Here’s a reintroduction to the 12 returning contestants of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8.
Drag Race has no signs of screeching to a halt. The phenomenon continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its utterly entertaining showcase of drag artistry and compelling queer stories. The Drag Race universe has already given away three crowns this year (Drag Race Belgique season one, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15, and Drag Race Sverige season one), and here we are, about to embark on a brand new race. On its 8th iteration, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is bringing fan favorites and Rudemptionees back into the game for a golden chance to snatch the crown and hang their picture in the Hall of Fame.
ALEXIS MICHELLE
Known for her theatrical background and unique brand of humor, the queen from New York finished 5th in the 9th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She won one of the most critical challenges of the show, the Snatch Game, for her characterization of Liza Minnelli.
DARIENNE LAKE
Her comedic timing and knack for throwing shade made her adored by many viewers on RuPaul’s Drag Race season six. I’m reminded of two things when I think about her run on the show: her acting challenge win, where she “gave great head” in a box, and her lip-sync performance against BenDeLaCreme to the song Point of No Return by Expose. She made it to the top five before being eliminated.
HEIDI N CLOSET
The queen from season 12 won two challenges and made it to the top four. Heidi’s infectious personality made her an instant fan favorite during her season. Her iconic whistle through the gap in her teeth will always be adorable and funny. She hosts the Queerty-nominated podcast Hall and Closet, with season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall.
JAYMES MANSFIELD
Although Jaymes was the Porkchop of season nine, she has amassed a significant following on social media and was able to start her own wig company. We can’t wait to see more of her quirks, campy humor, old Hollywood aesthetic, and signature blonde bouffant back on TV.
JESSICA WILD
Originally from Puerto Rico, Jessica Wild became famous when she competed in the second season of the show, where she was eliminated in the seventh episode. Known for her “wild” dance abilities, she was invited to perform live with Miley Cyrus at the MTV VMAs and Jennifer Lopez at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
JIMBO
The only contestant coming from outside of the US main show, the controversial queen first competed in the first season of Canada’s Drag Race and then in first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World. Sometimes misunderstood (her exaggerated hyper-sexualized silhouette for example), this clown still emerges as a fan favorite. Her surreal performances (talent show), over-the-top high-concept fashion choices, and in-your-face personality (laugh exchange with RuPaul) won the hearts of many fans worldwide.
KAHANNA MONTRESE
Her drag mother, the great Coco Montrese, competed in the five season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and second season of All Stars. Known as the Las Vegas hip-hop showgirl, Kahanna was eliminated on the second episode of season 11. She is part of a rotating cast in a Las Vegas residency show, RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!
KANDY MUSE
Kandy was infamously part of the defunct House of Aja. Originally hailing from the Dominican Republic, this fiery season 13 queen has an iconic confidence you can see and hear. Her unapologetic character and cunty demeanor made her famous because she gave great TV. Kandy reached the top four of the competition and has toured extensively.
MRS. KASHA DAVIS
Season seven, represent! Mrs. Davis placed eleventh during her run on the show. Now sober, her famous catchphrase might change to, “There’s always time for a mocktail.”
LALA RI
No one can deny that she’s one fierce lip-sync performer. She is, after all, the daughter of the legendary Tamisha Iman, who she competed against on the 13th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Lala finished in the 10th spot and won Miss Congeniality. The most impactful thing she did was immortalize her Bag Ball Eleganza look. Gurl, you really did that! I say, slay!
MONICA BEVERLY HILLZ
She was one of the first queens to come out as transgender on the show. That moment of bravery has inspired many to raise awareness about trans issues inside the drag community.
NAYSHA LOPEZ
Puerto Rican queen Naysha became the first contestant to be eliminated twice in the 8th season of the show. Before competing on the biggest drag stage, she won Miss Continental 2013. She also competed out of drag and was a runner-up in Mr. Continental 2021. Naysha is from Chicago and hosts Drag Race viewing parties at the famous Roscoe’s Tavern.
Photos courtesy of WORLD OF WONDER/PARAMOUNT+
