RuPaul's Drag Race: the 15 most successful queens

Premiering in 2019, this reality show competition has helped elevate drag and turbocharge the careers of dozens of talented drag queens. Interestingly, the glittering trophy didn't always determine who'd be jetting off to stardom. While the show has gone international, here are some of the most successful queens from the US version...

Our favorite life-sized Barbie isn't just known for her razor-sharp wit and high-camp style. She's a viral sensation with her YouTube show UNHhhh, a cosmetology whizz with her own makeup line, a handywoman (who knew!) with her reality show about motel renovations, a country music singer and a proud NY Times bestselling author with her co-written book ‘Trixie and Katya's Guide to Modern Womanhood.’

Despite never grabbing the crown, Katya’s chemistry with workaholic Trixie Mattel has blasted her into the drag stratosphere. Together, they co-host the UNHhhh, spill tea on their podcast, tour as a comedy duo, and co-write hilarious manuals on womanhood.

The season eight monarch has ascended beyond the realm of Drag Race. Among his royal duties, he has co-hosted the HBO show ‘We’re Here,’ was the face of Coach New York’s Pride campaign, slays as a podcast host, and has been handpicked to shine in the 2023 Madonna tour.

Spicier than the hot sauce she's named after, this Latina queen didn’t snatch a Drag Race title but she’s gearing up to grab the mic. In 2023, it was announced that this California stunner would be serving charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent as host of Drag Race Mexico, alongside Lola Banana.

Being the first Korean-American contestant didn’t stop Kim Chi from sashaying her way into the hearts of over 1.8 million Instagram followers. Her feed is a makeup masterclass, which has powered her successful venture into her own makeup line: Kim Chi Chic Cosmetics.

Dubbed the supreme Drag Race winner by many, she’s combined sequined gowns and stand-up mics like no other. Her comedy acts have sold out theaters worldwide, and she even holds the honor of being the first drag queen to headline at Wembley Arena. By 2019, Variety declared her “The most powerful drag queen in America.”

Winner of All Stars 2, Alaska has been making the most of reality TV. She’s been a regular on VH1's ‘Scared Famous,’ dropped a slew of comedy dance albums, co-hosts a podcast with Willam Belli where they lovingly mock their alma mater, and let's not forget, she had a cameo in ‘The Last Sharknado.’

Sure, the crown eluded her in Season 9, but that didn't deter her from conquering the world off-stage. She strutted the Savage X Fenty catwalk, grooved in an Iggy Azalea music video, and even had her own beer that raised funds for the LGBTQ community.

Perhaps the most artistic of the queens, this season 9 victor is celebrated for her critically acclaimed one-queen theatrical show ‘Smoke & Mirrors.’ Also known for her literary prowess, she founded her own magazine and penned the widely popular ‘The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag.’

This dancing queen is a living legend in the drag community, despite never having won Drag Race. Responsible for many of the catchphrases and memes in the scene, she had her own show on Netflix: ‘Dancing Queen.’ Alyssa also hosts the delightfully candid web series ‘Alyssa’s Secret.’

She may not have dazzled on Drag Race, but that hasn’t put a dent in her shine. This radiant Vietnamese queen boasts 2 million Instagram followers, who eagerly await her magical transformations and collaborations with top makeup brands.

This co-winner of ‘All Stars’ is also a trained opera singer and hugely successful podcaster. Besides hosting award-wining podcasts alongside Bob the Drag Queen and legend Lady Bunny, she has also released a ton of music and even appeared as a voice actor in a 2023 episode of ‘The Simpsons.’

With over 2 million Instagram followers, Adore shines brighter than the Drag Race crown she never won. The alter ego of Daniel Anthony Noriega of ‘American Idol’ fame, Adore has dropped some fiery tracks and has three studio albums under her belt.

This Aussie beauty (caught in the act, get it?) exudes talent and poise. Before she graced the Drag Race stage, she was already a sensation on 'Australian Idol,' eventually signing with a renowned record label and releasing a national hit. In 2021, she channeled her charisma into hosting a critically accliamed ABC television interview show.

The season 10 runner-up has co-hosted co-hosted the acclaimed HBO show ‘We’re Here’ alongside Bob the Drag Queen. She also appeared as an actress in ‘American Horror Story: Double Feature’ and ‘The L Word.’