We are coming close to the end of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 17 and the queens are in a very upbeat mood after a non-elimination and a stunning lip sync courtesy of Jewels Sparkles and Onya Nurve.
The celebratory mood didn’t last long, as RuPaul entered the room to give the queens one of their final challenges: they will be auditioning for an opportunity to star in “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!” at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. The queens will be performing a brand-new song, audition for the much sought after role, and even sit down with “Drag Race” icon Latrice Royale. One thing was also certain, direct from RuPaul: there would be an elimination.
The queens stepped in front of a camera for a photo shoot with guidance from RuPaul. Sparkles was a smash in front of the camera, while Nurve at first seemed a bit hesitant in front of the camera, but truly shined. Lexi Love seemed to struggle a bit with the direction, as did Suzie Toot, whose unawareness of Vegas (and never visiting Sin City) seemed to work against her. As a pageant veteran, Sam Star managed to deliver that signature pageant style to the camera.
Royale sat down with the queens and really got to the heart of each and every performer. Toot and Royale bonded over both being queens from the Sunshine State and specifically, South Florida. Love spoke openly about her past being both homeless and a drug addict and revealed a stunningly frightening human trafficking incident in the process. Star delivered a bit of “Jesus is a Biscuit” as Cher, while Nurve revealed that when she isn’t doing drag, she is actually a full-time chef. Sparkles also provided a bit of a throwback, revealing to Royale how Arrietty stole her jokes during the roast challenge.
The last day in the Werk Room has arrived, and the queens have received their final task: they would be performing the song “Gift Shop.” The queens reflected on their “Drag Race” experience and the challenges they have each faced throughout.
The queens were ready to hit the runway and RuPaul was joined by Michelle Visage, Ross Matthews, and the daughter of “The Boss” Diana Ross herself, Tracee Ellis Ross. “Gift Shop” was a fun bop, and then we got to see the runway presentation, and the theme was "Opulent Outerwear!” Love was stunningly glam, and Nurve was completely and totally regal. Star delivered in what read as a stunning salmon shade, and Toot delivered in what has now become one of her signature colors, a crimson red. Sparkles designed and crafted her coat with her drag grandmother, and the hard work and craftsmanship showed, it was glorious.
Sparkles managed to grab the win for the challenge, with Love and Nurve joining her in the top, with Star and Toot landing in the bottom. They performed a captivating performance of “Love Child” by Diana Ross and the Supremes, a performance that Ellis Ross herself loved so much it looked like it brought her to tears. Ultimately. Star remained in the competition while Toot sashayed away from the competition.
Next time, we have all the queens from Season 17 returning to the Main Stage (including Suzie Toot) for The Lip Sync LaLaPaRuza.
Follow RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 on Instagram @rupaulsdragrace.
