RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Cast Whets Our Appetite

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As a seasoned viewer of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I can’t help but notice the shift in geographical representation this season. It seems like the usual suspects – New York and L.A. – are taking a backseat to let other cities shine. The South, particularly Florida, is well-represented this time around, which is quite refreshing.

It’s high time for another installment of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”! Indeed, you might have noticed that RuPaul has been a regular on your screens, even more so this year with the inclusion of “Global All-Stars”. However, the main show took a break since Nymphia Wind claimed the title. The upcoming Season 17 lineup was unveiled in a water-themed promotional shoot that’s got us exclaiming, “Water? I barely know her!” (Michelle Visage still cracking up with that joke). This group has it all: A contestant who hand-delivered her audition tape to RuPaul, a potential fish killer, and a surprising absence of high society beachgoers. Get the lowdown on them below.

First things first: Who are the girls?

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=G8GNLRrGDfM

Here are the girls’ bios, straight (hah) from WOW headquarters:

Acacia Forgot, based in Los Angeles, California – @acaciaforgot

Originating from the Dubois household in Seattle, Washington (handle: @arrietty_theelf), Arrietty is known for her distinctive creativity and passion for the fantasy genre. Her drag mother is none other than Irene Dubois, a contestant from season 15 of “Drag Race.” Arrietty designs and sews her own elaborate costumes, frequently incorporating a ‘futuristic elf’ theme, and can also deliver an impressive glamour when required. This multi-talented, enigmatic queen is prepared to make a strong impact in the competition.

Crystal Envy from Asbury Park, N.J. | @thecrystalenvy

As a bubbly charmer hailing from the Deep South, Chattanooga, Tennessee, I was unexpectedly spotted by the legendary RuPaul during his “The House of Hidden Meanings” book tour in Atlanta. This serendipitous encounter led to an invitation to Hollywood, where I’ve now become a proud member of the season 17 cast. With my campy persona, inspired by Disney princesses and classic screen sirens, I aspire to capture RuPaul’s attention once more – this time, right where it matters the most: on the grand stage of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”!

Under a different mask, this young royalty exudes an endearing naivety. Self-proclaimed as a ‘scatterbrained, clumsy beauty,’ Jewels might seem innocent, but make no mistake – she’s got a plan for the competition. Drawing inspiration from figures like Ariana Grande and Priscilla Presley, and with roots deeply embedded in Puerto Rican and Cuban cultures, it would be unwise to dismiss this gifted performer as merely a ‘look queen.’ (Tampa, F.L. | @thejewelssparkles)

Joella, based out of Los Angeles, California, and known on social media as @thejoelladynasty, proudly refers to herself as ‘The Slaysian Diva.’ This moniker is fitting given her distinctive approach to drag, which blends traditional Chinese attire with urban fashion and popular culture. Her impressive track record includes winning local drag bar competitions in West Hollywood. Now, she’s gearing up to represent plus-size queens on the global stage of the world’s largest drag competition.

Kori King hails from Boston and has swiftly climbed to prominence in the local scene, gathering a noteworthy fanbase on TikTok. With just two years in the drag world under her belt, she’s already been bestowed the title of Boston’s Best New Performer to Watch. People are talking about Kori, and for good reason – she’s sharp-witted, unfiltered, and true to herself. As Plane Jane’s drag sister from season 16, she carries on a legacy of honesty and quick-wit!

Originating from New York City, Lana Ja’Rae is under the motherly guidance of Luxx Noir London, a contestant from season 15 of ‘Drag Race’. Known for her flair in fashion, Lana exudes an unmatched level of fierceness. Impressed by Lana’s performance at a local New York drag competition, Luxx approached her on stage and offered to adopt her right then and there. With confident strides, Lana is prepared to leave this contest with the crown as her final walk! (You can find Lana on Instagram @lanajarae)

Lexi Love hails from Louisville, K.Y., where she’s a regular at Play, a popular bar renowned for its vibrant drag performances. As a versatile performer, Lexi can transform any gathering into a lively event, yet she’s equally enjoyable as a casual companion. Having battled homelessness and drug addiction in the past, Lexi has come out stronger and more self-reliant, ready to make her mark on the global scene with her rejuvenated persona!

Originating from Havana, Cuba, Lucky Starzzz is a vibrant, animated character come to life! With a drag style that blends club kid flair with an extra dose of camp, Lucky’s creative use of paper, spray paint, sequins, and rhinestones sets her apart. Describing herself as a ‘venus fly trap in a room full of roses,’ will Lucky’s eye-catching artistry impress the judges this season and secure her the crown? (Follow Lucky Starzzz on Instagram at @theluckystarzzz)

Lydia B Kollins — Pittsburgh, P.A. | @foreheadbrows
“To understand this absurdist, unique queen, you only need to know that the ‘B’ stands for b*tthole. Named after Winona Ryder’s character in Beetlejuice, Lydia Deetz, and inspired by Tim Burton, John Waters, and David Lynch, Lydia B Kollins is a queen who values creativity over perfection. Will the judges find Lydia’s looks BOOTYful, or will her time on Drag Race be a disASSter?”

Onya Nurve — Cleveland, O.H. | @onyanurve
“Smashburger cook by day, enchanting and in-demand drag artist by night. Onya Nurve got bitten by the performance bug in high school, and took an artistic career path to drag via a B.F.A. in painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art. A comedic actress as well as being able to belt out a tune, Onya represents a real threat in this competition!”

Sam Star from Leeds, A.L., @samstarqueen
“Charming, fashionable, SOUTHERN! Sam is a multitalented individual, having undergone training in musical theater, and being a former gymnast/cheerleader who can perform back handsprings. With refined makeup abilities and an attractive appearance, Sam has accumulated a remarkable collection of pageant titles at such a young age: It’s no wonder to find out that Trinity the Tuck is her drag mentor and guide.

Suzie Toot — Fort Lauderdale, F.L. | @suzie.toot
“Suzie’s unique charm sets her apart in the world of drag. A seasoned tap dancer with a style that echoes 1920s and ’30s fashion trends, Suzie sees herself as a blend of Betty Boop and Lucille Ball. An accomplished actor with a knack for humor and impeccable comedic delivery, Suzie aims to impress the judges with her distinctive interpretation of drag!

Where’s everyone from?

To begin with, it’s worth noting that most of the queens this season aren’t from New York or Los Angeles, which have traditionally been well-represented in previous seasons. For instance, this year, there’s only one queen from New York (Lana Ja’Rae), while Los Angeles has just two (Acacia Forgot and Joella). Interestingly, half of the winners so far on the show have come from these two cities, making their absence this season a bit unexpected. Instead, we have three queens from Florida and quite a few from the South. If they were deliberately avoiding contestants from New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers territory, one might expect to see at least one queen from Chicago (like Aunty Chan).

Any notable queens?

To start off, it’s worth noting that Hormona Lisa, as stated in her profile, has an established relationship with RuPaul. This year, during his book tour, RuPaul revealed she would be on the show, which subsequently went viral. Ambition certainly seems to have paid off for her! Let’s keep our fingers crossed and see if she can translate her online popularity into tangible success.

When’s the release date?

Starting from January 3 at 8 p.m., you can catch Season 17 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on MTV. Until then, let’s keep grooving to Tyla’s “Water” throughout the month!

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2024-12-05 02:54