The queens are back and bolder than ever! 🌟 RuPaul’s Drag Race returns for season 18 with a fresh lineup of 14 new queens, each ready to slay their way to the crown, the grand prize of $200,000, and a makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics. The new season is set to premiere in early January 2026.
Season 18 kicks off with a premiere challenge titled “Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!”, tasking queens with creating signature drag looks using leftover treasures from previous seasons. It’s a nod to the queens who came before — and a statement that these new contestants are ready to make Drag Race herstory.
Here’s your first taste of the queens bringing charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to the runway this season:
Meet the Queens of Drag Race Season 18
Athena Dion
📍 Miami, FL | @athenadion
A legend from Miami to Mykonos, Athena is a drag mother and queenly powerhouse. This season marks the first time in Drag Race herstory a mother/daughter duo — Athena and Juicy Love Dion — will compete together.
Briar Blush
📍 Boston, MA | @briarblush
A pin-up princess with an edge, Briar brings goth glamour and razor-sharp wit. She’s sweet with a sting — and not here to be liked.
Ciara Myst
📍 Indianapolis, IN | @the_ciara_myst
The queen of creature couture, Ciara blends fantasy and prosthetics to deliver hauntingly beautiful transformations straight from the world of sci-fi and horror.
Darlene Mitchell
📍 Los Angeles, CA | @itsdarlenebtw
Part camp queen, part soap opera diva — Darlene is back after a five-year break and ready to reclaim her spotlight with her big hair and bigger personality.
DD Fuego
📍 New York, NY | @ddfuego
This former production designer brings runway heat with a theatrical twist. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, she promises fire — minus the clichés.
Discord Addams
📍 St. Petersburg, FL | @discordxaddams
A punk rock maximalist with a mosh pit mindset, Discord trades band gigs for the Drag Race runway with grit, glam, and grunge.
Jane Don’t
📍 Seattle, WA | @heyjanedont
A comedy queen inspired by Bette Midler and Joan Rivers, Jane serves laughs and drama with her sharp tongue and iconic shoulder pads.
Juicy Love Dion
📍 Miami, FL | @thejuicylove
Athena Dion’s drag daughter and Morphine Love Dion’s protégé, Juicy is a pocket rocket performer and Afro-Cuban dance powerhouse.
Kenya Pleaser
📍 Sumter, SC | @kenyapleaser
With auntie energy and Lizzo-level confidence, Kenya’s here to charm, slay, and prove that Southern queens can own any stage.
Mandy Mango
📍 Philadelphia, PA | @mandyy.mango
A registered nurse by day and fruity performer by night, Mandy serves campy health-conscious drag with sweetness and sass.
Mia Starr
📍 West Palm Beach, FL | @theofficialmiastarr
Backed by world tours with pop icons and a Super Bowl performance, Mia mixes hip-hop dance with fierce drag energy.
Myki Meeks
📍 Orlando, FL | @myki.meeks
Theatre-kid turned queen, Myki brings wit, warmth, and live-host charisma to the competition — she’s stupidly gorgeous and gorgeously stupid.
Nini Coco
📍 Denver, CO | @theninicoco
A former mechanical engineer turned fashion icon, Nini fuses theatrical flair with high-concept couture.
Vita VonTesse Starr
📍 Montgomery, AL | @vitavontessestarr
A pageant veteran from the Starr dynasty, Vita is poised, polished, and ready to claim her crown with hand-sewn glamour and precision.
RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18 is set to premiere on 2 January 2026 on MTV, promising drama, fashion, and fierce performances. These queens aren’t just ready — they’re hungry.
