The hit reality show, which also airs on VH1, follows a group of female impersonators from across the country as they compete for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” The winner gets the crown, a bunch of drag-centric prizes, $25,000 and the headlining slot on the “RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner’s Club Tour.”
This season’s crop of aspiring divas hails from hometowns that range from hotbeds of club life like Los Angeles and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to sleepier burgs like Rochester, N.Y., and Bedford, Texas.
Joining Ru and the 12 contestants are a gaggle of celebrity judges from TV and film (Debbie Reynolds, Niecy Nash, Tatum O’Neal, Cloris Leachman), live performing (Kathy Griffin, Kathy Najimy, Terri Nunn, Martha Wash, Kim Coles, Dita Von Teese and Henry Rollins), fashion (Merle Ginsberg, Santino Rice, Mathu Andersen) and more.
Like most reality shows, the “gals” are first asked to perform a challenge each week – with a RuPaul twist of course. The winner gains immunity, plus a leg up on the episode’s big show, the drag off, which follows a different theme each week and involves tasks like creating an outfit from a pair of curtains.
To give fans a chance to bump up their viewing experience, LOGO is also sponsoring weekly official viewing parties through the show’s April 26 finale at clubs across the country like South Beach’s Twist, NYC’s Therapy, D.C.’s Nellie’s, San Francisco’s Lookout and Chicago’s J.R.’s. Each event includes music, giveaways, contests and more.
The “Winner’s Club Tour” kicks off March 23 at Therapy and wraps with a flourish June 10 at Boston’s Club Café. Besides the reigning “Next Drag Superstar,” the tour features music courtesy of superstar Chicago DJ Mark Picchiotti.
For a preview of what’s in store for the dance floor during the trek, head over to MarkPicchiotti.com, where you can download a 22-minute megamix showcasing a selection of Mark’s productions and remixes from 2008-2009. The collection includes hits from The Killers (“Human”), Kylie Minogue (“All I See Is You”), Beyoncé (“If I Were a Boy”) and AC/DC (“Rock & Roll Train”).
Catch new episodes of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Monday’s at 9 p.m. EST on LOGO or online at LogoTV.com.
Click here for a complete list of cities and venues for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” official viewing parties.