RuPaul's Drag Race | ||||||||||||||||||
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The twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race was announced January 22, 2019. Casting opened that same day with a submission deadline of March 1st and later it was announced that thirteen queens will compete for the crown this season.
Filming began in late July 2019 and the cast was officially revealed on January 23, 2020 on Twitter with a pre-recorded event showcasing the queens with Yvie Oddly as the host. The promo theme was Red, White, and Blue since 2020 is an American presidential election year. At the end of each episode, queens are seen holding signs that read "Register to Vote".
The season 12 queen crowned "America's Next Drag Superstar" was Jaida Essence Hall, while Heidi N Closet was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality by her fellow eliminated castmates.
Contents
- 1 About The Show
- 2 Contestants
- 3 Episodes
- 3.1 Episode 1: "I'm That Bitch"
- 3.2 Episode 2: "You Don't Know Me"
- 3.3 Episode 3: "World's Worst"
- 3.4 Episode 4: "The Ball Ball"
- 3.5 Episode 5: "Gay's Anatomy"
- 3.6 Episode 6: "Snatch Game"
- 3.7 Episode 7: "Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical"
- 3.8 Episode 8: "Droop"
- 3.9 Episode 9: "Choices 2020"
- 3.10 Episode 10: "Superfan Makeover"
- 3.11 Episode 11: "One-Queen Show"
- 3.12 Episode 12: "Viva Drag Vegas"
- 3.13 Episode 13: "Alone Together"
- 3.14 Episode 14: "Grand Finale"
- 4 Gallery
- 5 Videos
- 6 Trivia
- 7 References
- 8 Navigation
About The Show
Contestants
(Ages and names stated are during time of contest)
Rank | Contestant | Photo | Real Name | Age | Current City | Ep. 1 | Ep. 2 | Ep. 3 | Ep. 4 | Ep. 5 | Ep. 6 | Ep. 7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11 | Ep. 12 | Ep. 13 | Ep. 14 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Premiere | Ball | Snatch Game |
Rusical | Make Over | Rusical | Reunion | Grand Finale | ||||||||||||
1st (Winner) |
Jaida Essence Hall (Group 2) |
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Jared Johnson |
32 | Milwaukee, WI |
WIN | SAFE Team Captain |
HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | WIN | WIN | BTM2 | HIGH | RUNNING | WINNER | |
2nd/3rd (Runners-Up) |
Crystal Methyd (Group 1) |
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Cody Harness |
28 | Springfield, MO |
SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH | WIN | BTM2 | RUNNING | RUNNER UP | |
Gigi Goode (Group 1) |
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Samuel Steven Geggie |
21 | Los Angeles, CA |
TOP2 | SAFE | WIN Mini Chall. Winner |
HIGH | WIN | WIN | LOW Mini Chall. Winner |
LOW | SAFE | SAFE | WIN Mini Chall. Winner |
RUNNING | RUNNER UP | ||
4th (Disqualified) |
Sherry Pie (Group 2) |
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Joey Gugliemelli |
27 | New York, NY | TOP2 | WIN | SAFE | WIN | HIGH | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | HIGH | LOW | DISQ | |||
5th | Jackie Cox (Group 1) |
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Darius Rose |
34 | New York, NY | HIGH | HIGH | SAFE | HIGH | HIGH | LOW | HIGH Mini Chall. Winner |
BTM2 Mini Chall. Winner |
BTM2 | HIGH Mini Chall. Winner |
ELIM | RTRN | RTRN | |
6th (Miss Congeniality) |
Heidi N Closet (Group 1) |
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Trevien Anthonie Cheek |
24 | Ramseur, NC |
LOW | HIGH Team Captain |
SAFE | BTM2 | SAFE | BTM2 | WIN | HIGH | BTM2 | ELIM | RTRN | MISS CON | ||
7th | Widow Von'Du (Group 1) |
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Ray Fry | 30 | Kansas City, MO |
WIN | SAFE Team Captain |
SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | BTM2 | ELIM | RTRN | RTRN | ||||
8th | Jan (Group 2) |
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Charlie Mantione |
26 | New York, NY | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | HIGH | ELIM | RTRN | RTRN | |||||
9th | Brita (Group 1) |
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Jesse Havea |
34 | New York, NY | HIGH | SAFE | BTM2 | LOW | BTM2 | ELIM | RTRN | RTRN | ||||||
10th | Aiden Zhane (Group 2) |
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Devin Lewis |
29 | Acworth, GA |
HIGH | SAFE Team Captain |
LOW | HIGH | ELIM | RTRN | RTRN | |||||||
11th | Nicky Doll (Group 1) |
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Karl Sanchez |
28 | New York, NY | LOW | BTM2 | HIGH | ELIM | RTRN | RTRN | ||||||||
12th | Rock M. Sakura (Group 2) |
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Bryan Steven Bradford |
28 | San Francisco, CA |
LOW | SAFE | ELIM | RTRN | RTRN | |||||||||
13th | Dahlia Sin (Group 2) |
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Erick Anthony |
28 | Los Angeles, CA |
LOW | ELIM | RTRN | RTRN |
- █ The contestant won RuPaul's Drag Race.
- █ The contestant was a runner-up.
- █ The contestant won the maxi challenge or was in the Top 2 in their premiere and won the lip-sync.
- █ The contestant was in the Top 2 in their premiere but did not win the lip-sync.
- █ The contestant received positive critiques, but did not win the maxi challenge.
- █ The contestant received negative critiques, but was not up for elimination.
- █ The contestant placed in the bottom two, but neither one was eliminated.
- █ The contestant placed in the bottom two and won the lip-sync for your life.
- █ The contestant placed in the bottom two, lost the lip-sync for your life, and was eliminated.
- █ The contestant was voted Miss Congeniality by the contestants.
- █ The contestant returned and appeared on the reunion episode, but was out of the running.
- █ The contestant was disqualified after filming and could not advance further in the competition.
Queen's Winning Earnings
Name | Money |
---|---|
Aiden | $2,000 |
Brita | $2,000 |
Crystal | $7,000 |
Dahlia | $2,000 |
Gigi | $25,500 |
Heidi | $17,000 |
Jackie | $5,500 |
Jaida | $117,000 |
Jan | $2,000 |
Nicky | $2,000 |
Rock | $2,000 |
Sherry | $10,000 |
Widow | $7,000 |
- █ Since being disqualified, VH1 and World of Wonder have matched Sherry's prize money earned with donations to The Trevor Project.
- Each queen present in the Grand Finale episode was awarded a $2,000 tip during the last episode, courtesy of Pantene.
Episodes
Series # | Episode # | Episode Title | Air Date |
---|---|---|---|
181 | 1 | I'm That Bitch | February 28, 2020 |
182 | 2 | You Don't Know Me | March 6, 2020 |
183 | 3 | World's Worst | March 13, 2020 |
184 | 4 | The Ball Ball | March 20, 2020 |
185 | 5 | Gay's Anatomy | March 27, 2020 |
186 | 6 | Snatch Game | April 3, 2020 |
187 | 7 | Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical | April 10, 2020 |
188 | 8 | Droop | April 17, 2020 |
189 | 9 | Choices 2020 | April 24, 2020 |
190 | 10 | Superfan Makeover | May 1, 2020 |
191 | 11 | One-Queen Show | May 8, 2020 |
192 | 12 | Viva Drag Vegas | May 15, 2020 |
193 | 13 | Alone Together | May 22, 2020 |
194 | 14 | Grand Finale | May 29, 2020 |
Episode 1: "I'm That Bitch"
Airdate: February 28, 2020
Synopsis: Nicki Minaj guest judges the new cast of queens competing for $100,000 and the title of America's Next Drag Superstar. The first step toward the crown is having to write and perform an original rap number.

Episode 1 Judges
- Special Guests: Raven, Mayhem Miller (as NOT Kanye West) and Kimora Blac (as NOT Kim Kardashian)
- Guest Judge: Nicki Minaj
- Mini Challenge: Model two looks on the runway; one for Spring and one for Fall.
- Maxi Challenge: Write and perform an original rap number to "I'm That Bitch".
- Runway Theme: Sparkle
- Top Two: Gigi Goode and Widow Von'Du
- Lip Sync Song: "Starships" by Nicki Minaj
- Lip Sync Winner: Widow Von'Du
- Maxi Challenge Prize: A cash tip of $5,000
Entrance Order
1 | Brita |
2 | Nicky Doll |
3 | Widow Von'Du |
4 | Jackie Cox |
5 | Heidi N Closet |
6 | Gigi Goode |
7 | Crystal Methyd |
Episode 2: "You Don't Know Me"
Airdate: March 6, 2020
Synopsis: Thandie Newton (Westworld) and Swedish singer Robyn guest judge. And as the race for the crown continues, the queens must write and perform a Fosse-inspired jazz number.

Episode 2 Judges
- Special Guests: Zaldy, Raven, Kim Chi (as NOT Anna Sui), Sonique (as NOT Karl Lagerfeld), and Mayhem Miller (as NOT Andre Leon Talley)
- Guest Judges: Robyn and Thandie Newton
- Mini Challenge: Model two looks on the runway; one for Spring and one for Fall.
- Maxi Challenge: Write and perform an original Fosse-inspired jazz number called "You Don't Know Me".
- Runway Theme: Tulle
- Top Two: Jaida Essence Hall and Sherry Pie
- Lip Sync Song: "Call Your Girlfriend" by Robyn
- Lip Sync Winner: Jaida Essence Hall
- Maxi Challenge Prize: A cash tip of $5,000
Entrance Order
1 | Rock M. Sakura |
2 | Dahlia Sin |
3 | Sherry Pie |
4 | Jan |
5 | Jaida Essence Hall |
6 | Aiden Zhane |
Episode 3: "World's Worst"
Airdate: March 13, 2020
Synopsis: The queens must flex their comedy improv skills when they audition for the new TV show World's Worst - a talent show for people with little talent. Olivia Munn (X-Men: Apocalypse) guest judges.

Episode 3 Judges
- Special Guests: Charo and Vivacious as Ornacia
- Guest Judge: Olivia Munn
- Mini Challenge: Queer-Peer Assessment
- Maxi Challenge: Improv in a talent competition, called "World's Worst".
- Runway Theme: Buttons and Bows
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Sherry Pie
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize which was donated to The Trevor Project
- Bottom Two: Dahlia Sin and Nicky Doll
- Lip Sync Song: "Problem" by Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea
- Eliminated: Dahlia Sin
- Farewell Message: Keep Ur Heads UP I♡U ALL! -Dahlia ♡
World's Worst Groups
Team Jaida | Team Aiden | Team Widow | Team Heidi |
---|---|---|---|
Dahlia Sin | Aiden Zhane | Crystal Methyd | Gigi Goode |
Jaida Essence Hall | Brita | Nicky Doll | Heidi N Closet |
Jan | Sherry Pie | Widow Von'Du | Jackie Cox |
Rock M. Sakura |
Episode 4: "The Ball Ball"
Airdate: March 20, 2020
Synopsis: The queens' creativity comes to life when they compete in a pageant of sports-inspired couture, and strutting the runway in three "ball-themed" looks. Leslie Jones (Saturday Night Live) guest judges.

Episode 4 Judges
- Guest Judge: Leslie Jones
- Mini Challenge: "The Beehive Jive" dance competition
- Mini Challenge Winner: Gigi Goode
- Mini Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash prize
- Maxi Challenge: Showcase three looks in The Ball Ball
- Runway Themes: Lady Baller, Basketball Wife Realness, and Balls to the Wall Eleganza
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Gigi Goode
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize
- Bottom Two: Brita and Rock M. Sakura
- Lip Sync Song: "S&M" by Rihanna
- Eliminated: Rock M. Sakura
- Farewell Message: To all of my special queens, make sure you do what I couldn’t do. Love yourself, respect yourself, and remember to show the world that you care about what you believe in. I‘m devastated I couldn‘t stay longer. But choose forward to looks of for memories with you. Rock M. Sakura ♥ Love you all truly
Episode 5: "Gay's Anatomy"
Airdate: March 27, 2020
Synopsis: The queens are challenged to take part in TV's longest running drag queen scripted show, "Gay's Anatomy." Pop superstar, Normani guest judges.

Episode 5 Judges
- Cameo Appearance: Dahlia Sin
- Guest Judge: Normani
- Mini Challenge: Pink Pill or Silver Pill: The two queens who choose the bottle with a pink pill win (This was technically not a mini challenge.)
- Mini Challenge Winners: Gigi Goode and Nicky Doll
- Mini Challenge Prize: Assigning the roles for Gay's Anatomy
- Maxi Challenge: Overact in Gay's Anatomy, a parody of the popular TV show Grey's Anatomy. (Acting Challenge)
- Runway Theme: Planet of the Capes
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Sherry Pie
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize that was donated to The Trevor Project
- Bottom Two: Heidi N Closet and Nicky Doll
- Lip Sync Song: "Heart to Break" by Kim Petras
- Eliminated: Nicky Doll
- Farewell Message: I may not have gotten a crown. But I have gotten a sisterhood. I♥U. Your French sister! (I'm still the prettier) 💋
Gay's Anatomy
Queen | Role | Who Should Go Home Tonight? |
---|---|---|
Aiden Zhane | Henny | |
Brita | Dr. Sandra Okurr | Nicky Doll |
Crystal Methyd | Fork Queen #2 | |
Gigi Goode | Dr. Tizzy Stevens | |
Heidi N Closet | Fork Queen #1 | Nicky Doll |
Jackie Cox | Dr. Meredith Gay #1 | |
Jaida Essence Hall | Rhonda Shimes | Heidi N Closet |
Jan | Dr. Meredith Gay #2 | |
Nicky Doll | Baby Dearest | Herself/Heidi N Closet |
Sherry Pie | Dr. Mother Gay | |
Widow Von'Du | Mimi Dearest |
Episode 6: "Snatch Game"
Airdate: April 3, 2020
Synopsis: The queens compete in the legendary Snatch Game. Mean Girls co-stars Jonathan Bennett and Daniel Franzese guest judge. Drag queen Vanessa Vanjie Mateo makes a guest appearance.

Episode 6 Judges
- Special Guest: Vanessa Vanjie Mateo
- Cameo Appearance: Dahlia Sin
- Guest Judges: Daniel Franzese and Jonathan Bennett
- Maxi Challenge: Snatch Game
- Runway Theme: Frozen Eleganza (Inspired by the Broadway Musical, Frozen)
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Gigi Goode
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize
- Bottom Two: Aiden Zhane and Brita
- Lip Sync Song: "Let it Go" by Cassie Levy
- Eliminated: Aiden Zhane
- Farewell Message: I hope my screams were loud enough for you bitches. You may not know me now but you sure will later ♥ Aiden Zhane
Snatch Game
Episode 7: "Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical"
Airdate: April 10, 2020
Synopsis: The queens get into the groove in a Queen of Pop inspired musical. U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and supermodel Winnie Harlow guest judge.

Episode 7 Judges
- Special Guest: Jamal Sims
- Guest Judges: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Winnie Harlow
- Maxi Challenge: Record vocals and perform to them in Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical.
- Runway Theme: Night of a 1000 Michelle Visages
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Gigi Goode
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize
- Bottom Two: Brita and Heidi N Closet
- Lip Sync Song: "Burning Up" by Madonna
- Eliminated: Brita
- Farewell Message: SIS. SHARE THE JOY! YOU AIN'T SHIT. JK. LOVE YOU ALL. xo BRITA BITCH
Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical
Queen | Madonna Era |
---|---|
Brita | Cone Bra Madonna |
Crystal Methyd | Enlightened Madonna |
Gigi Goode | Unapologetic Madonna |
Heidi N Closet | Madonna Forever |
Jaida Essence Hall | Sexy Madonna |
Jackie Cox | Boy Toy Madonna |
Jan | Early Madonna |
Sherry Pie | Movie Star Madonna |
Widow Von'Du | Femmepire Madonna |
Episode 8: "Droop"
Airdate: April 17, 2020
Synopsis: The queens must create and market ridiculously extravagant products, for the new drag queen lifestyle brand "Droop." Chaka Khan guest judges. Personal trainer Bob Harper makes a guest appearance.

Episode 8 Judges
- Cameo Appareance: Dahlia Sin
- Special Guest: Bob Harper
- Guest Judge: Chaka Khan
- Mini Challenge: In pairs, curate a box of FabFitFun products for another duo, then gift it to them with shade.
- Mini Challenge Winners: Jackie Cox and Gigi Goode
- Mini Challenge Prize: $1,000 and a 1 year subscription to FabFitFun
- Maxi Challenge: Create and market a product for a new drag queen lifestyle brand.
- Runway Theme: Black Wedding / The Bride Wore Black [1]
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Heidi N Closet
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize
- Bottom Two: Jan and Widow Von'Du
- Lip Sync Song: "This Is My Night" by Chaka Khan
- Eliminated: Jan
- Farewell Message: Sisters, I'm so happy I got to share this experience with you. Stay humble, grateful, & remember, you're on RuPaul's Drag Race!! I love you, Jan 💋
Droop Product
Queen | Product | Who Should Go Home Tonight? |
---|---|---|
Crystal Methyd | "Magic Mullet" | Widow Von'Du |
Gigi Goode | "Goode Night Bitch" Fragrance Sleeping Aid | |
Heidi N Closet | "Heidi's Hydrates" Multipurpose Lotion | |
Jaida Essence Hall | "Luxuratuck" Tucking Panty | |
Jackie Cox | "Jackie's Magic Carpet Merkin" | |
Jan | "Sure, Jan" Spray | |
Sherry Pie | "Sherry Pie's Aura Pie" | |
Widow Von'Du | ""Throaté" Throat Coat Spray | Jan |
Episode 9: "Choices 2020"
Airdate: April 24, 2020
Synopsis: It's time for America's first drag queen president! The queens argue in a fabulous presidential debate. Actors Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) and Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) guest judge.

Episode 9 Judges
- Cameo Appereance: Dahlia Sin
- Special Guest: Raven
- Guest Judges: Jeff Goldblum and Rachel Bloom
- Mini Challenge: Audition for the title of "Kitty Girl 2020"
- Mini Challenge Winner: Jackie Cox
- Mini Challenge Prize: $2,500 gift card to Fierce Drag Jewels
- Maxi Challenge: Compete on the political stage to become America's first drag queen president
- Runway Theme: Stars and Stripes Forever
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Jaida Essence Hall
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize
- Bottom Two: Jackie Cox and Widow Von'Du
- Lip Sync Song: "Firework" by Katy Perry
- Eliminated: Widow Von'Du
- Farewell Message: I hope I made you PROUD KANSAS city. Remember, yes bitch you might be! PS Heidi unlike the other girls Im not leaving you a damn thing. ♥ W X
Episode 10: "Superfan Makeover"
Airdate: May 1, 2020

Episode 10 Judges
Synopsis: The queens must makeover Drag Race superfans. But there's one thing…the superfans have no idea what's about to happen to them. Actress Daisy Ridley (Star Wars) guest judges.
- Guest Judge: Daisy Ridley
- Maxi Challenge: Makeover Drag Race super fans and teach them to lip sync to "U Wear It Well" against eachother on the mainstage.
- Runway Theme: Drag Family Resemblance
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Jaida Essence Hall
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize & a $5,000 gift card for Jazz Essence Hall
- Bottom Two: Heidi N Closet and Jackie Cox
- Lip Sync Song: "Kill the Lights" by Alex Newell and DJ Cassidy ft. Nile Rodgers
- Eliminated: None
Makeover Pairs
Queen | Super Fan | |
---|---|---|
Name | Drag Name | |
Crystal Methyd | Grace Boll | Opal Methyd |
Gigi Goode | Shea Smesler | Bebe Bad |
Heidi N Closet | Nicole Blake | Honey Almighty |
Jaida Essence Hall | Bethany Akeroy | Jazz Essence Hall |
Jackie Cox | Tiffany De La Cruz | Lil' Snacky Cox |
Sherry Pie | Janet the Planet | Tara Misu |
Episode 11: "One-Queen Show"
Airdate: May 8, 2020

Episode 11 Judges
Synopsis: The queens must create and perform their own solo show. Whoopi Goldberg (The View; Ghost) coaches the queens and guest judges.
- Cameo Appereance: Dahlia Sin
- Guest Judge: Whoopi Goldberg
- Mini Challenge: Everybody Loves Puppets
- Mini Challenge Winner: Jackie Cox
- Mini Challenge Prize: Decide the One-Queen Show's order
- Maxi Challenge: The queens perform in their own one woman show
- Runway Theme: The Color Purple
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Crystal Methyd
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize
- Bottom Two: Heidi N Closet and Jaida Essence Hall
- Lip Sync Song: "1999" by Prince
- Eliminated: Heidi N Closet
- Farewell Message: Remember to stay Soft & Supple and always (Insert stolen catchphrase here). Love. Heidi...Something 💋
One-Queen Show
Queen | Show |
---|---|
Jackie Cox | Between Two Parents |
Crystal Methyd | Phenomenal Phil: Exotic Dance Instructor |
Heidi N Closet | Cookout With Your Cheeks Out |
Gigi Goode | Welcome Aboard Brimstone Airways |
Sherry Pie | Bubbles and Sherry |
Jaida Essence Hall | Putting The "P" in Pageant |
Episode 12: "Viva Drag Vegas"
Airdate: May 15, 2020

Episode 12 Judges
Synopsis: The queens must perform a medley of songs from RuPaul's Drag Race Live!, a hit show on the Las Vegas strip. Choreographer Jamal Sims (Disney’s Aladdin) guest judges.
- Guest Judge: Jamal Sims
- Mini Challenge: Design an over-the-top, one-of-a-kind showgirl headdress, that screams 'Viva Drag Vegas'.
- Mini Challenge Winner: Gigi Goode
- Mini Challenge Prize: A trip for two to Las Vegas, including airfare, accommodation, and tickets to see RuPaul's Drag Race Live
- Maxi Challenge: Record and perform a medley of songs from RuPaul's Drag Race Live in Las Vegas (Final Challenge)
- Runway Theme: Eleganza Extravaganza
- Maxi Challenge Winner: Gigi Goode
- Maxi Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize
- Bottom Two: Crystal Methyd and Jackie Cox
- Lip Sync Song: "On The Floor" by Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull
- Eliminated: Jackie Cox
- Disqualified: Sherry Pie
Top Three of Season 12
Queen | Challenge Wins | Up for Elimination |
---|---|---|
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1 (Ep. 11) |
1 (Ep. 12) |
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4 (Eps. 4, 6, 7, 12) |
0 |
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3 (Eps. 2, 9, 10) |
1 (Ep. 11) |
Episode 13: "Alone Together"
Airdate: May 22, 2020
Synopsis: The 12 queens come together in a virtual slumber party to kiki about all things season 12. Ru checks in with all the girls during quarantine and chats about the shadiest moments, most shocking eliminations and takes fan questions.
- Guest Appearances: Victoria Parker and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo

The queens reunited from their homes
- Discussions: Aiden Zhane and Brita's beef, Rock M Sakura's heartbreaking elimination, Nicky Doll being a fan favorite, Dahlia Sin storming off after her elimination, Gigi Goode and Heidi N. Closet's beef, the queens' relationships with their families, Jan crying when Brita was sent home/being upset after she was declared safe, if Gigi Goode and Crystal Methyd are dating, the queens vote for whose team they are on for the crown.
Episode 14: "Grand Finale"
Airdate: May 29, 2020
Synopsis: The top 3 queens compete in a revolutionary lip sync battle for the crown. The finale boasts special celeb appearances, the announcement of Miss Congeniality and show-stopping performances.
- Celebrity Guest Appearances: Rachel Bloom, Daniel Franzese, Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Lambert, Dolly Parton, Kim Petras, and Robyn
- Past Queen Guest Appearances: Bob The Drag Queen, Monét X Change, Adore Delano, Bianca Del Rio, Scarlet Envy, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Peppermint, Latrice Royale, Yvie Oddly, Sasha Velour, Vivacious, and Nina West
- Finale Lip Sync Challenges
- A close-up lip-sync to Ru's new song "Bring Back My Girls".
- Individually produce, direct, and star in their own performance with a song of their choice.
- A lip sync performance to "Survivor" by Destiny's Child.
- Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 12: Jaida Essence Hall
- Runners-Up: Crystal Methyd and Gigi Goode
- Miss Congeniality: Heidi N Closet
Finale Performances
Gallery
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Check out the lookbook gallery to see the queens' looks from each episode.
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Check out the lookbook gallery to see the queens' planned looks for each episode.
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Videos
Pre-Season Cast Interviews
Meet the Season 12 Queens
Challenge Performances
Music Recordings
Lip Sync Performances
The Pit Stop Recap Show
Whatcha Packin' Exit Interviews
Countdown To The Crown
Trivia
- Season 12 is the first regular season in herstory...
- ... with a contestant of Persian descent (Jackie Cox).
- ... with a French contestant (Nicky Doll).
- ... with a contestant of North African descent (Nicky Doll, who has Moroccan ancestry).
- ... with a contestant of Tongan descent (Brita).
- ... with a contestant who once lived in the state of Hawaii (Brita).
- ... to have only two contestants win Mini Challenges (Gigi Goode and Jackie Cox). They each won three out of the six Mini Challenges.
- ... to have a congressional representative as a guest judge (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Episode 7).
- ... where none of the top-five contestants landed in the Bottom 2 in the first eight episodes competing. The previous top-five holding the longest run without lip-syncing was Season 3's. Alexis Mateo lip-synced for her life after six episodes competing.
- ... to feature a Top 2 lip-sync on a regular season.
- ... where all contestants lip-synced at least once during the season, but not all of them landed in the Bottom 2. Both contestants who never landed in the Bottom 2 (Gigi Goode and Sherry Pie) lip-synced as Top 2 queens in the split premieres.
- ... to not have a single design challenge besides the Ball.
- ... to not have a single group challenge where the contestants ended up being judged as teams.
- ... to have the reunion and finale filmed from the contestants' homes (due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
- ... where the contestant who appeared in the least amount of episodes (Rock M. Sakura, appearing in four episodes) is not the first contestant to go home, but the second.
- The first contestant out (Dahlia Sin) appeared in ten episodes out of the 14, having six cameo appearances and being safe one episode before getting sent home.
- ... where the first contestant out appeared in more episodes than five other fellow contestants.
- ... to have five musical performances available for download/streaming, with "I'm That Bitch", "You Don't Know Me", "Madonna: The Unauthorised Rusical", "I Made It/ Mirror Song/ Losing is the New Winning (Las Vegas Live Medley)" and "The Shady Bunch".
- ... to have two contestants that never landed in the Bottom 2 not win the crown (Gigi Goode and Sherry Pie).
- Season 6 also had two contestants who never landed in the Bottom 2 (Bianca Del Rio and Courtney Act), but one of them ended up winning the crown.
- ... to have both a black winner and a black Miss Congeniality (Jaida Essence Hall and Heidi N Closet).
- ... where both the winner and Miss Congeniality lip-synced against each other before the finale.
- ... where five consecutive Maxi Challenges were won by only two contestants (episodes 3 to 7, Gigi Goode and Sherry Pie).
- ... to have a contestant not appear in the reunion episode (Sherry Pie).
- However, this happened before in an All Stars season (Phi Phi O'Hara in All Stars 2).
- ... to have a contestant not appear in the finale episode (Sherry Pie).
- ... to have a contestant disqualified after filming (Sherry Pie).
- Season 12 is the second regular season in herstory...
- ... with a contestant from San Francisco (Rock M. Sakura, after Honey Mahogany in Season 5).
- ... with a North Carolinian queen (Heidi N Closet) After Victoria “Porkchop” Parker
- Rock is also the first contestant of Filipino descent after Vivienne Pinay in Season 5.
- Coincidentally, both Honey and Vivienne were eliminated in the first ever double sashay.
- Rock is also the first contestant of Filipino descent after Vivienne Pinay in Season 5.
- ... with a contestant of Middle Eastern descent (Jackie Cox, after Shangela).
- ... with a Canadian contestant (Jackie Cox, after Brooke Lynn Hytes).
- ... to have a split premiere (after Season 6).
- ... to have two contestants win two consecutive Maxi Challenges (Gigi Goode and Jaida Essence Hall), after Alexis Mateo and Manila Luzon in Season 3.
- However, Gigi's and Jaida's consecutive wins were solo wins, whereas Alexis had a shared win.
- ... to feature two Rusicals in a single season, the first being Season 10.
- ... to have a contestant win four Maxi Challenges not ending up winning the crown (Gigi Goode, after Shea Couleé in Season 9).
- Season 12 is the third regular season...
- ... with a Mexican-American contestant (Crystal Methyd, after Adore Delano and Valentina).
- ... to have a cast of 13 contestants (after Season 3 and Season 4).
- ... to include an episode (Episode 9) where Michelle Visage does not judge (since Season 2, on which she was not a judge yet). However, she did make an appearance in the episode as a roaming commentator.
- ... to have a contestant win four Maxi Challenges (Gigi Goode, after Sharon Needles in Season 4 and Shea Couleé in Season 9).
- ... to have a contestant who once lived in Africa (Nicky Doll, after Bebe Zahara Benet and Mercedes Iman Diamond).
- Season 12 is...
- ... the first season since Season 6 to not have an eliminated contestant to return in any way.
- Dahlia Sin did return for six cameo appearances after her elimination, but was never shown interacting with anyone.
- ... the first season since Season 9 to not feature a returning queen from a previous season.
- ... the first season since Season 8 to not have a contestant with the last name "O'Hara" or "Davenport".
- ... the sixth season in a row to have the contestant placing 5th receive positive critiques the episode preceding their elimination (with the exception of Season 9). BenDeLaCreme, Katya, Derrick Barry, Miz Cracker, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo and Jackie Cox all were in the top in the episode before their elimination.
- ... the season with the second youngest cast, with an average age of 28.4 (behind Season 2's 27.8).
- It has been noticed that Manila Luzon lied about their age while filming Season 3, stating she was 25 instead of 28. This would make Season 3's actual average age 28.1, and thus still having the youngest cast.
- ... the first regular season after Season 9 to feature ten contestants on the Snatch Game.
- ... the first season since Season 8 to have a Top 3 for the finale.
- ... the first season since Season 6 to not have an eliminated contestant to return in any way.
- Season 12 has...
- Despite being named Maria the Robot, Gigi Goode's Snatch Game character was based on Sophia the robot. The character's name was changed presumably to avoid copyright restrictions.
- According to Jackie Cox, the runway theme for the pre-season runway walk video is "Urban Streetwear with a Political/Protest vibe." [2]
- Jackie Cox, Nicky Doll, and Dahlia Sin are the only contestants whose individual promo photo is different from the group promo photo.
- Season 12 bears multiple similarities to Season 6:
- The premiere is split into two parts
- The winner walks in for the first time in the second episode
- The Miss Congeniality is a part of the first group of queens
- The first full cast challenge was an acting challenge
- Four contestants of Season 12 are drag-related to previous Drag Race alumni:
- Dahlia Sin is Aja's drag daughter.
- Widow Von'Du is Monique Heart's drag sister.
- Jan is Alexis Michelle's drag daughter.
- Jaida Essence Hall is Dida Ritz's and Mercedes Iman Diamond's drag sister, and Soju's drag aunt.
- Sherry Pie was publicly announced as disqualified from Season 12 on March 6, 2020 via social media citing the "recent developments and [her] statement" from Facebook about the claim she sexually exploited several men.[3][4] However, the season had already begun airing a week prior to her disqualification, and the second part of the season premiere (which was the episode that introduced her into the Werkroom for the first time) aired as normal that evening, making her the first queen to be disqualified after already filming a season. She was banned from attending both the reunion and the finale.
- She is the third contestant to be disqualified from the Drag Race franchise (after Willam and Miss Gimhuay); however, she is the first contestant to be disqualified after the season had been filmed.
- Jaida Essence Hall and Heidi N Closet are considered to be the lip-sync assassins of Season 12.
- Jaida won three lip-syncs throughout the season: she defeated Sherry Pie in their Top 2 lip-sync, sent Heidi N Closet home, and won the lip-sync for the crown thus eliminating Crystal Methyd and Gigi Goode.
- Heidi also won three lip-syncs: she sent home Nicky Doll and Brita, and was part of a double shantay alongside Jackie Cox.
- Never before has a regular season winner or a Miss Congeniality been considered their season's Lip Sync Assassin, making Jaida and Heidi the first and only winners of their respective titles to have won the most lip-syncs in their season.
- It was revealed in the first episode of Season 13 that Tamisha Iman was cast on Season 12 but was forced to forego competing on the season because of her colon cancer diagnosis. After she recovered, however, she was asked to return for Season 13.
- Kandy Muse was also cast on Season 12, but ended up dropping out for personal reasons and was replaced by her drag sister Dahlia Sin.
References
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 12
| |
Jaida Essence Hall | |
2nd & 3rd: Crystal Methyd & Gigi Goode | |
4th: Sherry Pie (Disqualified) • 5th: Jackie Cox • 6th: Heidi N Closet (Miss Congeniality) • 7th: Widow Von'Du • 8th: Jan • 9th: Brita • 10th: Aiden Zhane • 11th: Nicky Doll • 12th: Rock M. Sakura • 13th: Dahlia Sin | |
Jason Carter • Bruno Carvalho • Bryce Eilenberg |