You don’t need me to tell you how iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race is. With its international spin-offs and its drama-filled BTS show, Drag Race has been entertaining audiences worldwide for the past decade. But, while it may be iconic, the tea is that they don’t always crown the right queen. Now, just between us squirrel-friends, allow me to break down the top six times that RuPaul got it wrong.
6. Raven (Season 2)
Raven is one of the most underrated queens in Drag Race herstory. By frequently appearing on Fashion Photo Ruview and The Pit Stop, Raven has been able to secure her 2009 legacy, ten years into the future. Not to mention, crowning the annoying Tyra Sanchez might be one of the worst choices Ru has ever made.
5. Alyssa Edwards (All-Stars 2)
Whether it be running the House of Edwards or slaying in a Netflix series, Alyssa seems to be everywhere – and for good reason. Her tongue-pops, iconic looks and Oscar-worthy acting performances are legendary. It’s hard to believe she’s never won a series, especially when she was the highlight of All-Stars 2, serving us explosive drama with Phi-Phi O’Hara and the infamous “Shut Up & Drive” lip-sync. Rigga Morris I say!
4. Miss Vanjie (Season 11)
When Vanessa Vanjie Matteo was first eliminated from Season 10, she didn’t waste any time milking her 15 minutes of fame. The backwards-walk as she yelled, “Miss Vaaaaaaaaaaaaanjiiiiiiie” became so iconic that even Rihanna got on the hype train. Fast-forward a year later and Vanjie is back for Season 11, serving up more charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, than all of her costars combined. There has never been a more boring finale, especially considering the most exciting queen was eliminated one episode prior.
3. Shea Couleé (Season 9)
Season 9 of Drag Race goes down in history as one of the most exciting finales ever because the competition was so fierce, no one had a clue who the winner was. And while this may be true, upon reflection – Shea Couleé was the clear winner. Serving up fishy realness whenever she strutted down that runway, Shea killed every, single challenge. There was never a boring performance, a weak outfit or unnecessary drama from this queen. If only she had a sickening Ruveal in the finale – oh, what could have been.
2. Shangela (All-Stars 3)
Shangela not winning All-Stars 3 might be the most heart-breaking moment to ever hit reality television. From her shock elimination in Season 2 to her iconic Untucked moment in Season 3, this season of All-Stars really felt like Shangela’s time to shine. After BenDelaCreme eliminated herself in a series-first, Drag Race stans felt like this returning queen had it in the bag. That is until she was blocked from reaching the top 2 by her costars. Foul play? Shadiness behind-the-scenes? Either way, fans were pissed as another blonde and white queen entered the Drag Race hall of fame. Even Michelle Visage agrees.
1. Manila Luzon (All-Stars 4)
There has never been a more iconic queen to walk into the workroom, than Manila Luzon. In each episode, Manila raised the bar even higher, making it nearly impossible to knock her down. Unfortunately, she fell victim to the format of the show, as Naomi Smalls knocked her out of the competition as soon as she stumbled. Ultimately, this queen proved to Ru and the producers that the All-Stars format doesn’t work. I wouldn’t be surprised if all rules are thrown out the window by next season.