RuPaul’s Drag Race has officially announced the cast for its highly anticipated Season 18, set to premiere on January 2, 2024, at 20:00 on MTV. Fourteen talented queens are gearing up to compete in a spectacular showcase of artistry and performance, all vying for the coveted crown. The season’s theme is “Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!” and it promises to highlight the queens’ creativity through a challenge utilizing vintage RuGirls treasures.
The upcoming season introduces a diverse lineup of queens, each bringing their unique flair and style to the competition. Here’s a glimpse at some of the standout contestants:
Meet the Season 18 Queens
Athena Dion from Miami, FL, is a legendary drag mother known for her goddess-level energy and a dynasty that spans both Miami and Mykonos, Greece. Following her is Briar Blush from Boston, MA, who embodies a retro-goth glam aesthetic with a memorable sting.
Representing Indianapolis, IN, Ciara Myst is a shapeshifting sci-fi sorceress, blending elements of horror and magic, and boasts credits with Marvel Studios. Darlene Mitchell from Los Angeles, CA, is a country-camp queen, serving soap opera glam with a touch of midwestern sass.
From the bustling streets of New York, NY, comes DD Fuego, a fiery production queen known for her striking runway looks. Meanwhile, Discord Addams from St. Petersburg, FL, showcases punk rock maximalism, seamlessly transitioning from mosh pits to the runway.
The talent continues with Jane Don’t from Seattle, WA, a comedy queen who delights with her old-school humor and sharp shoulder pads. Hailing from Miami, FL, Juicy Love Dion is the Afro-Cuban dancing doll, connected to her drag lineage through her mother, Morphine Love Dion, and grandmother, Athena Dion.
Southern charm is represented by Kenya Pleaser from Sumter, SC, a showstopper whose vibrant energy aligns with her name. Mandy Mango from Philadelphia, PA, promises kooky yet playful conceptual looks, while Mia Starr from West Palm Beach, FL, is set to bring 90s hip-hop vibes to the main stage.
Lastly, Myki Meeks from Orlando, FL, is a theatrical powerhouse known for blending glamour with camp, and Nini Coco from Denver, CO, left a career in mechanical engineering to embrace the world of high fashion. Rounding out the cast is Vita VonTesse Starr from Montgomery, AL, a pageant powerhouse renowned for her opulent, handcrafted looks.
As excitement builds for this new season, fans can expect a thrilling combination of talent, creativity, and fierce competition. The queens are ready to showcase their artistry and compete for the title in what promises to be another unforgettable installment of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
