The Emmy award-winning show has invited more than 100 famous actors, pop-stars, designers, and comedians to judge the contestants thus far.
When it comes to judging queens on the basis of their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, RuPaul knows how important it is to have a team of “drag-fashion-comedy” experts who are capable of giving meaningful feedback to aspiring drag queens. With Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, and Ross Matthews giving tough love to the queens in every episode, Ru ensures to keep viewers on their toes by inviting famous celebrity guest judges. These are the ten most iconic stars who made it to the judges’ panel alongside RuPaul.
Highlights —
- Fans get to see a new celebrity judge every episode
- Stars like Ariana Grande and Whoopi Goldberg have graced the stage
- But RuPaul’s word is the final word in every episode
10) Adam Rippon (S11 e06)
After claiming his love for ‘All Stars 3‘ finalist Kennedy Davenport, out loud on Twitter, Adam finally got the chance to preside as a judge on season 11’s “The Dragalympics” episode besides Travis Wall. The Olympic-Bronze medallist exactly knew what he was supposed to do and gave insightful critiques to the queens.
9) Leah Remini (S06 e07)
Leah and her BFF Michelle Visage being their shady selves, were the true winners of “Glamazon by Colorevolution” challenge as per fans (sorry Adore and Laganja). Her quirky banter with fellow panellist Michelle Visage made the episode even more entertaining for the fans.
8) Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (S12 e07)
How many of you can think of a politician who judges a queer-talent/competition show? Well, RuPaul fans can surely name a few, starting with the feisty congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez aka AOC who appeared on Drag Race’s episode “Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical” as a guest judge.
The congresswoman from Queens shared her life story with the contestants and told them,
It was a dream come true to be a judge on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’.
7) Leslie Jones (S12 e04)
SNL star and American comedian Leslie Jones had us rolling on the floor with laughter with her whimsical remarks throughout “The Ball Ball” episode. Jones was so exhilarated to see RuPaul in full drag and gave us several one-liner comedy golds including “She done already had horses”, “Dramatic lighting”, and “Cause you looked fly”.
She was so good that she went trending on twitter with fans demanding a permanent chair for Miss Jones on the judging panel (and rightfully so).
6) Jane Krakowski (All Stars 5 e07)
If asked who would be the best choice to judge a “Stand-Up comedy” challenge featuring drag queens, Jane Krakowski would top the list for sure. Drag race fandom was gagged to see the hilarious comedian groom the top 4 queens for the “Stand-Up Smackdown” challenge.
She later revealed that it was her 7-year-old son who introduced her to the world of drag (in an interview with Seth Meyers).
5) La Toya Jackson (S03 e3,14)
Everyone who follows the show closely knows how much Mama Ru adores pop legends like Cher, Diana Ross, and La Toya Jackson. La Toya appeared as a judge in season 3 not just once but twice.
Though her first presence may have been overshadowed by the infamous incident when Mimi Imfurst lifted India Ferrah on her shoulders during their lip-sync battle.
4) Marc Jacobs (S08 e06)
Beside power-packed lip-sync battles and zany dramedy challenges, ‘Drag Race’ lovers crave for iconic and high-fashion design challenges. For the “Wizards of Drag” challenge, Ru invited the legendary designer Marc Jacob as the celebrity guest judge.
Marc was deeply inspired by Naomi Small’s ensemble (inspired by scarecrows) who ended up winning the challenge. Marc later reappeared in ‘All stars 3’ on popular demand.
3) Nicki Minaj (S12 e01)
“Young money” walked RuPaul’s runway during the premiere of season 12. Looking fabulous in a custom-made red mermaid-tail gown, she definitely upstaged every queen on the stage. Since the main challenge for the contestants was to write a rap, she was clearly the best choice to judge their writings.
2) Miley Cyrus (S11 e01)
Pop-sensation Miley Cyrus is not a new name to the ‘Drag Race’ fandom. She gave a high-octane performance at the VMAs 2015 with drag race royalties like Shangela, Alyssa Edwards, and Laganja Estranja.
The “Malibu” singer, disguised as a crew member, went backstage to surprise the queens of season 11 during its premiere and even gave them several tips in the untucked lounge.
1) Lady Gaga (S09 e01)
Lady Gaga is undoubtedly the most famous pop-star to ever sit on the judges’ panel of ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race’. Entering the “Werk Room” as a Lady Gaga impersonator, she left all the queens jaws dropped when she removed her headpiece.
All 13 queens showcased their “Best Lady Gaga” ensembles during the premiere of season 9 which was highly appreciated by fans and Mother Monster herself.
It is heartening to witness so many icons who are celebrating drag and encouraging gender-bending artists to slay the world with their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. While many won’t agree with this list, it goes without saying that no matter who appears on the judges’ panel, there will always be one “Queen-Supreme” and that is RuPaul.
