Tonight is the night where we find out who is the winner of Season 8’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. Will it be “Purse First” Bob The Drag Queen, “Check your lipstick before you come for me” Naomi Smalls, or my personal favorite, Kim Chi. Regardless of who wins, they will be joining an illustrious line up of past winners who have done this show justice over the past 8 years, leading this show to being one of the biggest reality programs we have seen in years.
That being said, we have had 8 winners total, including the first season of “All Stars”. Who did the best in their season? Here is who we rank. No tea no shade ladies, just calling it like we see it.
8. Tyra Sanchez- Season 2
Tyra remains the most controversial win in RPDR history as many felt she lacked a lot of skills to win the whole thing, as she was reserved throughout it all and only really excelled in the fashion aspects, which she was phenomenal at. I only have her this low as you don’t really hear much from her, besides her outspoken behavior on social media, yet I can’t really tell if that’s because of her or the publics perception of her.
7. Bebe Zahara Benet- Season 1
Whereas I am a huge fan of Bebe’s, and was happy with either her or Nina Flower’s winning, she has been another one who has been a bit quiet post DR, but it might be due to her season airing so long ago, and season 1 not being watched like the later seasons did. She has released some amazing music since then, so I hope she continues to do her thing as she really is a treasure in the drag community.
6. Violet Chachki- Season 7
The problem with Violet is that her season overall was so hated on for being boring, that it kind of ruined her winning at the end, regardless if you felt someone else should’ve. She dominated in each challenge, never falling in the bottom two, and is all over the world performing since her win last year. Her drag is something the show has never seen before, so I hope she can showcase it authentically without dealing with the stigma of her season.
5. Chad Michaels- All Stars
If Sharon wasn’t the ultimate fan favorite in S4, then Chad would’ve easily won as he was polished, professional and could rock Cher and every other type of assignment given to him flawlessly (unlike someone from this season). All Stars was such a short season, but he killed it wit his partner Shannel throughout and won in the end. Essentially this is a culmination of both her seasons, which she did to the best of her abilities, and then some.
4. Jinkx Monsoon- Season 5
Jinkx is proof that you shouldn’t underestimate the little engine that could. In a season of over the top personalities in Detox, Alaska and Alyssa Edwards, Jinkx was that quiet, mild mannered queen who slaughtered everyone in her way in each challenge presented, leading the other queens to lash out at her due to their own insecurities. Just like Sharon in the season before her, we really rooted for Jinkx throughout it all and be rightfully crowned when the season ended. She’s had a great career post DR, with her one woman show, music and touring all around the world. Monsoon season is still in effect.
3. Sharon Needles- Season 4
Sharon brought a type of drag to the show that was never seen before, and was needed as it had become riddled with fishy pageant girls who we couldn’t differentiate. Sharon rocked every challenge, winning 4 overall, took on her nemesis in Phi Phi O’Hara, and won in the first season where the fans votes count. Halloween never felt so good year round.
2. Raja- Season 3
Raja hands down deserved to win S3, due to her bold and funny personality, ability to accurately read her competition, sick fashion skills and the best runway walk the show has ever seen. Now hosting “Toot or Boot” with S2’s Raven, she is the one queen designed for a role like that as she never came down the runway looking a mess in any ways, and really is a stamp on how great fashion can really be, in and out of the drag world.
1. Bianca Del Rio- Season 6
2nd time I’ve had Bianca at number one, she should sleep with me at this point (or any of the Pit Crew quite frankly). Maybe I’m biased because I’m from New York so I get her humor and appeal more than the average person, but COME ON. She’s fucking amazing! Everything from her comic timing, good hearted nature to the others and fully understanding the type of person she is made it an easy win for her in S6. She’s the only queen to have a special televised on LOGO, and even had Joan Rivers singing her praises, shortly before she passed. Satan can have several seats.