Miley Cyrus is adding another accolade to her ever-evolving career, this time from the world of drag. The pop star is set to receive the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award during the Season 18 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race, airing Friday, April 17 on MTV.
The honor, introduced in 2023, celebrates cultural figures who have made a lasting impact on entertainment and LGBTQ+ audiences. Fashion icon Bob Mackie was the first recipient, followed by legends like Liza Minnelli and Elvira. Cyrus now joins that lineup, a nod to her long-standing relationship with queer fans and her influence across music and pop culture.
A Finale Built for Drama (and Miley)
Cyrus won’t just be accepting an award, she’s also stepping into the spotlight as a guest star during the finale. The final episode promises a full slate of performances, culminating in the signature lip sync showdown for the crown. This year, the top queens will battle it out to “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved,” featuring Naomi Campbell, from Cyrus’ latest album Something Beautiful.
The winner will walk away with the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar and a $200,000 prize, keeping the stakes as high as ever.
Season 18 Keeps the Momentum Going
Season 18 has already proven to be a strong chapter for the franchise. Its January 2 premiere drew record viewership for MTV, marking a noticeable jump from the previous season. The show continues to lean into humor and performance-heavy challenges, a formula that’s clearly working.
This week’s episode, airing March 27, pushes that energy even further. Contestants will face off in an improv challenge inspired by viral “Karen” meltdowns, with guest judge Julianne Nicholson (known for Paradise and Hacks) joining the panel.
The Judges and Queens Bringing It All Season
At the judges’ table, familiar faces keep things grounded and unpredictable: RuPaul Charles, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and Ts Madison.
This season’s cast has also delivered a wide range of personalities and styles, including 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. Each queen has brought a distinct point of view, helping shape a season that feels competitive without losing its sense of humor.
A Full-Circle Moment for Cyrus
Cyrus’ presence at the finale feels less like a cameo and more like a full-circle moment. Over the years, she’s embraced drag culture in performances, collaborations, and public support. Honoring her on one of drag’s biggest stages signals just how intertwined her artistry is with the community that helped amplify it.
With a finale built around spectacle and a guest of honor who knows how to command a stage, Season 18 is setting up for a send-off that leans all the way in.
