in January and attracted thousands of fans of drag and the show, RuPaul’s Drag Race to meet their favourite stars.

It is likely that other large events will follow suit and cancel or delay large gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak, as a preventative measure.

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RuPaul seems to have suggested he allows fracking to take place on his 60,000 acre Wyoming ranch.

The RuPaul’s Drag Race star shares the ranch with his partner and during an appearance on NPR’s Fresh Air radio show, he revealed he ‘leases mineral rights to oil companies’, reports Pink News.

It’s thought RuPaul’s land sits on a haven of oil and gas wells and fans have taken against his latest comments, suggesting he is allowing fracking on his land.

Hydraulic fracking (or fracturing) involves injecting water, sand and chemicals under high pressure into rocks to create cracks in its formations, so that oil and gas can flow more freely and be extracted.

Effects of fracking can include oil spills and even earthquakes, with the process being highly protested against by environmental activists trying to reduce emissions from fossil fuels.

And it looks like RuPaul’s fans have got no time for news he’s involved with such a process, with many calling the star out on Twitter.

One fan tweeted: ‘after hearing the phrase “rupaul is fracking” and there being even the smallest element of truth to it was the one thing i needed to fully believe we are no longer connected to any tiny of part of reality.’

Another fan agreed and posted: ‘Seeing that RuPaul is fracking has sent me over the edge 2020 is so broken, I cannot.’

Others made it pretty clear on where they stand, with one fan commenting: ‘RuPaul is fracking I hate it here,’ and another adding: ‘@RuPaul is fracking. I no longer stan.’

It was all some fans needed to have them giving up on 2020, with one fan tweeting: ‘Finding out that rupaul and his husband are involved in fracking is the icing on top of this hellscape cake and it’s only march.’

Metro.co.uk have reached out to RuPaul’s rep.

The Twitter frenzy surrounding Ru comes after it was revealed that RuPaul’s DragCon in Los Angeles has now been cancelled due to coronavirus.

Organisers released a statement reading: ‘DragCon’s first priority is always the health and safety of everyone involved and we’ve been actively tracking the situation around the coronavirus.

‘The situation in California (and the world) is rapidly changing, with new information coming out everyday.

‘Unfortunately, there’s no way for anyone to know what the situation will be like in May. Due to that uncertainty, and out of an abundance of caution, we’ve decided that it’s in the best interest of the talent, staff, and attendees to cancel RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2020.’

Organisers reassured fans that RuPaul’s DragCon will return in 2021 ‘better than ever’.

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RuPaul’s Drag Race UK became a sensation when it aired last year – and ever since, fans have been waiting for news of the highly-anticipated second series.

But thanks to the growing nature of the coronavirus pandemic, we may be waiting a while to see some more British queens on the Drag Race stage.

Production of the second series has been put ‘on hold’ for the time being.

Confirming the news, a BBC spokesperson said: ‘In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, production on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will be temporarily pausing filming both in consultation with and supported by the BBC.

‘We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.’

Sadly, Drag Race UK is just the latest in a long line of shows to have their production affected by the growing nature of the coronavirus and its impact on our society.

It joins other BBC shows like Line of Duty and Peaky Blinders, which have paused filming on their new seasons for the time being.

The first series of Drag Race welcomed some of the biggest stars in Britain to sit alongside the judging panel of RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton; including pop star Cheryl, actor Andrew Garfield and even Lorraine Kelly.

Liverpudlian queen The Vivienne ended up winning the inaugural crown, beating out rival Davina DiCampo.

Not that any distance apart as done any wonders for the two’s friendship – they’re still feuding following their time in the workroom.

Amidst the coronavirus crisis, the BBC has also set out an action plan to combat the knock-on effects of the pandemic, such as people self-isolating at home.

This includes keeping the BBC One News at One, Six and Ten going, as well as a new coronavirus special once a week, airing Wednesdays in Question Time’s normal slot.

The One Show will be more consumer-focused from this point onwards to aid in health and wellbeing and fitness for those who are self-isolating.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to the BBC for comment.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 1 is available to stream now via BBC iPlayer.

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RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Sasha Velour, Soju, Nina West and Delta Works have spoken about the money they have lost as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a chat with Entertainment Weekly, season nine winner Sasha revealed that she lost around $100,000 (£86,000) this month, after she made the difficult decision to cancel the last 10 dates of her Smoke & Mirrors tour.

‘In a 24-hour period, we evolved from having this attitude of this all being an overreaction that would blow over,’ she said.

‘We had a responsibility to do our own part in stopping the disease and giving doctors a chance to fight it by not encouraging large gatherings of people around the world.’

Despite the loss of cash, Sasha has promised to pay the staff that travelled with her on her tour before it was cancelled.

She added: ‘Merchandise is already a big part of our business, and that’s one thing that can sustain us during this time.

‘As long as the t-shirt company can still produce shirts, we can sell them online and package them up from our house.’

Meanwhile, Soju – who competed in season 11 – expects that she will lose around $20,000 (£17,000) in the coming months as a result of the cancellation of RuPaul’s DragCon.

‘Last year I made $10,000 (£8,600) at DragCon,’ she told the publication. ‘I’ve already spent so much money getting ready for it this year. Most of [this year’s money] went into music I was going to perform there, plus the outfits for each day.’

She added that she feels as if she ‘can’t create art’ if she does not have the necessary funds.

Drag Race’s Miss Congeniality 2019 Nina West has helped to raise more than $2 million (£1.7 million) for her Nina West Fund, however she fears that the outbreak of Covid-19 will have a huge impact on the nightlife available for the LGBT+ community.

‘Our queer bars are closing all the time,’ she said. ‘What is this going to do to them?

‘I can remember when Columbus had 23 gay bars, and now it has far fewer. It’s devastating.’

She also added that she has lost close to six figures after she cancelled her tour due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, season three contestant Delta Work has also had to cancel bookings and upcoming appearances, and has also put her local shows in California on hiatus.

However, she has reassured fans that she is ‘not struggling to make ends meet’.

‘I am just meeting them on a different schedule and with the talents that won me my Emmy,’ she explained. ‘I learned early on that knowing your brand as a club entertainer can keep you viable for many years.

‘The reality show [circuit] is a entirely different animal. The struggle for some is based on a discord between their passion for stardom or their passion for work.’

Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race is available to stream on Netflix.

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Naomi Campbell, Judi Dench and Joanna Lumley are getting ready to sissy that walk on the catwalk after reportedly signing up to appear as guest judges on series two of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

Production for the second series may have been put on hold during the coronavirus outbreak, but Mama Ru and her overflowing contact book have been hard at work securing the best of her celebrity pals to help judge the talent competition.

And according to new reports, the Supermodel singer has called upon a supergroup of British talent to guest judge on the show in the form of Naomi, Judi and Joanna.

Talk about a legendary list…

A source told the Daily Star: ‘This is a dream line-up. The producers can’t believe their luck.

‘They are going to have an A-list name on the show pretty much every week.’

A BBC spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘Our lips are sealed. Our extra special celebrity judges will be revealed in due course.’

The first series of Drag Race UK was a massive hit for BBC Three in 2019, with The Vivienne becoming the first British queen to strut her way to victory in front of Ru, Michelle Visage and a host of guest judges including Andrew Garfield, Geri Halliwell and Twiggy.

Sadly, we suspect we’ll have to wait a little bit longer to see our next set of girls competing to be named Ru’s Drag Race superstar, as production has been paused during the current world health crisis.

The news was confirmed by the BBC earlier this month, who said: ‘In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, production on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will be temporarily pausing filming both in consultation with and supported by the BBC.

‘We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.’

Across the pond, Drag Race season 12 has been airing as planned, but many of the show’s biggest queens have expressed their concern about how coronavirus (and the cancelling of live shows that has come with it) has seen them all lose a lot of money.

When all this is over, be sure to support your favourite drag queens.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 1 is available to stream now via BBC iPlayer.

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RuPaul’s Drag Race paid tribute to none other than the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna in its latest episode.

The remaining contest got into the GRuve (see what we did there?) are they paid tribute to the Like A Prayer icon with the art of song, in front of none other than US political icon Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Many fans praised the Rusical as the show’s very best – which is quite something, given its storied history of paying melodic tribute to pop culture queens of the past and present.

As usual, social media practically ignited with reactions to the girls’ attempts at homage to Madge, so we’ve broken down the best here.

People were either Team Jan or Team Gigi

There were two camps that emerged after the episode aired, given that the contest seemed fairly split between two queens; Jan and Gigi Goode.

Gigi ultimately proved to be the victor, but if social reaction was anything to go by…people couldn’t call it between the two.

Michelle Visage’s reactions were everything

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and officially the toughest judge in the world, Michelle Visage is well-known for two things on this show: her hatred of the colour green and her love for all things Madonna.

So, fans noticed that during the musical performance – Michelle was indeed getting a bit emotional, and who could blame her?

Someone brought up this awkward Madonna moment that didn’t make the cut tonight

Many eras from Madonna’s past were re-visited, from her 80s heyday, to the iconic conical bra.

But one piece of Madge history that wasn’t revisited was her (let’s be honest, highly iconic) tumble on the BRITs stage in 2015 while performing comeback single Living For Love.

Crystal Methyd’s Ray of Light moment really cracked people up

Crystal sadly didn’t walk away with the crown this week, but at least she wasn’t asked who Elle DeBarge was, right?

Elsewhere, people were loving her comical entrance, dressed as Madonna in the Ray of Light video. In a strange way, it really did give her best work the best tribute possible.

Ultimately, the real winner of the Madonna Rusical was…Madonna herself! (Of course)

Madonna always wins, OK? She stays relevant!

RuPaul’s Drag Race airs weekly on Netflix in the UK.

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RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race is on the way! A fabulous new spin-off of the reality competition, RuPaul and Michelle Visage are back with a bunch of returning queens for a host of new episodes – with a twist.

But what is this new show about, who is starring in it and when does it come on air?

Well, don’t worry henny, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything we know about RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race.

What’s RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race about?

Secret Celebrity Drag Race takes the format of the queer reality sensation and shakes it up with a sickening new concept.

Now, a team of queens we’ve come to know and love from previous seasons of the show will see three celebrity guests be transformed into their new drag alter-ego and take part in iconic Drag Race challenges, such as the fashion runway and Snatch Game.

At the end of each episode, one queen will be crowned the winner and donate their winnings to a charity of their choice, because a queen is nothing if not generous.

Which celebrities are starring in it?

This is where things start to get a bit sticky because, well, it’s a Secret Celebrity Drag Race – we don’t know the identities of the celebrities yet!

The only star confirmed for the series so far is Scream 4 actor Nico Tortorella, but this hasn’t stopped fantasising over who could be strutting into the work room next.

Top of everyone’s lists, of course, is Harry Styles, given his penchant for gender-bending in both his music and his fashion choices. Former Spiderman star Andrew Garfield is also a good shout, he proved to be something of a revelation on his debut as a judge on Drag Race UK.

The rest is just pure speculation, but we’d love to see both straight and queer celebrities taking part – from pop stars Hayley Kiyoko and Troye Sian to stars who have already appeared as judges on Drag Race, like SNL comedian Lesley Jones and Joel McHale, this a real opportunity for anyone to camp it up to the extreme.

Which Drag Race queens are returning?

Luckily, this we do know.

Each of the show’s four episode will see a different set of queens challenged to drag up their celebrity – and the cast includes both past winners and fan favourites.

Alyssa Edwards, Asia O’Hara, Bob the Drag Queen, Kim Chi, Monet X Change, Monique Hart, Nina West, Trinity The Tuck, Trixie Mattel and Vanessa ‘Vanjie’ Mateo will all be appearing.

As usual, RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Matthews and Carson Kressley will serve as judges.

How many episodes are there?

There will be four episodes of RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race, with three celebs and past queens taking part in each episode.

This is for sure a shorter season than fans are used to – but it’s a short and sweet hit, we bet.

Where is the show airing?

The show debuts 24 April on VH1 in the US. The exact details of its airing in the UK are unclear, Netflix – where episodes from the main show drop each week – don’t currently have rights.

RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race airs on VH1 in the US.

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