Drag Race UK vs The World has returned to our screens for its third season, with a new set of contestants competing to be the Queen of the Mother-Tucking World.
This latest iteration of the franchise features three UK queens going up against seven international drag artists representing their respective franchises, as they vie for the prize of £50,000 in this Olympics of drag.
The cast sees the return of fan favourites from the UK: Kate Butch, a seasoned comedic standout from Season 5; Sminty Drop of Season 4, best known for her fashion and sad twerking; and Zahirah Zapanta of Season 6, who’s already causing drama in the Werk Room.
Internationally, there are plenty of competitive threats. Fontana of Drag Race Sverige and Gawdland of Drag Race Thailand were finalists in their respective franchises. Minty Fresh of the Philippines is one of two competitors this season with two Maxi challenge wins under her belt. Canadian comedy queen Melinda Verga is recognised internationally, albeit in part for her meme-able meltdowns.
Early outs like The Only Naomy from Germany, Serena Morena from México, and ballroom icon Mariah Balenciaga from US Drag Race have come with a plan for their Rudemption. For most of the cast, this global stage marks their first opportunity to meet and be judged by RuPaul.
The season continues the tradition of a talent show premiere, showcasing original tracks in the RuRuVision Song Contest. The guest judge of the episode, two-time Eurovision winner Loreen, joins the panel of RuPaul, Michelle Visage, and Graham Norton.
The runway category for this episode was ‘For Queen and Country’, highlighting the queens’ respective backgrounds in their garments.
Five top queens were selected, with the judges picking no bottom placements. Based on their challenge performances and runway presentations, Fontana and Gawdland were named the top two queens of the episode.
Fontana impressed the judges with their athleticism, incorporating tricks and flagwork in her choreography. Gawdland performed their original track ‘Firecracker’ as they broke into dance and pulled out a spark machine, aiming for the judges and into their own mouth.
With no eliminations this episode, the top two lipsynced to Loreen’s ‘Tattoo’, with Fontana ultimately taking the first gold RuPeter badge.
The competition heats up in February, as the queens face their first elimination challenges, testing their design skills in a Runway Ru-Mix, featuring supermodel guest judge Kristen McMenamy.
Words by Ken Sio
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