This week, the queens channeled their inner Betsey Johnson by bringing punk, prom, and prenup realness to the runway. With the iconic designer herself as guest judge, the pressure was on to impress. From heartfelt creations to unexpected kisses, Episode 9 delivered fashion, flair, and a touch of scandal.
Racer Chaser believes that “Heavens to Betsey!” is the best way to describe how the search for the new Pope should be conducted.
Mini Challenge: Reading Is Fundamental
The library was open, and the queens sharpened their wit for the classic reading challenge. Suzie Toot emerged victorious, delivering zingers that left the room in stitches. It earned her the coveted power to assign design categories for the main challenge.
Main Challenge: Betsey Johnson Design Extravaganza
The queens were tasked with creating original outfits inspired by Betsey Johnson’s eclectic style. Divided into three categories of Punk Grunge Flappers, Betsey’s Prom, and Prenup, the queens had to showcase their creativity and sewing skills. Some of the choices were predictable, and some were surprising.
- Jewels Sparkles shined in the Punk Grunge Flappers category, presenting a purple dress adorned with various fur patterns that impressed Betsey herself. She made a construction mistake early on. Her recovery effort was fantastic and allowed her garment design and construction skills to sparkle.
- Onya Nurve embraced the Betsey’s Prom theme with a dress featuring multiple bows, a choker, and a corsage, capturing the essence of prom night with a twist. Her bow placement was questionable. The length was problematic. As a whole, the outfit got on my nerves.
- Arrietty stood out in the Prenup category, donning a black dress with appliqués and stones, complemented by a white bow tie. It was a tuxedo/wedding gown combo that made the judges gag. Elegance and edginess blended to perfection.
While some queens soared, others stumbled. Lexi Love created an amazing wedding veil but wore side piece-realness underneath. Kori King wore a mess.
Runway Category: Betsey Johnson-Inspired Couture
The runway this week was the Main Challenge celebration of Betsey Johnson’s vibrant and unconventional fashion.
- Suzie Toot created a strange Punk Grunge Flapper that was not punk, not grunge, not flapper, and not good.
- Lana Ja’Rae captured prom night nostalgia with a large bow on the back of her outfit, exuding charm and confidence.
- Sam Star opted for a black-and-white ensemble with sunglasses, delivering a quirky interpretation of the Prenup theme. The dress would have been better in the Prom category with its 80s stylings. It was close but just missed the mark with a few details.
The judges praised the queens who balanced homage with originality, while those who played it safe received lukewarm responses.
Lip Sync Showdown
Kori King and Lydia B Kollins landed in the bottom two, facing off to Lita Ford’s “Kiss Me Deadly.”
- Kori King brought intensity and passion, delivering a performance that resonated with the judges.
- Lydia B Kollins matched Kori’s energy, culminating in a surprise kiss that left the audience and judges stunned.
In the end, Lydia B Kollins was declared the winner, and Kori King was asked to sashay away.
Werkroom Watch
Tensions simmered as the queens navigated the pressures of the competition. Lexi Love grappled with self-doubt, while Sam Star offered support, showcasing camaraderie amidst the rivalry. The unexpected kiss between Kori King and Lydia B Kollins sparked conversations, blurring the lines between competition and connection.
References, Puns & Gags Explained
- “Heavens to Betsey!” – A play on the exclamation “Heavens to Betsy,” nodding to guest judge Betsey Johnson.
- Lip Sync Lovers Showdown, Part I – This was production trying too hard and not at all surprising to anyone who has watched this show anytime in the past ten years. The fake drama is boring. Worse, it takes time away from other queens. At least it finally gets Kori King off the show.
- Lip Sync Lovers Showdown, Part II – The other boring manufactured spectacle of the night was a kiss between the two queens. Supposedly, this was “hot.” Raja and Carmen Carrera did the original way better back in season 3.
Keep the Conversation Going on Racer Chaser!
Which queen captured Betsey Johnson’s essence? Did the lip sync surprise you? Share your thoughts and join the discussion:
- Forums: Debate the standout looks and performances.
- Polls: Vote for your favorite Betsey-inspired ensemble.
- Profiles: Post your own Betsey Johnson-inspired drag creations.
- Memes: Create and share your favorite moments from the episode.
Racer Chaser is your runway to all things drag. Stay fabulous. Keep the tea flowing!
3 responses to “RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Episode 9 Recap”
Approve me for the network!
Not buying that decision.
Lexi is hard to watch.