Another week, another heart-wrenching RuPaul’s Drag Race elimination. Why do we have to have a cast so endearing that it hurts to say goodbye to them each week? Ugh, let’s get into it.
The queens entered the workroom after the shocking elimination of Mirage. Everyone was crying, most over Mirage’s exit, others over not winning a challenge. Q struggled with getting so close to the win but not all the way. Plane Jane took it as an opportunity to be shady, which should surprise no one.
The show must go on, though. RuPaul entered the workroom to promote his new book, The House of Hidden Meanings, in the name of a mini-challenge. The queens had to get into quick drag and take a cover photo or their own memoirs, plus write a title and a synopsis. The winner was Sapphira Cristal, which was much deserved. She was hilarious, as always.
Then the news was broken to the group, it was time for the girl group challenge! You know the drill by now, writing their own lyrics and making up the choreo. The queens were in three teams: Team Sapphira featuring Dawn, Morphine Dion Love, and Q, performing Star Baby. Team Plasma featuring Amanda Tori Meating, Xunami Muse, and Plane, performing Courage to Love, and Team Geneva Karr composed of Mih’ya Iman Le’Paige, Megami, and Nymphia Wind putting their own twist on A.S.M.R. Lover.
After the queens worked on writing their verses, they hit the main stage to practice their choreography. Plasma ran a tough ship with her moves, but Amanda was there to help, sharing that she was in the touring production of Kinky Boots. Team Geneva didn’t have as strict a regiment. Mih’ya was leading the charge, but she was so quiet and shy that it took a minute for her to take charge. Morphine took charge of Team Sapphira, noting that she was the Abby Lee Miller of drag – incredible.
It was time for the queens to get into drag before their big performance. Q went to squash her beef with Plane, but instead the latter brought up how much she doesn’t respect Amanda. It was so out of pocket. Q and Plane moved on, but now Amanda and Plane had to work together after those rude comments. So bizarre! Sapphira, a self-proclaimed mother bear, stepped in to kindly tell Plane to watch her words.
On the main stage, Ru was joined by Michelle Visage, TS Madison, and Icona Pop! The girl groups absolutely smashed it. I will say Q’s performance was a bit of an awkward standout, but even then, she wasn’t horrible! It was great to see Megami and Mih’ya in their elements after struggling to stand out throughout the competition thus far. Overall, a very fun performance all around!
On the runway, the category was “faster, Pussycat, wig! Wig!” because, of course, it was. I could not have been more obsessed with how Sapphira’s pussycat wig turned into a literal pussycat, referencing Austin Powers. Xunami looked stunning, Q was polished as always (and made it herself!), and I don’t care what you all say, Amanda’s look was FUN! And of course, Nymphia. Does she ever miss?
It was time for the judges’ critiques. Team Geneva was the winning girl group of the week! It was great to see them shine.
Of course, Ru asked the question – who should go home? Amanda and Q were the most popular choices, so it was no surprise that those two made up the bottom.
The pair faced off to Emergency by Icona Pop. Both queens were perfect, in my humble opinion. This was a tough elimination. Sadly, Amanda sashayed away.
We can’t wait to see her continue to grow, especially after coming out as trans this week! You can tell from her social media that she is in such a good place. Let’s get her on All-Stars, yeah?!
