If you can’t love “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” how in the hell are you going to love something else? Luckily, that’s not a question fans of the Emmy-winning MTV series nor its stars need to answer — because viewers and contestants alike are decidedly Team Ru.
In fact, the Top 6 queens of Season 17 couldn’t be more proud to be part of the reality TV show staple’s LGBTQ+ legacy 16 years after it first premiered back in 2009.
“We’re all blown away by how big the show has gotten. It’s such an amazing opportunity for queer people to tell their stories,” Sam Star told TheWrap at the 1,000th performance of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!” in Las Vegas over the weekend. “The fact that it’s not only successful on TV, but also a live show? It’s incredible. It’s a testament to RuPaul and all that she’s done.”
“I am a fan of ‘Drag Race,’ I watch it on YouTube all the f—king time, so to be here for the 1,000th show is so beautiful,” Lana Ja’Rae agreed. “Especially in today’s climate, having 1,000 shows on the Vegas Strip is so major. I’m beyond honored to be part of it.”
She continued, “Every day, every single day, every second, every moment I close my eyes and open them back up and realize I’m living this life — I’m grateful forever.”
“It’s tradition, it’s so important for people,” Suzie Toot echoed. “When I visit cities that don’t have gigantic, thriving queer scenes — that have small bands of weirdos together that watch the show and build community around it and find friends through it — that, to me, is the biggest impact of the show. I feel so honored to be a part of that.”
“I feel most proud when there are events when all of the drag queens come together from all the seasons. It’s like a family reunion,” Onya Nurve said on the red carpet, while Lexi Love added, “S—t like this makes it so real. It’s so real. There’s no other way to put it.”
“It’s so full-circle. One of my favorite seasons of all time is Season 12 and at the end of that season, they had their big tribute. That’s something my friends and I quote all the time,” Jewels Sparkles shared. “When I first got the call for ‘Drag Race,’ when I told my friends about it, we played the song, ‘I Made It,’ and here we are. We really made it!”
“I wake up and I can’t believe it, it was such a dream for so long,” Sam reiterated. “Of course, it’s attainable, but it always just seemed out of reach — but I did it.”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. Plus, the “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!” 1,000th Show special is available to stream on WOW Presents Plus.
