‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 Premiere Party Photos: 16 Winners Reunite, Law Roach and More
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” pulled out all the stops Tuesday night in New York City to celebrate the show’s upcoming 18th season.
Not only were the latest gaggle of contestants there, but a surprise ru-veal featured 16 past winners on stage together for the first time, including Alyssa Edwards, Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Nymph Wind, Willow Pill, Sasha Colby, Jimbo, Ginger Minj, Onya Nurve, Kyle Monique Love, Yvie Oddly, Aquaria, BeBe Zahara Benet, Sasha Velour, Monét X Change, Jaida Essence Hall and Symone.
The evening at Aqua Romas was hosted by judges Ross Mathews and Ts Madison as well as Variety‘s Marc Malkin. Law Roach, another frequent judge on the show, also made an appearance.
“Drag has always been important. It’s always fought the system since the early, early days, and it’s crazy that we’re still fighting,” Mathews told Variety. “We’ve never backed down from a fight. Drag’s always been protest. Ru says, ‘Every time I bat my eyelashes, I’m making a political statement.’ I think being openly queer is always a political statement whether you like it or not. The personal is political. By existing and living in your truth, you are by nature political.”
The new season premieres Jan. 2 on MTV with 14 queens — Athena Dion, Briar Blush, Ciara Myst, Darlene Mitchell, DD Fuego, Discord Addams, Jane Don’t, Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Mandy Mango, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr — competing for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and a cash prize of $200,000.
The season also comes with a new tagline: “In shady times, let there be light.”
The after show “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” will kick off immediately following the Season 18 premiere episode.
Check out some of the best fun and fabulous photos from the Season 18 premiere party below.
Nymphia Wind
Nymphia Wind at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Yvie Oddly
Yvie Oddly at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Briar Blush
Briar Blush at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Jane Don’t
Jane Don’t at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Kenya Pleaser
Kenya Pleaser at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Jimbo
Jimbo at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
16 Winners
Alyssa Edwards, Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Nymph Wind, Willow Pill, Sasha Colby, Jimbo, Ginger Minj, Onya Nurve, Kyle Monique Love, Yvie Oddly, Aquaria, BeBe Zahara Benet, Sasha Velour, Monét X Change, Jaida Essence Hall and Symone at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
DD Fuego
DD Fuego at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Discord Addams
Discord Addams at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Law Roach
Law Roach at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Bruno Alcantara
Bruno Alcantara at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Erik Bottcher
New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Pit Crew
The pit crew at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Dr. Wellington Garcia-Mathews and Ross Mathews
Dr. Wellington Garcia-Mathews and Ross Mathews at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Nymphia Wind and Angela Paris VanMichaels
Nymphia Wind and Angela Paris VanMichaels at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Alyssa Edwards
Alyssa Edwards at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Kevin Aviance
Kevin Aviance at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
BeBe Zahara Benet
BeBe Zahara Benet at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Sasha Velour
Sasha Velour at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Aquaria
Aquaria at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Bruno Alcantara
Bruno Alcantara at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Robyn Banks
Robyn Banks at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Myki Meeks
Myki Meeks at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Ciara Myst
Ciara Myst at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Monet x Change
Monet x Change at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Alyssa Edwards, Nini Coco, Ts Madison and Kylie Sonique Love
Alyssa Edwards, Nini Coco, Ts Madison and Kylie Sonique Love at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Vita VonTesse Starr
Vita VonTesse Starr at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Sasha Colby
Sasha Colby at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Ts Madison
Ts Madison at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Amanda Lepore
Amanda Lepore at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Mia Starr
Mia Starr at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Juicy Love Dion
Juicy Love Dion at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Tyler Lain and Ashley Park
Tyler Lain and Ashley Park at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Symone
Symone at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Marc Malkin
Variety‘s Marc Malkin at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Jordan March
Jordan March at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Willow Pill
Willow Pill at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Keaton Miller and Diego Gonzalez
Keaton Miller and Diego Gonzalez at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Jeff Perla
Jeff Perla at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 premiere party.
Originally published by variety.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Grazia British.
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