Jan 4
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 18 Queens Dish on Premiere Challenges and Guest Stars
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 premiered on January 2, 2026, introducing 14 fierce drag queens from across the United States, each bringing unique backgrounds and styles to the Werk Room. The contestants include Athena Dion, 38, from Miami, Florida; Briar Blush, 25, from Boston, Massachusetts; Ciara Myst, 32, from Indianapolis, Indiana; Darlene Mitchell, 34, from Los Angeles, California; DD Fuego, 37, from New York City, New York; Discord Addams, 35, from St. Petersburg, Florida; Jane Don't, 32, from Seattle, Washington; Juicy Love Dion, 24, from Miami, Florida; Kenya Pleaser, 27, from Sumter, South Carolina; Mandy Mango, 29, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Mia Starr, 39, from West Palm Beach, Florida; Myki Meeks, 29, from Orlando, Florida; Nini Coco, 29, from Denver, Colorado; and Vita VonTesse Starr, 38, from Montgomery, Alabama.
In an exclusive group interview with Entertainment Weekly, the queens reflected on the meet-the-queens special, expressing excitement about the new season's energy. Hosted by RuPaul alongside judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Law Roach, Ross Mathews, and Ts Madison, the competition promises high-stakes challenges starting with a premiere lip-sync to Cardi B's "Enough ." Nini Coco emerged as the winner of the first episode's maxi challenge, while Vita VonTesse Starr landed in the top two, showcasing their prowess early on. Myki Meeks was noted as safe in initial placements.
The season boasts an impressive roster of guest judges, blending music, fashion, comedy, and activism to critique the queens' performances. Cardi B kicked off the judging panel as the premiere guest, followed by Dove Cameron, Teyana Taylor, Benny Blanco, Zara Larsson, Brooke Shields, Iman, Atsuko Okatsuka, Jamal Sims, Amy Taylor, Annaleigh Ashford, Danielle Pinnock, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Sherman, and Leland. In the group interview, queens like DD Fuego praised the diversity of these guests, noting how figures like Iman, a trailblazing model, and Leland, a singer-songwriter known for LGBTQ+ advocacy, offer invaluable insights into artistry and resilience.
Darlene Mitchell, representing Los Angeles drag royalty, shared in the interview how guest judges like choreographer Jamal Sims pushed contestants to elevate their performance skills, emphasizing inclusivity across drag styles from camp to high fashion. This lineup underscores the show's evolution, incorporating voices from transgender and non-binary communities alongside cisgender performers, fostering a platform where all LGBTQ+ identities shine.
Throughout the group interview, the queens highlighted drag's role as a beacon for LGBTQ+ visibility amid ongoing cultural conversations. Briar Blush, the youngest at 25, discussed how Season 18 aims to inspire younger audiences by showcasing authentic stories from diverse regions, from Miami's vibrant nightlife to Seattle's alternative scenes. Kenya Pleaser from South Carolina emphasized the importance of Southern representation, stating that competing amplifies voices often underrepresented in mainstream media.
Transgender and gender-diverse contestants like Vita VonTesse Starr spoke to the affirming space Drag Race provides, where performers of all gender identities compete on equal footing. The interview touched on past winners like Bob the Drag Queen , Kim Chi , and Raja , whose legacies inspire the new cast to push boundaries. Mandy Mango from Philadelphia noted the therapeutic power of drag, especially for queer youth navigating identity in challenging times.
The queens teased intense runways, talent shows, and sisterly rivalries ahead. Ciara Myst and Jane Don't expressed optimism about the season's potential to break viewership records, crediting the inclusive judging panel and global fanbase. As Drag Race continues to champion LGBTQ+ artists, Season 18 positions itself as a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community.
