[upbeat music]
- It's time for the season finale
of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
Tonight, we crown ourselves a winner, baby.
Please welcome to the main stage the queens of season 18.
[cheers and applause]
[dramatic music]
- Whew.
♪ ♪
It's showtime.
- Again?
- Let's go, girls.
♪ ♪
[chime rings]
[cheers and applause]
- And now, please welcome to the main stage
the queens of season 18.
- ♪ Play ball like a girl ♪
- She's coming in hot.
It's DD Fuego.
- ♪ I used to play ball like a girl ♪
♪ Now I slay ballroom floors across the world ♪
♪ Shame to waste talent and all of this nerve ♪
♪ Unique, charismatic, my calling is to serve ♪
♪ Daddy didn't like when I'm feminine ♪
- Who's always in season?
It's Mandy Mango.
[cheers and applause]
- ♪ But I got a, got a right to give ♪
♪ The people what they want ♪
♪ Turns out they want to work it ♪
♪ Walk and talk and watch me ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Work it, walk and talk and watch me ♪
- Get ready to crush on Briar Blush.
- ♪ I would do it again-gain ♪
♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
♪ Get it in, got it, I'ma serve it to them ♪
♪ Feminine fem to the fem, the fem-fem ♪
♪ I don't give a, I would do it again-gain ♪
♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
♪ Get it in, got it, and serve it to them ♪
- She's sweet and sparkling.
Say hello to Ciara Myst.
- ♪ Serve it to them ♪
♪ Feminine, fem to the fem, the fem-fem ♪
♪ I don't give a, I would do it again-gain ♪
♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
♪ Get it in, got it, serve it to them ♪
♪ Hold up, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ What, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
- She's no outfit repeater.
It's Vita VonTesse Starr.
- ♪ What, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ We got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ I heard she tryna shade, but really, I don't see her ♪
♪ ♪
- From the heavens above, it's Mia Starr.
- ♪ Feminine, fem to the fem, the fem-fem ♪
♪ I don't give a, I would do it again-gain ♪
♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
♪ Get it in, got it I'ma serve it to them ♪
♪ Feminine, fem to the fem, the fem-fem ♪
♪ I don't give a, I would do it again-gain ♪
♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
- Opa!
Smash a plate for Athena Dion.
- ♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
♪ Get it in, got it, I'ma serve it to them ♪
♪ Feminine, fem to the fem, the fem-fem ♪
♪ I don't give a, I would do it again-gain ♪
♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
♪ Get it in, got it, I'ma serve it to them ♪
- The question remains.
Kenya Pleaser.
- ♪ Who get the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ I heard she tryna shade, but really I don't see her ♪
♪ Hold up, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ What, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ We got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ I heard she tryna shade, but really, I don't see her ♪
♪ ♪
- She's creepy and she's kooky.
It's Discord Addams.
♪ ♪
- ♪ Hold up, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ What, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ We got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ I heard she tryna to shade, but really, I don't see her ♪
♪ Hold up, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ What, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
- Other girls do, but Jane Don't.
♪ ♪
- Ex-squeeze her beauty.
It's Juicy Love Dion.
- ♪ Get it, got it, I'ma serve it to them ♪
♪ Feminine, fem to the fem, the fem-fem ♪
♪ I don't give a, I would do it again-gain ♪
♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
♪ ♪
- And now put your hands together for your top three.
[cheers and applause]
First up, from trash to treasure,
it's Darlene Mitchell.
- ♪ Used to play ball like a girl ♪
♪ Now I slay ballroom floors across the world ♪
♪ Shame to waste talent and all of this nerve ♪
♪ Unique, charismatic, my calling is to serve ♪
♪ I used to play ball like a girl ♪
♪ Now I slay ballroom floors across the world ♪
♪ Shame to waste talent and all of this nerve ♪
♪ Unique, charismatic, my calling is to serve ♪
♪ Daddy didn't like when I'm feminine ♪
♪ But I got a, got a right to give ♪
♪ The people what they want ♪
♪ Turns out they want to work it, walk and talk ♪
- She'll see you next Tuesday.
It's Myki Meeks.
- ♪ Give the people what they want ♪
♪ Turns out they want to work it ♪
♪ Walk and talk and watch me ♪
♪ Work it, walk and talk and watch me ♪
♪ Work it, walk and talk, and watch me pose ♪
♪ And turn and flaunt ♪
♪ Feminine, fem to the fem, the fem-fem ♪
♪ I don't give a, I would do it again-gain ♪
- And everybody's cuckoo for Nini Coco.
- ♪ I would do it again-gain ♪
♪ Elegant, dressed to the nines, the ten-tens ♪
♪ Get it in, got it, I'ma serve it to them ♪
♪ Hold up, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ What, who got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ We got the keys to the queendom ♪
♪ I heard she tryna shade, but really, I don't see her ♪
♪ ♪
- Now all rise for the Mother of the House, RuPaul.
♪ ♪
- ♪ I'm in charge of the girls ♪
♪ They be hitting that dip, they be giving that twirl ♪
♪ I'm in charge of the girls ♪
♪ They be hitting that dip, they be giving that twirl ♪
♪ I'm in charge of the girls ♪
♪ They be hitting that dip, they be giving that twirl ♪
♪ I'm in charge of the girls ♪
♪ Do you not see all this ♪
♪ Do you not see these heels ♪
♪ Do you not see this crown ♪
♪ Do you not see I'm fish ♪
♪ Do you not see I'm real ♪
♪ Mother of the House ♪
♪ Do you not see all this ♪
♪ Do you not see these heels ♪
♪ Do you not see this crown ♪
♪ Do you not see I'm fish ♪
♪ Do you not see mother, mother, mother ♪
♪ Bitch, get back when I step on the runway ♪
♪ My hunty believe that we do guarantee that ♪
♪ This is the season, don't need a good reason ♪
♪ I do guarantee that we turn it up to 100 degrees, yeah ♪
♪ You know that we're ready serve you ♪
♪ We have it, charisma, uniqueness ♪
♪ That nerve, and that talent ♪
♪ Do you not see all this ♪
♪ Do you not see these heels ♪
♪ Do you not see this crown ♪
♪ Do you not see I'm fish ♪
♪ Do you not see I'm real ♪
♪ Mother of the House ♪
♪ Do you not see all this ♪
♪ Do you not see these heels ♪
♪ Do you not see this crown ♪
♪ Do you not see I'm fish ♪
♪ Do you not see ♪
♪ Mother, mother, mother ♪
♪ Mother, Mother of the House ♪
[cheers and applause]
- Yes, mama!
[cheers and applause]
Work.
- Welcome to the grand finale of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
Everybody say love.
all: Love!
- Everybody say love.
all: Love!
- Now, that's what I'm talking about.
All season long, the sickening queens of season 18
have set our hearts and pussies on fire.
And tonight, we're going to make one queen's
dream come true when she's crowned
America's Next Drag Superstar.
But the race ain't over yet, baby.
We are gathered here tonight to watch our top three queens
spread their charisma, uniqueness, nerve,
and talent one more time.
Now, to help me make my final decision,
please give a big "Drag Race" welcome to Michelle Visage,
Carson Kressley, and Jamal Sims.
[cheers and applause]
- Mwah. - Hello.
- Hi, baby.
- [laughs]
For the grand finale,
we challenged each of our top three queens to collaborate
with composer Leland to create and sing
their own personal anthem.
And tonight, they're ready to entertain us
like only they can.
In the end, I'll choose the top two queens of the season,
and they'll face off in a final Lip Sync for The Crown,
plus a grand prize of $200,000.
[cheers and applause]
Racers, start your engines,
and may the best drag queen win!
♪ Do you not see I'm fish ♪
♪ Do you not see these heels ♪
♪ Do you not see this crown, do you not see I'm fish ♪
Welcome back to the grand finale of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
Our first finalist is a little bit country
and a whole lot of stupid.
[laughter]
It's Darlene Mitchell.
[cheers and applause]
- I'm Darlene Mitchell, and I am the country cunty
camp queen of season 18.
She's corny!
My journey has been a wild one.
[hollers]
Highs, lows, up, down, all around, tears, laughs.
We have done it all.
Being a bedroom queen, I had a little bit of trouble
being confident in my voice.
- Yeah, we got to get you back in the bars.
- I didn't realize how much I missed
and needed the queer joy
that all of these girls have given me.
It took a while for me to give myself permission
that I deserve my dream too.
- It's so fun to watch someone who's having fun.
- They really like me.
A lot of my looks lean into the fun.
That's the whole point of drag.
- Moo, bitch.
- I have a flavor that's a little bit different
than the rest of the girls.
- I dislike those shoes. - Oh!
But it doesn't hinder me from being who I am
in any way.
If anything, it makes me want to go harder.
Why you mad?
[screaming]
Banana! [laughter]
I was starting to catch on that Ru was liking my flavor.
- You're so stupid.
- I'm like, you have what it takes to place in the top.
Now you gotta start winning.
- Condragulations.
Condragulations,
you're the winner of this week's challenge.
- I have made it to the end
without ever having to lip sync.
My time in this competition has really changed my life.
- We see you get it and live in your skin,
and it is what this life is all about.
- I have wanted this since I first started drag,
and I'm going for it full throttle.
The time has come.
The engines are revving.
I am doing anything necessary to make sure
that I am standing there with that crown on my head.
- First up, performing her original song,
"Cooking With Gas," it's Darlene Mitchell.
- ♪ Now I'm cooking with gas ♪
♪ A little bit of sass ♪
♪ If you don't like it, then kiss my ass ♪
[energetic country music playing]
♪ Yee-haw ♪
♪ My wigs won't even fit ♪
♪ In this little four by four ♪
♪ But I don't give a lick ♪
♪ You got a lot of shit ♪
♪ When you're dressing like a whore ♪
- Hey!
- ♪ Now, I'm just speeding up ♪
♪ I ain't tapping on the brakes ♪
♪ Let me rearrange this meaty tuck ♪
♪ 'Cause damn, this car shakes ♪
♪ Turn it on ♪
♪ Giddy up ♪
♪ Here we go ♪
♪ Now I'm cooking with gas ♪
♪ A little bit of sass ♪
♪ If you don't like it, then kiss my ass ♪
♪ Buns of steel, keepin' it real ♪
♪ Two high heels and a heart of glass ♪
♪ Got big dreams, flawless seams ♪
♪ Bootcut jeans, and I got no class ♪
♪ Get out the way, bitch, I'm 'bout to pass ♪
♪ I'm cooking with gas ♪
♪ Pedal to the metal, do-si-do ♪
♪ Kicking it up like a rodeo ♪
♪ Cooking with gas ♪
♪ Pedal to the metal, pans on the stove ♪
♪ Can't slow down, got a ways to go ♪
♪ Cooking with gas ♪
♪ Pedal to the metal, do-si-do ♪
♪ Kicking it up like a rodeo ♪
♪ Cooking with gas ♪
♪ Pedal to the metal, pans on the stove ♪
♪ Can't slow down, got a ways to go ♪
♪ Cooking with gas, a little bit of sass ♪
♪ If you don't like it, then kiss my ass ♪
♪ Buns of steel, keeping it real ♪
♪ Two high heels and a heart of glass ♪
♪ Got big dreams, flawless seams ♪
♪ Bootcut jeans and I got no class ♪
♪ Get out the way, bitch, I'm 'bout to pass ♪
[horn honks]
♪ 'Cause I'm cooking with gas ♪
Fill her up, boys.
[horn honks]
[cheers and applause]
- Yes, queen.
- Yes, Darlene!
[cheers and applause]
- [laughs]
My gosh.
Darlene, that was so dumb.
[laughter]
Now fill her up and check the oil.
[laughs]
OK, it's time for the judges' critiques.
- Darlene, I loved that performance.
First of all, I love that you did this kind of
rainbow choir robe and then the reveal
to my favorite thing, gauntlets.
You had them on.
You know, it's been so much fun, this whole competition,
to be able to watch you come into your own.
You really, in the beginning,
were kind of low key and struggling.
And then I think something clicked
and you just realized who you were.
That's why that shirt that you're wearing right now
is so very important.
And I think the most important thing
I'd like to thank you for
is not wearing those shoes tonight.
[laughter]
- Save a horse, ride a drag queen.
That was fantastic. - Yay.
- Putting the hoe back in hoedown.
I loved every second of it.
And I have this same t-shirt, but I'm really resonating
with this one right now because I love you as well.
Great job.
- Thank you. Thank you. - Lovely.
- Darlene Flow Mitchell.
[laughter]
I love you so much.
I mean, you weren't just cooking with gas.
You had a little bit of electric up in there.
You were a hybrid tonight.
You killed it, and I could not take my eyes off you.
Congratulations.
So proud of you tonight.
- Aww. [cheers and applause]
OK, listen, I'm afraid to ask this question,
but where did you get your sense of style?
- Just lucky, I guess.
Some chose books, I chose looks.
[laughter]
- Now, as the judges said,
you were the dark horse of this season.
When did you realize you could win this whole competition?
- When I took the roast relying on nothing but my stupid--
- Uh-huh.
- That, like, really kind of, like, let me know, like,
oh, I'm winning this whole thing.
Like-- [laughs]
It was--that was it.
- Now, before you were Darlene Mitchell,
you were Trash The Drag Queen.
So I have to ask, Darlene,
what would you say to 24-year-old Trash?
[laughter]
- Oh, no!
- Work, bitch.
- Girl, you have work in the morning.
You need to--
you need to get to bed-- and blend, bitch.
- [laughs]
And now, what would you say to five-year-old Blake?
[audience swooning]
- I would say that there's
absolutely nothing wrong with you
and that there will come a day when you might not
think that you will see another one.
But I'm standing here today
to tell you that you find your light.
You find your purpose. You find a smoking hot fiancé.
[cheers]
[exhales]
And when it comes to your family,
you will be delightfully surprised
at how hearts and minds can change.
And I love you.
- What a precious, precious baby.
Now, who's here supporting you tonight?
- I have my beautiful fiancé, Brandon,
and my dear friend, Molly.
- Hi, y'all.
- Hi. - Hi.
- Now, Brandon is your creative collaborator.
What's it like seeing her up on this stage, Brandon?
- Surreal.
I'm so proud.
We've been working together for, like, almost 10 years,
and we've been dating for almost 10 years.
And to see him here at the finale, I can't believe it.
I'm so proud of you, and I'm rooting for you.
- Very sweet, very kind.
Your friend Molly is here also.
Molly, you've been on team Soldiers for Darlene
for a long time, haven't you?
- A long time. - What is your role?
- It was mostly passenger princess.
- [laughs] You mean Uber driver?
- Sort of.
Lots of singalongs in the car on the way
to the show in full face. - Uh-huh.
- Lots of weeknight shows
with varying degrees of crowd attendance.
[laughter]
- Well, that's going to change now.
- Yes, definitely.
- Now, Darlene, what would it mean to you
to become America's Next Drag Superstar?
- It would mean that
every success and struggle
and tacky outfit along this journey--
[laughs]
Had a purpose
and that the voice inside me that
was telling me to never give up on this dream was right.
It would also mean that y'all are about to see
a lot more mall drag in the streets.
[laughter]
- All right.
Ladies and gentlemen, Darlene Mitchell.
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat music]
- If you're team Darlene Mitchell,
sound off using #DragRace.
♪ Work, work, work, work, work, work ♪
Welcome back to the grand finale
of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
Up next, she came here a chorus girl,
but she's leaving a star.
It's Myki Meeks.
[cheers and applause]
[dramatic c music]
- I am Myki Meeks, and I'm known as the drag ingenue.
But lately I've been feeling more like the leading lady.
[screaming]
This roller coaster was the best ride of my life.
She means it.
Do not miss out on the opportunity!
From Drew Barrymore to Lollipop.
In Spanish, no.
To a Karen gone wild--
Somebody help me!
It has been an incredible journey.
- You walked down, and I wrote star.
You've got just a sparkle.
We just want to watch you and see what you do.
- ♪ Away ♪
- Awoo!
- My highest point was the Rusical.
I found an art form of mine that I put to the side
because I thought I wasn't good enough for it.
- Tonight was so incredible for you.
- My lowest point was that damn Rate-A-Queen.
- Fifth position, Miss Myki Meeks.
- Damn.
These girls really tried it.
They voted me to be in the bottom,
but the Meeks lives on.
I wore that shirt that said revenge, and baby, I got it.
Who do you think you're talking to?
I'm Myki motherfucking Meeks.
both: Hi. - [laughs]
- I'm sitting pretty with four wins.
[whip cracks] And not just four wins.
I won the last three challenges in a row.
- Condragulations. Condragulations.
Condragulations, you are the winner
of this week's challenge.
- I want to win this so bad,
not just for me,
but for the people who raised me,
for the community that made me.
Curtains up, light the lights.
Let's do this.
- Here to show us what she can do,
performing her original song, "Versatile," it's Myki Meeks.
- ♪ I've played the leading lady ♪
♪ I've been the ingenue ♪
♪ Comedy and drama ♪
♪ I can switch between the two ♪
♪ Just give me any role ♪
♪ And I'll go that extra mile ♪
♪ I'm a natural performer ♪
♪ And by God, I'm versatile ♪
♪ Whether bottom billing or on top of the marquee ♪
♪ I'll bend over backwards or I'll play it on my knees ♪
♪ I can handle any part, big or small ♪
♪ 'Cause baby, I'm versatile ♪
♪ And I can do it all ♪
♪ Broadway virgin or theater geek ♪
♪ I can make you come eight times a week ♪
♪ In a group scene or a one-woman show ♪
♪ I'll leave you with ♪
♪ A standing O ♪
♪ As in orgasm ♪
♪ Get ready for my big finish ♪
♪ I like to show off ♪
♪ You like to watch, mm-hmm ♪
♪ Whatever you need ♪
♪ Just give me a call ♪
♪ 'Cause baby, I'm versatile ♪
♪ And I can do it all ♪
♪ ♪
[cheers and applause]
- [laughing]
Oh, my goodness.
Myki, wow.
What a whore.
- Oh. [laughs]
- Now it's time for the judges' critiques.
First up, Michelle Visage.
- Daughter, you look like a Visage tonight,
and I am very proud of that.
You know what, Myki?
You've been strong through this whole competition,
but I think what you did tonight was really smart
because your song was called "Versatile"?
- Correct. - I'm versatile too.
- I've heard that about you.
[laughter]
- Here you are at the end and you are branding.
You are letting people know what you are able to do.
You sang it. You danced it. You showed it.
I thought it was fantastic.
- Thank you. Thank you, Michelle.
- Wow, you are what they call a triple threat.
You can sing, you can dance, and you can serve gorgeous face.
- Oh! - I mean, you look stunning.
From the moment you started, it was a smash performance.
You are versed, but you're actually a top performer
because that was amazing. - Hey.
- Thank you, Carson.
- Myki, that was a hard performance to do,
and you did it perfectly.
It was well executed,
and you could see your heart on the stage.
Like, you left it on the floor.
Great job tonight.
- Oh, thank you so much. Thank you.
- What did you learn about yourself on "Drag Race?"
- You know, coming in, I would get
a lot of positive affirmation from others
and I would hear it, but I didn't always feel it.
Well, being here, I learned how to channel that energy
and what other people see in me.
And now I'm standing here with that power.
I came in as an ingenue,
but now I'm leaving a leading lady.
- Yes!
[cheers and applause]
All right, leading lady.
If you could turn back time, what message
would you give to little five-year-old Michael?
[audience swooning]
- Ru, that's from my college graduation.
[laughter]
I would say, little Michael,
you're about to experience a life
full of love and laughter
with the best friends in the world
and two parents who support you for who you are.
And you may be teased for that same reason,
but just know that they are pointing out your superpower.
You were born to stand out.
So go for it.
And every time you wrap yourself in a blanket skirt
like it's the only gown,
you're preparing yourself for greatness.
And stick with the name Myki.
- I love it. I love it.
[cheers and applause]
It's funny.
You look exactly the same.
- [laughs] I know. - You look exactly the same.
And I'm looking what appears to be your father and your mother.
- Correct.
- You look exactly like the both of them.
- I know. I know.
- It looks like dad, Bernie, is wearing one of my jackets.
- Yes, yes. - Gorgeous.
Faye, did you dress him tonight?
- I did. - You did?
[laughs] - I bought the clothes.
She dressed me. - He bought it.
- Oh-- [laughter]
- So now where does Myki get her stage presence?
Which one of you?
Mom?
- Well, I was a dancer.
- You were a showgirl?
- I was a little bit a showgirl.
Yes, yes, yes.
But no, he was born that way.
- Yeah. - He had the passion
to be a performer when he was a youngster.
- Really? - Always entertaining.
When Regis Philbin had his show,
"Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."
- Yeah?
- He would do the imitation to anybody who walked by.
- [laughs]
Well, Faye and Bernie, you done good.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
- You done good. - We think so.
- Thank you. - Now, Myki,
is there anything you'd like to say to your parents?
- Oh, man, this is crazy.
- [laughs] Tell me about it.
- I love you both so much. - We love you too, honey.
- Thank you for always supporting me in my dreams.
And I couldn't be standing here today
without what you've given me,
and I hope to be making you so proud.
- So proud. Always so proud.
[applause]
- Myki, what would it mean to you to become
America's Next Drag Superstar?
- You know, Ru, I'm a big believer in
"everything happens for a reason."
And in my life and career, I have faced a lot of rejection,
but I never lived by the nos
because I knew it was leading to my ultimate yes.
And that's what this moment is right here.
You've said it yourself.
You can look at the darkness, but don't stare.
So with this title, I'm stepping into my light,
and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
[cheers and applause]
- I love it.
Well, she worked her fanny off this season.
Give it up for Myki Meeks.
[cheers and applause]
- ♪ She's so wild, so animal ♪
♪ She's gonna work that sexy body ♪
- If you are team Myki Meeks, sound off using #DragRace.
♪ You say you wanna win it ♪
♪ I wanna see you ♪
This is the grand finale of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
This next queen has turned the art of drag into a science.
It's Nini Coco.
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat music]
- I'm Nini Coco.
I am the high energy, high fashion diva
from Denver, Colorado.
♪ ♪
My journey started off very hot with a win.
- I would wear this outfit outside.
I love it.
- And it was not long before
the reality of the competition hit me.
[vocalizing]
I feel like I was overthinking what I had to do.
Wait, I'll go with two.
There have been a couple hiccups.
Mr. Paul!
- It's not a family resemblance to me.
- But at the end of the day, I have pushed through
and given my all every step of the way.
- Hey! - Hey!
- There are so many moments of joy
sprinkled throughout this experience.
Let's breed, baby. - [laughs]
- I've proven that I am funny.
Oh!
I'm a talented designer.
- She created a wow effect.
- From making most of my runway looks
to fighting to the end of this competition
through lip sync after lip sync after lip sync.
♪ ♪
I feel like I got off to a rough start
with some of the queens.
- Has a gun. - Nini's got the gun.
- Nini has a gun. - Nini has a gun.
- But by the end of the competition,
I found a way to communicate better.
I want to connect with y'all, and I, like,
struggle to do that in moments.
This experience taught me that the art of drag
is an amazing way to express emotion,
but you have to understand
the core humanity within all of it,
and that is the most important thing.
♪ ♪
I walked into this competition as a mechanical engineer,
and I am leaving a drag superstar.
I'm so ready for this final performance.
I have one last thing to prove,
and it's that I deserve this crown.
Bitch, get ready.
[dramatic music]
- And now performing "Stitimulate,"
it's the electrifying Nini Coco.
- ♪ Automate ♪
♪ Concentrate ♪
♪ Imitate ♪
♪ Calculate ♪
♪ It is time to get to work ♪
♪ Clock in, clock out, then submit it ♪
♪ Concentrate, don't ever quit it ♪
♪ You'll forget you ever did it, did it, uh ♪
♪ Keep your body at attention ♪
♪ Seek perfection and precision ♪
♪ Emotion is inefficient ♪
♪ ♪
♪ I want to stimulate your soul ♪
♪ Stimulate your mind ♪
♪ Stimulate your ears and eyes and all your senses ♪
♪ I want to free you from your lows ♪
♪ And take you to your highs ♪
♪ Stimulate your ears and eyes and all your senses ♪
♪ Stimulate ♪
♪ Liberate ♪
♪ Deviate ♪
♪ Fornicate, fornicate, ah ♪
♪ Stimulate ♪
♪ Liberate ♪
♪ Deviate ♪
♪ Fornicate, fornicate ♪
♪ I want to stimulate your soul ♪
♪ Stimulate your mind ♪
♪ Stimulate your ears and eyes and all your senses ♪
♪ I want to free you from your lows ♪
♪ And take you to your highs ♪
♪ Stimulate your ears and eyes and all your senses ♪
♪ ♪
[cheers and applause]
- Yes, bitch!
[cheers and applause]
[whistling]
[cheers and applause]
- Whoo, Nini!
Wow. I want to work in your office.
- You're welcome to anytime. - [laughs]
Let's hear from the judges.
- Come on, cold-hearted snake.
That was so amazing, so tight.
And you had to be with that type of choreography.
This is what it looks like when you keep your eye on the prize.
It's been so fun, and you've been amazing.
- Thank you, Michelle.
[cheers and applause]
- Oh, my gosh, I'm cuckoo for Nini Coco.
It was just so captivating.
From the moment you started
that really intense choreography,
we were all drawn in, we were locked in.
The audience was with you the entire time.
That was really phenomenal. Congratulations.
- Thanks, Carson. [cheers and applause]
- Nini, you ate that performance up.
Yes.
And I'm so proud of you because that was not easy.
From the reveal to coming down off the table
onto a chair in the heel and then doing
the fast performance in the chair, that was crazy.
So just all season long, you really showed
what it takes to be a real entertainer.
Beautiful job. Beautiful job.
[cheers and applause]
- Now, Nini, what did you learn about yourself
during your time at "Drag Race"?
- The moral of the story for me was it's not that serious.
And for so much of my life,
I've been afraid of taking risks.
And this competition throws that out the window.
So let it all go and just have fun.
- Yeah, yeah.
How did you get along with the other queens?
- Uh, queens, care to share?
[laughter]
I feel like there was a point at the beginning
of the competition where I was coming in
a little bit hot with some of the shade.
I learned a lot that half of this competition
is the challenges, and the other half
is the relationships that you build with these other girls.
And thankfully, throughout all of that and letting go
of some of that insecurity, I feel like
I'm able to find so many friends in all of you.
And thank y'all for being patient with me
as I learned how to communicate
really what I meant and what I was trying to say.
- We love you! - We love you!
- Love you girls.
- Now, Nini Coco, what words of wisdom
do you have to share with three-year-old Nico?
- Oh, my God. - Aww.
[soft music]
- Um...
you are such a happy little kid, and...
I want you to hold on to that for as long as you can.
♪ ♪
Because I think when you realize that
you're a little bit different than everybody else,
you're going to start to feel scared of who you are
and what people think about you
and get scared of this future that you can't control.
But I want you to know and remember one thing,
and that is...
your queerness is the greatest gift
that this life has to give you.
And I want you
to go to more parties and don't study so hard.
Be faggy every single day.
[laughter]
And I hope that I made you proud
because you make me so proud.
- Aw, lovely.
[cheers and applause]
Now, I see a beautiful woman
and a gorgeous man in the front row here.
- Yes, that is my mom, Kim, and my boyfriend, AJ.
- Mom, are those cheekbones natural?
- I'm afraid they are. [laughter]
- They are gorgeous!
Now, when you saw Nini Coco in drag the first time,
did you see yourself?
Who did you see?
- Oh, absolutely saw me. - Uh-huh.
- The very first time,
he was in a dark wig... - Uh-huh.
- And he goes, he looks just like you.
It freaked me out. So...
- Now, AJ, you are also in the science world.
How did two nerds like you meet?
Is there a--like a--
is there a Grindr or something for nerds?
Is it called Nerdr?
- Yeah, Sciencrdr. - Yeah.
- How did you guys meet?
- Yeah, we were in school just going at it and--
[audience ohhing] - Oh, hey!
[laughter]
- How do two smart people
make a relationship work for so long?
- Honestly, he's-- he's the wings to my anchor.
We just-- [audience awwing]
We're paired really well.
- I love that.
I love it. Final question.
Nini Coco, why do you want to be
America's Next Drag Superstar?
- I feel like drag is my own liberation,
and it is the thing that makes me feel the most alive.
And to be America's Next Drag Superstar,
I feel that calling and that responsibility to
progress all of us towards a queer future
that is better for everyone because the life
we're living today feels kind of fucked.
And if we can bring some more joy and some more power
to queerness and all of us people who are struggling,
that is the purpose that drag gives me.
And I want to share that with the rest of the world.
- Lovely.
One more round of applause for Nini Coco.
[cheers and applause]
♪ Hey kitty girl ♪
♪ It's your world ♪
♪ When you walk the street ♪
- If you are team Nini Coco, sound off using #DragRace.
[cheers and applause]
Welcome back to the grand finale
of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
There's only one word to describe Miley Cyrus--
charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.
[dramatic music]
M is for music.
Miley doesn't just make hits. She creates bangers.
The Grammy Award winning singer songwriter
can do it all.
Country, rock, pop, and hip-hop.
Her unique voice is always rich, raspy,
and revolutionary.
I is for iconic.
Whether swinging from a wrecking ball,
dueting with her godmother Dolly Parton,
or storming the red carpet.
From TV specials to the VMAs, Miley is the moment.
Miley commands every stage she's on
in every stage she's in.
L is for the love Miley showers upon our community.
- We will continue to fight against judgment.
- By raising millions with her Happy Hippie Foundation,
an important branch of the Miley Cyrus Foundation,
she fights for homeless queer youth.
And by using her platform to advocate for equality,
Miley has already created an impactful legacy
and achieved LGBTQ+ icon status.
E is for extraordinary.
Miley was just 11 years old when she secured the lead role
of "Hannah Montana," a show that bridged
her childhood with rapid pop culture fame.
Her ability to evolve, like her talent, is extraordinary.
She's an inspiration to us all as she continues
to grow as a person and an artist.
And Y is for the 20 years Miley has spent
rewriting the rules, reminding us that reinvention is power,
that the bravest thing you can be
is unapologetically yourself.
And at 33, she's just getting started.
For her dazzling contributions past, present, and future,
tonight we celebrate Miley Cyrus
with the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award.
[cheers and applause]
All rise for Miley Cyrus.
[cheers and applause]
♪ This is the beginning, the beginning ♪
♪ This is the beginning of the rest of your life ♪
♪ This is the beginning, the beginning ♪
♪ This is the beginning of the rest of your life ♪
♪ This is the beginning, the beginning ♪
♪ This is the beginning of the rest of your life ♪
♪ This is the beginning ♪
- Yes!
[cheers and applause]
♪ This is the beginning, the beginning ♪
♪ This is the beginning of the rest of your life ♪
Wow.
I love it!
- This makes the Grammy look cheap.
- [laughs] Miley, my darling, now,
you've been working in this business
since you were a child.
What keeps you going?
- Moments like this.
To stand beside my idols and icons like Mother Ru.
[cheers and applause]
And get my flowers.
- Yes.
- But to also use my platform
to serve this incredible community.
- I love that. I love that.
Now, I always wanted to ask you,
why do you love drag so much?
- Well, because I'm a drag queen.
- Yeah, well, there you go.
- And I love the idea of an alter ego giving us power.
And, you know, my persona just performed in Paris
with Beyoncé, so--
- What? - She's my shero.
- Oh, my gosh.
Now, as a super fan,
is there a "Drag Race" challenge that you would absolutely kill?
- Snatch Game as Hannah Montana.
- Yes! [cheers and applause]
- That's right.
- [laughing]
All right, Miley, one last question.
What would you say to your four-year-old self?
[audience swooning]
- Life's a climb, but the view is great,
especially from Beverly Hills.
- [laughing]
[cheers and applause]
Miley, we love you, we thank you,
and we will always be there for you.
Give it up for Miley Cyrus.
[cheers and applause]
♪ This is the beginning ♪
♪ The beginning, this is the beginning ♪
- Coming up, who do you want to be crowned
America's Next Drag Superstar?
Are you team Darlene Mitchell,
team Myki Meeks,
or team Nini Coco?
And next, Crystal Envy returns
to award this season's Miss Congeniality
- William Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved Black man,
was the first person to call themselves the queen of drag.
In the 1800s, Swann threw secret balls
in Washington, D.C.
When the police raided one of her parties,
she didn't run.
She resisted and became the first American
to take legal action in defense of LGBTQ rights.
- A World War II veteran, Jose Sarria,
also known as Mama Jose
and the Nightingale of Montgomery Street,
performed at the legendary Black Cat Bar.
During police raids, she led the patrons
in a rousing rendition of "God Save Us Nelly Queens."
In 1961, in full drag, Jose ran for San Francisco
Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay
person to run for public office
in the United States of America.
- In the 1960s, Mother Flawless Sabrina
organized hundreds of drag pageants across the country
in cities where it was illegal for men
to wear women's clothing.
And when the police showed up,
Flawless faced arrest so her queens wouldn't have to.
Jailed over 100 times, she continued to be
a fearless and outspoken advocate into her late 70s,
and her work is immortalized
in the iconic documentary "The Queen."
- Attentions, dolls and divas, cubs and chubs,
twinks and twunks, thems and femmes,
now it's your turn to keep the lights on.
- You can start by donating to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund
so future generations can share their queer joy with the world.
- Bob, does that mean we can stop pedaling?
- Nuh-uh.
We gotta keep on keeping on.
- I'll drink to that.
- And now, please welcome our reigning
Miss Congeniality, Crystal Envy.
- ♪ I, I, I'm that bitch ♪
♪ I, I'm that bitch ♪
♪ I, I, I'm that bitch ♪
♪ It's the way it is ♪
♪ I, I, I'm that bitch ♪
♪ I, I'm that bitch ♪
♪ I, I, I'm that bitch ♪
♪ That's the way it is ♪
♪ Don't, don't, don't you wish ♪
♪ You could be that bitch ♪
♪ But you ain't that bitch ♪
♪ It's unanimous ♪
♪ I'm that bitch ♪
[cheers and applause]
- Good evening.
You know, when it comes to being congenial,
I'm 100% that bitch.
[cheers and applause]
And tonight, I am so excited to announce that
the winner of season 18's Miss Congeniality
will receive $10,000
presented by the new and improved
Native Deodorant.
[cheers and applause]
The queens have voted, and the winner is...
[dramatic music]
Jane Don't.
[cheers and applause]
- I'm gagging.
I'm gagging.
- How did that happen?
Thank you.
Oh, my God.
- Condragulations, Jane Don't. What do you have to say?
- Well, congeniality is not something
the women in my family generally aspire to,
but one of the best, like, gifts
that this whole experience has given me
is my relationships with these girls.
You are the best prize that I think any of us get.
So thank you so much. I love you, I love you.
I love you, thank you!
[cheers and applause]
- But hold up, hold up.
Do you smell that?
Ooh, it's the sweet smell of success.
Because Native Deodorant would also like
to offer all the other queens
$2,000 each for a fabulous season.
[cheers and applause]
- I'll take it. We can take it.
- Condragulations, queens.
Now prance, queen, prance.
- ♪ A little bit of love ♪
♪ Goes a long, long way ♪
♪ Lifting you up to a brighter day ♪
♪ A little bit of love ♪
♪ Goes a long, long way ♪
[cheers and applause]
Welcome back to the grand finale of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
Now, I have some exciting news.
For the first time in "Drag Race" herstory,
this season's winner will snatch up
an official makeup collaboration
with Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Earlier this week, our top three queens
met with ABH president Norvina.
Take a look.
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat music]
- Studio Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Bitch. - How are you?
- Welcome.
- This is a dream come true going through all this stuff.
- I kind of wanted to know from you, like,
what would be you in a product?
- My drag is all about bold colors,
super pigmented eyeshadow.
- Two aesthetic points that I really go for,
old Hollywood glamour,
and then that party girl aesthetic.
Bright blush, bright highlight.
- Tacky, trashy.
You know what I mean? - OK.
- The girl you would see outside of the truck stop.
You know, the blue eyeshadow.
- OK.
This is so incredible.
This is a long time coming.
What I've always wanted to do is just
share some of the excitement for the winner
and really highlight and prop them up with something
that I feel could express themselves in a way
that they do every single day on the show, which is makeup.
So what colors are you feeling?
- I feel like a pinky highlight
would be great too, to go into the blush.
- A silvery pink?
- Silvery pink would go into the blush.
My whole idea is when the spotlight hits--
- Yeah. - You see the glow going.
- It glows.
So it's an undercover explosion.
- Abs--oh, I love that. - Right?
- Yeah.
- OK, so you want, like, a gradient of blues.
- Like a gradient of blue would be fantastic.
- I love it.
- I'm going to do like a darker tone right under here.
- Exactly.
And that really pops the green in your eyes.
OK, you know all your complementary colors.
- Yeah. [laughs]
- That's amazing. I'm so impressed.
- I grew up with these big Texas sunsets.
When you're getting ready for the night,
that golden hour is that last moment
to make that impact in the light.
And I do always lean into those sunset colors.
- This is wild.
- [laughs] - I like it, though.
Drag is so important.
It always has been, but especially right now.
Makeup is a big part of it,
and we want to show that we're here to celebrate drag.
I think that drag is like the beacon of light
amongst all the fuckery.
Can I say fuckery?
Sorry.
I got way too passionate right now.
[laughs]
Oh, my God, you look amazing!
- You like? - Yes, I love.
- I've never thought of myself as a makeup queen.
I like how I paint, and I feel like it's worked for me.
- I wanna try one of these too. - Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
But to go beyond that and create something
I'd use for my drag makeup?
Ooh, that is so exciting.
- So good.
- To think that someone would want
to do their makeup like mine--
big, bold, and tacky--
that--that's, uh...
[laughs] That's wild.
- Amazing.
- Having my own makeup product is
the last thing on my bucket list
that I didn't even know existed.
- Gorge.
- But now that I've gotten a taste of it,
baby, the empire is about to be built.
Watch out.
[cheers and applause]
- I love it.
Now, America's reigning drag superstar had quite a year.
Take a look.
[cheers and applause]
- Ooh, let's get into it, girl.
[laughter]
It's your girl, Onya Nurve.
- Wow. - Big fupa.
I ate a chicken wing.
- I want to see her host "SNL" one day.
- You really cracked the code.
- You mean quacked the code?
- Oh, girl. [laughter]
- It is a masterclass in having stage presence.
- Now, that's a high-class prostitute.
- Excuse me?
- America's Next Drag Superstar is...
Onya Nurve.
- Yeah!
♪ ♪
♪ Left foot in out ♪
♪ Right foot in out ♪
♪ ♪
It do take nerve!
[screams]
♪ ♪
[cheers and applause]
- And now, please welcome
our reigning queen, Onya Nurve.
- ♪ It do take nerve, take nerve ♪
♪ To bring it on to success ♪
♪ It do take nerve and work ♪
♪ Something tells me I bet I'm on your nerves ♪
♪ I heard you talking ♪
♪ One tit for tat, bitch ♪
♪ Look who's first ♪
♪ 'Cause baby, it do take nerve ♪
♪ ♪
[cheers and applause]
- Onya Nurve.
Onya Nurve!
- Hey.
- Now, listen, is being America's Next Drag Superstar
everything you thought it would be?
- You know, it's everything I thought it would be and more.
You know, I'm able to do drag full time
at its highest capacity,
and I'm able to help my friends and family out
like I've never been able to before.
And I'm able to travel the world
and I got a lot more money in my bank account.
- I love that.
Now, how's your daddy?
Everyone loved your daddy.
- Everybody loved Nunya Bidness.
He's like Cleveland famous now.
- Really? - Yes.
He was on a vacation, on like a Carnival ship.
- He wasn't acting up like the people on Carnival, was he?
- You know he was. - [laughs]
- You know he was.
But there was a drag queen on the ship
who noticed who he was, and the entire vacation,
he was like the famous man on the ship.
- Oh.
- And when he at the grocery store,
little Black ladies would be like, I see you, Nunya.
[laughter]
While he's shopping for his chicken wings.
[laughter]
- OK, so what's next for you, Onya?
- Oh, what's next?
I mean, I--
after winning "RuPaul's Drag Race,"
I'm just excited to continue to do everything that
I've wanted to do in my life,
everything that I've dreamed of.
I want to be the first drag queen to win an EGOT.
I mean, why not?
- Why not?
I love that.
- It do take nerve.
- Yes, it do.
Let's hear it for Onya Nurve! - Thank you.
[upbeat music]
- ♪ Good luck and don't, good luck and don't ♪
[upbeat music]
Welcome back to the grand finale of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
One more time, give a hand to our top three queens.
[cheers and applause]
Darlene Mitchell.
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat music]
Nini Coco.
[cheers and applause]
♪ ♪
And Myki Meeks.
♪ This is the beginning, the beginning ♪
♪ This is the beginning of the rest of your life ♪
Each of you has given your all.
But the time has come
when three must become two.
[tense music]
♪ ♪
The two top queens moving forward
to the final Lip Sync for The Crown are...
♪ ♪
Nini Coco.
[cheers and applause]
♪ ♪
And...
♪ ♪
Myki Meeks.
[cheers and applause]
Condragulations, and stay right where you are.
Darlene Mitchell, I'm sorry, my dear,
but this is not your time.
But for turning it out all season long,
we're giving you a cash tip of $10,000.
[cheers and applause]
- Hey!
♪ ♪
- [laughs]
all: Darlene, Darlene, Darlene, Darlene,
Darlene, Darlene, Darlene!
[cheers and applause]
- On behalf of your fans around the world,
thank you for a truly sassy season.
Give it up for Darlene Mitchell.
[cheers and applause]
- You sure?
[laughs]
- We love you!
We love you!
- Myki Meeks, Nini Coco,
no matter what happens next,
you are both going home a little richer
because tonight's runner-up
will receive a cash tip of $25,000.
[cheers and applause]
- Mama big bucks.
- It all comes down to this.
Two queens stand before me.
Prior to tonight, you were asked to prepare
a lip sync performance of "Every Girl You've Ever Loved"
by Miley Cyrus.
[cheers and applause]
Ladies, this is your last chance
to impress me and prove to Miley and the world
that you are America's Next Drag Superstar.
[cheers and applause]
[suspenseful music]
The time has come
for you to Lip Sync
for The Crown.
[dramatic music]
♪ ♪
Miley, will you do us the honor?
- Good luck, and don't fuck it up.
[Miley Cyrus's "Every Girl You've Ever Loved"]
♪ ♪
[cheering]
- ♪ I match my bag to my new dress ♪
♪ I'm still looking like a ten ♪
♪ While my hair is a mess ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And I'm gonna work it all night ♪
♪ Till I get what I want ♪
♪ Yes, yes, yes ♪
♪ No, I can't believe that you're still ♪
♪ Holding out on me ♪
♪ Like a dog in the street ♪
♪ Oh, aren't I pretty enough ♪
♪ For more than fun in the dark ♪
♪ Why're you still holding onto your heart? ♪
♪ Looking for the one, but one is never enough ♪
♪ I'm every girl you've ever loved ♪
♪ ♪
♪ She has the perfect scent ♪
♪ Don't you want me, baby ♪
♪ Pose ♪
♪ She speaks the perfect French ♪
♪ Don't you want me, baby ♪
- Ooh.
- [laughs]
- ♪ She never wears a watch ♪
♪ Still she's never late ♪
♪ She's got that kind of grace ♪
♪ Did Botticelli paint her face? ♪
♪ She has the perfect scent ♪
♪ She speaks the perfect French ♪
♪ She can dance the night away ♪
♪ And still she'll never break a sweat ♪
♪ Aren't I pretty enough for more than fun in the dark ♪
♪ Why're you still holding onto your heart? ♪
♪ Looking for the one but one is never enough ♪
♪ I'm every girl you've ever loved ♪
♪ I'm a little bit angel ♪
♪ I'm a little bit not ♪
♪ Why're you still holding onto your heart? ♪
♪ Come get under the one that you've been dreaming of ♪
♪ I'm every girl you've ever loved ♪
♪ Pose ♪
♪ ♪
♪ Pose ♪
Hey!
♪ Pose ♪
♪ Pose, pose, pose, pose, pose ♪
[cheers and applause]
I'm gagged!
[cheers and applause]
Gagged!
[cheers and applause]
Pose down!
- Yes.
- Work!
- In addition to the title
of America's Next Drag Superstar,
the winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race"
will receive a crown and scepter
provided by Fierce Drag Jewels,
a year's supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics,
plus their very own ABH makeup collaboration
and a cash prize of $200,000.
[cheers and applause]
Courtesy of "RuPaul's Drag Race Match Queen."
Now, the time has come to crown our queen.
[dramatic music]
Myki Meeks, Nini Coco,
I've made my decision.
The winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race,"
America's Next Drag Superstar is...
♪ ♪
Myki Meeks.
[cheers and applause]
You're a winner, baby!
[cheers and applause]
[upbeat music]
♪ I'm a winner, baby, I'm a winner ♪
- Yes, Myki!
- [laughs]
- Condragulations, Myki.
Is there anything you'd like to say?
- This is for my friends, my family,
all of Orlando.
Live fiercely, love boldly,
and write it in the books, baby.
The meek shall inherit the crown!
[cheers and applause]
- Now prance, my queen.
Prance!
♪ I'm a winner ♪
♪ I'm a winner, baby, I'm a winner ♪
♪ I'm a winner, baby ♪
♪ I'm a winner, I'm a winner, baby ♪
♪ I'm a winner ♪
- Myki likey.
- ♪ I'm a winner ♪
Now, remember, if you can't love yourself,
how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?
Can I get an amen up in here?
all: Amen!
- All right, now let the music play.
♪ I'm a winner ♪
♪ I'm a winner, baby ♪
♪ I'm a winner ♪
♪ I'm a winner, baby ♪
♪ Losers weepers ♪
♪ I'm a winner, baby ♪
♪ Finders keepers ♪
♪ I'm a winner, baby ♪
- ♪ Good luck, and don't ♪
♪ Good luck, and don't, oh ♪
♪ Good luck, and don't eff it up, up, up ♪
♪ Good luck, and don't ♪
♪ Good luck, baby ♪
♪ Good luck, and don't eff it up, up, up ♪
♪ Give yourself permission ♪
♪ Take the script and flip it ♪
♪ Give yourself permission ♪
♪ Take the script and flip it ♪
♪ 'Cause if you're not like other bitches ♪
♪ Then show me something different ♪
[rock music]