The grand finale is here! After a season filled with charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, the final four queens of Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, and Sam Star returned to the main stage for one last chance to claim the crown. With solo performances, heartfelt reflections, and a surprise guest appearance, the finale was a celebration of drag excellence.
Racer Chaser is ready for all this to be over.
Main Challenge: Original Solo Performances
Each finalist showcased their artistry through solo numbers:
- Jewels Sparkles captivated the audience with a comedic burlesque number that cleverly highlighted her signature humor and stage presence.
- Onya Nurve delivered a powerful performance with a catchy beat and fantastic vocals, drawing inspiration from icons like Nina Simone and Eartha Kitt.
- Lexi Love brought high-energy choreography on roller skates, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to performance.
- Sam Star revealed her very own red carpet from her dress while performing acrobatics to a catchy little tune.
Lexi Love and Sam Star were eliminated, leaving the final lip-sync battle between Onya Nurve and Jewels Sparkles.
Runway Category: Grand Finale Eleganza
The queens graced the runway in their most extravagant ensembles:
- Onya Nurve shimmered in metallic browns covering organic-yet-alien flowing forms. Asymmetrical, sculpted, and stunning. Had she not been Ru’s favorite, she would’ve been read for a bodysuit in the performance and something strange in the photoshoot as well as a fairly basic outfit in the lip-sync for the crown.
- Jewels Sparkles stunned in an enormous constructed dress with so much pink tulle that a shortage was felt by dance students nationwide. Her photoshoot look was a bit dull. Viewers smelled a reveal cooking with her lip-sync for the crown outfit, and Jewels delivered a freshly baked face with a disappointingly crafty bodysuit.
- Lexi Love embraced her Victoria’s Secret fantasy with pasties and giant wings. This look bared more skin than Lexi has thrown in our faces all season, and that’s quite a feat considering she barely wore anything at all. Interestingly, her performance look showed off tons of fake skin with nude illusion from neck to ankle. Lexi’s dramatic reveal was bittersweet as she had to spoil the surprise by sashaying away.
- Sam Star wore an oversized country-inspired dress with gorgeous beaded fringe and gold stars all over. Also, a giant hat. Sadly, Sam never revealed whatever she was hiding with her final look.
- Suzie Toot and Joella both tried to redeem failed looks from the season. Acacia Forgot, Arrietty, and Crystal Envy all looked amazing. Lucky Starzz, Hormona Lisa, and Lydia B Kollins all tried to step up their styles with varying degrees of success. Lana Ja’Rae was boots-the-house-down stunning with exquisite color/materials/silhouette choices. Kori King…
Can we discuss the goddess in the room? Nymphia Wind. Expect a full post on the magnificence.
Lip Sync Showdown
The final lip-sync to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” was a battle of contrasting styles:
- Jewels Sparkles delivered a dynamic performance with multiple reveals.
- Onya Nurve opted for a stripped-down approach focusing on storytelling.
After deliberation, Onya Nurve was crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar. Anyone who has watched other seasons saw this ending quite a while ago. Onya’s connection with Ru was evident and greatly influenced judging not just at the finale but all throughout the season. That’s okay. It’s RuPaul’s show, after all.
Werk Room Watch
The finale featured heartfelt moments as the queens reflected on their journeys and the most dreaded part of any season: RuPaul asked the queens what they would say to their younger selves.
References, Puns & Gags Explained
- “Abracadabra”: The final lip-sync song, released earlier in 2025 by Lady Gaga symbolizing transformation and magic, fitting for the crowning moment.
- Liza Minnelli’s Appearance: The legendary performer was honored with the “Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award,” celebrating her contributions to entertainment and LGBTQ+ advocacy. This is moment of recognition is quickly becoming the best part of the finale, following last year’s awarding of Elvira. RuPaul honoring living legends make so much sense that it should’ve been started years ago.
- Miss Congeniality: Crystal Envy was named as the season’s Miss Congeniality, receiving a $10,000 prize.
Keep the Conversation Going on Racer Chaser!
The crown has been claimed, but the conversation continues:
- Forum Threads: Share your thoughts on the finale performances and the season’s journey.
- Polls: Who had your favorite finale look and lip-sync moment?
- Profile Drops: Showcase your own drag transformations inspired by the season!
- Meme Corner: Highlight the most iconic moments and quotes from the finale.
Until next time, keep spreading love and glitter!