Season three of RuPaul's Drag Race had its finale this week—and Raja was declared the winner. Raja started off strong, winning both challenges in the season's first episode. The winner received $75,000 in cash; a lifetime supply of Kryolan cosmetics; and a headlining spot on the Logo's RuPaul's Drag Race Tour.
The other finalists were Manila Luzon and Alexis Mateo.
The third season of Drag Race had 13 drag queens as contestants. The reality-show judges the hopefuls' skills in fashion, presentation, comedy, modeling and lip-synching. Shangela returned for another run after being sent home during the second-season opener. Two other twists this year included a week where nobody was eliminated and Carmen Carrera having a second chance in the competition.
At the end of each episode, two contestants have to lip-synch to a song determine who will be sent home. The music choices range from disco classics like Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park" to '80s goodies such as Klymaxx's "Meeting in the Ladies Room" to more current hits like Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance."
Raja is no stranger to reality TV, having been a make-up artist on America's Next Top Model. Her flawless make-up skills, edgy sense of fashion and domineering command of the runway set Raja apart from the others. Raja ended up among the bottom two contestants only once. Here, she and Carrera concluded the lip-synch number with a steamy kiki scene. The show also did not focus much on Raja's weaker moments, including her slights with lyrics during a group dance routine and her workout video spoof.
There was also an all-time high for cattiness. A group of clique members—consisting of Raja, Luzon, Carrera and Delta Work—dubbed themselves "Heathers" and called the others "boogers." Contestants made biting comments about others having plastic surgery.
In the third episode, Mimi Imfurst picked up India Ferrah in an unexpected fireman's carry during a lip-synch performance. As the verdict was read, RuPaul reminded the children, "Drag is not a contact sport."
The camp and drama remained in the spotlight. The supermodel's catch phrases include "Don't fuck it up," "Now is the time for you to lip-synch for your life" and "Bring back my girls." These lines are delivered with a perfected over-the-top dramatic quality.
None of the contestants this year had Chicago roots.
Guest judges this season included Vanessa Williams, Lily Tomlin, LaToya Jackson and Margaret Cho. The show's popularity increases with each season. Bars hosting viewing parties are a common happening on Monday nights. Celebrities readily admit to being fans of the show, too.
This season also welcomed two muscular hunks serving as The Pitcrew. Jason Carter and Shawn Morales paraded in skin-tight briefs while moving props and chuckling in the background during the show's competitions.
RuPaul's Drag Race airs on Logo and on VH-1. Episodes can be viewed at logotv.com . On Monday, May 2, Logo will air a reunion with the cast from the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race. A second season of RuPaul's Drag U will begin on Monday, June 20, on Logo.
