RuPaul’s Drag Race Season-Finale Recap: Winner Winner

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To begin with, it’s undeniable that the final episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race have traditionally been underwhelming television experiences. Even the most captivating finale, Sasha Velour’s victory episode, only managed to keep viewers engaged for the last 20 minutes, equivalent to three performances. This current season’s finale seems rather subdued: The series has moved away from the arena finals of the past that were open to ticket purchases. I understand the reasoning behind this change – remember, there was an incident where a dancer was injured during a previous live finale, and the entire massive theater had to wait while they reworked a number. Such events can be stressful and challenging. However, these smaller-scale finales just don’t have the same grandeur as before. I used to enjoy watching the queens adapt to performing on a vast stage; watching them perform on the same stage they’ve been on all season feels more like an anticlimax rather than a climactic conclusion.

It can be challenging to predict the quality of season finales, as some years they seem more perfunctory than others. Last year, Nymphia’s victory in the lip sync battle felt well-deserved, while in other seasons, it seemed the winner was predetermined. This year, it appears that a decision may have been made ahead of time. Onya Nurve, who has shown exceptional charisma and polish throughout the season, lost the final lip sync but might have won the overall competition. Congratulations to Onya! I believe it was the right choice despite the final outcome.

The episode commences with the final runway presentations as the contestants give their best struts. It appears Jewels and Onya are the most optimistic about winning: Jewels’ extravagant pink gown steals the show while smartly filling the space, whereas Onya looks fabulous all season in a shimmering brown dress with a well-balanced headpiece. Lexi graces the runway in an enchanting floral ensemble that could easily be on a Victoria’s Secret catwalk, but I’m not certain it aligns with RuPaul’s vision for the crown. Sam’s outfit seems to lack enthusiasm: a white cowboy dress that is technically acceptable, yet fails to captivate.

In this performance, Jewels showcased her winning potential from the start. With an impressive rise throughout the season, she was poised to make it to the top two. However, it was during this number that she truly sealed the deal for the title. Her unique blend of physical comedy, seemingly tailored by herself, was a strategy no one else attempted. It was smart, genuinely funny, and she shone like a star. I was incredibly impressed, feeling that Jewels was destined to reach even greater heights. Her skills are remarkable, and her responses during the interview with RuPaul were almost flawless – keep in mind, this is a 22-year-old handling herself gracefully in front of an audience. It’s truly astounding. Above all, Jewels’ segment provided a glimpse into her ambitious nature, which I hadn’t fully sensed throughout the season but was exactly what I desired during the finale.

Next up is Lexi’s turn on the roller skates, making her stand out from the rest. I believe Lexi edges out Sam for third place thanks to her outstanding finale performance. She was hilarious, entertaining, and sparkling with glitter during that number. If we want to be precise, Jewels might have taken first due to her intense determination. However, Lexi brings enjoyment, making our viewing experience enjoyable too. Jewels, on the other hand, delivers a powerful performance that cuts through the screen in an impactful way. In her interview, as always, Lexi remains open and charming.

Onya gave an impressive performance tonight, but it might not stand out as much as others due to its low-key concept. However, her vocals were unmatched and she executed her routine flawlessly without missing a beat of choreography. Her charisma, especially during the interview segment where she improvised and walked around the stage, was remarkable and sets her apart from other queens this season. In fact, Onya has the potential to shine on late-night talk shows, which speaks volumes about her charm as a speaker.

Sam performs admirably without a doubt. It’s best not to criticize when someone is already struggling. The dancers handle her petite figure effortlessly, making it an enjoyable spectacle. She also has numerous costume changes, keeping the audience engaged. Although I must admit, the outfits she wears during these changes aren’t worth applause – let me clarify, this is not a criticism of Sam herself, just the clothes she’s wearing in the performance. In her interview, Sam remains as professional, cheerful, and optimistic as ever. Bravo to her for staying strong!

I’m not one to argue about their decisions, but since all the contestants were unfriendly this time around, it wasn’t easy for me to choose another winner.

Nymphia gracefully emerges, adorning a breathtaking gown, and manages to engage humorously with RuPaul, which is quite impressive. (Kudos to her!)

Ultimately, Ru declared that the last two contestants are Onya and Jewels. In my opinion, this choice was fitting as Lexi and Sam seemed not quite ready for the final round. The highlight of the evening, though, came when Lexi quickly revealed all her cards at once, which was undeniably hilarious.

In a thrilling twist, the first and second place contestants synchronize their lip movements to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” adding an extra layer of excitement to the Drag Race finale. It’s fascinating to witness such a responsive show incorporating a contemporary gay hit like this one in its grand finale. And indeed, Jewels emerges victorious. While Onya presents a compelling case for winning with her well-thought-out interpretation of the song and her “Lady in Red” persona, Jewels delivers a captivating, climactic performance that is truly fitting for the finale. Her reveals aren’t just flashy; they tell a story, culminating in a powerful centerpiece moment on stage. Onya starts strong but seems to falter towards the end, while Jewels gains momentum and energy throughout her performance. Onya is talented, but it’s Jewels who takes the crown this time around.

While Onya took the victory in the final episode, one might question whether Jewels truly deserved the title of season winner. After all, fairness is a subjective concept, and both queens have proven themselves as top-tier performers. However, Jewels seemed to find her stride a bit too late and showed some weaknesses in certain areas that Onya did not exhibit. For instance, when it comes to public speaking, such as the performance in RDR Live!, Onya excelled where many queens have fallen short, including Jewels. In fact, it’s safe to say that few queens in the show’s history could match Onya’s prowess in this area. Overall, Onya demonstrated a strong ability to drive forward and act convincingly, qualities that make her an exceptional choice for the crown. Although Jewels triumphed in the finale, it is Onya who won the season, earning the right to wear the crown.

And Also on Untucked…

• Apologies for the late recap — I didn’t receive a finale screener until late last night.

I found it incredibly heartwarming to witness Jewels’ and Onya’s dads treating the finale like a significant sports event for their sons. The emotional highpoint, when they embraced, was truly moving.

The final jewels truly blended the realms of burlesque and energetic dance, leaving me speechless.

In my opinion, it appears that Sam may have lost the season during the Ugliest Dress runway. This coincided almost precisely with Trinity’s significant success in the Club Kid runway. To all future pageant participants: If they ask you to be unusual, don’t hesitate – Embrace the quirky!

Liza Minnelli is honored with a lifetime achievement award. She truly embodies greatness, living up to all expectations as Liza. Explore our Broadway deal featuring her performances here.

• My winner interview should be out this week. Check back in on the site!

This season of Drag Race has been analyzed by my food critic friend Matthew Schneier. His opinion is that the show has become less exciting because the queens are so polished and professional that it’s no longer fun to root for them. Instead, he found humor from outside sources like La Roche-Posay, Hormona, and Kohl’s, as well as a new Brooklynite named Suzie Toot. I agree with him and would add Kori Toot to the list. Farewell!

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2025-04-19 20:54