The 12th season of VH1 and World of Wonder‘s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is nearing the end of a season that has been unlike any other. Before the premiere, the producers had to disqualify a contestant for a legal matter not having to do with the program. This after a majority of the episodes were initially filmed. This forced a re-edit of the entire season to diminish that contestant’s presence (in all seriousness, an Emmy-worthy endeavor). The show will also be forced to have – we believe – some sort of virtual finale due to coronavirus stay at home orders. Meanwhile, the back-to-back Emmy winner in the prestigious Competition Series category has seen its ratings jump 22% over last season in P18-49 and dominate its timeslot in all key metrics. Perhaps it’s no surprise then, that it was revealed that “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” previously announced as a Showtime “special event,” will remain on VH1 when it debuts on June 5.
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Whatever ViacomCBS executive thought “All Stars” would help Showtime’s audience will have to wait for the pandemic to allow production and programming to return to normal levels. Much to the delight of its regular viewership, “All-Stars” will air at 8 PM on Fridays on VH1, the same timeslot that the mothership has found rating success during this pandemic. This is the fifth season of “All-Stars” and, once again, 10 returning queens will compete for a chance at entering the “Drag Race Hall of Fame” as well as a cash prize of $100,000.
In a press release, RuPaul noted, “For ‘All Stars 5’ we’ve come up with a new twist that is so twisted it’s guaranteed to twist your twisted minds.”
(We’re quite aware of the twist and the four-time Emmy-winning host isn’t wrong, it’s pretty fun and, no, we’re not going to spoil it).
This crop of queen features the most “old school” alumni since the “All Stars” spin-off began. Two top three finalists on their seasons, Alexis Mateo (Season 3) and fan-favorite Jujubee (season 2) are back as well as surprise participant India Ferrah (Season 3) and ballroom veteran Mariah Paris Balenciaga (yet another Season 3 veteran). Ongina rounds out the early show competitors becoming the fourth member of the inaugural season to return (the first season aired in 2009).
The more recent and familiar contestants include expected season 9 winner Shea Couleé (she lost in an iconic lip-sync to Sasha Velour), longtime Britney Spears impersonator Derrick Barry (Season 8) and three season 10 contestants; Miz Cracker, Blair St. Clair and Mayhem Miller.
The following info on each contestant was provided in a release from VH1. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Queens were not able to do a traditional promo shoot, so VH1 has released their werkroom entrances much earlier than normal.
Alexis Mateo (Season 3, All Stars 1)
BAM! Alexis Mateo came to season three and made it to the top three before being eliminated. She got her second chance competing in a team on “All Stars” 1, but again fell short of the crown. Now the jig is up! Alexis is back for “All Stars” 5 to secure her spot in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame!” Sickening, no?
Blair St. Clair (Season 10)
She do declare! It’s Blair St. Clair! Since season 10, this young queen has really grown and “glown-up,” and now she’s ready to be your star! Will she shine bright enough to take the “All Stars” crown?
Derrick Barry (Season 8)
It’s Derrick, B*tch! On season eight, Derrick Barry struggled to show she’s more than just a Britney Spears impersonator. Derrick is back on “All Stars” 5 to prove she is stronger than yesterday! She is ready to display the full spectrum of her drag and snatch her spot in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame.”
India Ferrah (Season 3)
India came into season three with over-the-top glam looks, but was critiqued for having an under-the-radar personality. She’s gone down in herstory for being picked up by another queen during a lip-sync for her life. On “All Stars” 5, this high-kicking queen is ready to pick up where she left off and remind everyone that Drag is not a contact sport!
Jujubee (Season 2, All Stars 1)
Jujubee first dazzled the world with her humor, heart and beauty on season two and then again on “All Stars” season one. But despite her efforts, Jujubee has never made it to the top. What about her?! What about Jujubee?! Is “All Stars” 5 her chance to prove the third time really is the charm?
Mariah Paris Balenciaga (Season 3)
On season three, Mariah, aka Mariah Paris Balenciaga, aka Mariah Successful, was known for her beauty, grace, and mug 4 dayz! She was eliminated after underperforming in Snatch Game, but now Mariah is back on “All Stars” 5 to show the world that this versatile ball queen is ready to take the grand prize!
Mayhem Miller (Season 10)
The drama is here! Mayhem Miller crashed the “Drag Race” party on season 10! She started strong, winning the very first challenge, but a peck of pickle problem put her in the bottom, and she sashayed away too soon. Now this L.A. favorite is back to stake her claim on the Hall of Fame. Is it finally Miller time?
Miz Cracker (Season 10)
“Okay, it’s time for Cracker!” Season 10’s self-described Jewish Barbie brought smarts and sass to the game – even as she struggled to get out of her head. Now this blonde, beloved New Yorker is back to take a crack at the “All Stars” crown!
Ongina (Season 1)
On season one, Ongina captured the hearts of millions with her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, talent and beautiful bald head! Now this high energy Queen is back for “All Stars” 5! Will she make up for lost time and take her spot in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame?”
Shea Couleé (Season 9)
Chicago in the house! Shea Couleé came to season nine to SLAY not PLAY! And “slay” she did, snatching four wins on her way to the Grand Finale, before a shocking shower of rose petals sent her packin’. Equal parts bougie and banjie, this polished powerhouse now has her eyes on the “All Stars” prize!
The “All Stars” franchise earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured Reality or Competition Series in 2019. The first four episodes will qualify for Emmy consideration this year.