"Season 18 cast of RuPaul's Drag Race unveiled: Including fan favorites from "The Voice" and "The View" who are ready to compete fiercely"

The upcoming season of RuPaul's Drag Race will feature 14 fresh queens entering the Werk Room, including talent from The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance, and a guest of The View. Entertainment Weekly spoke with the contestants for an exclusive preview.

With such a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities, this season's cast cannot be summed up with a single word. Bostons Briar Blush jokingly described the rest of the queens as "13 other girls I dont care about," hinting at the drama to come.

The new batch of queens, making their first appearances on the Main Stage in nearly a year, will debut in 90-minute episodes starting Friday, January 2. Indianapolis-based activist and special effects artist Ciara Myst described the group as being "out for blood," emphasizing the competitive energy this season. Several contestants noted that season 18 reflects the original essence of Drag Race from 2009, focusing on skill and stage presence.

Myki Meeks of Orlando commented, "It feels like a traditional season. We all know what were doing. This is a real pageant."

Featured Contestants

Athena Dion

Bio: Inspired by the Greek goddess, Athena Dion brings energy and experience, mentoring drag daughters Morphine Love Dion and Plane Jane. She competes alongside her drag granddaughter Juicy Love Dion, marking a historic first mother/daughter duo on the show.

Quote: "The show exposes who you are, whether you like it or not. Theres some rawr, some mothering, some me."

Briar Blush

Bio: Hailing from Boston, Briar Blush is a retro yet edgy pin-up with a sharp wit and commanding presence. Shes determined to leave a memorable mark on the competition.

Quote: "Were all just big haters in Boston. None of us really want to be happy for each other."

Ciara Myst

Bio: Indys drag innovator, blending sci-fi, horror, and fantasy. Shes a prosthetic makeup artist with Marvel and Dynasty credits and promises to bring spectacular transformations to the stage.

Quote: "Expect gag-worthy moments. I take themes, flip them, and myst-ify them."

Darlene Mitchell

Bio: A country-camp queen with soap opera flair from Greentown, Darlene returns after a five-year hiatus to compete on the Main Stage.

Quote: "Me and Michelle [Visage] are sisters. Youll have to tune in to see the full journey."

DD Fuego

Bio: Born in Monterrey, Mexico, DD Fuego delivers fiery, runway-ready looks, blending her production design background with performance flair.

Quote: "The season smells like talent and patchouli, with a mix of flavors."

Discord Addams

Bio: High-fashion punk with a dark energy, Discord is ready to swap mosh pits for the runway.

Quote: "Im the blueprint of punk drag, doing this for 14 years."

Jane Don't

Bio: Comedy queen inspired by Bette Midler and Joan Rivers, ready to make her mark with sharp jokes and strong presence.

Quote: "Bosco always says, youre probably going to lose."

Juicy Love Dion

Bio: Miamis Afro-Cuban dancing queen, bringing energy and precision. Shes part of the Dion Dynasty, performing alongside family on the show.

Quote: "Competing with my drag grandmother is bittersweet."

Kenya Pleaser

Bio: Southern performer and Lizzo impersonator, known for high-energy and attitude on stage.

Quote: "Out of drag, the world cant handle me. Wait until I get in drag!"

Mandy Mango

Bio: Registered nurse and Philly entertainer, bringing playful, conceptual looks with a health-conscious twist.

Quote: "A drag queen with delusion keeps things interesting."

Mia Starr

Bio: A hip-hop dance diva with world tour experience for Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez, returning to drag after a long dance career.

Quote: "I snuck out during The Voice auditions to perform elsewhere it was wild!"

Myki Meeks

Bio: Orlando performer blending glamour and camp with a sharp stage presence, calling herself a "recovering theater kid."

Quote: "This is back to basics a season full of queens who hold their own."

Nini Coco

Bio: High-fashion diva from Denver, mixing conceptual designs with theatrical performances. Former mechanical engineer turned full-time drag artist.

Quote: "If I land in the bottom for a design challenge, I will quit well see if that happens."

Vita VonTesse Starr

Bio: Pageant icon and member of the Starr drag family, Vita brings elegance, precision, and dramatic flair to the stage.

Quote: "This cast is polished, seasoned, and professional back to basics."

The season premieres Friday, January 2 at 8 p.m. on MTV, with a "Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!" fashion challenge featuring previous RuGirls' creations. Exclusive video interviews with the queens will be available on EW.com and EW's YouTube channel.

Author: Sophia Brooks