As a seasoned critic with a keen eye for talent and a flair for the dramatic, I must say that this week’s episode of Drag Race left me utterly spellbound! The girls really brought their A-game, and it was a delight to witness such a diverse array of performances.
First off, let’s talk about our winner, Suzie Toot. This Broadway queen has a unique perspective on musical theater that truly sets her apart from the rest. She’s got the goods, I can tell you that much! Her lip-sync performance to “Woman’s World” was nothing short of brilliant – she managed to turn what could have been a forgettable song into a campy masterpiece!
Now, let me address the elephant in the room: the girls’ Squid Game challenge. I must admit, I was stumped trying to figure out if they filmed it before entrances or after. All I can say is, Joseph Shepherd, if you’re reading this, please enlighten us!
One thing that struck me was the raw emotion and resilience these queens displayed during their performances. Jewels, for instance, overcame a neck injury that she thought would prevent her from ever dancing again, making her win feel all the more triumphant. Lucky, on the other hand, continues to shine despite precarious housing circumstances.
As for my fellow critics, Craig Jenkins, our Pulitzer Prize nominee, shared his top three Katy Perry songs he’d like to see on Drag Race: “Teenage Dream,” “Gorgeous,” and “Cry About It Later.” I must say, I find it rather daring to have two post-“Teenage Dream” tracks in there, but who am I to argue with a Pulitzer nominee?
In closing, I must say that this first group of queens has certainly piqued my interest. If the second group can match their energy and talent, we’re in for one heck of a season! And remember, kids: always keep it campy, keep it fabulous, and never forget to have fun!
Indeed, it seems quite remarkable to me, and perhaps to you as well, following this evening’s events. However, my sentiments are particularly heightened, given the fortunate circumstance of dwelling in a realm much like Suzie Toot’s: a vibrant universe where a 1920s-inspired Jewish drag queen named Suzie Toot can captivate audiences with her spellbinding tap-dancing skills and clinch a lip sync battle with a universally detested pop song from the year 2024. Moments such as these serve as a constant reminder of my unwavering affection for RuPaul’s Drag Race.
To put it plainly: Walking into this premiere, I hadn’t exactly been brimming with enthusiasm. In my opinion, both the latest season and its predecessor had significant flaws that couldn’t be ignored. However, I kept a glimmer of hope alive because season 16 was quite impressive, and Drag Race UK delivered its best season since Bimini Bon-Boulash graced our screens. Approaching this episode at a premiere event in New York, surrounded by influencers, queens, and journalists, I admit I approached it with some skepticism. But when the episode began, I saw drag queens play a Squid Game-themed round of Red Light, Green Light — complete with pies being thrown — and I couldn’t help but laugh. Believe me, this was a rarity, if not unheard of, during those challenging All Stars seasons in 2024. I found myself fully engaged.
As a longtime fan of this reality show, I must admit that I was initially underwhelmed by the premiere episode of season 17. To put it mildly, Katy Perry seemed to be a bit too much for my taste throughout the entire show. The talent on display felt lackluster and forgettable, with few performances that truly stood out or captured my attention like Sapphira Cristál, Plane Jane, and Nymphia Wind did last season within seconds of their appearances.
However, I am choosing to maintain a positive outlook for this season. It seems as though we’re starting on a relatively even playing field – none of the contestants appear to be clear favorites, and there are not many obvious outsiders. This could either be a recipe for disappointment if the girls don’t rise to the challenges, but for now it’s exciting to see so much potential.
So let us dive in, shall we? Let us meet these new contestants and see what they bring to the table!
One standout contestant, reminiscent of a Victoria’s Secret model, struts in first this season. Her initial line might be refined, but her confessional remark (“I embody the word ‘hormones’ when it comes to being a whore”) is more captivating. As the eldest queen this season, she’s only 33, yet she carries an authentic toughness that none of the other contestants possess. It’s clear that many queens this season wouldn’t be drag artists without “Drag Race”. Unlike some, Lexi Love is not one who owes her career to the show itself.
Next up is Joella. While I won’t explicitly state that she was chosen because she’s possibly the globe’s most devoted Katy Perry fan, I can’t help but feel that this didn’t work against her. She has a certain charm to her. Her speech patterns are reminiscent of a caricatured reality-TV contestant.
Moving forward, we have Kori King, the contestant who effortlessly exudes on-camera charm this season. She’s associated with Plane Jane, her drag sister, and her hip movements hint at the craftsmanship of Boston-based queen Camille Yen. Her debut look is tastefully put together and free from any overt attempts to impress – Kori seems poised for a long run in the competition.
Lydia B. Kollins will be taking the stage next, impersonating Winona Ryder. She’s named after a character from Beetlejuice and seems to have a soft spot for Heathers: The Musical, judging by her recent demeanor. RuPaul appreciates that her middle name is Butthole, which bodes well for her.
Arrietty is next up, and she’s known for her impressive elf drag, achieved by exaggerating the triangle between her eyebrows. She exudes confidence, which is always a plus. However, it’s intriguing to consider if she has a personal connection with Hungry from Berlin, as there are times when her makeup style seems to echo his distinctive brand, especially noticeable in her promotional look.
Jewel’s Radiates Brilliance
Entering with a well-worn phrase, Jewel declares, “I’m not just any lady – I’m that special one.” At first, her introduction left me skeptical, but her repeated “Ding!” and theatrical poses rekindled my interest. I found myself appreciating Jewel’s intelligence and wit more than I initially expected. Definitely a character worth keeping an eye on.
Next in line is Lana Ja’Rae, a contestant hailing from the house of Luxx Noir London. What took me aback was discovering that she’s the sole New York queen among this group. With so many talented queens residing in New York, I expected more representation. Only one this year? That seems a bit unusual. Baby Love has expressed her desire to frequently appear on this show, yet she hasn’t made it. Is she joking about it? Let’s delve into that mystery! Lana certainly looks impressive, but her easy-going demeanor might present challenges in the competitive world of drag.
Sam Star, Child of Trinity the Tuck, Emerges as the Next Queen in the Spotlight:
Sam Star, a daughter born to Trinity the Tuck, stands out as the next reigning queen. She’s all about pageantry and deeply rooted in southern culture. While her style of drag doesn’t resonate deeply with me (she claims to adore anything associated with the LGBTQ+ community, which honestly seems quite obvious), I have no doubt she’ll excel. A well-polished act can take you places.
The upcoming queen goes by the name Onya Nurve, and she proudly declares, “I’m from Cleveland!” followed by a chuckle. I adore her character. Truly, I do. Her enthusiasm is contagious, but I must admit, her eyebrows leave something to be desired.
As a cinephile, let me tell you, Suzie Toot is my jam! This gal is a character, and her name… well, it’s unique, to say the least. It reminds me of Betty Boop with a twist of quirkiness. But don’t let that fool you; she’s fantastic! I’ll elaborate more about her later on, but let me tell you, I have high expectations for Miss Toot. She’s an original oddball, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
From RuPaul’s carefully chosen selection during her book tour, Hormona Lisa, steps into view next. Her name is catchy, her appearance fits perfectly, and the way she presents herself without makeup is comically reminiscent of Yankee Candle scents. However, her personality seems rather subdued or understated.
It’s challenging for me to figure out Crystal Envy. She seems a bit plain compared to what I expected from Jewels. So far, she doesn’t stand out much, which is why I liken her to something common or ordinary. Compared to Sam’s pageantry, she’s not as flamboyant, compared to Jewels’ femininity, she’s less overt, and compared to Kori’s polish, she’s a bit more casual in terms of her appearance. I need to observe her more to get a better sense of who she is.
Acacia Forgot makes her entry next, and unfortunately, this appearance may have already sealed her fate. The outfit isn’t impressive, and the blush seems harsh. Moreover, I find it puzzling why she opts for an ’80s-inspired look, using the phrase “totally tubular” for her introduction, given that her brand is country music meets Stepford Wife. Is it possible Dolly Parton has never referred to anything as “tubular”?
At last, it’s Lucky Starzzz, whom I find simply fantastic. The clever-queen vibe isn’t entirely novel for the series, but it’s a touch I always crave in the blend. She exudes a larger-than-life personality, boasts striking visuals, and, as we later learn, possesses some impressive stage skills. I’m eagerly anticipating great things from her.
Afterward, RuPaul appears and informs everyone they’ve just completed an unaware photo-shoot mini-challenge, with Lana Ja’Rae taking the victory. My response to that was, “Oh, okay then, neat.
This coming fortnight presents an exciting competition: a talent show featuring half of the queens performing each week for “Rate-a-Queen”. The other half will evaluate their fellow contestants’ performances. At the end, the bottom queen from each group will lip-sync to stay in the competition; one will be eliminated. It promises to be enjoyable and challenging!
The twist is that the queens get to decide which group they want to join. This setup offers two opportunities within the first two weeks to observe not just their performance skills but also their strategic thinking. Clever design indeed!
Additionally, it was announced that Katy Perry will be this week’s judge, much to Joella’s delight as she is a huge Katy Perry fan.
It’s no shock that Kori King is the one scheduling the weeks; more artists prefer to perform during the second week compared to the first. However, I believe this might be a misstep – outstanding premieres have a knack for becoming legendary, while performances from later weeks often fade in comparison. For instance, Willow Pill and Kornbread’s season-14 debut acts are still fondly remembered, whereas Angeria’s “Talent, check!” number doesn’t evoke the same response. Eventually, Lydia B. Kollins consents to perform during the first week.
The following day, I stepped into the Werk Room, where Perry cracked some off-color remarks about her “tuck,” causing Joella to shed tears and depart. This sequence left me feeling discomforted, as I sensed a lack of authenticity from her. Moreover, I’m not particularly fond of the candid revelations shared by several contestants regarding their lives and personal struggles. However, Lexi’s quip about “smoking and toking those nepo babies” had me chuckling and endeared me to her even more.
In simpler terms, the runway category is labeled as “Masc 4 Masked Singer,” but this actually translates to “wear a mask.” Given that introduction episodes can be lengthy, I’ll be going through them quite fast.
As someone who has been following the world of drag for quite some time now, I must say that this year’s competition has truly outdone itself with a variety of imaginative and creative costumes. Acacia’s snowman may not be the most aesthetically pleasing to my eyes, but the blush on it certainly adds a touch of charm. Joella’s style, on the other hand, is simply not my cup of tea – I prefer something more refined than plastering items onto a bodysuit. However, Jewels’ Ariana Grande at a masquerade ball in the ’60s look is nothing short of extraordinary! It may be an eccentric description, but she pulls it off flawlessly. Arrietty’s macabre bridal-elf costume is also a hit with me, and I must admit that Lucky Starzzz’ pizza attire is simply awesome.
Suzie Toot’s coin costume is intriguing, and her makeup definitely catches the eye – even if it did cause a bit of controversy with Michelle. Kori King’s ginormous raven outfit looks polished and grand, while Hormona’s skunk costume is quirky yet tasteful. Crystal Envy’s doll look with a cracking mask remains a mystery to me in terms of her drag persona, but the quality of workmanship cannot be denied. Lexi Love’s MTV Moon Man outfit is impressively proportioned, and Lana’s sleek cat costume is simply elegant.
Onya’s look didn’t quite come together for me at first glance, but her interactions with Ru on the runway had me laughing out loud. Sam Star’s cloud-themed, gay-themed costume is as polished as ever, and I must say that it’s no surprise to me! Lastly, I found myself struggling to fully appreciate Onya’s look due to its eclectic mix of textures, but her charisma on the runway certainly made up for it. This year’s competition is shaping up to be a thrilling ride!
Moving forward to the performances, let me clarify that on this particular show, a talent show essentially translates to “Showcase your best performance.” Most contestants lip-sync to original songs since that’s the norm. Initially, I was frustrated about this. However, I’ve learned to accept it as RuPaul prefers it this way, and the contestants have grown accustomed to it as well. The end results of each episode reflect this. So, going forward, I aim to evaluate these performances based on the show’s expectations rather than my personal ones.
Jewels’ Performance Shines
The number is nothing short of spectacular, reminiscent of Sasha Colby’s iconic ponytail-flipping moments. Jewels owns the stage with an undeniable charisma that leaves me in awe. What truly sets this performance apart is the variety it offers – from playful to seductive to powerful – all within a single minute. The pace is rapid, with something fresh and exciting happening every five seconds, yet each segment surpasses the last, demonstrating exceptional construction. To put it simply, Jewels proves herself to be wiser and more versatile than one might initially assume.
In simpler terms, I don’t have enough expertise to evaluate Arrietty’s flamenco performance on a technical level. However, from a general perspective, the TV presentation of Arrietty’s performance lacked the depth and complexity found in Jewels’s performance, for instance, as it seemed to only offer one dimension. Additionally, Michelle correctly pointed out that the makeup used in Arrietty’s performance appeared ill-suited for the context.
Lydia B. Kollins’ performance started off quite engaging but ended up being rather dull. I appreciated the homemade charm of her puppet, but it seemed she wasn’t fully skilled at manipulating it synchronously with the song’s lyrics – the mouth didn’t always match the words. I felt there was room for improvement in this girl’s performance.
The lemonade-inspired performance, titled “Lucky Starzzz,” had a hint of the famous or infamous “burger finger” vibe, but overall, it held its own. What consistently amazes me is when a girl can confidently address the camera just days into filming, and Lucky does exactly that. Many newcomers to television struggle to find their natural connection with the lens, but not Lucky. While other performances this week were more refined, “Lucky Starzzz” is the one I’d most like to see again (second only to…) at the club.
In my opinion, among all the performances, this one seems the least impactful due to lacking a central theme or idea. Joella primarily lip-syncs a song she composed, without any underlying concept to set it apart. The attire is acceptable, but the footwear choice detracts from the overall presentation.
Acacia’s performance didn’t stand out on TV because singing a song that wasn’t particularly humorous with a guitar didn’t have enough energy. However, she has a pleasant voice and the song was enjoyable to listen to. I would prefer to watch her performance again over Joella’s.
I thoroughly enjoyed Suzie Toot’s performance. The “nine tapping toes” had me giggling, and the nod to Little Orphan Annie with her hair was spot on. Even the Morse code rendition of the Gettysburg Address made me chuckle for nearly 30 seconds. However, Suzie Toot is often labeled as a “Broadway queen,” which can be a drawback in this show, but I believe she has what it takes to make it big. Unlike performers like Rosé, Jan, or Marcia who transitioned from theater into drag, Suzie brings a unique perspective on musical theater due to her background as a drag queen. In my opinion, she’s got the talent and potential.
This week, the judges refrain from providing critiques to the girls but engage in conversations among themselves instead. It’s a bit unusual, yet it ensures that no one can dodge the “Rate-a-Queen” challenge by simply mimicking the judges. Instead, they must make their own judgments. Regardless of their decisions, the results seem to align with how I believe RuPaul might have handled it, with Acacia landing in the bottom.
In summary, the queens selected Jewels and Suzie as the top contenders. While Lucky could have potentially joined them, I found nothing amiss. The duo then performed a lip-sync to Katy Perry’s “Woman’s World.” Despite my dislike for the song, poor quality lip-syncing isn’t always indicative of a bad performance. Watching Ms. Toot gradually emerge victorious, even as Jewels mimicked Perry and danced better than her, was quite entertaining. I expected a landslide victory, but the song’s campiness provided an opportunity for Suzie. While Jewels approached it like any other pop song, Suzie seemed to mock it throughout the performance. This unexpected tactic left me astounded and thrilled! Congratulations to Suzie Toot, our new frontrunner. I hope you maintain your unique and eccentric charm.
Also on Untucked …
Backstage, Perry appears somewhat rigid; I’m wishing for fewer judges stationed backstage during this upcoming season.
Previously, I shared my opinion that the concept of Squid Game was brilliantly conceived. However, I found myself puzzled as to whether they shot the scenes before the contestants entered (meaning they saw each other for the first time off-camera) or if it was done afterward and they simply acted as though they hadn’t met before. Joseph Shepherd, kindly help clarify this!
• Shocked they let Lexi make a SheDevilByNight reference.
I’ve been showing a great deal of affection towards Suzie. However, I was taken aback when she said, “They now realize I’m a significant contender.” Sweetie, it’s only been a week!
Kori excels not only in delivering “Rate-a-Queen” performances with flair, but she makes every second on screen count, without a doubt.
• Jewels’ Dance Corner: Jewels suffered a neck injury and feared she might never dance again, but her victory tasted extra sweet due to this challenge. Meanwhile, Lucky faces an unstable housing predicament.
I inquired from Craig Jenkins, our esteemed pop music critic and Pulitzer Prize nominee, regarding his preferred Katy Perry songs for a potential appearance on ‘Drag Race’. In response, he shared his top three selections.
- “Teenage Dream”
- “Gorgeous”
- “Cry About It Later”
He acknowledged “E.T.” and “Ur So Gay” with honorable mentions, which left me astonished since both songs were released after his Teenage Dream era. However, it’s not my place to question someone with a Pulitzer nomination.
• Anticipated top two (from the first group): While it’s too early for definitive predictions, considering the performance of the first group, Lucky and Suzie appear to be the strongest contenders.
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2025-01-04 06:55