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Note: The following story contains spoilers from the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 17 finale.
RuPaul Charles has officially declared the winner of Season 17.
The final showdown featured the Top 4 queens of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”: Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles, and Sam Star, all vying for the prestigious title of America’s next drag superstar. Ultimately, it was Onya Nurve who earned the crown.
To kick off the evening, each queen delivered a unique performance by lip-syncing to their own original songs. Highlights included Jewels’ whimsical number, Lexi’s vibrant roller-skating routine, Onya’s bold and electrifying performance, and Sam’s display of star power.
After showcasing their talents, RuPaul narrowed the competition down to the top two queens: Onya Nurve and Jewels Sparkles. They faced off in a final lip-sync battle, set to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.” Despite Jewels’ impressive reveal-filled routine, it was Onya’s charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent that ultimately helped her clinch victory.
In addition to being crowned the next drag superstar, Onya won a year’s supply of makeup from Anastasia Beverly Hills and a cash prize of $200,000, courtesy of TodayTix. The runner-up was awarded $25,000, while Lexi Love and Sam Star each received a cash tip of $10,000, also from Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Crystal Envy was honored with the title of Miss Congeniality, inspiring fans at home with a message to “sparkle like a crystal, and be kind.” Additionally, all Season 17 queens walked away with $2,000 from L’Oréal Paris.
During the finale, RuPaul honored EGOT winner Liza Minnelli with the ‘Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award.’ Minnelli captivated the audience from her throne on stage as shirtless dancers accompanied her performance of “Ring Them Bells.” In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude, saying, “I don’t know what else to say except If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be me. You made me.”
This season’s finale took place on the main stage, featuring a limited live audience. Unlike previous seasons, which boasted larger venues to accommodate more fans, returning queens, and celebrity guests, this year’s setting was more intimate.
Additionally, Season 16 winner Nymphia Wind made a special appearance, reprising her Snatch Game character, Jane Goodall, and reflecting on her experiences since her victory. Remarkably, her segment included a cameo from the real Jane Goodall.
Earlier this month, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” was awarded Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” airs Fridays on MTV.
Source
www.thewrap.com