RuPaul's Drag Race

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RuPaul's Drag Race is an American reality competition television series produced by World of Wonder for the Logo TV network, and beginning with the ninth season, VH1. The show documents RuPaul, in the search for "America's next drag superstar." RuPaul plays the roles of host, mentor, and head judge for this series, as contestants are given different challenges each week.

Format[edit | edit source]

The show features a panel of judges, including RuPaul, and a rotating cast of guest judges, who critique contestants' progress throughout the competition. Each episode features a mini-challenge, a main challenge, and a runway walk. Contestants are eliminated weekly until a final winner is crowned.

Mini-Challenges[edit | edit source]

Mini-challenges are quick, often humorous tasks that the contestants must complete. The winner of a mini-challenge often receives some form of advantage in the main challenge.

Main Challenges[edit | edit source]

Main challenges vary in format and include tasks such as designing outfits, performing in musical numbers, and acting in skits. The main challenge is usually followed by a runway walk where contestants showcase their outfits.

Runway Walk[edit | edit source]

During the runway walk, contestants present their outfits based on a specific theme. The judges then critique each contestant's performance in the main challenge and their runway presentation.

Lip Sync for Your Life[edit | edit source]

The bottom two contestants of each episode must "lip sync for their life" to avoid elimination. The contestant who performs better in the lip sync is allowed to stay, while the other is eliminated.

Judges[edit | edit source]

The judging panel includes RuPaul and a rotating cast of guest judges. Permanent judges have included Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, and Ross Mathews.

Spin-offs and International Versions[edit | edit source]

The success of RuPaul's Drag Race has led to several spin-offs, including RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, RuPaul's Drag U, and international versions such as RuPaul's Drag Race UK and Canada's Drag Race.

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

RuPaul's Drag Race has had a significant impact on popular culture, bringing drag into the mainstream and influencing fashion, music, and television. The show has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and has been praised for its representation of the LGBTQ+ community.