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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- 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.
Black America Web
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
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
Newsweek
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
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".
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Onya Nurve wins 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 17
April 19 (UPI) -- Onya Nurve was crowned the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 on MTV Friday night. Spoilers ahead! ⚠️ Condragulations to the winner of #DragRace Season 17 - America's Next Drag Superstar! RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) April 19, 2025 Nurve beat out fellow finalists Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love and Sam Star for the honor -- and a $200,000 cash prize. "Time and time again, Onya Nurve delivered that 'something extra' that made her our undisputed champion," RuPaul said. "Condragulations to all the queens, and especially our finalists, for serving one of the most competitive seasons in Drag Race herstory!" Entertainer Liza Minelli was also presented with the Giving Us Life-time Achievement Award The 10th edition of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars is set to premiere on Paramount+ on May 9. RuPaul's #DragRace is proud to present the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award to the one and only Liza Minnelli ❤️ "Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story" is now available to buy or rent on all major digital platforms. RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) April 19, 2025
