Are you ready for a new season, Drag Race fans? Ten queens returned for another shot at the prize, and already one was sent packing.
Morgan McMichaels was the unlucky queen booted on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3 Episode 1. After much speculation, the season’s format was revealed: The same rules from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2 were still in effect.
The queens will have the power to eliminate each other while only RuPaul will pick the challenge winners and the grand prize winner. If “herstory” has shown anything, it’s all fun and games until the claws come out.
In the first hour of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3, we had the grand reveal of the contestants, their first challenge participating in a variety show, the first lip sync for your legacy, and the first elimination of the season.
We’ve picked the nine best (and favorite!) moments from the season premiere. From face cracks to clapbacks, it was a fun hour. What was your favorite moment of the night?
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3 airs Thursdays on VH1 at 8/7c.
Grand Entrances
You can’t talk about a season premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race (or RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars) without mentioning the entrances. These grand introductions set the tone and shake up the competition. We had Trixie Mattel ride in on roller skates, Shangela pop open from a box, Kennedy covered in sequins and Chi Chi…in another trash bag dress. While they weren’t exactly jaw-dropping, they were each still fun and exciting.
Vanessa Hudgens Shantays (And Slays)
Two queens…forced to lip sync for their life on the judging panel, but only one would stay. Who would win: Vanessa Hudgens or a plate of meat? Come on, you can’t deny the shining perfection that is Vanessa. Her lip sync showed off her charm and she held onto her spot on the table. Plus, her critique was a good mix of cute enthusiasm and constructive feedback. She loved being a judge here.
BeBe Zahara Benet Returns
The rumors were strong with this one reveal. Nine queens seemed like a small number, so an extra mysterious spot felt par for the course. I did not expect for a winner to be the contestant returning; however, if a past winner had to return, BeBe was the right choice. She’s the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 1 and the series has completely changed since then. She’ll have to step it up and see if she can compete against the queens of today.
Milk’s Confessionals
Milk has changed since her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6. Her success in the field and her artistic recognition may have gone to her head because her confessionals were meaner than sarcastic. She got a large portion of the confessionals during RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3 Episode 1, but from her tone, her ego could hurt her later on in the competition. But, with that being said, Milk was savage…and it was hilarious.
Shangela’s Last Dance Move
Shangela is a superstar. As the first queen performing at the variety show, she set the tone for the other queens to reach…and it was strong. While she wasn’t the best or ended up in the Top 2, she did work it. Her death drop at the end was fast, fun and flawless, even Vanessa Hudgens was left breathless.
Reading Is What?
Here’s a not-so-shocking truth: I LOVE the reading segments! It forces the queens to think on their feet and be witty while also cutting down their competition. Some of the queens, like Trixie, Milk and Chi Chi killed it while players like Thorgy and Kennedy needed to step up their game. If your jokes aren’t nailing it and making RuPaul gasp for air in laughter, you better start packing your bags.
Alaska & Chad Michaels Parody The Handmaid’s Tale
This parody was everything. It was fun, timely and a perfect way to start off the season. Alaska and Chad Michaels earned their place in the Drag Race Hall of Fame, and they killed it in their few appearances. We need more fun parodies like this from the RuPaul’s Drag Race queens.
Morgan McMichaels Reveals Strategy To Ben DeLaCreme
What was Morgan doing? Has she never watched RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars?! The All Stars competition is a different world than the regular series; it involves a lot of relationships and elimination strategy. You have to play your cards right or face elimination. When Morgan revealed that she would eliminate the strongest threats, that was a simple slip. But, when she wouldn’t retract her receipts from Ben (who had the power to eliminate her!), her ignorance to not apologize/lie was downright shocking. It’s a favorite moment because this elimination should serve as a lesson that you need to be less honest in All Stars.
Face Crack Of The Century – RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3 Episode 1
Aja slayed. And I mean, SLAYED!!! The queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9, who got overshadowed and stuck in her head, lit a fire under her butt to dominate the variety show. Where was this queen during her original season? She danced, twisted, flipped and soared during her first challenge impression; it even caused the best face crack of the night with RuPaul. If she can keep this up, she could be soaring far into the competition (and I might be eating my words).
