RuPaul’s Drag Race, the groundbreaking reality TV competition on MTV that has redefined drag culture and entertainment, is back with its 16th season. This season promises to be more electrifying than ever, with a cast of 14 new queens ready to work Mama RuPaul’s runway. Let us find out who are the drag queens of season 16, who bring a unique blend of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent!
The Evolution of Drag Race: A Cultural Phenomenon
Since its inception, RuPaul’s Drag Race has evolved from a niche show into a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, music, and pop culture. It has become a platform for talented drag artists to showcase their artistry, creativity, and personal stories, breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive understanding of gender and performance art.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 release date
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 is scheduled to premiere on MTV at 8:00 PM ET/PT on Friday, January 5th. The season opener will unfold as a two-part extravaganza, presenting the iconic talent show in the format of the Maxi Challenge. Spanning 90-minute episodes, the premiere introduces a thrilling twist with the ‘Rate-A-Queen’ challenge, where the queens will rank each other’s performances following the talent show spectacle.
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Who are the drag queens of season 16
The new season features an eclectic mix of drag styles from across the United States. From Kandy Muse’s drag daughter to Kornbread’s drag sister from the House of Jeté, this season’s cast is diverse and dynamic. Lets have a detailed look at each of them!
1. Amanda Tori Meating
Amanda Tori Meating, representing Los Angeles, California, is a queen popular for her humour, dynamic wigs, and high-energy performances. Not just a performer, Amanda is a skilled wig stylist who has worked with notable Drag Race queens and even dancers in Beyoncé’s music videos. Moreover, her style is a unique blend of camp and comedy, promising to bring both laughter and flair to the competition.
2. Dawn
Dawn, the self-proclaimed “ethereal elf goddess of Brooklyn,” is a queen who embodies creativity and eccentricity. She is famous for designing and constructing almost all of her unique looks. Furthermore, Dawn’s artistic approach to drag ensures that every performance tells a story, and she’s aiming for a fairy-tale ending on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Moreover, you can also watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 5’ in USA on BBC iPlayer, if you are a fan of this franchise.
3. Geneva Karr
Geneva Karr, the first Mexican-born queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race, hails from Brownsville, Texas. Her journey to the United States, witnessing her parents’ struggles for a better life, adds depth to her character. Additionally, Geneva is celebrated for her dancing skills and mischievous energy, and she’s determined to make history by winning the crown.
4. Hershii LiqCour-Jeté
Representing Los Angeles, California, Hershii LiqCour-Jeté is a member of the legendary Haus of Jeté. Known for her powerful performances, Hershii has a strong fan base in the L.A. area. She’s a queen who combines family values with her drag career. Moreover, she is raising two young children with her boyfriend while ready to slay on the main stage. Furthermore, you can also enjoy Drag Race Philippines Season 2 in the US, if you wish to witness more of the glamour of the divas!
5. Megami
Megami, from Brooklyn, New York, is a “geek-chic” queen who began her drag journey as a cosplayer at conventions like Comic Con. She seamlessly blends high fashion into her characterful designs. Proud of her Nuyorican culture, Megami, which means “goddess” in Japanese, is ready to bring a creative force to the “Drag Race” world.
6. Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige
Miami’s Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige, known as the Queen of Flips, is an electrifying performer renowned for her acrobatic skills. Her videos of performing flips and tricks on South Beach sidewalks have gone viral on social media. Furthermore, Mhi’ya’s athletic prowess and vibrant personality make her a formidable competitor.
7. Mirage
Mirage, the “Legs of Las Vegas,” hails from Nevada and brings a mix of showgirl glamour and quirky charm. As a Native American and Mexican beauty, she stands tall in seven-inch heels, ready to bring her unique style and personality to the competition.
8. Morphine Love Dion
Morphine Love Dion, from Miami, Florida, is known for her stunning body, beauty, and makeup skills (“mug”). Starting her career with social media makeup tutorials, she has now become the self-proclaimed “It Girl of Miami.” A trained dancer featured in music videos, Morphine is ready to dance her way to the top.
9. Nymphia Wind
Nymphia Wind, the first Taiwanese queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race, brings a unique style inspired by Asian culture, art, and tradition. Based in New York, Nymphia has built a massive fanbase known as “Banana Believers,” thanks to her signature color yellow and penchant for the absurd.
10. Plane Jane
Plane Jane, from Boston, Massachusetts, is a glamorous and wickedly funny queen with Russian roots. A former competitive ballroom dancer, she brings a blend of elegance and competitive spirit to the show. Moreover, Plane Jane is all set to channel her passion and experience into becoming America’s Next Drag Superstar.
11. Plasma
Plasma, a New York-based queen, exudes Old Hollywood glamour. Raised on the music of Julie Andrews, Judy Garland, and Barbra Streisand, Plasma’s drag persona is deeply influenced by these divas. Furthermore, with a background in Musical Theatre Performance, she’s ready to showcase her theatrical talents on the Drag Race stage.
12. Q
Q, representing Kansas City, Missouri, is a theatre queen with a special talent for costume design. Popular for making all her own looks and many for other Drag Race stars, Q’s expertise in costuming is set to add a unique flair to the competition. Moreover, she’s ready to tackle each design challenge with her signature style.
13. Sapphira Cristál
Sapphira Cristál, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a queen with a remarkable six-octave vocal range. A trained musician in music composition, vocal performance, and opera, Sapphira is a versatile performer who excels in hosting, singing, dancing, and comedy.
14. Xunami Muse
Xunami Muse, originally from Colón, Panama, and now based in New York, is the supermodel of the season. As Kandy Muse’s drag daughter, Xunami brings a blend of fashion and performance art to the show. Moreover, she is signed with a modelling agency in New York. Muse is ready to strut her way to the top with her leggy beauty and charm.
Bottom line!
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 is set to be a ground-breaking instalment in the series, offering viewers a blend of high fashion, compelling storytelling, and jaw-dropping performances. Now that you know who are the drag queens of season 16, you can eagerly anticipate a season filled with drama, laughter, and the heart-warming moments!
