The Greatest Drag Race Contestants of All Time, Ranked
Condragulations! You've found a ranked list of the best ever contestants to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race, the glamorous, draga-licious reality game show on VH1. This list includes all previous Drag Race winners as well as those queens who should have won - like those who popped up again on All Stars. Who have been your favorite Drag Race cast members over the seasons?
While some may be partial to the butt padding of Yara Sofia or the quivering belting style of Jiggly Caliente, others prefer the confidence of William, the outlandishness of Tammie Brown, or the poise of Chad Michaels. There are also unforgettable dominant drag queens like Bianca Del Rio and Alyssa Edwards. Alyssa has to be one of the most popular rpdr queens ever. Other notable top drag queens include Katya, All Stars 2 champion Alaska, and Adore Delano.
You may see some of the most popular drag queens near the top of the list, but are they really the best drag queens of all time? That's where you come in! To determine - once and for all - who are the greatest drag queens in the world (or on TV), vote up your favorites while we untuck in the Interior Illusions lounge. And don't f*** it up.
- 1
Katya Zamo
Katya Zamolodchikova, known offstage as Brian Joseph McCook, rocketed to stardom as a contestant on the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race. With her distinct Russian persona, razor-sharp wit, and jaw-dropping performances, she quickly solidified her position as a standout queen. While she may not have snatched the crown, she emerged as a fan favorite, ultimately entering the Drag Race Hall of Fame on the second season of All Stars.
Clad in her signature sharp-tongued clown-inspired makeup, Bianca Del Rio, otherwise known as Roy Haylock, captivated audiences during the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Bringing a lethal blend of comic timing and polished abilities, it's no wonder she walked away victorious. Nowadays, with multiple tours and a film under her belt, she shows no signs of slowing down, forever reminding us just how formidable one "Rolodex of Hate" can be.
- 3
Alyssa Edwards
Born Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, Alyssa Edwards took the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race by storm with her unrelenting vibrancy. A shining example of Texas pageant glitz, she captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her infectious laugh, mesmerizing dance moves, and iconic catchphrases. Though she didn't clinch the crown, Alyssa's impact can be felt to this day, as she continues to inspire others through her dancing school and the Netflix series Dancing Queen.
Under the spellbinding guise of Jinkx Monsoon, Jerick Hoffer wowed the judges and scooped up the crown on the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Sporting vintage Hollywood glamor and an unparalleled theatrical prowess, Jinkx brought her comedy chops to every challenge, ensuring that her win was anything but water off a duck's back. Today, this narcoleptic queen is a true force in the entertainment world, with Broadway and television credits to her name.
Appearing on the sixth season, Adore Delano, born Daniel Anthony Noriega, made a name for herself as the "punk rock mermaid" queen, bringing an alternative in-your-face flair to the competition. Strutting her stuff in ripped tights, Adore dazzled viewers with her stellar singing chops and a unique fashion sense that defied convention. Her ability to command the stage, coupled with an endearing blend of vulnerability and charisma, catapulted her to the top three and beyond, with a successful music career to follow.
- 6
Ben De La Creme
Entering season six as the endearing and quirky BenDeLaCreme, Benjamin Putnam's sheer talent and versatility shined through. Serving up a fantastic mix of camp, couture, and high-energy performances, her magnetic persona left a lasting impression on fans and peers alike. Despite her controversial self-elimination in All Stars 3, she remains an embodiment of the iconic phrase, "terminally delightful."
