Let’s get the bonjours out of the way and celebrate the start of the third season of Drag Race France, another franchise that has been a hit with fans across the world. Opening with iconic scenes from last season that are melded together with judges to come on this season, setting the scene with excitement has its exploded within minutes. Last season’s winner, Keiona, has followed the ceremonial tradition of leaving a good-luck message for the next set of dolls. The queen we meet first is Misty Phoenix, who has a a chic unique outfit, but next it’s an honour to finally see Le Filip grace our screens, a very talented queen who will without a doubt be serving us some fantastic looks.
Out next is Afrodite Amour, and even the drag names are elegant; next out is Perseo, who transports us to the Canary Islands in his half-naked suggestion of an outfit and an aesthetic we’re used to seeing on Drag Race Espana on contestants such as Drag Vulcano and Drag Sethlas. Next we meet Leona Winter, who is gloriously glamorous, and although Norma Bell out was cute, it was reminiscent of the colour palette of McDonald’s; but it’s Magnetica that grabs the eye in a sea creature lifebuoy concoction; it’s eye-catching and something a little bit different.
Thus far, everyone is aged in their 20’s, which to the horror of Le Filip and Leona Winter, realise that they are the two oldest queens at the grand old age of 28. Those of us watching who are 30+ are collectively rolling our eyes back into our heads at their misplaced youth. But fear not, Ruby on the nail has arrived and reveals she’s the grand old age of 34. Hurrah! A dramatic entrance is made by Edeha Noire, and out last is Lula Strega complete with a witches broom and describes herself as “our favourite little witch.” So, let’s say Bonjour to the cast of season 3. They’re excited, we’re excited so let’s get this episode truly started.
Back again is the wonderful host Nicky Doll who gives the details of the winner’s gift package for this season, and future franchises should take note on how to push the queens to rise to the top. The recipients will receive a getaway trip to the Venice Carnival 5* star courtesy of misterb&b the LGBTQIA+ booking platform, and MAC cosmetics is offering a year’s supply of products. The structure of the mini challenge is roughly the same as previous seasons, as always there’s a chance for the queens to break their neck in the mini photo challenge titled Sur La Vague.
And in the midst of the colourful beach, a sparkly surfboard awaits its models. Nicky Doll takes great satisfaction in switching on the motors which kick into life the waves and surfboard, for the queens to maintain balance and dignity, but to be fair everyone does a steady job at keeping their modesty in tact. But the winner for best photo is Magnetica, or as Le Filip labels her “the lifebuoy.”
Time for the maxi challenge and it’s a cabaret burlesque show where the contestants are to showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. As it’s a cabaret show, and the dial is turned up to ten; after all this is season three, and is made to be a little more challenging. The talent portion remains unchanged, yet they are to write, record their own lyrics, and lipsync whilst modelling their best outfit. The latter half of which will be easy peasy for these french beauties. The rehearsals are conducted by the flamboyant dancer Claude Cormier who will give a masterclass in the art of seduction, and teach the girls choreography. He is a bundle of chaotic energy that helps all of them through the nerves and provides a boost of morale.
In typical french fashion the main challenge is chic and sophisticated and reminiscent of the Moulin Rouge. With the first challenge, it’s always important to make a strong first impression to those watching and the beady eyes of the judges. It was fantastic to see Nicky Doll open the cabaret show, as it’s always nice to see the host join in the fun. It was great to have the lyrics in both French and English so the onsceeen so viewers could sing along and digest what was taking place. Within the performance there were some stand-outs, and a few struggles. But this cast is a strong bunch, and without a doubt it is going to be a difficult season to judge.
For the catwalk the category is: Made In France, and this makes other seasons look like a struggle bus of outfits. The strong point of Drag Race France is fashion, as La Grande Dame reminded us in the recent season of Rupaul’s Drag Race Vs The World Season 2. There is a concept in place, and it’s refreshing that the contestants explain to the viewer why they chose their particular outfit. Rupaul’s Drag Race America is a mere description of what the garment is, which we can clearly see what it is. These are clever concepts, and rich in their culture which we all learn a lesson on the history gone by. The top for me was Le Filip who embodied the sultry elegance that comes from the art of burlesque.
Back in untucked, Lulu becomes upset after being told her shyness is her weakness and that it needs to be worked on. It’s a moment that is genuinely sad, and her sisters rally round to pick her up which is always a wonderful moment about Drag Race. The judging from the guests was a little tough, and to comment that they don’t know someone’s personality yet is a pet peeve. They’ve just arrived. It’s the first day, so let’s relax a little.
The guest judges are on another level of celebrity, with high-end fashionistas writing their judgements down with feather quills. We are definitely not in the UK or US. Joining the judging panel this week is Charles De Vilmroin, and singer Jenifer. This week’s s winner is Leon Winters and Lulu escaped the bottom and is declared safe. Leaving Edeha and Afrodie Amour in the bottom two to lip sync it out to Sur Le Fil by guest judge Jenifer. It was a good number, nothing groundbreaking but a great way to kick off the season.
Unfortunately we say au revoir to Afrodie Amour. What did we think of the season premier? Let us know in the comments!
Tune-In: Drag Race France S3 will premiere Friday, May 31st on WOW Presents Plus in the US and select territories worldwide, day-and-date with its local airing on France TV’s SLASH
