RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its fierce competition and dazzling performances. Throughout the show’s history, numerous contestants have left an indelible mark on fans’ hearts, but there are five fan favorites who stand out among the rest.
Bianca Del Rio, from Season 6, is hailed as one of the most talented queens to ever grace the runway. Her quick wit and impeccable comedic timing made her a force to be reckoned with. Bianca’s ability to effortlessly blend humor with high fashion elevated her performances to new heights. Prior to Drag Race, Bianca won a Big Easy Entertainment Award for Best Costume Design for Snow Queen at the age of 17. And has been nominated for 13 Big Easy Entertainment Awards for costume design, winning six.
Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, runner up on Season 5, captured fans’ attention with her unique style and unapologetic personality. Known for her catchy music and memorable catchphrases, Alaska brought a fresh energy to the competition that resonated deeply with viewers. Alaska also appeared on the Second Season of Drag Race All Stars where this time she was the winner.
Katya Zamolodchikova, Drag Race Season 7 and All Stars Season 2, became an instant fan favorite due to her quirky charm and infectious charisma. Her unconventional approach to drag challenged traditional norms and showcased her incredible versatility as a performer. The Russian-based aspect of Katya’s persona was inspired by a professor he had while studying at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Although, not of Russian descent, took several Russian language courses and used a cassette tape called “Pronounce It Perfectly” to master the Russian accent. In addition to speaking Russian, Katya can also speak fluent French and is known to speak Japanese and Portuguese.
Trixie Mattel, Drag Race Season 7 and All Stars Season 3, won over audiences with her signature doll-like aesthetic and country-inspired performances. Her genuine personality and relatable journey endeared her to fans around the world. Trixie studied at the Peck School of the Arts in the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he received a BFA in musical theatre and was introduced to drag while performing in a production of The Rocky Horror Show at the Oriental Theatre. Trixie is a vegetarian, an atheist and a collector of Barbie dolls.
Shangela Laquifa Wadley, Drag Race Season 2 and All Stars Season 3. Tenacity and perseverance made her a beloved contestant across multiple seasons of the show. Shangela’s growth throughout the competition showcased not only her talent but also her determination to succeed against all odds. After Drag Race, Shangela appeared in numerous television series, including Community, 2 Broke Girls, Glee, Bones, The X-Files, and Broad City. As well as in films such as Hurricane Bianca, its sequel Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate, and the musical drama film A Star is Born. Shangela was a cheerleader in high school and began dressing in drag for creative projects for English classes. She is one of the most followed queens from Drag Race and has accumulated over 1.5 million Instagram followers.
These five fan-favorite contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race have left an indelible mark on viewers worldwide. Their unique talents, personalities, and journeys have captivated audiences and solidified their place in drag race history. Whether it be through comedy or music or breaking boundaries in drag performance artistry, these queens continue to inspire generations of aspiring performers while reminding us all of the power of self-expression and authenticity in our own lives.
Did your favorite make the list?
