RuPaul's Drag Race is no longer just a reality competition show. It has exploded into a complete phenomenon that nobody could have seen coming. With a handful of spin-off series and it's very own convention (happening in LA and New York), Drag Race is shaping up to be the BIGGEST television hit of the new decade. This is made all the more impressive by the fact that the original show already has 11 seasons and is still now growing in popularity at extreme rates.
Today, we will be preparing for Drag Race season 12 and of course, All Stars 5 by getting to know the series a little better. We have gathered 15 little-known facts about RuPaul's Drag Race that totally change the way we watch. Get ready, this is going to be an EXTRAVAGANZA like we've never seen before!
15 Rupaul Has Said That Roxxy's Emotional Story Is One Of His Favorite Moments
RuPaul and his panel of judges have seen it all at this point, but even with all the glitz and the glamour, their favorite moments are still when the queens open up about their own personal stories. RuPaul revealed to Vulture that Roxxy's story is one of his favorites.
14 The Queens Don't Know Who They'll Be Competing Against Until The Werkroom Entrances
The werkroom entrances during the first episode of each season is one of the best parts of the series, no doubt. As exciting as this is for us to watch from home, it's even more exciting for the actual queens. It turns out, our girls don't even know who's going to be part of their season until these entrances go down.
13 Every Queen In The Top 3 Films Their Winning Moment, But Only Finds Out The Real Winner Once The Episode Airs
This is a technique used to ensure that the results don't get leaked. The moment when a queen wins the crown is always very emotional, so it's pretty wild to think that these scenes aren't totally authentic. Each of the top 3 queens film the shot as if they've won, but the real winner is only revealed once the episode actually airs.
12 The Queens Have To Walk The Runaway Once To Music, Then Again For The Judges' Commentary
We may only get to see each queen's runway walk once during the episode, but they've actually had to do it twice. The first time they strut their stuff down the runway is to the music, then the second time is so the judges can tape their commentary over the track.
11 RuPaul's Eleganza In Each Episode Takes About 6 Hours To Achieve
As amazing as the queens always look on the runway, it's never quite as good as what RuPaul is delivering. She is the queen of all queens, but that doesn't mean effort isn't put in. In an interview, Ru revealed that he and his team usually take about 6 hours to get ready for an episode.
10 There's A Lack Of Food Options For The Vegetarian Queens
Everyone's favorite gossip, Willam, has revealed that what goes on behind-the-scenes is not at all as magical as what we're seeing at home. Not only did the former contestant state that the set is a danger zone, but she also claimed that vegetarian food options were not made available during the filming of her season. Not cool!
9 Ginger Minj Had A Lot Of Criticism For The Younger Queens, But She Was Only 29 When filming Her Season
Fans will remember that back in season 7, Ginger Minj was an active member of the "bitter old lady brigade". She and her fellow older queens liked to state how much more experienced and ready for the crown they were, as opposed to the younger ladies. Well, it turns out that Mrs. Minj was only 29 during her season!
8 Phi Phi O'Hara Missed Out On All Stars Season 1 After Getting Arrested
As we know, Phi Phi O'Hara made her less than triumphant return to the Drag Race stage in All Stars season 2. However, she was initially asked to be part of the first season. In an interview with Vulture, Phi Phi revealed, "I was supposed to do the first season of All Stars, but I got arrested in March".
7 The Queens Are Given An iPod With Every Lip Sync Song, But They Only Find Out Which Will Be Used A Day Before The Runway
That's right, at the beginning of each season, every queen is given an iPod with every lip sync song that will be used throughout the season. While they only find out which song will be selected a day or so before the main stage events, one would think they'd be listening to the entire playlist every night just to be safe...
6 Crew Members Have Shown Up Expecting To Film An Actual Drag Race
Back when the show was taking off, it wasn't exactly as well known as it is at this point in time. It's been revealed that there were times when crew members would show up for the job, ready to film a real drag race. Imagine their surprise when they found out what was really about to go down!
