Hey, we got a winner! RuPaul has finally crowned the 16th Next Drag Superstar after 16 episodes of the 16th season. Fans were kept on the edge of their seats till the very end of the highly anticipated season. Since January, fourteen queens have entered the Werk Room. One by one, they have been eliminated each week, bringing the final three—Nymphia Wind, Plane Jane, and Sapphira Cristal—to the forefront.
It was exciting to have a season that felt like it featured numerous winner contenders after previous seasons that felt either predictable (like the Sasha Colby meet-and-greet and Symone’s sluggish stroll to the win) or missing in strong contenders (looking at you, Season 14). Season 14 had no shortage of talent, from Nymphia’s runways and Plane Jane’s clever reads to Sapphira’s star quality and—dare I say it—Q’s outfits. Fortunately, the drama was never lacking. Week after week, we were held captivated by the suspenseful immunity twist, Plane Jane’s rivalry with Amanda Tori Meating, Plasma’s unexpected departure, and Dawn’s dubious commentary. Of course, there were also the renowned lip syncs and confessionals from Morphine Love Dion, who you KNOW will soon get an All Star season.
In tonight’s finale, Ru further reduced the field to the top two as the final three queens—as in the Season 8 finale—each performed a brand-new musical piece. Before the winner was crowned, the two queens made a comeback to the stage for one more lip sync, to Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam” of course.
Not to mention, we had a brand-new song from RuPaul herself, a magnificent performance by Sasha Colby, our new Miss Congeniality, and one last enormous banana costume for the season.
Here is a recap of everything that happened in the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 finale:
Who won Miss Congeniality for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16?
Xunami Muse and Sapphira Cristal
There are two Miss Congenialities for the first time in RuPaul’s Drag Race history. Since Season 10, the queens of the season have voted on this award, which was previously given out as a “fan favorite” prize chosen by the audience. Winner of Season 15 Malaysia Babydoll Foxx made a surprise appearance in the form of a gigantic owl to present the reward to Sapphira and Xunami. It should come as no surprise that there was a tie after only 14 votes. Each won a monetary reward.
Who finished third in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16?
Plane Jane
Plane Jane, the front-runner for the majority of the competition, was shockingly removed first out of the three finalists. Early in the show, Plane Jane, Sapphira, and Nymphia each gave a lip sync performance to an original song. Ru narrowed down the finalists to two based on those performances—and likely their entire run this season. Plane Jane seems a little taken aback and dismayed that Nymphia had defeated her before the finals, especially considering that many had anticipated a matchup between Sapphira and Plane Jane after both had won four challenges. But in my opinion, it became evident at the Q&A segment of the show’s conclusion that Plane Jane isn’t quite able to match Ru’s level of sincerity. She struggled during the podcast challenge two weeks ago, and aside from her amazing appearance, she was unable to explain why she should be the Next Drag Superstar. Ru might not want to send Plane Jane to a Kamala Harris event if you contrast her uneasy shyness with Sasha Colby’s style. Nevertheless, Plane Jane was awarded a $25,000 consolation prize and appears to be headed for another All Stars run after she’s had some time to grow up.
Who is the runner up of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16?
Sapphira Cristal
Unexpectedly, neither of the four-challenge winners from this season won the championship. Even though Sapphira appeared ready to take the title after Plane Jane was eliminated, Nymphia Wind managed to snipe her as well. Even though Sapphira fought bravely, all of Nymphia’s antics were novel and creative, and her last lip sync gave us more of what we’ve seen all season. Nevertheless, Sapphira received a $25,000 reward for her difficulties and made history by being the first contestant to execute a full lip sync while wearing vampire teeth.
Who won RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16?
Nymphia Wind
Nymphia Wind won’t be able to conceal her abilities behind that enormous crown after spending a whole season downplaying her accomplishments. Even though she had only three victories going into the finals compared to her rivals’ four, her remarkable lip sync talents and regularly gorgeous runway looks gave her the upper hand. She also represents a drag subculture that hasn’t ever taken home the title. She’s the first fashion queen to win the title since Aquaria and the first Asian winner since Raja. She want to give more global queens the opportunity to participate on the original Drag Race stage by symbolizing the franchise’s global reach.
Has RuPaul’s Drag Race Been Renewed for Season 17?
Indeed, ma’am! With its devoted fan base and numerous worldwide variations, Drag Race doesn’t seem to be in danger of ending anytime soon. Season 17 casting started in early 2024, and the next season will start shooting in the coming months.
