‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Returns: Introducing the Season 18 New Queens

While the holiday season captivates audiences worldwide, drag enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a brand-new season of competition. MTV revealed the cast for RuPauls Drag Race Season 18 on Tuesday, December 2. The upcoming season will debut on January 2, featuring 14 fresh contestants competing in a variety of challenges spanning acting, design, comedy, and musical performance. The winner will receive a $200,000 prize, a makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics, and the prestigious title of Americas Next Drag Superstar.

Introducing the New Queens

The 14 queens joining the Drag Race universe this season are:

• Athena Dion
• Briar Blush
• Ciara Myst
• Darlene Mitchell
• DD Fuego
• Discord Addams
• Jane Dont
• Juicy Love Dion
• Kenya Pleaser
• Mandy Mango
• Mia Starr
• Myki Meeks
• Nini Coco
• Vita VonTesse Starr

Season Teaser and Theme

In the official teaser, Emmy-winning host RuPaul welcomes viewers to the new lineup and highlights the season's central theme. She declares, In shady times, let there be light. And let there be drag. The trailer hints that this seasons queens will shine as a source of inspiration and creativity. 14 new queens will be the light the world needs right now, more than ever Ready, set, glow, RuPaul adds.

Premiere Episode Challenge

MTV and World of Wonder also shared details about the first episode. Instead of a traditional talent show challenge, the queens will participate in a design-focused task. They will repurpose leftover treasures from past contestants to create a unique signature drag look for the runway.

RuPauls Drag Race Season 18 premieres on MTV on January 2 at 8 p.m. ET.

Author: Sophia Brooks