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“RuPaul’s Drag Race” star and judge of “Drag Race: Philippines,” Jiggly Caliente has died. She was 44. Caliente had been suffering from complications due to a severe infection, and as a result, had undergone surgery losing most of her right leg.

The news was confirmed by her family, who shared the update on her Instagram page. They wrote, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”

The family statement went on to say, “A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world. Her legacy is one of love,...

The party is ending too soon for some after Party City abruptly closed down its US stores following 40 years of business.

In addition to the company reportedly laying off all employees effective immediately with no severance and no benefits, the company’s closure also came as a surprise to loyal customers who expressed their shock on social media.

“Party City shutting down, Big Lots shutting down, Government shutting down,” wrote one person on X. “My knees shutting down. My metabolism shutting down. I can’t win for losing.”

“Party City closing is the perfect omen for America right now and the incoming administration,” mused another in a post.

But the majority of pop culture devotees responded to the news with a classic RuPaul’s Drag Race moment. The scene came in the 2012 episode when that season’s winner Sharon Needles called Phi Phi O’Hara a “tired-ass showgirl,” inciting one of...

RuPaul's Drag Race has introduced audiences to drag queens for sixteen seasons as they compete for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar." Hosted by its namesake, RuPaul's Drag Race has given rise to several spin-off shows and numerous international series.

RuPaul's Drag Race, the show that started it all, features RuPaul and other judges who decide the winner of a maxi-challenge each week. Maxi-challenges assess contestants' skills in areas of drag performance like singing and acting. Additional mini-challenges further put contestants to the test, ultimately paving the way for Ru Paul's Drag Race to award its coveted crown.

The notoriety of appearing on Ru Paul's Drag Race has changed the lives of countless contestants, especially the winners. Here's what the first five Drag Race winners have been up to since they took home the ultimate prize.

Season Five: Jinkx Monsoon

Via:YouTube/RuPaul's Drag Race

After winning Drag Race...

Sharon Needles and Alaska were a beloved couple on RuPaul's Drag Race, known for their punk/spook aesthetic. Despite their split in 2013, Sharon and Alaska remain friends and support each other's successful careers in music and drag. RuPaul's Drag Race will continue to feature charismatic couples like Sharon and Alaska in the future.

VH1's ultra-successful reality competition show RuPaul's Drag Race introduced the world to many truly memorable queens and couples, and Sharon Needles and Alaska were notably lovable couples. As one of the best reality TV shows, Drag Race has proven to be one of TV's most endearing (and enduring). While the competition element certainly draws in viewers, another critical element that drives the series' success is its stars, some of whom are very watchable.

Although each drag queen is only on for a season or two, half the fun of watching RuPaul's Drag Race follows the personal...

RuPaul's Drag Race has seen a number of queens form romantic relationships with each other, adding to the excitement and drama of the show. Several memorable drag queen couples have emerged from the show, such as Sahara Davenport and Manila Luzon, Sharon Needles and Alaska, and Derrick Barry and Nebraska. While some relationships between drag queens on the show have ended, like Sharon Needles and Alaska, others, like Derrick Barry and Nebraska, are still going strong.

RuPaul's Drag Race has introduced hundreds of lovable, dramatic, and downright entertaining queens, with some remembered for their romantic relationships with one another. Since BeBe Zahara Benet won the inaugural season in 2009, RuPaul's Drag Race has expanded from a once-small show to a global phenomenon found in a dozen countries. Over the years, plenty of fan favorites and drag queen icons have walked through the werkroom in the hopes of becoming America's Next Drag Superstar.

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo's exit phrase "Miss Vanjie, Miss Vanjie, Miss...Vanjie" became a cultural phenomenon and led to her return on Rpdr season 11. Willam's comeback "Your Tone Seems Very Pointed Right Now" shook Phi Phi O'Hara and the entire Drag Race fandom. Shangela's iconic speech "I Don't Have A Sugar Daddy" vs. Mimi Imfurst reset the drag community and solidified her status as an iconic contestant.

Over the years, RuPaul's Drag Race has evolved from a small series into a global phenomenon, and dozens of quotes have gone down in herstory. Since the premiere of RuPaul's successful franchise in 2009, Rpdr has grown to culturally impact society, thanks to the mix of drama, entertainment, education, and acceptance. The original American series has not only introduced hundreds of talented performers but has helped to launch these contestants into stardom.

Many big personalities are stuck on one set each season. Therefore,...

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars” together have crowned more than 20 queens with “winner” status over the past two decades. Some of the champions’ names have become engrained in our pop culture thanks to their post-show successes, including Trixie Mattel and Bob the Drag Queen. However, others have struggled to stay relevant after their victories, such as Tyra Sanchez and Sharon Needles. Scroll through our gallery above (or click here for direct access) in which we’re ranking every “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner from worst to best. Do You agree with our #1 choice of all time?

To recap, the reality TV show’s first ever winner was BeBe Zahara Benet, who triumphed way back in 2009 — does that make you feel old? To date BeBe is the only champion to be asked back for a normal “All Stars” season, as host RuPaul Charles felt she needed to be...

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars” together have crowned more than 20 queens with “winner” status over the past two decades. Some of the champions’ names have become engrained in our pop culture thanks to their post-show successes, including Trixie Mattel and Bob the Drag Queen. However, others have struggled to stay relevant after their victories, such as Tyra Sanchez and Sharon Needles. Scroll through our gallery below in which we’re ranking every “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner from worst to best. Do You agree with our #1 choice of all time?

To recap, the reality TV show’s first ever winner was BeBe Zahara Benet, who triumphed way back in 2009 — does that make you feel old? To date BeBe is the only champion to be asked back for a normal “All Stars” season, as host RuPaul Charles felt she needed to be seen by the show’s newer fans.

Writing a book has always been a goal for Alaska Thunderfuck 5000. In fact, she’s got a rather ambitious three-step plan for herself: “The big things are the book, the movie and then the made-for-tv movie.”

The “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” winner swears to tell “the T, the whole T and nothing but the T” in her new memoir out Nov. 9, “My Name’s Yours, What’s Alaska?”

While the book brings a fair share of belly laughs, Alaska is also unafraid to face her past head-on with a candid account of her upbringing, her relationship (and public breakup) with fellow “Drag Race” winner Sharon Needles and her drag journey.

“I want to be able to talk about things in a real way, because I think that it was a way for me to learn from my past and my journey. And hopefully other people can too,” she tells Variety.

This season, RuPaul’s Drag Race fan-favorites will be sashaying their way to a concert hall near you.

Last year, a slew of queens released a 16-track holiday album — Christmas Queens — of classic covers and original tunes. And next month, the performers return with a second set, Christmas Queens 2, and the stars will hit the stage to spread some campy merriment.

Hosted by Drag Race cohost Michelle Visage, the tour will feature performances by an all-star lineup, including: Sharon Needles, Detox, Ginger Minj, Jiggly Caliente, Katya, Manila Luzon and Thorgy Thor.

People has an exclusive first listen to “Working Holiday,...

RuPaul crowned the winning queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 2 finale Thursday night. And while Roxxxy Andrews, Detox and Katya Zamolodchikova tried their best, they were unable to best Alaska Thunderf — 5000 from snatching the crown.

The 31-year-old queen dominated the show, winning four challenges and taking home $40,000 in prize money. Earlier Thursday, she took a break from borrowing clothes and practicing parseltongue to untuck and speak to People about her win, her haters — and all the juicy Drag Race drama on and off-set.

Condragulations! What did it feel like to win?

How do I describe that moment? It...

Sharon Needles can hold tight to her crown as reigning (drag) queen of darkness.

The RuPaul's Drag Race alum is back with the music video for her new single "Hollywoodn't," and People has an exclusive first look at the campy clip.

"After I went on Drag Race, I was allowed to do so many things," Needles, 34, said in a behind-the-scenes video (below) of the inspiration behind the song. "I was allowed to do theater, commercial work, television work, modeling, fashion design, and it was great. But the thing with reality television fame is that it's got a pretty quick expiration date.

Sharon Needles can hold tight to her crown as reigning (drag) queen of darkness. The RuPaul's Drag Race alum is back with the music video for her new single "Hollywoodn't," and People has an exclusive first look at the campy clip. "After I went on Drag Race, I was allowed to do so many things," Needles, 34, said in a behind-the-scenes video (below) of the inspiration behind the song. "I was allowed to do theater, commercial work, television work, modeling, fashion design, and it was great. But the thing with reality television fame is that it's got a pretty quick expiration date.

Sharon Needles can hold tight to her crown as reigning (drag) queen of darkness. The RuPaul's Drag Race alum is back with the music video for her new single "Hollywoodn't," and People has an exclusive first look at the campy clip. "After I went on Drag Race, I was allowed to do so many things," Needles, 34, said in a behind-the-scenes video (below) of the inspiration behind the song. "I was allowed to do theater, commercial work, television work, modeling, fashion design, and it was great. But the thing with reality television fame is that it's got a pretty quick expiration date.

Gird your tucks: Mama Ru is coming for you. RuPaul's Drag Race returns for its eighth season in March, with a brand-new group of 12 drag queens vying for the title of America's best fake crier. Judging from their names alone, Bob the Drag Queen has already stolen our hearts. (Names are important! Remember Sharon Needles?) The others are Acid Betty, Chi Chi DeVayne, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Dax ExclamationPoint, Derrick Barry, Kim Chi, Laila McQueen, Naomi Smalls, Naysha Lopez, Robbie Turner, and Thorgy Thor, which we realize is too many to remember. Don't worry, the less memorable ones will get cut starting March 7. Off with their wigs! You can get to know the contestants better in this little meet-and-greet video.

RuPaul's Drag Race is revving up to hit the road!

People can reveal exclusively that fan-favorite contestants from seasons past will compete for glory for the third year in the row on RuPaul's Drag Race Battle of the Seasons: 2016 Extravaganza Tour.

Judge Michelle Visage will host, welcoming contestants from seasons past, with those expecting to appear including Adore Delano, Alaska, BenDeLaCreme, Courtney Act, Ginger Minj, Ivy Winters, Jinkx Monsoon, Katya, Manila Luzon, Miss Fame, Pandora Boxx, Phi Phi O'hara, Sharon Needles, Violet Chachki and Willam.

They'll be strutting their stuff during 60 dates across Europe, the United States and Canada, with...

RuPaul's Drag Race is revving up to hit the road! People can reveal exclusively that fan-favorite contestants from seasons past will compete for glory for the third year in the row on RuPaul's Drag Race Battle of the Seasons: 2016 Extravaganza Tour. Judge Michelle Visage will host, welcoming contestants from seasons past, with those expecting to appear including Adore Delano, Alaska, BenDeLaCreme, Courtney Act, Ginger Minj, Ivy Winters, Jinkx Monsoon, Katya, Manila Luzon, Miss Fame, Pandora Boxx, Phi Phi O'hara, Sharon Needles, Violet Chachki and Willam. They'll be strutting their stuff during 60 dates across Europe, the United States and Canada, with...

Sharon Needles' sophomore album Taxidermy drops on Halloween. Which is fitting for a singer who says she lives every day like it's Halloween.

In anticipation of the album, People spoke to the 2012 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race about how this album differs from her first LP PG-13, her love of Halloween and how her life has changed since she became famous.

People: How is this album different from PG-13?

It's very different. PG-13 is kind of a scattered, almost movie soundtrack album, with elements of punk and metal and electronica. This one is a lot more concise. It's glued together,...

The phrase "yas, queen!" has never been more appropriate: Stars from RuPaul's Drag Race have recorded a holiday album.

The collection, Christmas Queens, drops Nov. 13, and its track list (below) features classic covers and original tunes by fan-favorites, from Sharon Needles to Jinkx Monsoon.

1. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," Christmas Queens

2. "Everyday Is Christmas," Alaska

3. "Christma-Hannu-Kwanzaa-Ka," Ginger Minj

4. "Toyland," Miss Fame

5. "Jingle Bells," Sharon Needles

6. "12 Days of Christmas," Katya

7. "From Head to Mistletoe," Courtney Act

8. "Ratchet Christmas," Jiggly Caliente

9. "This Is How We Jew It," Detox

10. "Christmas Sweater," Alaska, Courtney Act & Willam

11. "A Very Cozby Christmas," Willam

12. "Christmas Is Coming,...

The tepid seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" came to a close last night in decadent fashion. The three finalists, Ginger Minj, Pearl, and Violet Chachki sashayed for Ru's final blessing. Who won? Check below. We'll tell you why it's annoying.  Though Ginger Minj was the favorite going into the finale thanks to her wild showmanship and electrifying impersonation of Adele, the crown went to Violet Chachki. Take a look at her season highlight reel. In seasons past, contestants won "RuPaul's Drag Race" for exhibiting a range of charismatic traits. Season six winner Bianca Del Rio was snide, ferocious, and whip-smart. Season five winner Jinkx Monsoon was kooky, kitschy, and slyly carnal. Violet Chachki, meanwhile, is certainly a glamorous and compelling stage-walker, but she's exhibited none of the comic verve that has made so many other notable contestants (Sharon Needles, Alaska, Adore Delano, Willam) such indelible characters. In fact, Violet...

RuPaul's Drag Race is finally returning to the UK.

truTV has brightened our day by announcing that the reality show will kick off its fourth season on June 1.

This is the first time that these episodes have been shown on free to air UK TV - and as if that wasn't enough, each episode will be followed by sister show RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked.

The show sees legendary star RuPaul Charles guiding a group of hopeful drag queens through the competition, as they face styling, personality and performance challenges in an attempt to win the season.

And to make things even better, the bottom two contestants in each episode lip sync for their lives before RuPaul decides which one of them hasn't made the cut.

RuPaul is joined by judges Michelle Visage - who might just be familiar to Celebrity Big Brother fans - and Santino Rice and Billy B,...

A few of the "Real Housewives" just got some wild makeovers.Camille Grammer, Cynthia Bailey and Kristen Taekman suited up in extreme makeup, wacky wigs and a whole lotta bling for Betsey Johnson's New York Fashion Week show on Wednesday -- as they hit the runway in a few of the designer's creations.At 46, Grammer is no spring chicken compared to most of the models strutting the catwalk this week, and it's something she was nervous about leading up to the event. In NYC for fashion week. Getting reading to walk the runway for Betsey Johnson. So excited! At my age and after cancer.. A bit nervous...

Let the Countdown to the Crown begin! It’s the clip show for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6! Since they just filmed the finale show last week, the kids at World of Wonder need a little time to put things together. And so we get the annual clip show. Over the course of the show, we’ll be getting lots and lots of lists summing up season 6. We also get classic queens: Sharon Needles as Michelle Visage; Jinkx Monsoon, Manila Luzon, Shangela, Alaska, Latrice Royale, Jujubee, Raven and Tammie Brown. Let’s get started! Top 6 Catchiest Phrases Mother Has Arrived – … Continue reading →

The post RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 Countdown to the Crown recap appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.

Jonathan Ross has said that he is working on producing a UK version of RuPaul's Drag Race.

The comic and TV host revealed that he is a huge fan of the Us show and the art of drag as a whole.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Ross said that the project was in its early stages.

"I've been working with Jodie [Harsh] on a UK version of RuPaul's Drag Race," he explained.

"Unfortunately we have had to take a break because of some family issues. But we're hoping to pick it up again in the near future.

"I am definitely serving 'middle-aged-realness!'" the 53-year-old joked.

"I love drag and I love Meth - the performer – as well as Betty Bottom Dollar.

"I think it's a fabulous art," he added. "I am a huge fan of RuPaul's Drag Race."

Drag Race is currently in its sixth season, with past winners including Sharon Needles and Jinkx Monsoon.

Vulture is holding the ultimate Reality Rumble to determine the greatest season of the greatest reality-tv shows, from The Real World on. Each day, a different writer will be charged with determining the winner of a round of the bracket, until Vulture's Margaret Lyons judges the finals on March 25. As round one continues, Tara Ariano pits RuPaul's Drag Race's fourth season (the Sharon Needles/Chad Michaels/Phi Phi O'Hara showdown) against the seismic and groundbreaking first season of Survivor, which introduced the world to alliances.On the surface, RuPaul's Drag Race seems like a winking spin on America's Next Top Model, with RuPaul self-awarely sending up Tyra's mother-hen loopiness. But at its core, it is perhaps the most hardcore talent competition in TV history — and no, I'm not kidding. Where contestants on other performance competition shows have their future staked on one talent, Drag Race queens need to be...

Photo via April Wahlin

Sharon Needles, who you know and love as champion of RuPaul's Drag Race a couple of years back, donned an Anjelica Huston The Witches mask in performance the other night. Just in case you bitches weren't already in love with her. 

The new season of RuPaul's Drag Race starts the last week of February and those queens have nearly insurmountable odds against them. How does one follow Sharon Needles and Jinkx Monsoon, exactly?

Related: Anjelica Huston in The Witches, an appreciation...

Empire Bryan Singer and his writing team working on X-Men: Apocalypse already. My only objection to this article is the conditional phrase for X2 "one of the best of the franchise" I'm sorry... one of... I think they meant to type "the best by such a significant margin it's actually kind of embarrassing"

Pajiba wonders if movie reviews matter anymore 

The Wire plays goldilocks with Martin Scorsese classics and their running times: "too long, not enough or just right?"

Dorkly imagines George Rr Martin (Game of Thrones) as Santa Claus  

In Contention I neglected to share the London Film Critics Circle nominations because I forgot that unlike virtually every other critics organization, they don't announce their winners a few days after the nominations and instead save it for their actual ceremony... (which begs the question: how do they get the recipients to show up? tipped off?) so in case you missed it,...

Birthday shoutouts go to Til Schweiger (above), who is 50, Cicely Tyson is 80, Alyssa Milano is 41, Tyson Beckford is 43, Jennifer Beals is 50, and Limahl is 54. Here is his 2nd greatest solo hit, “Only For Love,” and the video is the greatest Miami Vice

episode never filmed.

The big news today: New Mexico Supreme Court affirms the freedom to marry state-wide!

Robbie Rogers says no gay players have contacted him

Bob Newhart bows out of gig with anti-lgbt organization

Via NewNownext comes word that Sharon Needles and Alaska have parted ways after four years together.

Jimmy Kimmel presents his Youtube Clip Of The year. It has a surprise ending … but my beloved Rhubarb Lady was totally robbed.

Here’s Todrick Hall‘s latest creation, a Disney-fied version of Beyonce‘s “Grown Woman.”

Darren Criss and “Youtube Personality” Lohanthony backstage at DigiFest La

Jennifer Lawrence talks about her copious amount of butt plugs

Okay,...

Sharon Needles and Alaska Thunderf--k are each ready love someone else. After four years together, the RuPaul's Drag Race stars and real-life couple have ended their romantic relationship, the performers confirmed in a joint statement. "I will always love Sharon, and we will continue to be a part of each other's lives," Alaska, 28, said. "Authenticity and honesty to our fans is so important to us, and we will always be there for all of you, no matter what. I appreciate your love and support in this [...]...

RuPaul's Drag Race winner Sharon Needles and her partner of four years, Alaska, have split. Needles (real name Aaron Coady), who won season 4 of the show, and Alaska, who was a runner up the following season, announced their breakup "on good terms" in a tongue-in-cheek press release, and included their wish "to clarify their intentions to admirers who may question the reason behind this mutual decision not to continue their relationship." "The survival of our partnership relies on simply changing the word 'boy' in boyfriend to 'best,'" Needles says. "And because of my severe vanity, I'd like to keep...

Sharon Needles and fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant and longtime love Alaska have decided to break up.

Sharon Needles & Alaska Split

Needles (real name Aaron Coady) and Alaska (real name Justin Andrew Honard) announced their mutual decision to split through a joint press release on Wednesday night.

“Due to the severe change not only in mine but Alaska’s life, the survival of our partnership relies on simply changing the word 'boy' in boyfriend to 'best,'" Needles said in the statement. "And because of my severe vanity, I’d like to keep my social media as a place dedicated to my art, and not a place to talk about my personal life. RuPaul once said that people come into our lives for different reasons for different intervals of time. I will treasure the four years we had together.”

“I will always love Sharon, and we will continue to...

Sharon Needles and fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant and longtime love Alaska have decided to breakup.

Sharon Needles & Alaska Split

Needles (real name Aaron Coady) and Alaska (real name Justin Andrew Honard) announced their mutual decision to split through a joint press release on Wednesday night.

“Due to the severe change not only in mine but Alaska’s life, the survival of our partnership relies on simply changing the word 'boy' in boyfriend to 'best,'" Needles said in the statement. "And because of my severe vanity, I’d like to keep my social media as a place dedicated to my art, and not a place to talk about my personal life. RuPaul once said that people come into our lives for different reasons for different intervals of time. I will treasure the four years we had together.”

“I will always love Sharon, and we will continue to be...

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what has brought Lady Bunny the most fame.

The legendary drag queen, who created the non-defunct annual New York City drag festival Wigstock in the mid-80s, has been performing, DJing, releasing music and appearing in films and on TV shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "RuPaul's Drag U" for nearly three decades.

Known for hilarious -- and filthy -- parody covers of tracks by pop stars like Katy Perry, Bunny released an uncharacteristically straight forward dance single, "Take Me Up High" (see the video above) in July and the track has already climbed to number 29 on the Billboard Dance Chart.

We caught up with Bunny to chat about her new song, her connection to the transgender community, how her life changed after 9/11 and more.

The Huffington Post: This is the first song of yours in a long time that doesn’t feature lyrics about...

What does Sharon Needles eat for breakfast? The spooktacular "RuPaul's Drag Race" winner recently joined "Late Night Munchies" host Thu Tran for a cooking segment consisting of communion wafers, yogurt and red wine.

Tran, who was once named one of Splashlife's 30 Under 30: Futuristic Foodies, makes a parfait out the the ingredients, finishing the meal by making Sharon eat a blood-dipped communion wafer.

Watch the cooking segment above...and get some inspiration for your next dragged-out breakfast!

(h/t NewNowNext)...

With nods to Aretha Franklin and Grindr, "RuPaul's Drag Race" star Pandora Boxx, who regularly blogs for HuffPost Gay Voices, dropped a campy new single and video today titled "You Seemed Shady To Me."

A parody of Franklin's timeless duet with George Michael, "Knew You Were Waiting For Me," the video features a number of former Drag Race contestants spanning almost every one of the show's five seasons, including season four winner Sharon Needles.

Also featuring actor and musician Adam Barta, this video is Pandora's first single since 2012's hit "Nice Car! (Shame About Your Penis)."

Check out the video above!

(h/t NewNowNext)...

So it all comes down to Jinkx Monsoon or Sharon Needles.

Both of the finalists had tough fights to get past the semi-finals. Jinkx was up against Alaska Thunderf*ck (the only remaining Queens Tournament competitor who wasn’t also a RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Winner.) The fans came out in force for both ladies, but in the end Jinkx baked a Alaska by a vote of 22,502 to 25,206.

Everyone knew the Alaska vs. Jinkx match-up would be very close (as it was in Drag Race Season 5), but perhaps the bigger shocker was just how close race between Sharon Needles and Bebe Zahara Benet was. In the end, after 55,000 plus votes were cast in the bracket, only 506 votes separated them. Congratulations to Bebe, the original Drag Race champion, for her very impressive run throughout the competition!

So this is it. The final round: Jinkx v. Sharon. Who do you think...

Last night the most contentious round of the tournament closed, narrowing the field of contenders down to our final four: Alaska Thunderf*ck, Bebe Zahara Benet, Jinkx Monsoon and Sharon Needles.

Bebe had a fairly easy go of it with her win over Jiggly Caliente (who nevertheless did amazingly well throughout the tournament). The other three brackets were crazily competitive. Alaska beat Raja by only 600 votes (less than a percentage point). Sharon Needles had been trailing tournament underdog Jessica Wild most of the week before pulling out a small lead on Friday. At the closing bell, with 45,000 votes cast in the bracket, Sharon was up by only 4300 votes. (Congrats to Jessica for a very impressive run in this tourney.)

But by far the most contentious match-up was Jinkx vs. Willam. Over 75,000 votes were cast in that bracket alone, and in the end Jinkx squeaked by with less than a 600 vote margin (50.31% v.

Over a hundred thousand votes have been cast so far in our Queens Tournament which pits all sixty previous RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants in a bracket style tourney to see who truly is the Ultimate Queen. We’re down to just 16 fabulous ladies, and it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.

Round 2, which closed this weekend contained some real nailbiter brackets: Raja beat out Raven by a mere 220 votes, Jiggly Caliente pulled a surprising upset and knocked out Carmen Carrera by a 40 vote lead, and perhaps the biggest upset of all: Jessica Wild put the lid on Pandora Boxx by a mere 18 votes.

For handy reference – here is the overall leaderboard for remaining contestants after Round 2…

1 Jinkx Monsoon 6294 2 Jujubee 5506 3 Raja 5437 4 Latrice Royale 5196 5 Alaska Thunderf*ck 5150 6 Manila Luzon 4707 7 Sharon Needles 4623 8 Chad Michaels 4518 9 Alyssa Edwards 4355 10 Willam 4341 11 Shangela 4246 12 Jiggly Caliente 4191 13 Bebe Zahara Benet 4191 14 Jessica Wild 4110 15 Ivy Winters 3962 16 Nina Flowers...

Over a hundred thousand votes were cast in Round 1 of The RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens Tournament and 32 contenders for the crown are left standing.

A couple of observations about the contest so far: First off, there was a clear winner in almost every single bracket of Round 1. Only one of the 32 matchups was even close. (And kudos to Victoria “Porkchop” Parker who beat out an actual pork chop by four votes!) Things are likely to get far more competitive in Round 2 when the more popular remaining queens start going up against each other.

Second, we included four joke “spoiler” entries in Round 1 to make it an even 64 competitors in the bracket tourney. We didn’t really expect the joke contestants to make it past the first round… and yet three of them did: “a block of mahogany”, 2 piece and a biscuit and “Grumpy Cat”. Here’s hoping they don’t survive the second round.

Spoiler Alert! If you haven’t watched the season 5 finale RuPaul’s Drag Race, stop reading now. For everyone else, click through for the on-the-scene scoop from last night’s New York City finale party, plus an interview with this year’s winner.

If things had gone differently, there could have been a riot on Jinkx Monsoon’s hands at last night’s RuPaul’s Drag Race finale. Judging from the packed and opinionated crowd at New York’s Xl Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge, “Seattle’s premier Jewish narcoleptic drag queen” was the heavy favorite to win season 5. Indeed she did,...

After a season filled with drama, fighting and so much shade, RuPaul's Drag Race crowned a winner Monday night in New York City.

Well-heeled contestants (seriously, these heels were amazing) stepped out to toast the three finalists – hilarious Alaska, glamorous Roxxxy Andrews and quirky Jinkx Monsoon – at the bash, which featured a live performance by season 4 winner Sharon Needles and N.Y.C. nightlife icon Amanda Lepore. But the big moment of the night came when RuPaul announced that crowd favorite Jinkx Monsoon (in her "Glinda the Good Witch" ensemble) was the winner. "It's Monsoon season!" she told the crowd after getting crowned.

After a season filled with drama, fighting and so much shade, RuPaul's Drag Race crowned a winner Monday night in New York City. Well-heeled contestants (seriously, these heels were amazing) stepped out to toast the three finalists - hilarious Alaska, glamorous Roxxxy Andrews and quirky Jinkx Monsoon - at the bash, which featured a live performance by season 4 winner Sharon Needles and N.Y.C. nightlife icon Amanda Lepore. But the big moment of the night came when RuPaul announced that crowd favorite Jinkx Monsoon (in her "Glinda the Good Witch" ensemble) was the winner. "It's Monsoon season!" she told the crowd after getting crowned.

As the world awaits the reveal of the winning queen on Logo's "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 5, the final three (Alaska, Jinkx Monsoon and Roxxxy Andrews) are waiting as well. Though the Season 5 finale (airing Monday, May 6) has already filmed, the announcement of the victor is taped to include every possible outcome. As Alaska tells Zap2It, "We're going to find out with the rest of the world."

Alaska's road to "Drag Race," famously, was a long one and bumpy one, that included auditioning every season. "It's been really crazy because, yeah, I have auditioned every season and it eventually just became a horrible vendetta to get on the show," she jokes. "I also don't know what to do with myself, either. I'm usually making an audition tape this time of year, so, I'm like, 'What do I do?' Maybe I'll just make one."

Not only did Alaska audition for each and every season,...

Everyone knows that drag queens are wizards when it comes to makeup, but Detox (Matthew Sanderson) just took it to another level.The monochromatic makeup she sported at the finale of "RuPaul's Drag Race" was amazing ... or in drag lingo .. sickening!That's right...the photo you see above is color, but Detox arrived in just black and white -- from her eyes to her fingernails.Detox wasn't the only one who stunned. Raja (Sutan Amrull) dressed as the Hindu God Shiva (reminiscent of Heidi Klum's Halloween costume) while Manila Luzon (Karl Westerberg) was inspired by gay icon Spongebob Squarepants. Meanwhile, Sharon Needles (Aaron Coady) channeled PeeWee Herman and Alyssa Edwards (Justin Johnson) looked like a bloody Teresa Giudice.There were also some non-drag attendees, including a somewhat draggish Aubrey O'Day and Chaz Bono.Click on the "Launch Gallery" above to see all the fierce photos and tune into "RuPaul's Drag Race...

Shante, you slay.

We're nearing the end of RuPaul's Drag Race's fifth season, and that means it's time to make an important list: the 10 funniest queens in the show's history. In an age when people like Vivienne Pinay and Ivy Winters insist that fishiness is more important than comic chops, we need to fight back. I watch this show for unbridled sauciness, wit, and unapologetic humor, and these ten queens all boasted fine gut-busting instincts.

10. Detox

I have to be honest: I nearly gave this spot to Tatianna, whose performance as Britney Spears remains Snatch Game's most hilarious triumph, but Detox is truly the funnier performer. Her wise-ass commentaries, chicken fierceness, amazing side-eye, jaw-wagging lip-sync skills, and general weariness of everything are total treats. She'd probably laugh more at herself if her facial muscles were capable of abject glee. I'm always waiting to hear her next confessional, particularly after...

RuPaul's Drag Race is a competition based on the unbeatable criteria of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, but a quick glance at the show's contestant history proves that deadly good looks may be a part of the package. And sometimes the package is part of the deadliness. Ow-ow! Cue the chicken laugh, Detox. 

In a toast to the sexy dudes behind the mascara and sequins, let us count down the ten hottest men in the history of RuPaul's Drag Race. Bifocals ready, because the library of sexiness is new open. 

(Disclaimer: Consider this list an indirect tribute to the gorgeous -- meaning in and out of drag -- Sahara Davenport. She's not with us anymore, but part of her eternal legend is her unbelievable beauty. She's the unranked champ here.)

10. Shangela Laquifa Wadley (D.J. Pierce)

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The comeback queen of season three (who was eliminated in the first episode of...

Drag legend RuPaul ends every episode of the hit Logo reality show "RuPaul's Drag Race" with the pronounced, preacher-like query: "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?"

And it's in those words that many "Drag Race" fans find hope and inspiration.

Beyond the glitz and glamor -- painted faces, big wigs and extravagant clothing -- drag queens can teach us a thing or two about serving up some "You better work!" confidence. Sure, some of that comes with the throwing of a little shade, but none of that compares with tapping into and bolstering your own self-worth and love.

So in that spirit, HuffPost Gay Voices asked some of our favorite drag queens their thoughts on what doing drag has taught them. Check out our exclusive round-up of life lessons from RuPaul, Sharon Needles, Lady Bunny and 12 other queens in the slideshow below.

Thank God we have depressing musicals. There aren't many of them and they're not all classic, but sometimes a musical can transcend schlockiness (nice try, Les Miz!) and resonate with grimy, gleeful desperation. And not in a Burlesque way. Forty years after its original release, Cabaret remains the most warped funhouse in musical cinema. And in case this Teutonic freakshow isn't dirty enough on DVD, you can finally buy it February 5 on Blu-ray. Liza Minnelli's planet-sized pupils in alarming Technicolor! Joel Grey's psycho smile worming into your living room! Bob Fosse's carnal choreography jutting into your face! It's alive and macabre and lovable. To nutty smut, I say, "Wilkommen."

As you might know, Cabaret is based on Christopher Isherwood's short novel Goodbye to Berlin and John van Druten's play adaptation I Am A Camera, both of which detail the exploits of a young cabaret performer...

Birthday shoutouts go to Justin Hartley (above), who is 36, Greg Louganis is 53, Sara Gilbert is 38, Oprah is 59, and Ann Jillian is 63. We're just barely into the season, but Showtime has already renewed its Sunday lineup of Shameless, House Of Lies, and Californication. Top Chef: Just Desserts winner Yigit Pura has unveiled a new line of wedding cakes and pastries for same-sex couples. Well, of course it was too good to be true.Liza remembers Cabaret Sports Illustrated readers will get a surprise this month on Page 48.

Below you can see the Nsfw music video for "This Club Is A Haunted House" by Sharon Needles.

Via Towleroad comes this lovely video celebrating The Place in Modesto, CA.

Below you can see Anderson talk with high school student Jacob Rudolph about coming out, and his inspirational hero George Takei. You can guess what happens next.

Below you can listen to Rachel, Quinn...

Donning a judge’s robe, RuPaul called season 5 of Drag Race to order at the top of the episode last night: “The new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race is in session, and these queens are killer!”

At this point — so very, very early in the season — it’s actually pretty hard to tell if the queens are “killer” yet, but I will give them this: They’re looking pretty good so far. I always love the first few minutes of the season premieres, when all the queens come sashaying into the workroom looking all fab. And sure they looked good,...