RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 continues to dazzle fans with its second premiere, showcasing another set of queens in a spectacular Variety Show performance. There were many highlights and surprises of the second premiere, with Plane Jane going on to win the episode with her highly memorable “Burger Finger” performance. Let’s see how this one turns out as it’s going to be difficult to top the first premiere.
The werk room drama kicks off as Geneva Karr, Hershii LiqCour Jeté, Megami, Mhi’ya Iman LePaige, Nymphia Wind, Plane Jane, and Plasma make their grand entrance. The atmosphere is notably different from the first premiere, with a touch of urgency and a hint of tension in the air. Especially as Plane Jane charges in with her ‘mean’ shade that comes off harsher than the comical shade the other queens throw around.
As RuPaul enters the werk room and announces the twists that we’re already aware of thanks to the first premiere, the queens quickly discuss their strategies for the Rate-A-Queen twist and express their desire to secure immunity. Nymphia proposes a New York City alliance, but alliances are in flux, especially with concerns about trust swirling around Plane Jane. As the queens prepare for the Variety Show, tensions rise, and alliances are tested.
Before the main event, Nymphia shares a poignant confessional about Taiwan legalising gay marriage in 2019, highlighting the slow progress of LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. This sets the stage for a diverse and culturally rich Variety Show. On top of this, special guest judge, Becky G enters the werk room, surprising the queens and looking absolutely stunning in the process.
Derrick Barry returns to host the Queen Choice Awards-themed Variety Show, while Becky G joins the judging panel alongside mainstays RuPaul and Michelle Visage and the alternating judge Ross Matthews, with Geneva leading the pack by bringing traditional Mexican heritage to the stage. The performances that follow, including Hershii’s jungle safari and Plasma’s jazzy impressions, offer a mix of entertainment, though some may feel a bit disconnected.
Megami tackles a crucial issue, addressing anti-drag laws in the US. Despite a meaningful message, the execution falls short, leading to a less impactful performance. Mhi’ya, on the other hand, serves up a lip-sync extravaganza to “Bounce” by Calvin Harris and Kelis, showcasing impressive moves, flips, and splits that completely set her apart.
Nymphia’s delicate and colourful Variety Show number captivates the audience, celebrating her culture and passions. Then Plane Jane, delivers her “Burger Finger” number with fast food, bimbo energy, and condiment jokes, earning her unexpected praise from both judges and fellow contestants. Fans at home liken her to Jimbo, although comparisons are not needed in the drag world as every drag is valid and every drag queen and king are different in their own right.
As the Variety Show concludes, the Rate-A-Queen twist kicks in and it’s clear from the outset that the queens were right not to trust Jane, as she decides to flip the script and put her biggest competitors at the bottom to ensure that she comes out on top—a tactic of which succeeds for her. Geneva and Jane emerge as the top two, facing off in a lip-sync battle to Becky G’s “Shower”. Jane’s comedic prowess and accidental nip slip secure her victory, adding a fun twist to the competition.
The next episode sees the two sets of queens come face-to-face. The main event sees the queens’ design skills put to the test as RuPaul reveals a mom-themed ball will be presented on the stage, with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi being the guest judge. Rate-A-Queen will also make its appearance again, will The Circle-like voting system lead to a queen being sent home in a Survivor-like twist? We’ll have to wait to find out what RuPaul has decided to do with his show.
As Season 16 unfolds, viewers can anticipate a rollercoaster of emotions, with range, shade, and unforeseen twists shaping the narrative. Armed with talent and determination, the queens are set to deliver a fierce competition, both on and off the stage. Buckle up for another thrilling lap of Drag Race as surprises and challenges await in the episodes to come.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 airs every Friday at 8 p.m. on MTV in the US and Latin America, while the rest of the world are able to watch on WOW Presents Plus.
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.
You can easily and quickly follow all your favourite queens from this new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race across all social media by checking out our article here.
