RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 Cast Unveiled: Get to Know the Queens (and Their Relatives!) Competing in 2026

RuPaul's Drag Race has often celebrated drag families, but Season 18 takes it a step further by placing a queen in direct competition with her own drag-granddaughter. The new season premieres Friday, Jan. 2, on MTV at 8/7c, and the cast list is packed with exciting twists.

Drag Dynasties in Action

Fans of Morphine Love Dion from Season 16 will recognize her drag family this season. Athena Dion, her drag mother, joins the competition alongside Juicy Love Dion, Morphines drag daughter. Will they support each other or clash in the quest for the crown? The family drama alone promises plenty of tension.

Adding to the family connections, Jane Don't, drag sister to Plane Jane (Season 16) and Bosco (Season 14/All Stars 10), also joins the roster. These relationships bring both camaraderie and competition to the forefront.

Honoring Drag History

The Season 18 premiere will pay tribute to past queens by challenging new contestants to create signature drag looks using leftover items from former competitors. Fans wont miss a beat, as a new episode of RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked will air immediately after the premiere, offering behind-the-scenes insights.

Meet the Queens

• Athena Dion: Named after the Greek goddess, Athena brings energy and experience, having mentored Morphine Love Dion and Plane Jane. She competes alongside Juicy Love Dion, marking the first mother/daughter duo on the show.
• Briar Blush: Bostons retro-meets-edgy pin-up, Briar blends goth and glam with sharp wit and commanding stage presence.
• Ciara Myst: Indianas shape-shifting queen combines sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, with prosthetic makeup and creature transformations that captivate audiences.
• Darlene Mitchell: A country camp queen from Indiana, Darlene mixes soap-opera glam with trailer park charm, returning to drag after a five-year hiatus.
• DD Fuego: Fiery and theatrical, DD Fuego brings stage-ready looks and experience as a former production designer from Mexico.
• Discord Addams: High-fashion punk with a dark edge, Discord blends music, chaos, and unapologetic attitude to the runway.
• Jane Don't: Comedy queen inspired by Bette Midler and Joan Rivers, Jane balances humor with competitive drive, ready to make her mark.
• Juicy Love Dion: Miamis Afro-Cuban dancing queen, Juicy delivers precision, flair, and energy, representing the next generation of the Dion Dynasty.
• Kenya Pleaser: Southern performer and Lizzo impersonator, Kenya mixes humor, charisma, and high-energy stage presence.
• Mandy Mango: Conceptual and playful, this Philly queen doubles as a nurse, bringing joy and creativity to the stage.
• Mia Starr: Hip-hop and 90s/2000s dance diva, Mia returns to drag after pursuing a successful dance career with world tours and high-profile performances.
• Myki Meeks: Orlandos theatrical powerhouse, Myki combines glamour, wit, and stagecraft to command attention and challenge competitors.
• Nini Coco: High-energy fashionista and costume designer from Denver, Nini blends creativity with bold performances, leaving nothing to chance.
• Vita VonTesse Starr: Pageant queen and drag family icon, Vita excels in elegance, precision, and dramatic flair, making her a standout in any challenge.

Season 18 promises a blend of fierce competition, family drama, and heartfelt homage to drag history, making it a must-watch for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Author: Sophia Brooks