As we enter the fourth week, Ruby On The Nail has survived yet another lip sync battle as we say goodbye to Edeha Noire, who leaves a loving message on the mirror: “I love you, my family.” A lovefest arises amongst the queens as they agree they’ve become a family as they continue to endure the competition together. With a new week comes a new round of chaos, and Nicky Doll arrives to give out the mini-challenge, and as always, it makes no sense. The mini-challenge isn’t a strong suit of Drag France, beginning with a massage segment in which the queens are to give Nicky a fully clothed massage in a weird skit that is awkward with no outcome. Followed by the real mini-challenge, which is to play the gameshow Les Zazamours. Both Perseo and Le Filip aren’t sure what it means, so we, the international viewers, aren’t alone in this one.
The queens must pair up into couples, and with one throuple, they’re to partake in Les Zazamours, which is essentially a comedy improvised skit on how well the ‘loved up couples’ know one another. After enduring that awkward watch, it turns out no one won, which once again feels like another time-filling segment. But this week’s maxi challenge is a favourite of mine. It’s the Rusical, and this season is the celebration of the iconic pop diva Céline Dion.
An array of roles are included to choose from, which is to be expected with the fulfilling and successful life that Céline has carved out for herself. It’s also a great reminder of how she started from humble beginnings and became the superstar we know today. Norma Bell is ready to challenge herself and leave her comfort zone by playing Rene, Céline’s manager and eventual husband. All parts seem to fit the queens well, yet the real battle is for the lead role, in which many are confident they can pull off or that they speak to them specifically. Leona Winters and Ruby On The Nail battle it out for Céline in the Vegas part, making counter-active arguments as to why they should play her. Instead, the others believe Ruby should play another role, and the tension is building up ever so slowly. Ruby is relatable for many of us people-pleasers out there, and in order to avoid conflict, she goes for the American Celine role. To help shape the queens into their chosen Celine, they’re joined by a wonderful Celine impersonator who gives her best tips and tricks to make the Rusical come to life.
This week’s guest judges are singers Louane and Woodkid. So, let the Rusical commence, and it is just wow. Firstly, Nora Bell’s arrival as Rene in bald-headed old man drag is jarring to the eyeballs and completely leftfield, but she definitely left her comfort zone. The musical as a whole is great; however, when Céline’s husband dies, it does feel a little uncomfortable; perhaps it’s the depth of detail they tend to linger on. Although he was a very prominent figure in her life, it feels like a cheap way to get emotions by describing the night he died, and if she can ever go on and move forward, it feels invasive.
The runway category is The night of 1,000 Célines, and Ruby On The Nail was the biggest shock for me. She really had a chic and fantastic look. As always with a diva category, the looks can sometimes be hit or miss, or worse, duplicated. Both Le Filip and Leona Winters went for her wedding dress look, and one was better than the other, and I will let you decide at home which one was the best.
The confusion begins as the three queens that remain on stage would technically mean being at the bottom. But Ruby On The Nail is finally spared from having to lip sync again; however, that means Leona Winter and Le Filip will have to lip sync. I’m sure many of us at home were ready to throw hands and shout at our screens. In a sigh of relief, it’s a twist, and instead they will battle out for the win, meaning no one will be going home (hurray). To mirror the Rusical theme, the song for this week’s battle of the brides is Céline Dion’s Pour Que Tu M’aimes Encore. Rightfully so, the winner of this week’s challenge goes to Leona Winters. She knew it was her destiny to have that role, and she passionately showcased why you should always believe in yourself. So there we go; no one goes home, which means double heartbreak is around the corner and more drama.
What did we think of this week’s episode? Tune-In: Drag Race France S3 will premiere Friday, May 31st on WOWPresents Plus in the US and select territories worldwide, day-and-date with its local airing on France TV’s SLASH.
