LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The time has come for a new season of glamour, talent, and fierce competition as RuPaul’s Drag Race prepares to launch its 17th season on Friday, January 3, 2025, on MTV. This season, 14 queens will dive into challenges, including a “Drag Queens Got Talent” showcase, competing for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar and a $200,000 grand prize.
The upcoming season promises new twists, including a revamped “Rate-A-Queen” scoring system, and a splashy underwater-themed opening episode. Drag Race is entering its “splash zone era” and we’re ready to get wet.
Grab a life jacket and meet the queens of Season 17 below:
Acacia Forgot | Los Angeles, Calif.
California’s honky-tonk diva brings country flair to the competition. A multi-instrumentalist and aspiring country star, Acacia Forgot dazzles with her blonde wigs, rhinestones, and musical talent.
Arrietty | Seattle, Wash.
A member of the House of Dubois, Arrietty blends fantasy aesthetics with sharp makeup skills and handmade “futuristic elf” outfits. With Irene Dubois as her drag mother, Arrietty is ready to prove she’s out of this world.
Crystal Envy | Asbury Park, N.J.
This pageant-ready queen is polished, sparkling, and determined. Drag sister of Jasmine Kennedie and a club scene favorite in New Jersey, Crystal combines beauty and bedazzled looks with a commanding stage presence.
Hormona Lisa | Chattanooga, Tenn.
Plucked from the crowd by RuPaul during a book tour, Not only is Hormona Lisa campy, colorful, and inspired by Disney princesses and vintage Hollywood, she's also smart! She has multiple degrees and is working on achieving her Masters. Can she capture Ru’s heart on the main stage?
Jewels Sparkles | Tampa, Fla.
This bubbly queen is anything but just a “look queen.” Influenced by Ariana Grande, Priscilla Presley, and her Cuban-Puerto Rican roots, Jewels Sparkles has the charisma and talent to go far. Jewels is a drag daughter of Shontelle Sparkles. This also makes her a drag granddaughter of Trinity The Tuck. This would also make her the drag niece of fellow Season 17 contestant Sam Star.
Joella | Los Angeles, Calif.
Representing plus-size queens, Joella merges traditional Chinese costume with modern pop culture. Known as “The Slaysian Diva,” she’s ready to take the competition by storm.
Kori King | Boston, Mass.
A rising star in Boston’s drag scene and sister to Plane Jane, Kori King boasts a TikTok following and razor-sharp wit. With just two years of experience, this queen has already made a name for herself. Kori has already been awarded Boston’s Best New Performer To Watch award, and is the name on everybody’s lips.
Lana Ja'Rae | New York, N.Y.
Lana Ja’Rae combines fierce fashion and commanding presence. She’s ready to strut her way to the crown. Lana Ja'Rae is a drag daughter of Luxx Noir London. This makes her a grand drag daughter of Mo Heart and drag niece of Black Peppa and Robin Fierce.
Lexi Love | Louisville, Ky.
A performer at Louisville’s iconic Play bar, Lexi Love has overcome adversity, including homelessness and addiction, to emerge as a strong, independent competitor with high-energy performances.
Lucky Starzzz | Miami, Fla.
A Cuban-born club kid with campy, colorful looks, Lucky Starzzz describes herself as a “venus fly trap in a room full of roses.” Her creativity and resourcefulness set her apart.
Lydia B Kollins | Pittsburgh, Pa.
This quirky queen values creativity over perfection. Inspired by Tim Burton and John Waters, Lydia brings an absurdist aesthetic and unpredictable flair to the competition.
Onya Nurve | Cleveland, Ohio
An artist with a BFA in painting, Onya combines her visual artistry with comedic timing and vocal talent, making her a triple threat in this season’s competition.
Sam Star | Leeds, Ala.
This athletic queen, trained in gymnastics and musical theater, is a polished performer with a pageant pedigree. As the drag daughter of Trinity The Tuck, she’s ready to bring her Southern charm to the stage.
Suzi Toot | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
A professional tap dancer with 1920s and 30s-inspired drag, Suzie blends Betty Boop’s whimsy with Lucille Ball’s comedic timing. Her quirky style will light up the stage.
Get Ready To Be Gagged
Catch the Season 17 premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Friday, January 3, 2025, on MTV. With diverse talent, unique aesthetics, and jaw-dropping challenges, this season promises to be wetter, wilder, and more fabulous than ever. And may the best queen win!
