Top 6 RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens Who Just Missed the Top Three

RuPaul’s Drag Race had its penultimate episode the other night, that left three very viable candidates in Bob The Drag Queen, Naomi Smalls, and Kim Chi to compete for the crown and become America’s Next Drag Superstar.  This is one of the best seasons the show has ever had, easily, as it has showcased a ton of strong contenders who could’ve easily been in one of their positions (Thorgy Thor, Acid Betty, not Derrick Berry).  Whereas this show has gotten it right for a good portion with its top 3, there have been times where the 4^th, 5^th or even lower should’ve been in the top three for a myriad of reasons.  Not to be confused with the underrated article that I did a while ago, this top 10 list examines the ones that came so damn close to being in the final 3, but something happened along the way or in the end that caused them to fall flat.  So who do we think deserved to be standing on that stage in the end, with a crown, smile or both on their face?  Let’s examine.

6. Shannel- Season 1

If Shannel would’ve just kept her ego in check and shut up a bit, she would’ve had an easy in for the top three.  A well versed performer in the California scene, many pegged Shannel as top three material from the front with her bold looks and brazen personality.  With her meltdown in the final four where she essentially quit due to her belief that the judges didn’t think she was that great, it halted her from really reaching the goal of winning and allowing someone like Rebecca Glasscock, who had no purpose in being in the top three in the first place, advance over her.

5. Pandora Boxx- Season 2

 It is still a mystery to me how Pandora didn’t make it to the end, as fashion aside she really was a force to be reckoned with in challenges, especially on the comedy tip.  I don’t really think anyone saw Tatianna making it further than her, or even Tyra for the most part, however Pandora was more deserving than the other two and deserved a shot in the top three alongside Raven and Jujubee.

4. Chi Chi DeVayne- Season 8

I really wrote Chi Chi off as being one of the first queens to be eliminated this season, as her somewhat meek personality paled in comparison to the big dogs that were there in Bob, Acid, Thorgy and more.  However, she continued to impress me, dominated in performing challenges, and gave a body-shivering lip sync performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” to knock out frontrunner Thorgy Thor and keep herself in the game.  Although I would’ve loved to have seen the finale be a top 4, just like All Stars did, I’m ok with Chi Chi being 4^th place as she really did a great job at blossoming throughout the season.

3. BenDeLaCreme- Season 6

Switch Courtney Act out for Ben, and you would’ve had an insanely amazing final three that no one would’ve been able to predict.  Love Courtney, but Ben outperformed her and then some in so many ways, and it would’ve given Bianca a much harder time in winning as she was on par with her when it came to challenges, fashions and so much more.

2. Latrice Royale- Season 4

I’m a firm believer that LaTrice sho’ve been the first big girl to win this show, and would’ve won over the people who came after her.  The top three of Chad, Sharon and Latrice would’ve been a dream scenario as each exuded such individual personas throughout, especially Latrice with her bold and brazen personality, fab runway looks and great vibes throughout.

1. Detox ICunt- Season 5

I had Detox pegged as the runaway winner of season 5 immediately when she walked into the room.  She had a cool and “fuck off” type attitude that I loved, and dominated in so many challenges.  I think her lip sync in the final four was tailor made for Jinkx, and that was her unfortunate downfall, but I really think she should’ve been in the top 3 over Roxxxy as I think her performance overall was much better compared to her buddy.