Onya Nurve Takes Home the Crown in 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Finale
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
In Friday's exciting, music-filled finale for Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race, Cleveland drag queen and season frontrunner Onya Nurve was crowned America's Next Drag Superstar—reclaiming the coveted moniker from Season 16 winner Nymphia Wind.
"I have nothing to prove to anybody," Onya told Newsweek during a pre-finale interview with the top four queens. "I've done it, I've proved it. I'm a good drag queen."
The finale kicked off with a sickening runway walk showcasing all of Season 17's contestants, from first-eliminated Lucky Starzzz to last-eliminated Suzie Toot, as well as the top four queens: Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve and Sam Star.
Onya Nurve competes on Season 17 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race.'
Onya Nurve competes on Season 17 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race.'
World of Wonder/MTV
Some queens harkened back to their notable looks from the show, like Joella with her iconic mattress look, while others stunned in a completely new style, like Suzie Toot in her incredible Little Shop of Horrors-inspired carnivorous plant ensemble.
Each of the top queens then performed an original song and choreographed dance number, followed by a short interview with RuPaul reflecting about their journey on the show.
Jewels's physical comedy-centric routine had everyone laughing, Lexi brought back her classic roller skates and Sam even walked her own red carpet, but it was Onya who truly brought the house down. Her disco performance of "It's Onya Nurve" impressed the judges, with Michelle Visage complimenting her "beautiful" voice and Jamal Sims highlighting her "It Factor"—a sentiment also shared by former guest judge Quinta Brunson.
"Cleveland lost LeBron James, but they got Onya Nurve," Onya told the crowd during the episode. "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."
Jewels Sparkles [L] and Onya Nurve [R] on 'RuPaul's Drag Race.'
Jewels Sparkles [L] and Onya Nurve [R] on 'RuPaul's Drag Race.'
World of Wonder/MTV
Following the top queens' performances, former Miss Congeniality winners Sapphira Cristál and Xunami Muse relinquished their title to Crystal Envy, and the production honored Liza Minelli with a tribute performance for her "Giving Us Life-time Achievement Award."
Ultimately, the top four queens took the stage for the last time, appearing before RuPaul for the final deliberations. After narrowing the top two to Jewels and Onya, the two queens battled in a lip synch for the crown to Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra".
Following a truly epic performance from both contestants, RuPaul crowned Onya the winner of Season 17—naming her America's Next Drag Superstar. Along with $200,000 in prize money from TodayTix, Onya's title cements her place in the halls of Drag Race "herstory".
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