New shows and returning favorites are coming to television and streaming in January. And, for fans of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” that means another season of queens hoping to have enough C.U.N.T. to take the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Paramount and MTV already revealed the new cast last week, but this morning, they put the spotlight on the show’s celebrity judges. And, as is tradition, a major music star is set for the premiere. Joining the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and Ariana Grande is none other than Cardi B.
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The Grammy Award-winning Hip Hop artist will appear on the first episode of the season, slated to debut on Friday, January 2. Other guest judges include recent Golden Globe Award nominee Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another,” “All’s Fair”), 2026 Grammy Award nominee Zara Larsson, “Saturday Night Live” standout Sarah Sherman, music producer Benny Blanco, iconic model and actress Brooke Shields, the legendary Iman, standup comedienne and queer ally Atsuko Okatsuka, Tony Award-winner Annaleigh Ashford, “Ghosts” star Danielle Pinnock, and two-time Emmy Award winner Julianne Nicholson. Additionally, Dove Cameron, who first appeared as a guest judge on Season 14, is set to return to the judging panel four years later.
RuPaul Charles will be joined by mainstay judges Michelle Visage (returning as host of “Drag Race Down Under vs the World” in 2026), Carson Kressley (currently doing double duty on “Canada’s Drag Race”), Ross Matthews (a “Drew Barrymore Show” regular), and TS Madison. Regular contributors Law Roach, Jamal Sims, and Leland will make singular judging appearances this season.
This year’s contestants, vying for a cash prize of $200,000, include Athena Dion (Miami, FL), Briar Blush (Boston, MA), Ciara Myst (Indianapolis, IN), Darlene Mitchell (Los Angeles, CA), DD Fuego (New York, NY), Discord Addams (St. Petersburg, FL), Jane Don’t (Seattle, WA), Juicy Love Dion (Miami, FL), Kenya Pleaser (Sumter, SC), Mandy Mango (Philadelphia, PA), Mia Starr (West Palm Beach, FL), Myki Meeks (Orlando, FL), Nini Coco (Denver, CO), and Vita VonTesse Starr (Montgomery, AL).
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18 will debut on Friday, January 2 at 8 PM ET/PT. Each 90-minute episode will be followed by “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” at 9:30 PM ET/PT.
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