More than ever, RuPaul’s Drag Race is delivering the culture, the looks, and the drama with its sensational Season 17 — and the Emmys BETTA recognize that!
In honor of the show’s achievements, an official For Your Consideration Emmy event was hosted… and the best part? It was a rooftop summer pool party! The venue was decked out with Drag Race quotes on the mirrors and Ru-themed decorations throughout, setting the perfect scene for a lively celebration in Los Angeles.
The event featured a panel moderated by the iconic superfan Leslie Jones, yes, the very same Leslie you’ve probably seen binge-watching Drag Race on her Instagram Lives. With her signature humor and insight, she guided a powerful conversation with Season 17 winner Onya Nurve, queens Jewels Sparkles, Sam Star, Suzie Toot, Lana Ja’Rae, and Lexi Love, alongside Executive Producer Randy Barbato, Co-Executive Producer and resident judge Michelle Visage, and choreographer/guest judge Jamal Sims.
The panel dove deep into topics like the power of drag visibility, personal vulnerability on-screen, and how the show has created a space for authenticity and joy in a time when drag is increasingly under attack.
While the queens reflected the LA sun in glamorous outfits and the Pit Crew sported gold Speedos, the conversation struck an important chord. A special shoutout was given to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, which has surpassed $2.1 million in donations and continues to be a vital force in the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric.
This panel alone was an Emmy-worthy conversation.
Season 17 brought unforgettable moments: a wildly fun cast, challenges that balanced humor and heart, and even a Badonka Dunk Tank segment that had us living! Behind-the-scenes stories were shared, along with moving reflections:
“My vulnerability has allowed me to accept life. The show has unlocked everything.” – Lexi Love.
“I pull my looks from things that make me happy. The best gift in the world is to make someone smile. My drag is everything people told me I couldn’t be.” – Lana Ja’Rae.
“The greatest gift I’ve ever been given is getting to do the show with my dad. When I got home, my mother showed me clips of him practicing in his heels. It takes a secure man to support their child. If my father can cross-dress on national television, the minimum people can do is accept their child.” – Jewels Sparkles
You can catch our on-carpet interviews with the attending queens and guests here, where we ask the iconic question: “What was your Emmy-worthy moment this season?”
So, for your consideration… tune in, celebrate this message of authenticity and queer excellence, and let Drag Race remind you just how fabulous and powerful storytelling in dazzling lewks can be.
Photo Credit: Gonzalo Marroquin / Getty Images for MTV