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RuPaul's Drag Race
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The third season of RuPaul's Drag Race began airing on January 24, 2011 and ended on May 2 of the same year. Twelve new contestants and one returning contestant competed for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar", a headlining spot on the Absolut Tour, a lifetime supply of Kryolan makeup and a cash prize of $75,000.

This season saw Michelle Visage replacing Merle Ginsberg at the judge's table and Billy B, Mike Ruiz and Jeffrey Moran filling in for Santino Rice's absence during several episodes. (Billy B filled in for four episodes, Mike Ruiz for two and Jeffrey Moran for one) Other changes made were the introduction of a wildcard contestant from the past season, an episode with no elimination and a contestant was brought back into the competition after having been eliminated a few episodes prior. A new pit crew was also introduced.

As with the previous season, each week's episode was followed by a behind-the-scenes show, RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked.

The winner of the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race was Raja, with Manila Luzon placing as the runner-up and Yara Sofia winning Miss Congeniality.

On December 6, 2011, Amazon.com released this season on DVD via their CreateSpace program.

Contestants[]

S3Cast
(This image does not feature Shangela)

(Biographical information stated from during time of contest)

Rank Contestant Photo Age Location 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 Ep. 15 Ep. 16
Casting Special Design Acting Advert Improv Snatch
Game
Design Stand
Up
Advert Singing Ball Make
Over
Ball Recap Finale Reunion
1st
(Winner)
Raja RajaS3CastMug 36 Los Angeles, CA IN WIN
Mini
Chall.
Winner
SAFE SAFE SAFE HIGH WIN HIGH LOW WIN HIGH
Mini
Chall.
Winner
BTM2 HIGH RUN WINNER GUEST
2nd
(Runner-Up)
Manila Luzon ManilaLuzonS3CastMug 28 New York, NY IN HIGH SAFE SAFE
Team
Captain
WIN SAFE HIGH BTM2 LOW
Mini
Chall.
Winner
HIGH
Mini
Chall.
Winner
HIGH WIN WIN RUN RUNNER
UP
GUEST
3rd Alexis Mateo AlexisMateoS3CastMug 30 St. Petersburg, FL IN SAFE WIN WIN SAFE HIGH BTM2 LOW WIN LOW BTM2 HIGH
Mini
Chall.
Winner
BTM2 RUN ELIM GUEST
4th
(Miss Congeniality)
Yara Sofia YaraSofiaS3CastMug 26 Manatí, PR IN SAFE HIGH
TEAM
HIGH SAFE LOW HIGH HIGH BTM2 SAFE WIN HIGH ELIM
Mini
Chall.
Winner
MISS
CON
5th
(Orig. 6th)
Carmen Carrera CarmenCarreraS3CastMug 25 Elmwood Park, NJ IN LOW LOW SAFE
Team
Captain
SAFE
Team
Captain
SAFE LOW
Mini
Chall.
Winner
HIGH BTM2 ELIM RTRN
+
ELIM
GUEST
6th Shangela ShangelaS3CastMug 29 Los Angeles, CA BTM2 WIN SAFE HIGH SAFE LOW WIN
Mini
Chall.
Winner
HIGH BTM2 ELIM GUEST
7th Delta Work DeltaWorkS3CastMug 34 Norwalk, CA OPEN CALL SAFE BTM2 SAFE SAFE BTM2
Mini
Chall.
Winner
HIGH ELIM GUEST
8th Stacy Layne Matthews StacyLayneMatthewsS3CastMug 25 Back Swamp, NC IN SAFE HIGH
TEAM
HIGH BTM2
Team
Captain
WIN ELIM GUEST
9th Mariah MariahParisBalenciagaS3CastMug 29 Atlanta, GA IN SAFE HIGH
TEAM
Team
Captain
LOW LOW ELIM GUEST
10th India Ferrah IndiaFerrahS3CastMug 23 Dayton, OH IN SAFE SAFE BTM2 ELIM GUEST
11th Mimi Imfurst MimiImfurstS3CastMug 27 New York, NY IN HIGH HIGH
TEAM
ELIM GUEST
12th Phoenix PhoenixS3CastMug 29 Atlanta, GA IN SAFE ELIM
Team
Captain
GUEST
13th Venus D-Lite VenusD-LiteS3CastMug 26 Los Angeles, CA OPEN CALL ELIM GUEST
The contestant won RuPaul's Drag Race.
The contestant placed as a runner-up.
The contestant was eliminated by RuPaul at the finale.
The contestant had immunity in this episode.
The contestant won the maxi challenge.
The contestant was one of the maxi challenge winners.
The contestant was a member of the winning team, but did not win the maxi challenge.
The contestant received mostly positive critiques, but did not win the maxi challenge.
The contestant received mostly negative critiques, but was not up for elimination.
The contestant was up for elimination, but neither were eliminated.
The contestant was up for elimination and won the "Lip Sync For Your Life".
The contestant was up for elimination, lost the "Lip Sync For Your Life", and was eliminated.
The contestant was awarded the title of "Miss Congeniality" at the finale.
The contestant appeared as a guest, but was out of the running.

Episodes[]

Series # Episode # Title Airdate
22 1 Casting Extravaganza January 24, 2011
23 2 The Queen Who Mopped Xmas January 24, 2011
24 3 Queens in Space January 31, 2011
25 4 Totally Leotarded February 7, 2011
26 5 QNN News February 14, 2011
27 6 The Snatch Game February 21, 2011
28 7 Face, Face, Face of Cakes February 28, 2011
29 8 Ru Ha Ha March 7, 2011
30 9 Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Style March 14, 2011
31 10 RuPaul-a-Palooza March 21, 2011
32 11 RuPaul's Hair Extravaganza March 28, 2011
33 12 Jocks in Frocks April 4, 2011
34 13 Make Dat Money April 11, 2011
35 14 Superstar Edition April 18, 2011
36 15 Grand Finale April 25, 2011
37 16 Reunited! May 2, 2011

Episode 1: "Casting Extravaganza"[]

Synopsis: What does it really take to become America's next drag superstar? From fabulous divas to outrageous flops, RuPaul gives a behind-the-scenes look at casting for Drag Race.

Episode 2: "The Queen Who Mopped Xmas"[]

S3E2Judges

Episode 2 Judges

Synopsis: The claws come out in the first challenge of the season when the girls are asked to create a holiday look with nothing but some tinsel, ornaments and a few well placed mistletoe.

  • Guest Judges: Bruce Vilanch, Mike Ruiz and Vanessa Williams
  • Mini Challenge: Christmas Card Photoshoot
  • Mini Challenge Winner: Raja
  • Mini Challenge Prize: An extra $25 to spend at the thrift store.
  • Maxi Challenge: Holiday Thrift Store Drag
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Raja
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: A $2,000 gift card to Sequin Queen and immunity from next week's elimination
  • Bottom Two: Shangela and Venus D-Lite
  • Lip Sync Song: "The Right Stuff" by Vanessa Williams
  • Eliminated: Venus D-Lite
  • Farewell Message: "Don't Be Shady!! Be A Lady! Love Ya, Venus DLite"

Entrance Order

1 Delta Work
2 Carmen Carrera
3 Phoenix
4 Manila Luzon
5 Stacy Layne Matthews
6 Venus D-Lite
7 Yara Sofia
8 Mariah
9 Alexis Mateo
10 India Ferrah
11 Mimi Imfurst
12 Raja
13 Shangela

Christmas Card Photoshoot

Episode 3: "Queens in Space"[]

S3E3Judges

Episode 3 Judges

Synopsis: The queens participate in a psychic challenge. After, they film spoof space films before hitting the runway in their best space themed drag.

  • Guest Judges: Lily Tomlin and Alessandra Torresani
  • Mini Challenge: Try to guess your partner's choices
  • Mini Challenge Winners: Mariah and Phoenix
  • Maxi Challenge: Act in Sci-Fi movie spoofs
  • Maxi Challenge Winners: Alexis Mateo and Shangela
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: A set of hand-sculpted silicone breastplates by Boobs For Queens
  • Bottom Two: Delta Work and Phoenix
  • Lip Sync Song: "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
  • Eliminated: Phoenix
  • Farewell Message: "Be You Bitches (Boots) Loves, Phoenix"

Drag Queens in Outer Space

Character Team Phoenix Team Mariah
Boobarella Delta Work Mariah
Hermaphrodite Raja Mimi Imfurst
Tweaker Manila Luzon Yara Sofia
Lady TaTa Phoenix Stacy Layne Matthews
Twinbots Carmen Carrera Alexis Mateo
India Ferrah Shangela

"Who Should Go Home Tonight?"

Contestant Choice
Delta Work Phoenix
Carmen Carrera Phoenix
Manila Luzon Phoenix
India Ferrah Phoenix
Phoenix Unrevealed
Raja Unrevealed

Episode 4: "Totally Leotarded"[]

S3E4Judges

Episode 4 Judge La Toya

S3E4JudgeSusanPowter

Episode 4 Judge Susan Powter

Synopsis: The girls get physical as they produce their own inspirational workout videos directed by fitness guru Susan Powter.

  • Guest Judges: La Toya Jackson and Susan Powter
  • Mini Challenge: Making Leotards from Duct Tapes
  • Mini Challenge Winners: Carmen Carrera and Manila Luzon
  • Maxi Challenge: Produce a fitness video with workout expert Susan Powter
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Alexis Mateo
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: A $2,500 gift card to Gilt Groupe and immunity from next week's elimination
  • Bottom Two: India Ferrah and Mimi Imfurst
  • Lip Sync Song: "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston
  • Eliminated: Mimi Imfurst
  • Farewell Message: "mimiimfurst.com 'life is too short to live someone else's'"

Werkout Video

Team Manila Work Out Team Carmen Work Out
Manila Luzon Step & Strap Carmen Carrera Work It Out!
Raja FabuLOSSity Delta Work Shake N' Bake
Shangela Halleloola Hoop Mariah How to Keep a Tight Snatch
Mimi Imfurst "You Gotta Love Me" Jump Rope Yara Sofia Echar Pa'lante
Alexis Mateo Stretch the Upper Body India Ferrah Rubber Tug
Stacy Layne Matthews Sit N' Shake

Episode 5: "QNN News"[]

S3E5Judges

Episode 5 Judges

Synopsis: The queens get a wake up call in the competition when they're asked to produce two morning news shows.

  • Guest Judges: Chloë Sevigny and Debbie Matenopoulos
  • Mini Challenge: Scandalous Red Carpet Photo
  • Mini Challenge Winners: Carmen Carrera and Stacy Layne Matthews
  • Maxi Challenge: Produce a morning news show
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: A $2,000 gift card to Wig USA and immunity from next week's elimination
  • Bottom Two: India Ferrah and Stacy Layne Matthews
  • Lip Sync Song: "Meeting in the Ladies Room" by Klymaxx
  • Eliminated: India Ferrah
  • Farewell Message: "Never Give Up! You're All Stars!!! xoxo India"

QNN News

Character Team Stacy Team Carmen
Anchor 1 Stacy Layne Matthews Raja
Anchor 2 Alexis Mateo Delta Work
Weather Girl Yara Sofia India Ferrah
Gossip Reporter Shangela Carmen Carrera
Roving Reporter Mariah Manila Luzon

Episode 6: "The Snatch Game"[]

S3E6Judges

Episode 6 Judges

Synopsis: The queens compete in a star-studded TV game show where they must pull out their best celebrity impersonations.

  • Guest Judges: Aisha Tyler and Amber Rose
  • Mini Challenge: S**t RuPaul Says
  • Mini Challenge Winner: Delta Work
  • Mini Challenge Prize: A phone call home
  • Maxi Challenge: Snatch Game
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Stacy Layne Matthews
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: A cruise for 2 to the Bahamas courtesy of Al and Chuck Travel
  • Bottom Two: Delta Work and Mariah
  • Lip Sync Song: "Looking for a New Love" by Jody Watley
  • Eliminated: Mariah
  • Farewell Message: "Condragulations Raja. Mug4Dayz! Mariah"

Snatch Game

Contestant Celebrity
Alexis Mateo Alicia Keys
Carmen Carrera Jennifer Lopez
Delta Work Cher
Manila Luzon Imelda Marcos
Mariah Joan Crawford
(as portrayed by Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest)
Raja Tyra Banks
Shangela Tina Turner
Stacy Layne Matthews Mo'Nique
(as Mary Lee Johnston from Precious)
Yara Sofia Amy Winehouse


Episode 7: "Face, Face, Face of Cakes"[]

S3E7Judges

Episode 7 Judges

Synopsis: The queens look good enough to eat in this episode where they're challenged to find fashion inspiration from the world of cakes.

Contestant Cake
Alexis Mateo Cheesecake
Carmen Carrera Princess Cake
Delta Work Angel Food Cake
Manila Luzon Carrot Cake
Raja Chocolate Lava Cake
Shangela Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Stacy Layne Matthews Red Velvet Cake
Yara Sofia Strawberry Shortcake


"Who Deserves to go Home Tonight?"

Contestant Choice(s)
Carmen Carrera Shangela
Delta Work Stacy Layne Matthews
Manila Luzon Shangela
Raja Stacy Layne Matthews
Shangela
Shangela Carmen Carrera
Stacy Layne Matthews Carmen Carrera

Episode 8: "Ru Ha Ha"[]

S3E8Judges

Episode 8 Judges

Synopsis: The queens perform stand-up comedy routines in front of a live studio audience!

  • Guest Judges: Rita Rudner and Arden Myrin
  • Mini Challenge: Reading is Fundamental
  • Mini Challenge Winner: Shangela
  • Mini Challenge Prize: An extra 10 minutes with Rita Rudner and choose the line up for the maxi challenge.
  • Maxi Challenge: Perform a stand-up routine in front of a live audience
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Shangela
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: An original, custom designed gown from Miami Elite Designs
  • Bottom Two: Delta Work and Manila Luzon
  • Lip Sync Song: "MacArthur Park" by Donna Summer
  • Eliminated: Delta Work
  • Farewell Message: "WORK HEATHERS xoxo Delta"

Episode 9: "Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Style"[]

S3E9Judges

Episode 9 Judges

Synopsis: The queens create patriotic video messages for the troops.

  • Guest Judges: Cheryl Tiegs and Johnny Weir
  • Mini Challenge: Decorate regular bras using rhinestones
  • Mini Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon
  • Mini Challenge Prize: An extra 5 minutes to film
  • Maxi Challenge: Film a patriotic message addressed to US military personnel overseas
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Alexis Mateo
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: A three-piece luxury luggage set from Antler Luggage
  • Bottom Two: Carmen Carrera and Yara Sofia
  • Lip Sync Song: "Mickey (Spanish Version)" by Toni Basil
  • Eliminated: None
  • Stay Message: "I kiss Johnny Weir! Carmen Carrera"; "I'm still here! Echa Pa Lante xoxo Y.S."

Episode 10: "RuPaul-a-Palooza"[]

S3E10Judges

Episode 10 Judges

Synopsis: The queens record and perform their own version of Ru’s new song, "Superstar", in one of six distinct musical styles!

  • Guest Judges: Jeffrey Moran, Jody Watley and Carmen Electra
  • Mini Challenge: "Ru"sical Chairs
  • Mini Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon
  • Mini Challenge Prize: First choice at genre and order of queens for their choice
  • Maxi Challenge: Record an interpretation of "Superstar" by RuPaul and perform it before a live audience
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Raja
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: An original, custom gown by Marco Marco
  • Bottom Two: Carmen Carrera and Shangela
  • Lip Sync Song: "Believe" by Cher
  • Eliminated: Carmen Carrera
  • Farewell Message: "Heathers better win."

RuPaul-a-Palooza

Contestant Genre
Manila Luzon Disco
Alexis Mateo Hip Hop
Shangela Country
Yara Sofia Pop
Carmen Carrera Reggae
Raja Punk Rock

"Who Should Go Home Tonight?"

Contestant Choice
Alexis Carmen
Carmen Shangela
Manila unrevealed
Raja Shangela
Shangela Carmen
Yara Carmen

Episode 11: "RuPaul's Hair Extravaganza"[]

S3E11Judges

Episode 11 Judges

Synopsis: The queens wig out when they have to compete in a fantasy hair show.

  • Guest Judges: Wayne Brady and Fantasia
  • Mini Challenge: Create a beach-themed headpiece
  • Mini Challenge Winner: Raja
  • Maxi Challenge: Design three outfits for a hair show, featuring one outfit made entirely from wigs
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Yara Sofia
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: An Alaskan cruise for 2 from Al and Chuck Travel
  • Bottom Two: Alexis Mateo and Shangela
  • Lip Sync Song: "Even Angels" by Fantasia Barrino
  • Eliminated: Shangela
  • Farewell Message: "Always live your dreams and believe in second chances. Halleloo! Love Shangela"

Episode 12: "Jocks in Frocks"[]

S3E12Judges

Episode 12 Judge Sharon Osbourne

S3E12JudgeMargaretCho

Episode 12 Judge Margaret Cho

Synopsis: The queens must transform a group of All-American straight jocks into their drag sisters.

  • Guest Judges: Mike Ruiz, Margaret Cho and Sharon Osbourne
  • Returned: Carmen Carrera
  • Mini Challenge: Dunk-A-Queen
  • Mini Challenge Winner: Alexis Mateo
  • Maxi Challenge: Turn a straight jock into your glamorous drag sister and perform a cheer supporting safe sex
  • Maxi Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon
  • Maxi Challenge Prize: Manila and Fuchsia each received a cruise for 2 to the Bahamas from Al & Chuck Travel
  • Bottom Two: Carmen Carrera and Raja
  • Lip Sync Song: "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul
  • Eliminated: Carmen Carrera
  • Farewell Message: "Good bye AGAIN!! Best of luck to everyone. Turn it out & don't be a sprepper! xoxo Carmen"
Contestant Makeover Partner
Name Drag Name
Alexis Mateo Slava Avals Mateo
Carmen Carrera Chevy Lolita Cruz Carrera
Manila Luzon Matt Fuchsia Luzon
Raja Chris Enigma
Yara Sofia Drew Drewlita Sofia

Episode 13: "Make Dat Money"[]

S3E13Judges

Episode 13 Judges Michelle Visage and Gigi Levangie Grazer

S3E13Judges2

Episode 13 Judges Mike Ruiz and La Toya Jackson

Synopsis: The queens break the bank as they perform in a pageant of dresses made out of money.

Finalists

Contestant Challenge Wins Up for Elimination
Alexis-mug
Alexis Mateo
3
(Eps. 3, 4, 9)
3
(Eps. 7, 11, 13)
Manila-mug
Manila Luzon
3
(Eps. 5, 12, 13)
1
(Ep. 8)
Raja-mug
Raja
3
(Eps. 2, 7, 10)
1
(Ep. 12)

Episode 14: "Superstar Edition"[]

RuPaul_Champion_music_video_(featuring_Raja,_Manila_Luzon_and_Alexis_Mateo)

RuPaul Champion music video (featuring Raja, Manila Luzon and Alexis Mateo)

Syniopsis: A look back at the highlights, low-lights and previously unseen footage from the first 13 episodes.

Episode 15: "Grand Finale"[]

S3E15Judges

Episode 15 Judges

Synopsis: The remaining three queens face their final challenge when they're asked to transform into video vixens for the music video to Ru's latest single, "Champion."

Episode 16: "Reunited!"[]

Synopsis: Wigs fly as the queens return to discuss the drama of the season.

Trivia[]

Gallery[]

Gallery pic
Check out the lookbook gallery to see the contestants' looks from each episode.

References[]

Navigation[]

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