RuPaul's Drag Race season 18
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The 18th season of the American television series RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on MTV on January 2, 2026.
Development
On August 20, 2024, MTV announced the series renewal for Season 18 along with its companion series RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked. Casting for the eighteenth season began on September 30, 2024 with a deadline of December 6, 2024.
Marketing
Season 17 winner Onya Nurve presented the contestants through the series official YouTube channel on December 2, 2025. The promo theme was "Let There Be Light," with the contestants wearing ethereal and flowy looks, and the corresponding marketing being radiant and glowy. An official trailer was released on December 9, 2025, which featured the contestants and the season's celebrity guest judges.
Contestants
| Contestant | Age | Hometown | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myki Meeks | 29 | Orlando, Florida | Winner |
| Nini Coco | 29 | Denver, Colorado | Runner-up |
| Darlene Mitchell | 34 | Los Angeles, California | 3rd place |
| Juicy Love Dion | 24 | Miami, Florida | 4th place |
| Jane Don't | 32 | Seattle, Washington | 5th place |
| Discord Addams | 34 | St. Petersburg, Florida | 6th place |
| Kenya Pleaser | 27 | Sumter, South Carolina | 7th place |
| Athena Dion | 38 | Miami, Florida | 8th place |
| Mia Starr | 39 | West Palm Beach, Florida | 9th place |
| Vita VonTesse Starr | 38 | Montgomery, Alabama | 10th place |
| Ciara Myst | 31 | Indianapolis, Indiana | 11th place |
| Briar Blush | 25 | Boston, Massachusetts | 12th place |
| Mandy Mango | 29 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 13th place |
| DD Fuego | 37 | New York City, New York | 14th place |
Contestant progress
Legend:
| Contestant | Episode | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
| Myki Meeks | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | Guest | BTM | WIN | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | WIN | WIN | Guest | Winner |
| Nini Coco | WIN | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | Guest | SAFE | WIN | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | BTM | BTM | BTM | Guest | Runner-up |
| Darlene Mitchell | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | Guest | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | Guest | Eliminated |
| Juicy Love Dion | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | SAFE | WIN | Guest | BTM | SAFE | BTM | SAFE | BTM | SAFE | SAFE | ELIM | SDADHH | Guest |
| Jane Don't | SAFE | WIN | SAFE | SAFE | Guest | TOP2 | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | WIN | SAFE | SAFE | ELIM | LOSS | Miss C | |
| Discord Addams | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | Guest | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | ELIM | LOSS | Guest | ||
| Kenya Pleaser | BTM | SAFE | SAFE | BTM | Guest | SAFE | SAFE | BTM | SAFE | TOP2 | ELIM | LOSS | Guest | |||
| Athena Dion | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | Guest | WIN | SAFE | SAFE | ELIM | LOSS | Guest | |||||
| Mia Starr | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | Guest | SAFE | ELIM | TOP2 | Guest | ||||||
| Vita VonTesse Starr | TOP2 | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | SAFE | Guest | ELIM | LOSS | Guest | |||||||
| Ciara Myst | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | BTM | ELIM | LOSS | Guest | ||||||||
| Briar Blush | SAFE | SAFE | BTM | ELIM | Guest | Guest | ||||||||||
| Mandy Mango | BTM | BTM | ELIM | LOSS | Guest | |||||||||||
| DD Fuego | SAFE | ELIM | LOSS | Guest |
Notes
RuPaul-A-Paruza Smackdown Progress
Legend:
| Contestants | Round I | Round II | Round III | Final | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
| Juicy Love Dion | IMM | WIN | ADV | WIN | ||||
| Mia Starr | SAFE | WIN | ADV | WIN | ADV | SAFE | WIN | TOP2 |
| Kenya Pleaser | IMM | SAFE | WIN | ADV | SAFE | ELIM | ||
| Jane Don't | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | ELIM | SAFE | ||
| Discord Addams | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | ELIM | ||||
| Ciara Myst | WIN | ADV | SAFE | ELIM | SAFE | |||
| Vita VonTesse Starr | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | ELIM | ||||
| DD Fuego | SAFE | SAFE | ELIM | SAFE | ||||
| Mandy Mango | SAFE | ELIM | ||||||
| Athena Dion | ELIM |
Lip syncs
Legend:
| Episode | Top contestants | Song | Winner | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nini Coco | vs. | Vita VonTesse Starr | "Enough (Miami)" (Cardi B) | Nini Coco |
| Episode | Bottom contestants | Song | Eliminated | ||
| 2 | DD Fuego | vs. | Mandy Mango | "Too Much" (Dove Cameron) | DD Fuego |
| 3 | Briar Blush | vs. | Mandy Mango | "Love in Real Life" (Lizzo) | Mandy Mango |
| 4 | Briar Blush | vs. | Kenya Pleaser | "Lights Camera Action" (Kylie Minogue) | Briar Blush |
| Episode | Top contestants | Song | Winner | ||
| 5 | Juicy Love Dion | vs. | Mia Starr | "Pretty Ugly" (Zara Larsson) | Juicy Love Dion |
| Mia Starr | |||||
| 6 | Athena Dion | vs. | Jane Don't | "Jerkin'" (Amyl and the Sniffers) | Athena Dion |
| Bottom contestants | Song | Eliminated | |||
| Ciara Myst | vs. | Myki Meeks | "Toxic" (Britney Spears) | Ciara Myst | |
| 7 | Juicy Love Dion | vs. | Vita VonTesse Starr | "Houdini" (Dua Lipa) | Vita VonTesse Starr |
| 8 | Kenya Pleaser | vs. | Mia Starr | "Head Over Heels" (The Go-Go's) | Mia Starr |
| 9 | Athena Dion | vs. | Juicy Love Dion | "Call Me When You Break Up" (Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Gracie Abrams) | Athena Dion |
| Episode | Top contestants | Song | Winner | ||
| 10 | Jane Don't | vs. | Kenya Pleaser | "Feels Like Another One" (Patti LaBelle) | Jane Don't |
| Episode | Bottom contestants | Song | Eliminated | ||
| 11 | Juicy Love Dion | vs. | Kenya Pleaser | "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (Bonnie Tyler) | Kenya Pleaser |
| 12 | Discord Addams | vs. | Nini Coco | "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" (Ariana Grande) | Discord Addams |
| 13 | Jane Don't | vs. | Nini Coco | "Garden of Eden" (Lady Gaga) | Jane Don't |
| 14 | Juicy Love Dion | vs. | Nini Coco | "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" (Chappell Roan) | Juicy Love Dion |
| Episode | Eliminated contestants | Song | Winner | ||
| 15 | Athena Dion | vs. | Ciara Myst | "Born Naked" (RuPaul ft. Clairy Browne) | Ciara Myst |
| Mandy Mango | vs. | Mia Starr | "Just What They Want" (RuPaul) | Mia Starr | |
| DD Fuego | vs. | Vita VonTesse Starr | "Main Event" (RuPaul) | Vita VonTesse Starr | |
| Mia Starr | vs. | Vita VonTesse Starr | "Call Me Mother" (RuPaul) | Mia Starr | |
| Ciara Myst | vs. | Kenya Pleaser | "Pretty Gang (Ellis Miah Remix)" (RuPaul) | Kenya Pleaser | |
| Discord Addams | vs. | Jane Don't | "Sissy That Walk" (RuPaul) | Jane Don't | |
| Jane Don't | vs. | Juicy Love Dion | "Cha Cha Bitch" (RuPaul ft. AB Soto) | Juicy Love Dion | |
| Kenya Pleaser | vs. | Mia Starr | "Peanut Butter" (RuPaul ft. Big Freedia) | Mia Starr | |
| Juicy Love Dion | vs. | Mia Starr | "Cover Girl" (RuPaul) | Juicy Love Dion | |
| Episode | Final contestants | Song | Winner | ||
| 16 | Myki Meeks | vs. | Nini Coco | "Every Girl You've Ever Loved" (Miley Cyrus ft. Naomi Campbell) | Myki Meeks |
Guest judges
RuPaul and Michelle Visage remained as the regular judges, with Carson Kressley, Law Roach, Ts Madison, and Ross Mathews reappearing as alternating judges. Various celebrity guest judges set to appear were revealed on December 9, 2025. Starring celebrity guest judges are listed below in order of episode appearance.
- Cardi B, rapper
- Dove Cameron, singer and actress
- Sarah Sherman, comedian and actress
- Annaleigh Ashford, actress, singer and dancer
- Zara Larsson, singer and songwriter
- Amy Taylor, musician and activist
- Leland, singer and songwriter
- Jamal Sims, choreographer and director
- Brooke Shields, actress
- Benny Blanco, record producer
- Iman, model and actress
- Atsuko Okatsuka, stand-up comedian
- Danielle Pinnock, actress, comedian and writer
- Julianne Nicholson, actress
- Teyana Taylor, singer and actress
Special guests
Special guests who appeared in episodes, but did not judge on the main stage.
Episode 1
- Bob The Drag Queen, winner of season 8
- Kim Chi, contestant on season 8
- Raja, winner of season 3, and contestant on All Stars season 7
- Jamal Sims, choreographer and director
- Erika La'Pearl, celebrity make-up artist
- Tokyo Stylez, celebrity hairstylist and wigmaker
Episode 2
- David Benjamin Steinberg, songwriter and music producer
Episode 8
- Zane Phillips, actor
- Froy Gutierrez, actor
- Chris Renfro, actor
Episode 9
- Gabe Lopez, singer/songwriter and producer
- Carlos Basquiat, dancer and choreographer
Episode 11
- Alyssa Edwards, winner of Global All Stars, and contestant on season 5 and All Stars season 2
Episode 14
- Zane Phillips, actor
Episode 16
- Bob The Drag Queen, winner of season 8
- Kim Chi, contestant on season 8
- Raja, winner of season 3, and contestant on All Stars season 7
- Jamal Sims, choreographer and director
- Miley Cyrus, singer, songwriter, and actress
Episodes
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 239 | 1 | "You Can't Keep a Good Drag Queen Down!" | January 2, 2026(2026-01-02) |
| Fourteen new queens enter the workroom. For the first mini-challenge, the queens act as a scream queen along with masked dancers. Kenya Pleaser wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens design and create outfits using leftover materials from previous seasons.On the runway, category is Reclaim, Renew, Rejoice. Jane Don't, Nini Coco, and Vita VonTesse Starr receive positive critiques. Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser, and Mandy Mango receive negative critiques. It is then announced that Kenya Pleaser and Mandy Mango are the bottom queens of the week, and that there will be no elimination, and instead, Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr are the top two queens of the week and will lip-sync for the win. Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr lip-synced to "Enough (Miami)" by Cardi B. After the lip-sync, Nini Coco is announced as the winner of the challenge. Guest Judge: Cardi B Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Act as a scream queen with masked dancers Mini-Challenge Winner: Kenya Pleaser Mini-Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash tip Main Challenge: Create an outfit made out of leftover materials from previous seasons Runway Theme: Reclaim, Renew, Rejoice Top Two: Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr Lip-sync Song: "Enough (Miami)" by Cardi B Challenge Winner: Nini Coco Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Eliminated: None | |||
| 240 | 2 | "Q-Pop Girl Groups" | January 9, 2026(2026-01-09) |
| For this week's main challenge, the queens write, record, and perform verses as 70's and 80's girl groups. Team Studio 50-Whores - Athena Dion, DD Fuego, Darlene Mitchell, and Mandy Mango performing "Funk Almighty" Team Glam! - Ciara Myst, Kenya Pleaser, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, and Nini Coco performing "Go-Go-Go!" Team The Tucked Aways - Briar Blush, Discord Addams, Jane Don't, Juicy Love Dion, and Vita VonTesse Starr performing "Cherries" On the runway, category is Your Neck, Your Back, Your Pussy, and Your Crack. Mia Starr and Jane Don't receive positive critiques, with Jane Don't winning the challenge. Team Studio 50-Whores is the losing team. Athena Dion, DD Fuego, Darlene Mitchell, and Mandy Mango receive negative critiques, with Athena Dion and Darlene Mitchell being safe. DD Fuego and Mandy Mango lip-sync to "Too Much" by Dove Cameron. Mandy Mango wins the lip-sync and DD Fuego is the first queen to sashay away. Guest Judge: Dove Cameron Alternating Judge: Ts Madison Main Challenge: Write, record, and perform verses as 70s and 80s inspired girl groups Runway Theme: Your Neck, Your Back, Your Pussy, and Your Crack Challenge Winner: Jane Don't Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: DD Fuego and Mandy Mango Lip-sync Song: "Too Much" by Dove Cameron Eliminated: DD Fuego Farewell Message: "DIVAS, HATE THIS FOR ME. BUT LOVE ALL OF YOU. ¡gracias! XO DD Fuego" | |||
| 241 | 3 | "RDR Live Returns!" | January 16, 2026(2026-01-16) |
| For this week's main challenge, the queens perform in a sketch comedy of RDR Live. Host/Monologue - Athena Dion and Briar Blush Tuckahoe County Fair - Darlene Mitchell, Discord Addams, Mandy Mango and Mia Starr Lipstick Lovers - Athena Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr QNN News - Briar Blush, Ciara Myst and Jane Don't Young Michelle - Juicy Love Dion and Myki Meeks On the runway, category is Animal Attraction. Darlene Mitchell, Jane Don't and Juicy Love Dion receive positive critiques, with Juicy Love Dion winning the challenge. Briar Blush, Mandy Mango and Vita VonTesse Starr receive negative critiques with Vita VonTesse Starr being declared safe. Briar Blush and Mandy Mango lipsync to "Love in Real Life" by Lizzo. Briar Blush wins the lipsync and Mandy Mango sashays away. Guest Judge: Sarah Sherman Alternating Judge: Ts Madison Main Challenge: Perform in a sketch comedy of RDR Live Runway Theme: Animal Attraction Challenge Winner: Juicy Love Dion Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Briar Blush and Mandy Mango Lip-sync Song: "Love in Real Life" by Lizzo Eliminated: Mandy Mango Farewell Message: "HAVE FUN LIKE A FILIPINA STAY SWEET LIKE A MANGO. BUT DON'T FORGET M BABY! Take care of yourself and LOVE YOURSELF. Love you all so much. Thank you for everything 💋 XOXO Mandy Mango" | |||
| 242 | 4 | "Red Carpet Mash Up" | January 23, 2026(2026-01-23) |
| For this week's main challenge the queens must create show-stopping looks inspired by a mash-up of two different legendary red carpet looks. The queens have to partner up with their best friend in the competition, to be compared for their looks later by the judges. The mash-up's and pairings are: Lil Nas X (2020 Grammy's) X Rihanna (2015 Met Gala): Briar Blush vs. Juicy Love Dion Cher (1986 Oscar's) X Sarah Paulson (Ocean's 8 Premiere): Discord Addams vs. Jane Don't Jennifer Lopez (2000 Grammy's) X Nicki Minaj (2011 Grammy's): Myki Meeks vs. Nini Coco Lady Gaga (2010 VMA's) X Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake (2001 AMA's): Ciara Myst vs. Kenya Pleaser Katy Perry (2019 Met Gala) X Lil' Kim (1999 VMA's): Mia Starr vs. Vita VonTesse Starr Kim Kardashian (2013 Met Gala) X Zendaya (Dune 2 Premiere): Athena Dion vs. Darlene Mitchell On the runway, category is Red Carpet Mashups. Athena Dion, Ciara Myst, Jane Don't, Juicy Love Dion, Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr all win each of their battles. Ciara Myst, Jane Don't and Vita VonTesse Starr receive extra positive critiques for their looks, with Vita VonTesse Starr winning the challenge. Briar Blush, Discord Addams, and Kenya Pleaser receive negative critiques with Discord Addams being declared safe. Briar Blush and Kenya Pleaser lipsync to "Lights Camera Action" by Kylie Minogue. Kenya Pleaser wins the lipsync and Briar Blush sashays away. Guest Judge: Annaleigh Ashford Alternating Judge: Law Roach Main Challenge: In rival pairs create a show-stopping look inspired by a mash-up of two different legendary red carpet looks. Runway Theme: Red Carpet Mashups Challenge Winner: Vita VonTesse Starr Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Briar Blush and Kenya Pleaser Lip-sync Song: "Lights Camera Action" by Kylie Minogue Eliminated: Briar Blush Farewell Message: "Actually I change my mind, Keep recording me. PS.. I like you guys♡ Briar" | |||
| 243 | 5 | "The Rate-A-Queen Talent Show, Part 1" | January 30, 2026(2026-01-30) |
| For this week's main challenge the queens split up into two groups, with six of them performing in the Rate-A-Queen Talent Show. Ciara Myst - Spoken Word Poetry Juicy Love Dion - Original Song/Dancing Nini Coco - Lip Sync Performance Vita VonTesse Starr - Original Song Darlene Mitchell - Comedy Performance Mia Starr - Original Song/Dancing On the runway category is Not Today, Satin. The queens who didn't perform in this episode rank the performances using Rate-A-Queen. It is then announced that Juicy Love Dion and Mia Starr are the top two queens of the week and will lipsync for the win. The other group of queens ranked Ciara Myst the lowest, meaning that she will lipsync for her life next episode. Juicy Love Dion and Mia Starr lipsync to "Pretty Ugly" by Zara Larsson. After an outstanding lip sync RuPaul declares that it's a tie, with both Juicy Love Dion and Mia Starr winning the challenge. Guest Judge: Zara Larsson Alternating Judge: Ross Matthews Main Challenge: Perform in the Rate-A-Queen Talent Show Part 1 Runway Theme: Not Today Satin Top Two: Juicy Love Dion and Mia Starr Lip-sync Song: "Pretty Ugly" by Zara Larsson Challenge Winners: Juicy Love Dion and Mia Starr Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize ($2,500 for each) Eliminated: None | |||
| 244 | 6 | "The Rate-A-Queen Talent Show, Part 2" | February 6, 2026(2026-02-06) |
| For this week's main challenge the remaining five queens perform a Talent in the Rate-A-Queen Talent Show Part 2. Myki Meeks - Comedy Burlesque Athena Dion - Original Song Kenya Pleaser - Original Song/Color Guard Jane Don't - Original Song/Comedy Performance Discord Addams - Original Song On the runway category is Shake, Shake, Shake. The queens who didn't perform in this episode rank the performances using Rate-A-Queen. It is then announced that Athena Dion and Jane Don't are the top two queens of the week. They lipsync for the win to "Jerkin'" by Amyl and the Sniffers. Athena Dion wins the lipsync and thus the challenge. Myki Meeks was ranked the lowest by the other queens, meaning that she will lipsync for her life against the bottom queen from the week before, Ciara Myst. Ciara Myst and Myki Meeks lipsync to "Toxic" by Britney Spears. Myki Meeks wins the lipsync and Ciara Myst sashays away. Guest Judge: Amy Taylor Alternating Judge: Ross Matthews Main Challenge: Perform in the Rate-A-Queen Talent Show Part 2 Runway Theme: Shake, Shake, Shake Top Two: Athena Dion and Jane Don't Lip-sync Song: "Jerkin'" by Amyl and the Sniffers Challenge Winner: Athena Dion Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Ciara Myst and Myki Meeks Lip-sync Song: "Toxic" by Britney Spears Eliminated: Ciara Myst Farewell Message: Hey Divas! Well... they got me gal!?! Guess you all are going to need another therapist while, I'm gone. You all are stars, but consider bigger lips! <3 CIARA | |||
| 245 | 7 | "Drag Queens for Change" | February 13, 2026(2026-02-13) |
| For this week's main challenge the queens create twisted parodies of political ads by taking a stand on political propositions. They are divided into pairs, with one queen arguing in support of the proposition, and the other arguing against it. Proposition C - Jane Don't and Kenya Pleaser Proposition DD - Juicy Love Dion and Mia Starr Proposition 4Real - Darlene Mitchell and Vita VonTesse Starr Proposition 6969 - Athena Dion and Myki Meeks Proposition Kiki - Discord Addams and Nini Coco On the runway category is I Can See Right Through Ha. Darlene Mitchell, Jane Don't and Myki Meeks receive positive critiques, with Myki Meeks winning the challenge. Juicy Love Dion, Mia Starr and Vita VonTesse Starr receive negative critiques, with Mia Starr being declared safe. Juicy Love Dion and Vita VonTesse Starr lipsync to "Houdini" by Dua Lipa. Juicy Love Dion wins the lipsync and Vita VonTesse Starr sashays away. Guest Judges: Leland and Jamal Sims Main Challenge: In pairs, create comedic political ads for political issues Runway Theme: I Can See Right Through Ha Challenge Winner: Myki Meeks Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Juicy Love Dion and Vita VonTesse Starr Lip-sync Song: "Houdini" by Dua Lipa Eliminated: Vita VonTesse Starr Farewell Message: Love all you! VITA VITA VITA | |||
| 246 | 8 | "Snatch Game of Love: Island Edition" | February 20, 2026(2026-02-20) |
| For this week's main challenge the queens play a special version of the Snatch Game, the "Snatch Game of Love Island". The cast consisted of: Athena Dion as Greta Feta Onassis (made-up character; loosely based on Tina Onassis Niarchos) Darlene Mitchell as Mrs. Claus Discord Addams as The Pope Jane Don't as Truman Capote Juicy Love Dion as JoJo Siwa Kenya Pleaser as Lizzo Mia Starr as Bloody Mary Myki Meeks as Drew Barrymore Nini Coco as Sir David Attenborough On the runway category is 80s Ladies, with each queen taking inspiration from a 80s icon. Jane Don't, Myki Meeks and Nini Coco receive positive critiques with Nini Coco winning the challenge. Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser and Mia Starr receive negative critiques with Juicy Love Dion being declared safe. Kenya Pleaser and Mia Starr lipsync to "Head Over Heels" by The Go-Go's. Kenya Pleaser wins the lipsync and Mia Starr sashays away. Guest Judge: Brooke Shields Snatch Game Bachelors: Zane Phillips, Froy Gutierrez and Chris Renfro Main Challenge: Compete in the Snatch Game of Love Island Runway Theme: 80s Ladies Challenge Winner: Nini Coco Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Kenya Pleaser and Mia Starr Lip-sync Song: "Head Over Heels" by The Go-Go's Eliminated: Mia Starr Farewell Message: BIG BACKS TAKE OVER ♡ Kenya I Love you and so proud of you sister! Athena & Juicy, TAKE IT HOME ♡ Love Mama Mia | |||
| 247 | 9 | "Fannie: The Hard Knock Ball Rusical" | February 27, 2026(2026-02-27) |
| For this week's mini challenge the queens play the game "Grindr, I Hardly Know Her". Discord Addams and Kenya Pleaser win the mini challenge. For this week's main challenge the queens perform in "Fannie: The Hard Knock Ball Rusical". Athena Dion as Mama Bigbux Darlene Mitchell as Brandy Discord Addams as Lil' Salty Jane Don't as Miss Shenanigan Juicy Love Dion as Cecile Cartier Kenya Pleaser as Grace Cartier Myki Meeks as Fanny Nini Coco as Big Peppa On the runway, category is Beige Against The Machine. Jane Don't, Kenya Pleaser and Myki Meeks receive positive critiques with Jane Don't winning the challenge. Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion receive negative critiques with both of them being up for elimination. Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion lipsync to "Call Me When You Break Up" by Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco and Gracie Abrams. Juicy Love Dion wins the lipsync and Athena Dion sashays away. Guest Judges: Benny Blanco and Jamal Sims Mini-Challenge: Grindr, I Hardly Know Her Mini-Challenge Winners: Discord Addams and Kenya Pleaser Mini-Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash prize ($1,250 for each) Main Challenge: Perform in "Fannie: The Hard Knock Ball Rusical" Runway Theme: Beige Against The Machine Challenge Winner: Jane Don't Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion Lip-sync Song: "Call Me When You Break Up" by Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco and Gracie Abrams Eliminated: Athena Dion Farewell Message: "Ladies remember. The cage you're trapped in... Juicy! BRING IT HOME! I LOVE YOU forever! All of you! Love, Athena Dion." | |||
| 248 | 10 | "Drag in a Bag" | March 6, 2026(2026-03-06) |
| For this week's mini challenge, the queens read each other to filth. Myki Meeks wins the mini challenge. For this week's main challenge, the queens must design a "scrappy" party dress using materials found in suitcases belonging to the previously eliminated contestants. Myki Meeks - Briar Blush's suitcase Kenya Pleaser - Vita VonTesse Starr's suitcase Juicy Love Dion - Mia Starr's suitcase Jane Don't - Ciara Myst's suitcase Darlene Mitchell - Athena Dion's suitcase Nini Coco - DD Fuego's suitcase Discord Addams - Mandy Mango's suitcase On the runway, category is Party. All the queens receive widely positive critiques from the judges. Jane Don't and Kenya Pleaser are announced as the top two queens of the week, with all the other queens being declared safe and no one being eliminated. Jane Don't and Kenya Pleaser lipsync to "Feels Like Another One" by Patti LaBelle. Jane Don't wins the lipsync and thus the challenge. Guest Judge: Iman Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Reading is Fundamental Mini-Challenge Winner: Myki Meeks Mini-Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash prize Main Challenge: Design a festive look using materials provided by the eliminated queens. Runway Theme: Party Top Two: Jane Don't and Kenya Pleaser Challenge Winner: Jane Don't Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Lip-sync Song: "Feels Like Another One" by Patti LaBelle Eliminated: None | |||
| 249 | 11 | "A Toast to Alyssa Edwards" | March 13, 2026(2026-03-13) |
| For this week's mini challenge, the queens film advertisements for Scent Bird perfumes. Myki Meeks wins the mini challenge. For this week's main challenge, the queens write and perform a roast and toast to Alyssa Edwards.On the runway, category is Swept Away. Darlene Mitchell, Jane Don't and Myki Meeks receive positive critiques from the judges, with Darlene Mitchell winning the challenge. Discord Addams, Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser and Nini Coco receive negative critiques, with Discord Addams and Nini Coco being declared safe. Juicy Love Dion and Kenya Pleaser lipsync to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler. Juicy Love Dion wins the lipsync and Kenya Pleaser sashays away. Guest Judge: Atsuko Okatsuka Alternating Judge: Ross Matthews Mini-Challenge: Advertise fragrances provided by Scent Bird Mini-Challenge Winner: Myki Meeks Mini-Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash prize Main Challenge: Write and perform a roast and toast to Alyssa Edwards. Runway Theme: Swept Away Challenge Winner: Darlene Mitchell Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Juicy Love Dion and Kenya Pleaser Lip-sync Song: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler Eliminated: Kenya Pleaser Farewell Message: "Love All of you! ♡ Good luck Can ya take it I'm Gone 💋 — KP" | |||
| 250 | 12 | "Mammas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Drag Queens" | March 20, 2026(2026-03-20) |
| For this week's mini-challenge, the queens must get into quick cowgirl drag and engage in a bouncy horse race. Discord Addams wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens must make over rodeo riders into members of their own drag family.On the runway, category is Drag Family Resemblance. Darlene Mitchell, Juicy Love Dion and Myki Meeks receive positive critiques, with Myki Meeks winning the challenge. Discord Addams, Jane Don't and Nini Coco receive negative critiques, with Jane Don't being declared safe. Discord Addams and Nini Coco lipsync to "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" by Ariana Grande. Nini Coco wins the lipsync and Discord Addams sashays away. Guest Judge: Danielle Pinnock Alternating Judge: Law Roach Mini-Challenge: Get into quick cowgirl drag and race on bouncy horses Mini-Challenge Winner: Discord Addams Mini-Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash prize Main Challenge: Makeover rodeo riders into members of your drag family Runway Theme: Drag Family Resemblance Challenge Winner: Myki Meeks Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize and $2,500 cash prize for her makeover partner Bottom Two: Discord Addams and Nini Coco Lip-sync Song: "We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)" by Ariana Grande Eliminated: Discord Addams Farewell Message: "In DiscordLand I could be in the top next week!! Love y'all SOO much! You've changed my life! 💋 ♡ Discord / Eat the Rich! BLM Protect Trans Lives!" | |||
| 251 | 13 | "Karens Gone Wild" | March 27, 2026(2026-03-27) |
| For this week's mini-challenge, the queens have a bitchfest with puppets. Nobody wins the mini-challenge, and the crew receives 2,500 dollars for watching the challenge unedited. For the main challenge, the queens must improv in "Karens Gone Wild" with RuPaul as their scene partner. The roles are as follows: Jane Don't as Late For Her Flight Karen Darlene Mitchell as Shoplifting Karen Juicy Love Dion as Parking Spot Karen Myki Meeks as Traffic Stop Karen Nini Coco as HOA Karen On the runway, category is From Wholesome to Folsom. Darlene Mitchell, Juicy Love Dion and Myki Meeks receive positive critiques, with Myki Meeks winning the challenge. Jane Don't and Nini Coco receive negative critiques, and are declared the bottom two. They lipsync to "Garden of Eden" by Lady Gaga. Nini Coco wins the lipsync and Jane Don't sashays away. Guest Judge: Julianne Nicholson Alternating Judge: Ts Madison Mini-Challenge: Everybody Loves Puppets Mini-Challenge Loser: The Crew Mini-Challenge Consolation: $2,500 cash prize to split Main Challenge: Improv in "Karens Gone Wild" with Rupaul Runway Theme: From Wholesome to Folsom Challenge Winner: Myki Meeks Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Jane Don’t and Nini Coco Lip-sync Song: "Garden of Eden" by Lady Gaga Eliminated: Jane Don't Farewell Message: "Love you all so much. Thank you for everything. Til we meet again on the road. Love you, Love you, Love you 💋" | |||
| 252 | 14 | "Good Morning Bitches" | April 3, 2026(2026-04-03) |
| For this week's main challenge the queens pair up to live host the fictional morning talk-show "Good Morning Bitches". Juicy Love Dion and Nini Coco host the 8th hour Darlene Mitchell and Myki Meeks as host the 9th hour On the runway, category is Drag Excellence. Darlene Mitchell and Myki Meeks receive positive critiques with both of them winning the challenge. Juicy Love Dion and Nini Coco receive negative critiques with both of them being up for elimination. Juicy Love Dion and Nini Coco lipsync to "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" by Chappell Roan. Nini Coco wins the lipsync and Juicy Love Dion sashays away. Guest Judges: Teyana Taylor Alternating Judge: Ross Matthews Main Challenge: Perform in pairs on "Good Morning Bitches" Runway Theme: Drag Excellence Challenge Winners: Darlene Mitchell and Myki Meeks Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize split between the two winners Bottom Two: Juicy Love Dion and Nini Coco Lip-sync Song: "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" by Chappell Roan Eliminated: Juicy Love Dion Farewell Message: "The juice is officially gone! Love you girls so much!!! Congratulations!!! - Love, Juicy 💋" | |||
| 253 | 15 | "All RuPaul-A-Paruza Smackdown" | April 10, 2026(2026-04-10) |
| Guest Judge: Jamal Sims Challenge Winner: Juicy Love Dion Challenge Prize: $50,000 cash prize | |||
| 254 | 16 | "Grand Finale" | April 17, 2026(2026-04-17) |
| All the queens return for the grand finale. The final three queens then perform to a song that was written specifically for them. Darlene Mitchell lip-syncs to "Cooking With Gas", Myki Meeks lip-syncs to "Versatile" and Nini Coco lip-syncs to "Stimulated". After their performances, It is announced that Jane Don’t is this season's Miss Congeniality. RuPaul tells the queens that only two queens will be advancing to the final lip-sync of the season. It is announced that the final two queens are Myki Meeks and Nini Coco, meaning Darlene Mitchell is eliminated. Myki Meeks and Nini Coco lip-sync to "Every Girl You've Ever Loved" by Miley Cyrus featuring Naomi Campbell. It is announced that Myki Meeks is the winner, leaving Nini Coco as the runner-up. Final Three: Darlene Mitchell, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco Eliminated: Darlene Mitchell Miss Congeniality: Jane Don’t Final Two: Myki Meeks and Nini Coco Lip-Sync Song: "Every Girl You've Ever Loved" by Miley Cyrus featuring Naomi Campbell Runner-up: Nini Coco Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season Eighteen: Myki Meeks |
Ratings
The season 18 premiere,You Can't Keep a Good Drag Queen Down!, set an all-time record for the franchise, delivering the highest season premiere rating in Drag Race history.
| No. | Title | Air date | Rating (18–49) | Viewers (millions) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "You Can't Keep a Good Drag Queen Down!" | January 2, 2026 | 0.22 | 0.697 | |
| 2 | "Q-Pop Girl Groups" | January 9, 2026 | 0.14 | 0.356 | |
| 3 | "RDR Live Returns!" | January 16, 2026 | 0.16 | 0.573 | |
| 4 | "Red Carpet Mash Up" | January 23, 2026 | 0.18 | 0.656 | |
| 5 | "The Rate-A-Queen Talent Show, Part 1" | January 30, 2026 | 0.17 | 0.699 | |
| 6 | "The Rate-A-Queen Talent Show, Part 2" | February 6, 2026 | 0.17 | 0.457 | |
| 7 | "Drag Queens for Change" | February 13, 2026 | 0.13 | 0.434 | |
| 8 | "Snatch Game of Love: Island Edition" | February 20, 2026 | 0.20 | 0.533 | |
| 9 | "Fannie: The Hard Knock Ball Rusical" | February 27, 2026 | 0.19 | 0.493 | |
| 10 | "Drag In A Bag" | March 6, 2026 | 0.19 | 0.449 | |
| 11 | "A Toast to Alyssa Edwards" | March 13, 2026 | 0.21 | 0.490 | |
| 12 | "Mammas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Drag Queens" | March 20, 2026 | 0.17 | 0.469 | |
| 13 | "Karens Gone Wild" | March 27, 2026 | 0.20 | 0.479 | |
| 14 | "Good Morning Bitches" | April 3, 2026 | 0.16 | 0.426 |