As RuPaul’s Drag Race reintroduces the exciting Rate-a-Queen system for season 17, Billboard has taken the initiative to evaluate each of the new queens weekly based on their dazzling performances. In this report, we delve into the latest design challenge to uncover which queens created standout looks. Spoilers for episode 9 are ahead.
The essence of RuPaul’s Drag Race goes beyond delivering an hour-and-a-half of captivating reality TV antics; it also serves as a tribute to significant icons within the LGBTQ+ community. In the episode aired on February 28, the show successfully honored the legendary LGBTQ+ ally and esteemed fashion designer Betsey Johnson, showcasing the intersection of fashion and activism in a remarkable way.
For this week’s challenge, the nine remaining contestants were given the exhilarating task of designing their own high-fashion runway looks, drawing inspiration from Johnson’s eclectic and vibrant collections. With categories that spanned from edgy vintage pieces to sophisticated ball gowns, each queen was required to seamlessly blend their unique styles with Johnson’s iconic vision, resulting in a spectacular fashion showcase.
The outcomes of this challenge met the expectations of the audience. After several weeks of hard work, Jewels Sparkles finally triumphed by securing her first challenge win, while Lexi Love and Arrietty both received high praise for their stunning looks. Sam Star showcased a polished and refined outfit, while Onya Nurve faced challenges and found herself placed in the bottom three, highlighting the competitive nature of the season.
Kori King and Lydia B Kollins found themselves in a particularly precarious position this week. Struggling to impress the judges with their bold yet unconventional design choices, the couple faced a Lip Sync for Your Life to Lita Ford’s 1988 hit “Kiss Me Deadly.” Their performance was a high-energy, campy spectacle that culminated in an on-stage kiss. Ultimately, Kollins managed to secure another week in the competition, while King’s aspirations for the crown were dashed.
Below, Billboard provides a recap of episode 9, ranking the remaining contestants based on their performances during this episode and throughout the entire season:
ELIMINATED QUEEN: Kori King
Image Credit: Courtesy of MTV
Kori King’s downfall was a classic tale of overconfidence. After much deliberation about her design approach, Kori ultimately chose to craft a slinky mini-dress that showcased her figure. Unfortunately, this silhouette had been repeatedly presented to the judges throughout the competition, and this particular design was the least successful iteration yet. Kori needed to elevate her game to make a significant impact this week, but sadly, she ended up being eliminated.
Lydia B Kollins narrowly avoided elimination this week, thanks to her remarkable lip sync performance. Her dedication to the character during the “Kiss Me Deadly” performance was captivating, and she maintained her energy throughout the duel with her partner. However, her unique fashion choices have not resonated with the judges, and despite her entertaining lip sync, Lydia has yet to secure any wins or high placements this season. If she doesn’t step up her game soon, she could be in jeopardy of being eliminated.
Every week, I hope to see Ms. Lana Ja’Rae rise to the occasion and showcase her undeniable talent in the challenges. While this week saw her perform adequately, it was evident that she is still struggling to carve out a distinctive identity in this competition. The dress she crafted was charming and well-constructed, particularly with its intricate ruching, but “charming” is not a goal that a queen should aspire to when she has been advised repeatedly that she needs to stand out. It’s time for Lana to amplify her presence and make a lasting impression.
Previous Week’s Ranking: No. 8
Performance Record:
Safe Placements: 6
Bottom Placements: 2
Onya Nurve: A Resilient Competitor
Image Credit: Courtesy of MTV
Onya faced a challenging week with her prom-inspired tube dress that unfortunately failed to impress the judges. She came dangerously close to landing in the bottom two, and while some might argue she deserved it more than Lydia, RuPaul’s inclination to protect fan-favorite couples kept her safe this week. Onya has established a strong position in the competition, and even if she had landed in the bottom, there’s little doubt that her charm would have kept her in the running. This week’s performance may have been subpar, but it was merely a minor setback for this resilient queen.
Previous Week’s Ranking: No. 1
Performance Record:
Wins: 2
High Placements: 3
Safe Placements: 2
Low Placements: 1
Suzie Toot: A Steady Performer
Image Credit: Courtesy of MTV
Suzie Toot may not be the queen known for design challenges, yet she navigated this week with a commendable look that showcased her punk-rock aesthetic. It was refreshing to see her step away from her typical 1920s-inspired outfits for this challenge. While her runway presentation may not have been the most outstanding, it certainly wasn’t subpar either. This week served as a pause for our resident theater queen, allowing her to regroup and strategize for the challenges ahead.
Previous Week’s Ranking: No. 4
Performance Record:
Wins: 2
High Placements: 2
Safe Placements: 4
Sam Star: Consistently Impressive
Image Credit: Courtesy of MTV
This week, unlike Suzie Toot, Sam Star had a prime opportunity to shine and potentially secure another victory. Having impressed the judges in previous design challenges, including a win for her outstanding garment-making skills, a safe placement this week may seem underwhelming for the pageant queen. Nevertheless, Sam’s Madonna-inspired ’80s look was impeccably crafted, showcasing her versatility and skill in drag. Her ability to present a fresh silhouette while maintaining her polished aesthetic demonstrates her strength as a competitor. I foresee no immediate challenges for this shooting star in the coming weeks; this week’s placement in the “safe” zone is a strategically advantageous position for her.
Previous Week’s Ranking: No. 2
Performance Record:
Wins: 2
High Placements: 2
Safe Placements: 3
Low Placements: 1
Arrietty: The Rising Star of Season 17
Image Credit: Courtesy of MTV
Last week, I predicted that if another sewing challenge arose, Arrietty would excel, and she did not disappoint. Her black-and-white reverse tuxedo look was nothing short of stunning, showcasing intricate details that suggested it took considerable time and skill to create. The judges are enamored with Arrietty’s innovative style, providing her with a cushion when it comes to challenges outside her comfort zone. While she didn’t clinch the win this week, Arrietty is certainly in a strong position to continue thriving as the competition progresses.
Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.
