The queens are here, and season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race promises a dazzling mix of talent, creativity, and drama. WOW Presents Plus unveiled the cast on December 2, with 14 performers competing for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and a $200,000 prize. From seasoned drag mothers to former pop-star backup dancers, this roster blends experience, personality, and flair in equal measure.
Season 18 premieres January 2 with 90-minute episodes, followed by Untucked. International fans can catch all the action on WOW Presents Plus. The first maxi-challenge, “Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!,” tasks queens with creating brand-new looks from leftover materials from past contestants, promising both ingenuity and chaos.
Here’s a closer look at the queens bringing the drama, glamour, and spectacle to the main stage.
Discord Addams (St. Petersburg, FL)
Discord Addams channels punk rock and high fashion into a maximalist, rebellious aesthetic. A guitarist in a punk band, she brings raw energy, edge, and danger to the runway. Expect safety pins, studs, and unapologetic attitude, as Discord aims to convert her mosh-pit bravado into Drag Race stardom.
Mandy Mango (Philadelphia, PA)
Mandy Mango serves conceptual, playful looks with a fruity twist. By day, she’s an HIV and sexual health nurse; by night, she’s electrifying audiences. Her performances combine charm, humor, and a cheeky energy that’s impossible to ignore. Mandy proves drag can be both entertaining and impactful.
Kenya Pleaser (Sumter, SC)
Kenya Pleaser brings Southern charm with bite. A celebrated Lizzo impersonator, she mixes humor, charisma, and stage magnetism. Known for delivering high-energy performances that get the crowd moving, Kenya shows that curves, confidence, and attitude are a winning formula.
Briar Blush (Boston, MA)
Boston’s pin-up princess, Briar Blush mixes vintage glamour with a modern edge. She’s goth yet glamorous, sweet but stinging, with a sharp wit as precise as her winged eyeliner. Briar’s personality can be thorny, but her presence is unforgettable. Expect her to leave a lasting impression both on the judges and her competitors, proving she’s here for more than applause, she’s here for legacy.
DD Fuego (New York, NY)
DD Fuego brings full-scale production values and flair to the runway. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, she shuns clichés, instead delivering high-impact, theatrical performances. A former production designer for TV and off-Broadway theater, DD’s experience behind the scenes informs her flawless stagecraft. Her looks explode with energy, smoke, and show-stopping confidence.
Myki Meeks (Orlando, FL)
Theatrical and magnetic, Myki Meeks blends glamour with camp. A self-described “recovering theater kid,” she is equally skilled at comedy, hosting, and performance. Known for quick wit and stage command, Myki keeps competitors on their toes while delivering consistently engaging performances.
Vita VonTesse Starr (Montgomery, AL)
Known as Queen V, Vita VonTesse Starr is a pageant veteran with a flair for elegance and drama. Multi-titleholder and proud member of the Starr drag family, she handcrafts stunning outfits that match her commanding stage presence. Vita’s precision and poise make her a formidable competitor, especially in sewing and presentation challenges.
Athena Dion (Miami, FL)
Athena Dion brings legendary energy and a legacy in drag. A celebrated hostess and prolific drag mother, she has nurtured a dynasty spanning Miami and Mykonos, Greece. Her daughters include Morphine Love Dion and Plane Jane, and this season Athena competes alongside Juicy Love Dion, marking the first mother-daughter duo on the main stage. Known for commanding the room with charisma and authority, Athena promises a season of family, fierceness, and unforgettable performances.
Jane Don’t (Seattle, WA)
Comedy is Jane Don’t’s weapon of choice. Inspired by legends like Bette Midler and Joan Rivers, she blends razor-sharp jokes with sharp-shouldered style. Drag sisters include Bosco and Irene the Alien, giving her both history and connections in the Drag Race universe. Jane’s strategy? Make everyone laugh… and sweat a little along the way.
Juicy Love Dion (Miami, FL)
Small in stature but massive in talent, Juicy Love Dion is a powerhouse dancer. Nicknamed “Miami’s Afro-Cuban dancing doll,” she moves with precision and flair. As the drag daughter of Morphine Love Dion and granddaughter of Athena Dion, her family’s dynasty runs deep. Juicy’s energy ensures every performance is a kinetic masterclass.
Darlene Mitchell (Los Angeles, CA)
Darlene Mitchell channels country-camp glamour with midwestern sass. Once performing under the name Trash, she’s known for Peg Bundy-inspired hair and over-the-top energy. After a five-year break from the stage, she returns to test whether the main stage and RuPaul can coax her out of retirement. Expect big personality, soap-opera dramatics, and a touch of nostalgia from this seasoned queen.
Ciara Myst (Indianapolis, IN)
Ciara Myst fuses sci-fi, horror, and fantasy into drag that transforms on stage. A prosthetic makeup artist with credits from Dynasty to Marvel productions, she crafts her own elaborate costumes and creature looks. Ethereal yet eerie, her performances are a mix of magic and spectacle, guaranteeing audiences an otherworldly experience every episode.
Mia Starr (West Palm Beach, FL)
Mia Starr brings hip-hop and pop performance experience to the main stage. A former backup dancer for Britney Spears and Rihanna, and a Super Bowl performer with Jennifer Lopez, Mia combines sharp choreography with stage presence. After a 14-year break from drag to focus on dance, she returns ready to command attention and dazzle the judges.
Nini Coco (Denver, CO)
Nini Coco fuses fashion, theater, and performance into high-energy looks. A former mechanical engineer, she turned her focus to drag, trading blueprints for sequins. Nini combines technical skill with daring creativity, producing runway moments that are both conceptual and show-stopping.
Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race promises unforgettable performances, family dynasties, and queens who push the art of drag to bold new heights. With such a diverse and talented lineup, fans can expect an exhilarating season full of drama, glamour, and iconic moments.
