ViacomCBS wants its rebranded streaming service, Paramount+, to be the home of all the All-Stars versions of its more popular reality franchises. “The Challenge: All Stars” was out of the gate first, but now social media favorite “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is making the jump. Specifically, the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars,” and this crop of returning queens define the term “old school.”
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Out of the 13 confirmed contestants, two first appeared on season 2 (2010), one debuted on season 3 (2011), one appeared on season 4 (2012) and another on season 5 (2013). Even Ginger Minj, who also appeared on “All Stars 2,” first competed on season 7 which aired during the Obama administration. That being said, many of this year’s queens are prime examples of just how drag has crossed over into mainstream pop culture. The aforementioned Minj appeared in the hit Netflix comedy “Dumplin’,” Eureka! (formerly Eureka O’Hara) is one of the stars of the Emmy nominated HBO reality series “We’re Here,” and Jiggly Caliente (Bianca Castro) has appeared on multiple episodes and seasons of both “Broad City” and “Pose.”
The season will also feature two publicly trans contestants in Caliente and Kylie Sonique Love.
In a statement from ViacomCBS, RuPaul Charles remarked, “13 All-Stars deliver one of the best Drag Race seasons ever! Don’t take my word for it. You’ve got to stream it to believe it.”
Unlike the past few seasons of either the flagship series (your 3-time Emmy champ) and “All-Stars,” which aired on Friday nights, season 6 will drop on Paramount+ on Thursdays. This is a huge lifeline to LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants who often counted on “Drag Race” viewing parties on non-weekend nights to stay afloat. Considering how rough it was for many bars and restaurants across the country during the pandemic, this is a fantastic move (whether intentional or not).
“”All Stars 6” also comes on the heels of an explosion of the franchise around the world. Basically, if you want to watch a new “Drag Race” episode every week, you can. “Drag Race UK” has now aired two seasons on BBC 3 earning a BAFTA nomination and, along with a few other hits, was given partial credit to the currently streaming channel’s return to a terrestrial broadcast format in the next year. Both “Drag Race Canada” and “Drag Race Holland” are about to shoot their second seasons while “Drag Race Down Under,” featuring Australian and New Zealand queens, is halfway through its inaugural season. And the latest international spin-oof, “Drag Race España,” is set to debut on May 30. It’s no surprise that Paramount+ is diving into that global theme with “Queens of the Universe.” The previously announced drag queen singing competition will feature contestants from all over the world and now has a premiere date of Thursday, Dec. 2. Who ends up hosting or judging that particular program remains to be seen.
Chris McCarthy, President of MTV Entertainment noted, “’RuPaul’s Drag Race’ is a global phenomenon and we are thrilled to bring ‘All-Stars’ to Paramount+ as we expand our reality offerings. And, with ‘Queen of the Universe,’ we are going global as we create the first annual international singing competition to finally answer the question which country has the best drag queen.”
The winner of “All Stars 6” will win $100,000 and a spot in the (virtual and increasingly crowded) Drag Race Hall of Fame. This year’s contestants are as follows (with captions mostly supplied by the network).
A’Keria C. Davenport (Season 11) Where is the body? A’Keria C. Davenport IS the body! This bootylicious powerhouse from the Davenport drag dynasty made it to the Top 4 of Season 11, thanks to her bodacious beauty and performing talents. Is it time for this Texas titan to take it all?
Eureka! (Season 9, 10)
After an early exit from Season 9 due to a knee injury, Eureka! came back with a vengeance, making it to the Top 3 of Season 10. A natural gift for comedy, unstoppable stage presence, and a spot on the award-winning HBO series “We’re Here” has primed this Tennessee talent to stake her claim on the Hall of Fame.
Ginger Minj (Season 7, All-Stars 2) A Drag Race icon, is there anything Ginger Minj can’t do? This self-proclaimed glamour toad is a born performer and one of the quickest wits in drag! Since nearly snatching the crown on Season 7, she’s appeared on “All-Stars 2,” and starred in Dolly Parton’s film “Dumpling” alongside Jennifer Aniston. Can the Minj take the win?
Jan (Season 12) New York’s singing queen brought voice and vivaciousness to Season 12. And while she ruled the Madonna Rusical challenge, she failed to materialize a win. It’s time for this perfectly professional performer to funk it up and make us all feel the Jan-tasy!
Jiggly Caliente (Season 4) A beloved queen from Queens who always keeps it 100, Jiggly Caliente brought heart and humor to Season 4. Since then everyone’s had eyes on Jiggly, thanks to star turns on “Broad City” and “Pose.” May we call her a winner, Baby?
Pandora Boxx (Season 2, All-Stars 1) One of Drag Race’s OG comedy queens, Pandora Boxx slayed the first-ever Snatch Game in Season 2 with a performance that set the standard. (“Raspberries!”) She also snatched viewers’ hearts as Miss Congeniality, but a bumpy ride on “All-Stars 1” had this nice girl finishing last. Can this funny lady finally finish first?
Ra’Jah O’Hara (Season 11) Season 11’s salty sister was never afraid to speak her mind – and fans had feelings about it. But this Dallas doll was also known to slay a lip-sync and look fabulous doing it! Now this dancing queen is back with a new attitude and her big, beautiful eyes on the prize.
Scarlet Envy (Season 11) The world wants New York’s Scarlet Envy and the feeling is mutual. In Season 11, this lanky lady won over audiences with her Southern charm and joyful personality. A proven actress, Scarlet struggled in dancing challenges… Can she step it up enough to prance all the way to the Hall of Fame?
Serena ChaCha (Season 5) Fresh out of art school, Serena ChaCha stirred up lots of Untucked drama in Season 5. Officially! She exited early on, but in the years since, Serena’s found success with her own wig business, and as a makeup artist. Now she’s back to school the queens again – on her way to the Hall of Fame.
Silky Nutmeg Ganache (Season 11) Can we get an “amen?” The Reverend Doctor Silky Nutmeg Ganache is back to claim her crown! This charismatic Top 4 finalist from Season 11 fills a room with her exuberance and attitude. Since Drag Race, she launched a YouTube cooking series… Does she have the recipe to win “All-Stars 6”?
Kylie Sonique Love “(Season 2) This Season 2 glamazon is known for her buxom beauty, her talent for tumbling and for solidifying her status as one of L.A.’s legendary queens. Last seen in the “Drag Race Holi-Slay Spectacular,” Kylie is ready to show the world she’s in it to win it. Everybody say “Love!”
Trinity K. Bonet (Season 6) From the A-T-L, Miss TKB is known for her killer lip-sync skills, including a flawless Beyoncé. A memorable force in Season 6, she brought Ru to tears when she overcame her inner saboteur in the stand-up comedy challenge. Will Trinity get the last laugh by slaying her way into the Hall of Fame?
Yara Sofia (Season 3, All Stars 1) A Season 3 standout, Yara Sofia took her rallying cry of “echa pa’lante” all the way to the Top 4! Known for her quirky humor and free-spirited nature, this beloved Puerto Rican showgirl took home the title of Miss Congeniality—and had a strong showing in “All-Stars 1.” Is it time for this Vegas-based queen to hit the jackpot?
ViacomCBS also revealed that the Emmy-nominated aftershow, “RuPaul’s Drag Race Untucked,” will be available to stream on Paramount+ immediately following “All Stars 6″ episodes.”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6” debuts Thursday, June 24 on Paramount+
