The quickest 10 weeks in drag race history brings us to the finale of Drag Race UK season 6. This season has without a doubt been a standout in the UK franchise, rivalling that of the iconic UK Season 2. With a strong top four, which, quite frankly, most of us watching would be happy for any of them to take the crown. As they gather round to cheer for Lill and her iconic attitude and personality, our final four discuss how empty the room feels now that only they remain.
Rileasa Slaves is in a reflective mood, having come to the realisation that she was more happy to navigate her journey towards the final more than the crown. Each finalist has had such a good run, with all four badge holders, each offering something unique to winning the crown. This season’s top four is similar to that of Drag US season 6, which also had a beloved final four that showcased the unique and varying styles of drag, like Bianca Del Rio and Adore Delano. Similarly, Kyran Thrax and La Voix have brought that playful energy throughout the season, and it’s been so much fun for fans to watch.
But of course, to get the crown, they must tackle one final challenge: they must write, record, and choreograph a performance to the new track Winners Song. The setup is similar to how classic X-Factor/Pop Idol competition finales would run, and the song is camp and cringe… it’s perfect.
In addition to the performance, the girls get a chance to sit one-on-one with Michelle Visage and Ru to talk about their time on the show. Emotions begin to show as they open up about their journey, both in life and on the show. With Kyran discussing how she embraces her confidence and how it can be a rare thing to see in a British person refusing to be humble and quiet, which is admirable. Meanwhile, La Voix discusses her fear of looking like the old outdated queen, in which Michelle reassures her, saying part of her referencing older icons is part of her and to instead embrace it.
Rileasa is still reflective, expressing pride during the show and being able to live authentically since her struggles with being gay growing up in the islands to today. Marmalade beams with joy as she reminisces about her eventual badge win, which was all the more special with her mum being there. With the sentimental moments over, it’s time to dive into the choreography with Aaron of S Club Junior fame. The dance is camp, and it screams 2000s like a nostalgic throwback, and it’s got moves that everyone will want to recreate.
In their final werkroom get-ready preparations, the girls are surprised by season 5 winner Ginger Johnson, who stops by to offer some advice not just about the finale but also for life beyond the show. Rileasa then realises she might get fans outside the show, which I guess when one were to think about it, their dream is to get on the show to showcase their drag. But life once off the show accelerates and throws them into the spotlight, which they can perhaps be unprepared for. Ginger advises them to rest, as once they’ll be working nonstop. Also, all the aforementioned queens will be attending Rupaul’s DragCon UK in January, so if you want to meet them and see them perform, don’t forget to snatch a ticket here.
The time has come to see the performance debut of the winner’s song! Before we see the girls take to the stage, we get a gorgeous gold montage of each finalist, and you just want to root for all four of them. Everyone does a great job of their lyrics that all accurately represent their time on the show. Also, the vocals—and by Drag Race standards—is a fun song to listen to. We’ve seen past finale songs be a little hard on the ears, but this is exempt.
Besides the vocals, they are all cohesive in their gold outfits yet still maintain their sense of individual style. This has easily been my favourite finale in a very long time. If that wasn’t good enough, they’re joined by the eliminated queens dressed in gold choir robes for one last performance together. It’s so nice to see everyone on stage, and it showcases just what a bloody good season we had.
For the runway, the final category is, of course, Finale Eleganza extravaganza. Each eliminated queen gets their catwalk moment looking gorgeous and glamorous. Seeing Saki Yew back, it’s a bittersweet reminder of how robbed we were of her—she looks stunning on the runway. Lill strays from the conventional glam gown and is so quintessentially Lill, instead opting to serve a bloodied knight look that somehow still looks glamorous. Our final four are finale ready. It’s so hard to pick a favourite, as they all showcase their style wonderfully. Although La Voix does pip the other slightly as she is serving Disney princess/bride in her ballgown.
Deliberations begin for who should advance to the final two, and it’s an in-depth dive with the judges discussing the queen’s ups and downs. The queens also get a chance to share what they would tell their younger selves during the photo segment. When the decision is made, we see Kyran Thrax and La Voix chosen as the top two for the crown. It’s the perfect top two, and I do think this is the outcome everyone envisioned.
One lip sync song stands in the way between them and the crown, but what’s clear is the special bond that Kyran and La Voix have is special, and you genuinely are so happy to root for both of them. The last song choice of the franchise could not be more apt for such an occasion, and it’s Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. From the start, it’s electric, and it’s everything that I love about drag. Watching two completely different styles of drag go head to head is so cool; it’s so UK and shows that regardless of age or style of drag, the UK just loves to see a good drag show. Before the winner is crowned, our reigning queen, Ginger Johnson, comes out with the sceptre and crown, looking incredibly regal.
But the time has come, and the winner of season six of Drag Race UK is… Kryan Thrax! A queen I was drawn to since the beginning. Her quirkiness, confidence, and unique sense of style are exactly what this season has needed for a while. Proof that UK drag is varied, fun, and she has had an incredible run this season. A truly well-deserved win. As she collects her crown and septre she proudly declares… that every day is bin collection day!
So there we are; season six has finished, and the patient wait for season 7 now begins. What did you think of the finale?