A new cast of returning queens are back to compete in Rupaul’s Drag Race UK Versus The World season 2, which I am very excited for. It’s not just the Americans and UK battling it out, but we have international fan favourites across the board. The first queen out on the mainstage and representing the UK is the endearing Tia Kofi, followed by Australia’s Hannah Conda, La Grande Dame for France, and Arantxa Castilla-La Mancha for Spain. Competing on behalf of the US and competing for a third time are Mayhem Miller and Scarlett Envy, followed by Holland’s Keta Minaj, and a queen that fans are excited to see back in the race, and rightfully so is drag race Philippines Marina Summers. Back to represent the UK, and joining Tia Kofi, are Gothy Kendoll, Chorizo May, and Jonbers Blonde. Every one of these queens is back to show their sparkly glow up, and to see Gothy confident is already a joy to see.
There are many faces that I’m happy to see back, but this time around I won’t mention who, as last time it didn’t pan out the way many of us hoped for on season 1. Pangina. I forgive, but I won’t forget. So let’s go, and this cast is probably the most interesting for All Stars. It’s what makes All Stars special: it’s the perfect mix of queens who got sent home early, queens who were within touching distance of winning the crown, and fan favourites.
This does mean that All Stars rules are back in effect, and Rupaul gives the news that for the first time in Drag Race UK history, there’ll be a cash prize (!) of £50,000! I’m sure Drag Race UK vs The World season 1 winner Blu Hydrangea and recent season 5 UK winner Ginger Johnson are just fine with that news. Of course, the other fun aspect of this season is that half the cast have never met or performed in front of Rupaul, so it will be interesting to see who gets him laughing.
As always, we get to witness the spectacular talent show segment, and well, it was crazy. La Grande Dame surprised me the most; she’s high-fashion, and elegant, so for her to showcase the routine of noises and comedic flair it was certainly different. Another one that was oddly funny was Arantxa. Once again, I had no idea what was going on; it was a concoction of moans and a spelling bee on how to say her name. But this is what is going to make this season so memorable, and we were transported back to All Stars 6, as Mayhem Miller once again forgot her lines to her talent show piece.
One notable thing throughout the show was how heartwarming it was to see the queens support and cheer for one another. As Tia sang in her show; “Real queens uphold each other with their crowns.” Of course Marina Summers stole the show with her original song, complete with an intense dance routine. Marina is a star, and dare I say frontrunner for the crown.
Our first runway of the season is Queen and Country, with each queen representing their country so well, the garments are perfect. La Grande Dame encapsulated just what this challenge is about, strutting the runway as a kooky frog complete with the iconic Eiffel Tower; it worked as it was camp, and still high fashion, keeping to her brand. Another notable look belonged to Marina Summers, who looked glamorous while teaching us about rice farmers, and Alan Carr learned something new about Filipino culture.
Joining the panel this week is special guest star and icon Richard E. Grant, and his enthusiasm for the show is what we all love to see! The worst part of the season has arrived, and it’s time for the bottom queens to plead their case as to why they should stay, of which that falls to Mayhem Miller and my UK queen, Gothy Kendoll. It’s hard to understand her placement; she literally swallowed fire; however, her original track was rough, the sound was off, and it was hard to hear. Marina Summers places top as is expected and deserved, alongside La Grande Dame. We all know Rupaul loves to be entertained by the kooky and crazy, so I’m thrilled to see her thrive.
Lip Syncing for the win to the pop classic Dreamer by Living Joy, we’re back in the 90s with this sultry number, it’s interesting that the top two Rupaul has not judged yet, proving how strong the international franchises are. The pocket rocket Marina Summers wins the lip sync, and rightfully so, and with that, it’s time to reveal the lipstick, and the queen going home is Mayhem Miller. I agree with this decision; she’s had her All Stars moment, whereas Gothy has yet to show her glow up after being first out in season 1, which is hard to believe aired in 2019. Time flies when drag is fun, and I truly think this season is going to be one that will stand out for its uniqueness.
What did you think of the grand opener for Drag Race UK Vs The World Season 2?
#DragRaceUK vs The World S2 premieres Fridays:
🌍 9PM UTC @wowpresentsplus worldwide ex. UK and Canada
🇺🇸 1PM PT/4PM ET @wowpresentsplus
🇬🇧 @bbcthree
🇨🇦 @cravecanada
