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RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular

RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular was a holiday television special, which aired on VH1 on December 7, 2018.^[1] The hour-long RuPaul's Drag Race special, announced on November 1, had former Drag Race contestants Eureka O'Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Sonique, and Trixie Mattel compete to become "Drag Race Christmas Queen".

The contestants had to lip-sync to holiday music by RuPaul, including tracks from Slay Belles (2015) and Christmas Party (2018), to choreography by Todrick Hall.^[2]

Jasmine Masters and Latrice Royale later competed in fourth seasonofRuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which was previewed during the programme's airing and premiered one-week after the Holi-slay Spectacular and placing 10th and 5th, respectively.

Mayhem Miller later competed in fifth seasonofRuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, placing 7th.

Eureka O'Hara and Sonique later competed in sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, placing 2nd-4th and 1st, respectively.

Contestants[edit]

Ages, names, and cities stated are at time of filming.

Notes:

Challenges[edit]

For the mini challenge, the queens were paired with a member of the pit crew to dance down the runway to "Christmas Cookies". Mayhem Miller won the mini challenge. The contestants then get ready for the main challenge to the beat of "My Favorite Holiday".

RuPaul performs "Hey Sis, It's Christmas" on the runway alongside the dancers. For the main challenge, the queens must lip sync to RuPaul's song "Get to You" in a 1980s-inspired costume, choreographed by Todrick Hall. The runway theme is "Non-denominational Christmas Eleganza Extravaganza".

All the queens lip-synced in pairs against one another: Mayhem Miller vs. Sonique, Jasmine Masters vs. Shangela, Eureka vs. Trixie Mattel and Kim Chi vs. Latrice Royale. RuPaul then declared all the contestants as the winners. At the end of the episode, Michelle Visage and RuPaul lip-synced for their lives to "Christmas Party"; the judging panel, consisting of the queens alongside Ross Mathews and Todrick Hall, declares a double save.

Lip syncs[edit]

Reception[edit]

The program received mixed reviews as many expected a typical episode, when it was actually a promo tool for RuPaul's new Christmas album, Christmas Party. Variety said "the special quickly pulls a bait and switch, becoming both much sneakier and way less interesting than its festive first impression", calling out RuPaul's promo plug for the album.^[3] The A.V. Club gave it a C+ and stated that, despite the flaws, the episode was not without its charm, but still criticised the promotional aspect for RuPaul's Christmas album.^[4] Bustle praised the program, saying "it took a turn for the delightfully cheesy, as most holiday specials are wont to do. Its aim quickly became not to pit queens against one another, but of course, to spread Christmas cheer, all while donning their gay apparel in its most literal form", noting it was a welcomed departure from the show's origins.^[5] TV Line also praised it and highlighted the looks of Eureka, Mayhem, Trixie and Shangela.^[6] In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sonique also praised her fellow contestant, Mayhem.^[7] USA Today concluded by saying "So if you want to see some spectacular holiday looks from your favorite queens mixed with some fun and festive beats, you don't want to Christ-miss this! Just don't expect to be on the edge of your seat."^[8]

Ratings[edit]

References[edit]

Television

United States