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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 contestants would 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 was an American presidential election year. At the end of each episode, queens are seen holding signs that read "Register to Vote".

The season 12 contestant 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.

In October 2020, the season 12 cast returned for the Halloween special "Bring Back My Ghouls".

About The Show

The fiercest series on primetime returns to the runway on Friday, February 28th at 8:00 PM ET/PT. The highly anticipated new season brings together thirteen fabulous queens as they vie for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" and a cash prize of $100,000. The Emmy nominated after-show "RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked" will premiere immediately following at 9:30 PM ET/PT. "Untucked" will provide viewers with an all-access pass to the backstage drama as the queens anxiously await their fate and who will need to lip-sync for their life to avoid the week's elimination.

Contestants

RPDRS12Banner

(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
Rumix Improv Ball Acting Snatch
Game
Rusical Advert Improv Make
Over
Stand
Up
Rusical Reunion Grand
Finale
1st
(Winner)
Jaida
Essence Hall

(Group 2)
JaidaS12Promo 32 Milwaukee,
WI
WIN SAFE
Team
Captain
HIGH SAFE SAFE SAFE HIGH WIN WIN BTM2 HIGH RUN WINNER
2nd/3rd
(Runners‑Up)
Crystal
Methyd

(Group 1)
CrystalMethydS12Promo 28 Springfield,
MO
SAFE LOW SAFE SAFE LOW HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH WIN BTM2 RUN RUNNER
UP
Gigi
Goode

(Group 1)
GigiS12Promo 21 Los Angeles,
CA
TOP2 SAFE WIN
Mini
Chall.
Winner
HIGH WIN WIN LOW
Mini
Chall.
Winner
LOW SAFE SAFE WIN
Mini
Chall.
Winner
RUN RUNNER
UP
4th
(Disqualified)
Sherry Pie
(Group 2)
SherryS12Promo 27 New York, NY TOP2 WIN SAFE WIN HIGH SAFE LOW SAFE HIGH LOW SAFE DISQUALIFIED
5th Jackie Cox
(Group 1)
JackieS12Promo 34 New York, NY HIGH HIGH SAFE HIGH HIGH LOW HIGH
Mini
Chall.
Winner
BTM2
Mini
Chall.
Winner
BTM2 HIGH
Mini
Chall.
Winner
ELIM GUEST GUEST
6th
(Miss
Congeniality)
Heidi N
Closet

(Group 1)
HeidiS12Promo 24 Ramseur,
NC
LOW HIGH
Team
Captain
SAFE BTM2 SAFE BTM2 WIN HIGH BTM2 ELIM GUEST MISS
CON
7th Widow
Von'Du

(Group 1)
WidowS12Promo 30 Kansas City,
MO
WIN SAFE
Team
Captain
SAFE HIGH SAFE SAFE BTM2 ELIM GUEST GUEST
8th Jan
(Group 2)
JanS12Promo 26 New York, NY HIGH SAFE SAFE HIGH SAFE HIGH ELIM GUEST GUEST
9th Brita
(Group 1)
BritaS12Promo 34 New York, NY HIGH SAFE BTM2 LOW BTM2 ELIM GUEST GUEST
10th Aiden
Zhane

(Group 2)
AidenS12Promo 29 Acworth,
GA
HIGH SAFE
Team
Captain
LOW HIGH ELIM GUEST GUEST
11th Nicky Doll
(Group 1)
NickyS12Promo 28 New York, NY LOW BTM2 HIGH ELIM GUEST GUEST
12th Rock M.
Sakura

(Group 2)
RockS12Promo 28 San
Francisco,
CA
LOW SAFE ELIM GUEST GUEST
13th Dahlia Sin
(Group 2)
DahliaS12Promo 28 Los Angeles,
CA
LOW ELIM GUEST GUEST GUEST GUEST GUEST GUEST
The contestant won RuPaul's Drag Race.
The contestant placed as a runner-up.
The contestant appeared on the reunion episode and was still in the running.
The contestant won the maxi challenge or was in the Top 2 of the week and won the "Lip Sync For The Win".
The contestant was in the Top 2 of the week, but did not win the "Lip Sync For The Win".
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.

Contestant's Winning Earnings

Name Money
Jaida Essence Hall $117,000
Crystal Methyd $7,000
Gigi Goode $25,500
Sherry Pie $10,000
Jackie Cox $5,500
Heidi N Closet $17,000
Widow Von'Du $7,000
Jan $2,000
Brita $2,000
Aiden Zhane $2,000
Nicky Doll $2,000
Rock M. Sakura $2,000
Dahlia Sin $2,000
The contestant was awarded $100,000 for winning RuPaul's Drag Race.
The contestant was awarded $10,000 for winning the title of Miss Congeniality.
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 Airdate
146 1 I'm That Bitch February 28, 2020
147 2 You Don't Know Me March 6, 2020
148 3 World's Worst March 13, 2020
149 4 The Ball Ball March 20, 2020
150 5 Gay's Anatomy March 27, 2020
151 6 Snatch Game April 3, 2020
152 7 Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical April 10, 2020
153 8 Droop April 17, 2020
154 9 Choices 2020 April 24, 2020
155 10 Superfan Makeover May 1, 2020
156 11 One-Queen Show May 8, 2020
157 12 Viva Drag Vegas May 15, 2020
158 13 Alone Together May 22, 2020
159 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.

S12E1JudgesPanel

Episode 1 Judges

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.

RPDRS12EP2Judges

Episode 2 Judges

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.

Rpdr 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

Fruity Patooties
(Team Jaida)
3 Girls, 1 Brain
(Team Aiden)
Squirrel Scouts
(Team Widow)
The Del Rio Triplets
(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.

S12E4JudgesPanel

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 and $2,500 donation in her name to Honeybees.org
  • 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"

Chosen sport for Lady Baller category

Queen Sport
Aiden Zhane Baseball
Brita Baseball
Crystal Methyd Bowling
Gigi Goode Croquet
Heidi N Closet Golf
Jackie Cox Lacrosse
Jaida Essence Hall Basketball
Jan Soccer
Nicky Doll American football
Rock M. Sakura Tetherball
Sherry Pie Hammer throw
Widow Von'Du Polo

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.

S12E5JudgesPanel

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
  • 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 Nicky Doll
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.

S12E6JudgesPanel

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

Queen Celebrity Photo
Aiden Zhane Patricia Quinn AidenSnatchGameS12
Brita Jennifer Holliday BritaSnatchGameS12
Crystal Methyd Poppy CrystalMethydSnatchGameS12
Gigi Goode Maria the Robot GigiSnatchGameS12
Heidi N Closet Leslie Jones HeidiSnatchGameS12
Jackie Cox Lisa Rinna JackieSnatchGameS12
Jaida Essence Hall Cardi B JaidaSnatchGameS12
Jan Bernardette Peters JanSnatchGameS12
Sherry Pie Katherine Hepburn SherrySnatchGameS12
Widow Von'Du Tina Turner Widow1SnatchGameS12
Ike Turner Widow2SnatchGameS12

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.

S12E7JudgesPanel

Episode 7 Judges

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.

S12E8JudgesPanel

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.

S12E9JudgesPanel

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

S12E10JudgesPanel

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
  • Mini Challenge: Reading is Fundamental (unaired)[2]
  • Mini Challenge Winner: Unknown
  • Mini Challenge Prize: Unknown
  • 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

S12E11JudgesPanel

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

S12E12JudgesPanel

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
  • 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

Top Three of Season 12

Contestant Challenge Wins Up for Elimination
TeamCrystalS12 1
(Ep. 11)
1
(Ep. 12)
TeamGigiS12 4
(Eps. 4, 6, 7, 12)
0
TeamJaidaS12 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.

Season12Reunion

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.

Finale Performances

Performer Song Photo
1 The Top 3 "Bring Back My Girls" by RuPaul S12CloseupLipsync
2 Crystal Methyd "I'm Like a Bird" by Nelly Furtado S12CrystalFinaleLipsync
3 Gigi Goode "Take On Me" by a-ha S12GigiFinaleLipsync
4 Jaida Essence Hall "Get Up" by Ciara S12JaidaFinaleLipsync
5 The Top 3 "Survivor" by Destiny's Child S12LipsyncForTheCrown

Trivia

    • Season 12 is the first American season...
    • ... 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. This would later be repeated on Season 13.
    • ... 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.
      • This would later be repeated on Season 13, where two queens who didn't lip sync, Rosé and Gottmik, didn't win the season.
    • ... to have both a black winner and a black Miss Congeniality (Jaida Essence Hall and Heidi N Closet).
      • This would later be repeated on Season 13, where the winner, Symone, and Miss Congeniality, LaLa Ri, were both black.
    • ... 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).
      • The previous season to hold this record was Season 10, where four consecutive Maxi Challenges were won by only two contestants (episodes 4 to 7, Aquaria and Eureka).
    • ... to have a contestant not appear in the reunion episode (Sherry Pie).
    • ... 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 American season...


  • Season 12 is the third American season...


  • 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 8 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 her 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 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.
      • This is due to Sherry Pie being ineligible for the finale due to her disqualification after filming wrapped.
  • Season 12 has...
    • ... the most looks shown on the runway in one episode, with 36, in Episode 4, at the time.
      • Season 10 and 11 previously held this record, both with eleven contestants presenting a total of 33 looks.
      • This record was later beaten by Season 14 in Episode 3, which displayed a total of 42 looks.
      • And now the record being tied with Season 14 and Season 16, which both displayed 42 looks in Episode 3.
    • ... the most queens being eliminated after placing "high" in that previous episode (four queens).
  • 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." [3]
  • 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 eventual Miss Congeniality is a part of the first group of queens.
    • The first challenge featuring the full cast was an acting challenge.
  • Four contestants of Season 12 are drag-related to previous Drag Race alumni:
  • 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.[4][5] 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.
  • Many fans were disappointed at the lack of the "Reading is Fundamental' mini challenge on Season 12. Many fans theorized that disqualified queen Sherry Pie won the mini challenge which was cause for the removal of the challenge. However, on September 15, 2022, Heidi N Closet confirmed there was a traditional reading challenge on the season, but it was "so bad we were told they couldn’t use it" and production chose to scrap it. Heidi also confirmed that there was no winner for the challenge and contrary to popular belief, Sherry actually did the worst in the challenge, electing to compliment her fellow competitors instead of reading them. [6][7][1][8]
  • This season has produced a total of three returning contestants:

Gallery

Gallery pic
Check out the lookbook gallery to see the contestants' looks from each episode.
Elim Gallery pic
Check out the lookbook gallery to see the contestants' planned looks for each episode.
VideoGallery-Icon
Check out the video gallery to see challenge performances, runways, lip syncs, and more!

References

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