The fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race began airing on January 28, 2013, with a 90-minute premiere episode, and ended on May 6 of the same year. The winner of season five headlined Logo's Drag Race Tour featuring Absolut Vodka, won a one-of-a-kind trip, a lifetime supply of Colorevolution Cosmetics, and a cash prize of $100,000. Santino Rice and Michelle Visage returned as judges at the panel.

The theme song playing during the runway every episode is "I Bring the Beat", while the song playing during the credits is "The Beginning". Both songs are from RuPaul's album Glamazon.

This is the first-ever series in the show's history to feature a double elimination or a double sashay between two contestants, Honey Mahogany and Vivienne Pinay. It is also the first series to feature a queen, Coco Montrese, lip-sync for their life four times and send 3 people home. This is also the first series where RuPaul allowed fans to vote for a winner.

The winner of the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race was Jinkx Monsoon, with Alaska and Roxxxy Andrews being the runners-up, and Ivy Winters being crowned season 5's Miss Congeniality by fans.

Contestants

The winner, Jinkx Monsoon

Ages, names, and cities stated are at time of filming.

Contestants of RuPaul's Drag Race season 5 and their backgrounds
ContestantAgeHometownOutcome
Jinkx Monsoon24Seattle, WashingtonWinner
Alaska27Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaRunners-up
Roxxxy Andrews28Orlando, Florida
Detox27Los Angeles, California4th place
Coco Montrese37Las Vegas, Nevada5th place
Alyssa Edwards32Mesquite, Texas6th place
Ivy Winters26New York City, New York7th place
Jade Jolie25Gainesville, Florida8th place
Lineysha Sparx24San Juan, Puerto Rico9th place
Honey Mahogany29San Francisco, California10th place
Vivienne Pinay26New York City, New York
Monica Beverly Hillz27Owensboro, Kentucky12th place
Serena ChaCha21Tallahassee, Florida13th place
Penny Tration39Cincinnati, Ohio14th place

Notes:

Contestant progress

Legend:

Contestants progress with placements in each episode
ContestantEpisode
12345678910111214
Jinkx MonsoonSAFESAFESAFESAFEWINSAFESAFESAFEWINSAFEBTMSAFEWinner
AlaskaSAFESAFESAFESAFESAFESAFESAFEWINSAFESAFEWINSAFERunner-up
Roxxxy AndrewsWINIMMSAFESAFESAFESAFEBTMSAFESAFEWINSAFESAFERunner-up
DetoxSAFESAFEWINIMMBTMSAFESAFESAFESAFEBTMELIMGuest
Coco MontreseSAFESAFEBTMSAFESAFEBTMWINSAFEBTMELIMGuest
Alyssa EdwardsSAFESAFESAFEWINIMMSAFEBTMBTMELIMGuest
Ivy WintersSAFESAFESAFESAFESAFEWINSAFEELIMMiss C
Jade JolieSAFESAFESAFESAFESAFEELIMGuest
Lineysha SparxSAFEWINIMMSAFEELIMGuest
Honey MahoganySAFESAFESAFEELIMGuest
Vivienne PinaySAFESAFESAFEELIMGuest
Monica Beverly HillzSAFEBTMELIMGuest
Serena ChaChaBTMELIMGuest
Penny TrationELIMGuest

Lip syncs

Legend:

EpisodeContestantsSongEliminated
1Penny Trationvs.Serena ChaCha"Party in the U.S.A." (Miley Cyrus)Penny Tration
2Monica Beverly Hillzvs.Serena ChaCha"Only Girl (In the World)" (Rihanna)Serena ChaCha
3Coco Montresevs.Monica Beverly Hillz"When I Grow Up" (The Pussycat Dolls)Monica Beverly Hillz
4Honey Mahoganyvs.Vivienne Pinay"Oops!... I Did It Again" (Britney Spears)Honey Mahogany
Vivienne Pinay
5Detoxvs.Lineysha Sparx"Take Me Home" (Cher)Lineysha Sparx
6Coco Montresevs.Jade Jolie"I'm So Excited" (The Pointer Sisters)Jade Jolie
7Alyssa Edwardsvs.Roxxxy Andrews"Whip My Hair" (Willow Smith)None
8Alyssa Edwardsvs.Ivy Winters"Ain't Nothin' Goin' On but the Rent" (Gwen Guthrie)Ivy Winters
9Alyssa Edwardsvs.Coco Montrese"Cold Hearted" (Paula Abdul)Alyssa Edwards
10Coco Montresevs.Detox"Two to Make It Right" (Seduction)Coco Montrese
11Detoxvs.Jinkx Monsoon"Malambo No. 1" (Yma Sumac)Detox
12Alaska vs. Jinkx Monsoon vs. Roxxxy Andrews"The Beginning" (RuPaul)None

Guest judges

Listed in chronological order:

Special guests

Guests who appeared in episodes, but did not judge on the main stage:

Episode 4

Episode 5

  • Ian Drew, Entertainment Director of Us Weekly

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 9

Episode 11

  • Davina Foxx, drag queen expert
  • Not anymore, Chris

Episode 12

Episode 13

Episode 14

Episodes

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal release date
521"RuPaullywood or Bust"January 28, 2013(2013-01-28)
Fourteen new queens enter the workroom. For the first mini-challenge, the queens do an underwater photoshoot. Detox wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens create a Hollywood realness and glamour outfit made from items found in a dumpster.On the runway, Alaska, Ivy Winters, Lineysha Sparx and Roxxxy Andrews receive positive critiques, with Roxxxy Andrews winning the challenge. Jade Jolie, Penny Tration and Serena ChaCha receive negative critiques, with Jade Jolie being safe. Penny Tration and Serena ChaCha lip-sync to "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus. Serena ChaCha wins the lip-sync and Penny Tration is the first queen to sashay away. Guest Judges: Camille Grammer and Mike Ruiz Mini-Challenge: Underwater photoshoot Mini-Challenge Winner: Detox Main Challenge: Create a Hollywood realness and glamour outfit made from items found in a dumpster Challenge Winner: Roxxxy Andrews Challenge Prize: A custom gown by Marco Marco Bottom Two: Penny Tration and Serena ChaCha Lip-Sync Song: "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus Eliminated: Penny Tration Farewell message: "You ARE ALL STARS smooches PT"
532"Lip Synch Extravaganza Eleganza"February 4, 2013(2013-02-04)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens lip-sync to one of RuPaul's songs with only their mouths visible. Detox, Ivy Winters and Serena ChaCha win the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens team up to lip-sync and re-enact famous scenes from a past season of RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked. Team Detox (Season 4, Episodes 1 and 8): Alaska, Coco Montrese, Detox and Monica Beverly Hillz Team Ivy Winters (Season 2, Episodes 1 and 5): Honey Mahogany, Ivy Winters, Lineysha Sparx and Vivienne Pinay Team Serena ChaCha (Season 3, Episodes 3 and 5): Alyssa Edwards, Jade Jolie, Jinkx Monsoon, Roxxxy Andrews and Serena ChaCha On the runway, category is Best Drag. Team Ivy Winters is the winning team, with Lineysha Sparx winning the challenge. Team Detox and Team Serena ChaCha are the losing teams. Monica Beverly Hillz and Serena ChaCha receive negative critiques, and are announced as the bottom two. They lip-sync to "Only Girl (In the World)" by Rihanna. Monica Beverly Hillz wins the lip-sync and Serena ChaCha sashays away. Guest Judges: Kristen Johnston and Juliette Lewis Mini-Challenge: Lip-sync to one of RuPaul's songs with only your mouth visible Mini-Challenge Winners: Detox, Ivy Winters and Serena ChaCha Main Challenge: In teams, lip-sync and re-enact a famous scene from a past season of RuPaul's Drag Race Untucked Runway Theme: Best Drag Challenge Winner: Lineysha Sparx Challenge Prize: A custom latex garment from Syren Latex Bottom Two: Monica Beverly Hillz and Serena ChaCha Lip-Sync Song: "Only Girl (In the World)" by Rihanna Eliminated: Serena ChaCha Farewell Message: "God bless America, Viva Panama, Keep bearing light QUEENS xoxo Serena ChaCha"
543"Draggle Rock"February 11, 2013(2013-02-11)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens create a mannequin doll in pairs for "America's Junior Drag Superstar" pageant. Alaska and Lineysha Sparx win the mini-challenge with the creation of Lil' Poundcake. For the main challenge, the queens team up and star in two different children's TV shows. Team Alaska starring in "Buffalo Bill's Barnyard Buddies": Alaska, Alyssa Edwards, Detox, Monica Beverly Hillz, Roxxxy Andrews and Vivienne Pinay Team Lineysha Sparx starring in "The Magic Bush": Coco Montrese, Honey Mahogany, Ivy Winters, Jade Jolie, Jinkx Monsoon and Lineysha Sparx On the runway, category is Pretty in Pink. Detox, Jinkx Monsoon and Roxxxy Andrews receive positive critiques, with Detox winning the challenge. Alaska, Coco Montrese, Monica Beverly Hillz and Vivienne Pinay receive negative critiques, with Alaska and Vivienne Pinay being safe. Coco Montrese and Monica Beverly Hillz lip-sync to "When I Grow Up" by The Pussycat Dolls. Coco Montrese wins the lip-sync and Monica Beverly Hillz sashays away. Guest Judges: Coco Austin and Paulina Porizkova Mini-Challenge: Create a mannequin doll in pairs for "America's Junior Drag Superstar" pageant Mini-Challenge Winners: Alaska and Lineysha Sparx Main Challenge: In teams, star in two different children's TV shows Runway Theme: Pretty in Pink Challenge Winner: Detox Challenge Prize: A wig wardrobe from New Attitude Wigs Bottom Two: Coco Montrese and Monica Beverly Hillz Lip-Sync Song: "When I Grow Up" by The Pussycat Dolls Eliminated: Monica Beverly Hillz Farewell Message: "Love all of u guys, And never be a victim -❤️- Monica Beverly Hillz"
554"Black Swan: Why It Gotta Be Black?"February 18, 2013(2013-02-18)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens do a Soul Train dance-off. Coco Montrese and Jinkx Monsoon win the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens team up and perform in different acts of a ballet about RuPaul's life, entitled "No RuPaulogies". Team Jinkx Monsoon (Act 1): Alaska, Ivy Winters, Jade Jolie, Jinkx Monsoon and Lineysha Sparx Team Coco Montrese (Act 2): Alyssa Edwards, Coco Montrese, Detox, Honey Mahogany, Roxxxy Andrews and Vivienne Pinay On the runway, category is Divalicious. Alyssa Edwards, Ivy Winters and Jinkx Monsoon receive positive critiques, with Alyssa Edwards winning the challenge. Honey Mahogany, Roxxxy Andrews and Vivienne Pinay receive negative critiques, with Roxxxy Andrews being safe. After an underwhelming lip-sync to "Oops!... I Did It Again" by Britney Spears, RuPaul eliminates both Honey Mahogany and Vivienne Pinay from the competition. Guest Judges: Chaz Bono and Travis Wall Mini-Challenge: Soul Train dance-off Mini-Challenge Winners: Coco Montrese and Jinkx Monsoon Main Challenge: In teams, perform different ballet acts about RuPaul's life Runway Theme: Divalicious Challenge Winner: Alyssa Edwards Challenge Prize: A custom feather headpiece from Mother Plucker Bottom Two: Honey Mahogany and Vivienne Pinay Lip-Sync Song: "Oops!... I Did It Again" by Britney Spears Eliminated: Honey Mahogany and Vivienne Pinay Honey Mahogany's Farewell Message: "Keep on loving each other, we will meet again, I can't wait. All my l❤️ve, Honey Mahogany" Vivienne Pinay's Farewell Message: "I love all my girls! Here's to the revolution of the FISH! ❤️ Always, Vivienne Pinay"
565"Snatch Game"February 25, 2013(2013-02-25)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens style a cuddler into a red carpet ready look for an Us Weekly fashion face-off. Alyssa Edwards, Detox and Roxxxy Andrews win the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens play the Snatch Game. Julie Brown and Downtown Julie Brown star as the celebrity contestants. The cast consisted of: Alaska as Lady Bunny Alyssa Edwards as Katy Perry Coco Montrese as Janet Jackson Detox as Kesha Ivy Winters as Marilyn Monroe Jade Jolie as Taylor Swift Jinkx Monsoon as Little Edie Lineysha Sparx as Celia Cruz Roxxxy Andrews as Tamar Braxton On the runway, category is Deadliest Snatch Glamour. Alaska, Jinkx Monsoon and Roxxxy Andrews receive positive critiques, with Jinkx Monsoon winning the challenge. Detox, Ivy Winters and Lineysha Sparx receive negative critiques, with Ivy Winters being safe. Detox and Lineysha Sparx lip-sync to "Take Me Home" by Cher. Detox wins the lip-sync and Lineysha Sparx sashays away. Guest Judges: Julie Brown and Downtown Julie Brown Mini-Challenge: Style a cuddler into a red carpet ready look for an Us Weekly fashion face-off Mini-Challenge Winners: Alyssa Edwards, Detox, Roxxxy Andrews Main Challenge: Snatch Game Runway Theme: Deadliest Snatch Glamour Challenge Winner: Jinkx Monsoon Challenge Prize: A custom jewel package from Fierce Drag Jewels Bottom Two: Detox and Lineysha Sparx Lip-Sync Song: "Take Me Home" by Cher Eliminated: Lineysha Sparx Farewell Message: "Latino shade. It was a pleasure to meet you girls, Thanks for your friendship. XOXO Kiss and hugs! Lineysha Sparx"
576"Can I Get an Amen?"March 4, 2013(2013-03-04)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens apply drag makeup in the dark. Detox wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens record a "We Are the World"-inspired anthem, "Can I Get An Amen?". Verse 1: Alyssa Edwards and Coco Montrese Verse 2: Ivy Winters, Jade Jolie and Jinkx Monsoon Bridge: Alaska, Detox and Roxxxy Andrews On the runway, category is My Favorite Body Part. Ivy Winters, Jinkx Monsoon and Roxxxy Andrews receive positive critiques, with Ivy Winters winning the challenge. Alyssa Edwards, Coco Montrese and Jade Jolie receive negative critiques, with Alyssa Edwards being safe. Coco Montrese and Jade Jolie lip-sync to "I'm So Excited" by The Pointer Sisters. Coco Montrese wins the lip-sync and Jade Jolie sashays away. Guest Judges: La Toya Jackson and The Pointer Sisters (Anita and Ruth) Mini-Challenge: Apply drag makeup in the dark Mini-Challenge Winner: Detox Main Challenge: Record a "We Are the World"-inspired anthem, "Can I Get An Amen?" Runway Theme: My Favorite Body Part Challenge Winner: Ivy Winters Challenge Prize: A Flight 001 luggage package Bottom Two: Coco Montrese and Jade Jolie Lip-Sync Song: "I'm So Excited" by The Pointer Sisters Eliminated: Jade Jolie Farewell Message: "Cheers to my fish, fabulous and fierce sisters. I ❤️ you all, Jade J."
587"RuPaul Roast"March 11, 2013(2013-03-11)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens read each other to filth. Alaska wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens perform a roast of RuPaul, the judges, and the fellow queens in front of a live audience.On the runway, Alaska, Coco Montrese and Jinkx Monsoon receive positive critiques, with Coco Montrese winning the challenge. Alyssa Edwards, Ivy Winters and Roxxxy Andrews receive negative critiques, with Ivy Winters being safe. Alyssa Edwards and Roxxxy Andrews lip-sync to "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith. They are both declared the winners of the lip-sync and no one goes home. Guest Judges: Leslie Jordan and Jeffrey Moran Mini-Challenge: Reading is Fundamental Mini-Challenge Winner: Alaska Main Challenge: Perform a roast of RuPaul, the judges, and the fellow queens in front of a live audience Challenge Winner: Coco Montrese Challenge Prize: A custom gown from Sequin Queen Bottom Two: Alyssa Edwards and Roxxxy Andrews Lip-Sync Song: "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith Eliminated: None
598"Scent of a Drag Queen"March 18, 2013(2013-03-18)
For the mini-challenge, the queens have to match the pit crew wearing the same pairs of underwear. Ivy Winters wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens create, market and film a commercial for a signature fragrance. Alaska - Red for Filth Alyssa Edwards - Alyssa's Secret Coco Montrese - Ru Animale by Coco Detox - Heroine Ivy Winters - Dress Code Jinkx Monsoon - Delusion Roxxxy Andrews - Thick and Juicy On the runway, Alaska, Detox and Jinkx Monsoon receive positive critiques, with Alaska winning the challenge. Alyssa Edwards, Ivy Winters and Roxxxy Andrews receive negative critiques, with Roxxxy Andrews being safe. Alyssa Edwards and Ivy Winters lip-sync to "Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent" by Gwen Guthrie. Alyssa Edwards wins the lip-sync and Ivy Winters sashays away. Guest Judges: Aubrey O'Day and Joan Van Ark Mini-Challenge: Match the pit crew wearing the same pairs of underwear Mini-Challenge Winner: Ivy Winters Main Challenge: Create, market, and film a commercial for a signature fragrance Challenge Winner: Alaska Challenge Prize: A selection of handmade corsets from Corset Connection Bottom Two: Alyssa Edwards and Ivy Winters Lip-Sync Song: "Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent" by Gwen Guthrie Eliminated: Ivy Winters Farewell Message: "Love you girls so much!! You always have a friend in me! XOXO Ivy"
609"Drama Queens"April 1, 2013(2013-04-01)
For the mini-challenge, the queens have to create a fake "sob story" and produce real tears for RuPaul. Alyssa Edwards and Detox win the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens star in a faux Latin telenovela. Team Casa de Locas (Crazy House): Alyssa Edwards, Coco Montrese and Jinkx Monsoon Team Ella No Es Dama (She's Not a Lady): Alaska, Detox and Roxxxy Andrews On the runway, category is Spanish Telenovela Realness. Alaska, Jinkx Monsoon and Roxxxy Andrews receive positive critiques, with Jinkx Monsoon winning the challenge. Alyssa Edwards, Coco Montrese and Detox receive negative critiques, with Detox being safe. Alyssa Edwards and Coco Montrese lip-sync to "Cold Hearted" by Paula Abdul. Coco Montrese wins the lip-sync and Alyssa Edwards sashays away. Guest Judges: María Conchita Alonso and Jamie-Lynn Sigler Mini-Challenge: Create a fake "sob story" and produce real tears for RuPaul Mini-Challenge Winners: Alyssa Edwards and Detox Main Challenge: Star in a faux Latin telenovela Runway Theme: Spanish Telenovela Realness Challenge Winner: Jinkx Monsoon Challenge Prize: A pair of fur coats from Fabulous-Furs Bottom Two: Alyssa Edwards and Coco Montrese Lip-Sync Song: "Cold Hearted" by Paula Abdul Eliminated: Alyssa Edwards Farewell Message: "The sky is the limit when your ❤️'s in it. Don't dream it, be it. Always and forever, Alyssa"
6110"Super Troopers"April 8, 2013(2013-04-08)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens have to last as long as possible in drag booty camp with a fitness trainer. Alaska wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens makeover gay veterans.On the runway, Jinkx Monsoon and Roxxxy Andrews receive positive critiques, with Roxxxy Andrews winning the challenge. Alaska, Coco Montrese and Detox receive negative critiques, with Alaska being safe. Coco Montrese and Detox lip-sync to "(It Takes) Two to Make It Right" by Seduction. Detox wins the lip-sync and Coco Montrese sashays away. Guest Judges: Clinton Kelly and George Kotsiopoulos Mini-Challenge: Last as long as possible in drag booty camp with a fitness trainer Mini-Challenge Winner: Alaska Main Challenge: Makeover gay veterans Challenge Winner: Roxxxy Andrews Challenge Prize: A shopping spree at American Apparel Bottom Two: Coco Montrese and Detox Lip-Sync Song: "(It Takes) Two to Make It Right" by Seduction Eliminated: Coco Montrese Farewell Message: "I love you all, Give them hell girls. Love, Coco M"
6211"Sugar Ball"April 15, 2013(2013-04-15)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens have a bitchfest with puppets. Alaska wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens create three looks for the Sugar Ball: Super Duper Sweet 16, Sugar Mama and Candy Couture.On the runway, Alaska and Roxxxy Andrews receive positive critiques, with Alaska winning the challenge. Detox and Jinkx Monsoon receive negative critiques are announced as the bottom two. They lip-sync to "Malambo No. 1" by Yma Sumac. Jinkx Monsoon wins the lip-sync and Detox sashays away. Guest Judges: Marg Helgenberger and Bob Mackie Mini-Challenge: Everybody Loves Puppets Mini-Challenge Winner: Alaska Main Challenge: The Sugar Ball Runway Themes: Super Duper Sweet 16, Sugar Mama, and Candy Couture Challenge Winner: Alaska Challenge Prize: A private portrait session with Austin Young Bottom Two: Detox and Jinkx Monsoon Lip-Sync Song: "Malambo No. 1" by Yma Sumac Eliminated: Detox Farewell Message: "Condragulations grillz! Go F****** Kill Them! Rolaskatox 4EVAAAHH! ❤️ Detox"
6312"The Final Three, Hunty"April 22, 2013(2013-04-22)
For the final challenge of the season, the queens star in RuPaul's music video "The Beginning" and shoot a courtroom scene.On the runway, category is Best Drag. Alaska, Jinkx Monsoon and Roxxxy Andrews lip-sync to "The Beginning" by RuPaul. They are told that the winner will be announced at the live finale. Special Guests: Gloria Allred, Candis Cayne and Mathu Andersen Main Challenge: Star in RuPaul's music video "The Beginning" and shoot a courtroom scene Runway Theme: Best Drag Lip-Sync Song: "The Beginning" by RuPaul Eliminated: None
6413"Countdown to the Crown"April 29, 2013(2013-04-29)
A look back on the highlights, low-lights, and previously unseen footage from the season as we race toward the climactic crowning of America's Next Drag Superstar. With guest appearances by Latrice Royale, Willam, and Sharon Needles.
6514"Reunited"May 6, 2013(2013-05-06)
All the queens return for the live grand finale. It is revealed that Ivy Winters is this season's Miss Congeniality. It is then announced that Jinkx Monsoon is the winner, leaving Alaska and Roxxxy Andrews as the runners-up. Finals venue: El Portal Theater, Los Angeles, California Miss Congeniality: Ivy Winters Runners-up: Alaska and Roxxxy Andrews Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season Five: Jinkx Monsoon

Reception

The overnight ratings for the fifth-season premiere of Rupaul's Drag Race reinforced the show's position as Logo's juggernaut. "Monday night's 9PM season five premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race worked the ratings runway, averaging a .8 rating in the P18-49 demo. This number represents a 33% increase over Logo's previous top-rated season premiere (fourth-season premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race) and clocks in as the highest-rated season premiere in Logo history.

Additionally, the 90-minute premiere tallied a total of 565,000 viewers. The fifth-season premiere night of RuPaul's Drag Race and companion series RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked delivered over 1.3 million viewers.

Furthermore, RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked was the most-watched premiere ever averaging 291,000 total viewers and a .5 rating P18-49. On social media platforms for premiere night, RuPaul's Drag Race and Untucked showed a 136% increase in social activity versus the fourth-season premiere – this includes tweets, Facebook posts and Get Glue check-ins.

See also

External links

  • (U.S.)
  • (Canada)