logo
Onya Nurve Crowned Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race

Onya Nurve Crowned Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race

Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE Source: Santiago Felipe / Getty
Ohio just snatched a crown. Onya Nurve was officially named America's Next Drag Superstar during the Season 17 finale of RuPaul's Drag Race , securing the title and a $200,000 cash prize.
Nurve (whose real name is Justin Woody) becomes the first Cleveland queen to take home the crown, and the first to appear on the show since Akashia competed in Season 1.
RELATED: RuPaul's Online Book Marketplace Allstora Empowers Underrepresented Authors
'I have nothing to prove to anybody,' Onya told Newsweek ahead of the finale. 'I've done it, I've proved it. I'm a good drag queen.'
Friday's finale featured performances from the final four: Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Sam Star, and Nurve. Each delivered original songs, full choreo, and interviews with RuPaul.
Ru narrowed the field to Jewels and Onya, who lip-synced for the crown to Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra.' After a fierce face-off, Onya officially earned her place in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.
'Cleveland lost LeBron James, but they got Onya Nurve,' she told the crowd. 'I think I would be a perfect representation for this crown, and I could show other entertainers that look just like me dreams do come true.'
Before drag, Nurve studied painting at the Cleveland Institute of Art and flipped burgers at Doinks Burger Joint in Collinwood. She was inspired to perform after watching Drag Race alone in her Canton apartment. Now, she's on top of the drag world.
SEE ALSO
Onya Nurve Crowned Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race was originally published on mycolumbuspower.com

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Coco Gauff Makes History At The French Open—Again—Just Like We Knew She Would
Coco Gauff Makes History At The French Open—Again—Just Like We Knew She Would

Black America Web

time2 hours ago

  • Black America Web

Coco Gauff Makes History At The French Open—Again—Just Like We Knew She Would

Source: Julian Finney / Getty Coco Gauff is that girl. On Saturday, June 7, the 21-year-old powerhouse secured her second French Open title, defeating world No. 1 ranked Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that had the internet (and the crowd in Paris) on edge. With this win, Coco becomes the first American woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the French Open singles title. And yes, that's a big deal. This wasn't just a victory. It was a whole moment. Because sometimes you have to pop out and show the world you are exactly who you say you are. Coming into the finals, Coco faced tough odds. Aryna led 4–1 at one point, and the match was a full-on battle—with swirling winds, on-and-off rain delays, and rising pressure. But in true Coco fashion, she didn't fold. As HB reported about her tough semifinals rounds, Coco is just wired that way. She fought, regrouped, and came back swinging with signature grit, focus, and fire. That's how you shut down your haters. 'I honestly didn't think I could do it,' Coco said while accepting her trophy. 'But I'm going to quote Tyler the Creator who said, 'If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.'' Source: Andy Cheung / Getty The win was emotional. Photos of Coco dropping to the ground in celebration, fists clenched and eyes full of joy, gave us all the feels. And social media lit up in support. Fans can't get enough of Coco. There's nothing like a Black girl winning—especially when others doubt her. 'So happy for you Watching you play is a joy. You are a treasure,' wrote one fan on HB's social media post celebrating the win. 'Yaaaassssss!!! Love to see it! Black women are winning! 'wrote another. From Atlanta to Paris, Coco continues to show up with style, poise, and undeniable Black girl magic—just like we knew she would. Two-time French Open champion at 21?!! We love to see it! SEE ALSO Coco Gauff Makes History At The French Open—Again—Just Like We Knew She Would was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE

‘We need to be gayer than ever before': ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' queens and producers get political at FYC pool party
‘We need to be gayer than ever before': ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' queens and producers get political at FYC pool party

Yahoo

time11 hours ago

  • Yahoo

‘We need to be gayer than ever before': ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' queens and producers get political at FYC pool party

Since Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race was dubbed the "splashiest season in herstory," it only made sense for its 2025 Emmys campaign event to be a pool party. The top six queens — winner Onya Nurve, runner-up Jewels Sparkles, Sam Star, Lexi Love, Suzie Toot, and Lana Ja'Rae — reunited on Friday for a panel discussion and meet-and-greet with Television Academy members. They were joined by executive producer Randy Barbato, co-executive producer and resident judge Michelle Visage, and choreographer and guest judge Jamal Sims. Actress and Drag Race superfan Leslie Jones moderated the Q&A at the Skybar pool at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood. More from GoldDerby 2025 Tony Awards: Complete list of winners (updating live) 'Ran' turns 40: How a clerical error and bad blood cost Akira Kurosawa an Oscar 'What's next?': Allison Janney on playing a 'badass' on 'The Diplomat,' 'West Wing' 25 years later One of the themes of the evening was drag vs. politics, with Visage declaring, "In this climate, we need to be louder. We need to be gayer than ever before." The queens also talked about why the art of drag is so important right now, especially with all of the attacks on free expression from people in power. Gonzalo Marroquin / Getty Images for MTV The contestants shared how their own life experiences helped them in the competition and pushed them to succeed, and why RuPaul's Drag Race is so vital for the queer community and for the younger generation. Thanks in part to the show, the ACLU Drag Defense Fund has raised over $2.1 million to help bring attention to, and fight against, anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ attacks. Visage reflected on her time in the Badonka Dunk Tank, and explained how the twist was originally inspired by a Lucille Ball gag. Unfortunately, because of the way the tank was designed, there was no way for her not to go "ass first" into the water — her only request was that it be "warm." Various producers and crew members also took the plunge, and a fun clip package was shown to the crowd. During the reception, members of the Pit Crew, including Bryce and Bruno, mingled with attendees and posed on the lifeguard stand by the pool. Inspiring quotes from Mama Ru were displayed around the space, and guests snapped pics at the Drag Race "Confessional" photo booth. Specialty cocktails included the Badonka Dunk and the Ru-Rita, and food was available at a make-your-own taco stand. Gonzalo Marroquin / Getty Images for MTV Each of the queens shared their takeaways from the season. Onya: 'Getting on RuPaul's Drag Race was a dream of mine. Getting on this show is a testament to betting on yourself. I hope winning this show is a beacon of hope for everyone who looks like me." Jewels: The greatest gift I've ever been given is getting to do the show with my dad [in the makeover episode]. When I got home, my mother showed me clips of him practicing in his heels. It takes a secure man to support their child. If my father can cross dress on national television, the minimum people can do is accept their child." Sam: "Coming from the middle of nowhere, I always wanted to be somewhere. Tears of joy can be just as powerful as tears of sadness." Suzie: "Only 14 queens get chosen out of thousands of applicants. It is the reality competition show of all reality competition shows. There are a lot of theater kids who watch the show and see themselves in me. I wear the women who have inspired me on my sleeve." Lana: "I pull my looks from things that make me happy. The best gift in the world is to make someone smile. My drag is everything people told me I couldn't be." Lexi: "My vulnerability has allowed me to accept life. The show has unlocked everything." Barbato: "The show is a drag queen. All the producers are like drag queens. We go into our closet to create." Visage: "This competition is different from any of the others on television, because our queens are different from any other star on television. They live for the art of drag." Sims: "I'm always nervous, but what I look for is confidence in a queen. Can I give them the information they need to succeed? I always ask: what do you need from me?" All episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race are streaming now on Paramount+. The main series has received 71 Emmy nominations and 29 wins, including 14 total for RuPaul Charles (eight for hosting, six for producing). SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby 'Say Nothing' star Anthony Boyle on playing IRA activist Brendan Hughes: We 'get to the humanity as opposed to the mythology' The Making of 'The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day': PBS variety special 'comes from the heart' From 'Hot Rod' to 'Eastbound' to 'Gemstones,' Danny McBride breaks down his most righteous roles: 'It's been an absolute blast' Click here to read the full article.

Prayers Up: Reality Star Khadiyah ‘KD' Lewis, Passes Away At 44
Prayers Up: Reality Star Khadiyah ‘KD' Lewis, Passes Away At 44

Black America Web

time2 days ago

  • Black America Web

Prayers Up: Reality Star Khadiyah ‘KD' Lewis, Passes Away At 44

Source: @iamkhadiyah / IG Khadiyah 'KD' Lewis, who was known for being on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, has passed away at 44. Her brother, Elijah Inegbedion, confirmed the sad news with a post on Facebook, writing about how hard it's been to find the right words to express how much his sister meant to him. He shared that KD had an amazing legacy and was always there for him. 'You left behind a legacy most people can only dream of,' he said in the emotional tribute. KD was born on March 31, 1981, and passed away on May 30, 2025. She first appeared on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta in Season 3 and became a regular on Season 4. During her time on the show, she was known for her relationship with rapper Yung Joc. KD was more than just a reality TV star. She was also an entrepreneur and businesswoman. She owned a real estate investment firm and worked as a tax consultant. She was always working hard and had her hands in a lot of different things, from speaking engagements to being a brand ambassador. Even though her time on TV was relatively short, KD's impact was big, and she'll be remembered for her hard work, her love for her family, and the mark she left on those around her. More news to come as the story develops. SEE ALSO Prayers Up: Reality Star Khadiyah 'KD' Lewis, Passes Away At 44 was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store