Prepare for the glitter, glamour, and jaw-dropping talents as RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 sashays its way onto our screens. The latest instalment of this groundbreaking series promises to deliver a delectable mix of drag excellence, fierce competition, and show-stopping moments that will have audiences across the globe rooting for their favourites.
This season, 14 queens hailing from diverse corners of the United States are set to grace Mama RuPaul’s runway, vying for the coveted title of America’s Next Drag Superstar, a $200,000 grand prize, and the chance to cement their legacy in drag herstory. From established pageant legends to boundary-pushing newcomers, the lineup showcases a kaleidoscope of drag artistry and style, promising an electrifying viewing experience for fans old and new.
An exciting line-up of guest stars are set to be a part of Season 16 and will be judging alongside the mainstays of Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and TS Madison. We are set to see the likes of Charlize Theron, Becky G, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Icona Pop, Kelsea Ballerini, Law Roach, and Kaia Gerber, amongst many others.
Notably, this season’s premiere unveils an exciting twist as the queens navigate maxi challenges themed around MTV’s Spring Break and the Queen Choice Awards. Beyond the spotlight of the runway, the contestants dive into a unique format where their performances are scrutinised through a “Rate-A-Queen” system, adding an extra layer of intrigue and drama to the competition.
As the curtain rises on Season 16, the anticipation is palpable following the groundbreaking victory of pageant royalty Sasha Colby in the previous season. With the crown passed, expectations soar higher as this new cohort steps into the limelight, ready to captivate audiences and stake their claim in the drag world.
Stay tuned as we introduce you to the vibrant personalities, stunning promo looks, and social media handles of each queen gracing the runway. The first half of the two-part premiere aired on Friday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. on MTV in the US and Latin America, while the rest of the world was able to watch on WOW Presents Plus. The second half of the premiere will be shown on Friday, Jan 12, 2024. Get ready to witness a spectacle of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent like never before.
The Cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16
Amanda Tori Meating
City: Los Angeles, California
Bio: Calling all staff: there’s a mandatory meeting to discuss this funny queen! Ready to take it to the top with her wit, wigs, and energetic moves, this talented wig stylist has done wigs for Drag Race queens Kerri and Sasha Colby, and Beyoncé’s music video dancers. Amanda is the ultimate mix of camp and comedy!
Follow Amanda Tori Meating on social media here:
Dawn
City: New York City, New York
Bio: The self-described “ethereal elf goddess of Brooklyn,” Dawn is a fitting name for a queen who often stays up late enough to see the sunrise. Designing and constructing almost all of her eccentric looks, this kooky and artistic queen always brings a story when she hits the stage, and she’s hoping for a happy ending at Drag Race!
Follow Dawn on social media here:
Geneva Karr
City: Brownsville, Texas
Bio: ¡Viva México! RuPaul’s Drag Race’s first Mexican-born queen, Geneva witnessed her parents’ struggles as they worked tirelessly to get her family safely to the United States in search of a better life. A dancing queen with a mischievous energy, she plans to be the first Mexican-born queen to win the [U.S. version’s] crown!
Follow Geneva Karr on social media here:
Hershii LiqCour-Jeté
City: Los Angeles, California
Bio: It’s chocolate! Part of the legendary Haus of Jeté, Hershii counts Drag Race star Kornbread Jeté as her sister. A take-no-prisoners performer with a legion of L.A.-area fans, Hershii is now ready to slay the main stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race. When not performing, Hershii is very family-oriented, and, together with her boyfriend, is raising two young children.
Follow Hershii LiqCour-Jeté on social media here:
Megami
City: New York City, New York
Bio: This self-proclaimed “geek-chic” queen started doing drag as a cosplayer at conventions such as Comic Con, and from there incorporated high fashion into her characterful designs. Proudly claiming Nuyorican culture, Megami means “goddess” in Japanese, and this creative force now hopes to rule the Drag Race world!
Follow Megami on social media here:
Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige
City: Miami, Florida
Bio: Get ready for your world to be turned upside-down! An electrifying performer, Mhi’ya is known as the Queen of Flips. That’s because you can find Mhi’ya performing her thrilling flips and tricks in the sun, on the sidewalks of South Beach. Mhi’ya’s videos of her flipping onto café tables have caught fire on social media. Now, she’s ready to flip the competition on its head!
Follow Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige on social media here:
Mirage
City: Las Vegas, Nevada
Bio: A heady mixture of stripper heels and stripper moves, the “Legs of Las Vegas” is here! Hailing from Sin City, this Native American and Mexican beauty towers in seven inches heels and legs that go on for days. Already a showgirl sensation on the Strip, this quirky queen is ready for the RuPaul’s Drag Race’s crown!
Follow Mirage on social media here:
Morphine Love Dion
City: Miami, Florida
Bio: Body, beauty, and “mug” — just what the doctor ordered. Morphine started out doing makeup tutorials on social media. Now, she is the self-proclaimed “It Girl of Miami.” Can this trained dancer — who has been featured in Maluma and Bad Bunny music videos — cha cha her way to the top of the competition?
Follow Morphine Love Dion on social media here:
Nymphia Wind
City: New York City, New York
Bio: Banana time! RuPaul’s Drag Race’s first queen to hail from Taiwan, Nymphia came to the United States to build on her massive fanbase of “Banana Believers” — a term given to her fans thanks to her signature color yellow, and penchant for the absurd. Inspired by Asian culture, art, and tradition, let’s hope she doesn’t slip up in the competition!
Follow Nymphia Wind on social media here:
Plane Jane
City: Boston, Massachusetts
Bio: Fasten your seatbelts, because, yes, that is how you spell this diva’s name. Plane Jane is as glamorous as she is wickedly funny. Boston-raised, but with Russian roots. No stranger to competition, Plane Jane was a competitive ballroom dancer as a child. Now, she’s focusing all of her passion on becoming America’s Next Drag Superstar.
Follow Plane Jane on social media here:
Plasma
City: New York City, New York
Bio: Straight out of Old Hollywood, this vintage-inspired femme fatale leaves all of the boys hot and bothered. Raised listening to Julie Andrews, Judy Garland, and Barbra Streisand, Plasma channeled her love for divas into drag, and the rest is herstory. Can this queen’s BFA in Musical Theatre Performance raise the roof at RuPaul’s Drag Race? Time will tell!
Follow Plasma on social media here:
Q
City: Kansas City, Missouri
Bio: The only letter of the alphabet you ever need worry about! This talented diva is a theater queen who specializes in the costuming aspect of drag. She makes all of her own looks, plus many commissioned costumes for prior Drag Race stars. Q is ready to go all the way in this competition, one design challenge after the next!
Follow Q on social media here:
Sapphira Cristál
City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bio: Philadelphia’s crown jewel, Sapphira is a serious musician with a six-octave vocal range. This powerhouse performer studied music composition, vocal performance, and opera, and in drag she can be found hosting, singing, dancing, and performing comedy. Is there anything this diva can’t do?
Follow Sapphira Cristál on social media here:
Xunami Muse
City: New York City, New York
Bio: This self-described “knock-off Naomi Campbell ” is the supermodel of the season. Originally from Colón, Panama, Xunami moved to New York City, where Drag Race superstar Kandy Muse became her drag mother. Signed with a modeling agency in New York, time will tell if this leggy beauty can strut her way to the top!
Follow Xunami Muse on social media here:
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16
As RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 gets into full steam with their epic double premiere, one thing remains clear: the excitement and fervour surrounding these queens extend far beyond the main stage. Following their journey on social media offers an intimate glimpse into their lives, creativity, and the passion they bring to the drag realm, as well as bringing more detail to their runway outfits. On top of that, by keeping an eye on their socials, you’ll see the outfits that we all missed out on for each queen that gets sent home.
Engaging with these dynamic personalities beyond the screen allows fans to become a part of their incredible narratives, celebrating their triumphs and supporting their artistic endeavours. So, hit those social media buttons above, for each of the queens, join the conversation, and immerse yourself in the vibrant universe of these talented queens. From runway reveals to behind-the-scenes moments, social media serves as the ultimate backstage pass to witness their journey unfold.
Don’t miss a beat and stay connected to these drag superstars as they captivate audiences, one fabulous post at a time!
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 launched the first half of its double premiere on Friday, Jan 5, 2024, at 8 p.m. on MTV in the US and Latin America, while the rest of the world managed to watch on WOW Presents Plus, the second half of the double premiere is set to be shown on Friday, Jan 12, 2024. Airing straight after the main show is RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked – make sure you watch this show, as well, otherwise, you’re only getting half the story.
