February 13, 2016
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 8 Cast Revealed
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
"RuPaul's Drag Race" returns with a court of QUEENS so ingenious, a competition so unpredictable and a judges' panel so packed with talent, you'll be seeing stars. It's all the artistry, all the humanity and all the head-turning twists you love; but if you think you know this "Race," honey, you have no idea.
The season premiere is on Monday, March 7, at 9pm ET/PT, which also marks the 100th episode and the 100th queen to sashay into the workroom. It's her-story in the making!
The 12 QUEENS for this year are (in alphabetical order by first name):
ACID BETTY, 37, Brooklyn, NY
No need to adjust your TV sets- this acid trip is all real. The self-proclaimed "bitch" of the competition, Acid Betty mixes a retina-searing psychedelic style with an outspoken, confrontational attitude. As Betty herself puts it, "even Bianca [Del Rio] won't f*** with her. That's the T!"
BOB THE DRAG QUEEN, 29, New York, NY
This funny girl describes herself as "hilarious, beautiful, talented... and humble." And whilel she might toot her own horn, having perfected her comedic chops hosting drag shows six nights a week in Manhattan, Bob's unabashed confidence will either win the judges over... or cost her the crown.
CHI CHI DEVAYNE, 29, Shreveport, LA
A sassy southern dancing queen with a formidable lip-synch, this queen puts the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent in "country." Hailing from humble roots, Chi Chi is determined to win the $100,000 prize. If she can rise to the challenge and embrace who she is in the competition... she might just be laughing all the way to the bank.
CYNTHIA LEE FONTAINE, 34, Austin, TX
Originally from Puerto Rico, this latina pageant queen is "sexy as a goddesses and funny as a clown." Cynthia plans to dominate the competition with her giant personality... and with her giant "kuku" too. But will her wonderful wackiness translate on the runway?
DAX EXCLAMATIONPOINT, 31, Savannah, GA
The self-described "queen of all nerds," Dax is a cosplaying queen who draws her inspiration from comic book superheroes. Combine her unique take on drag with a gritty determination to succeed, and Dax looks like the perfect Storm to take the crown.
DERRICK BARRY, 32, Las Vegas, NV
Professional celebrity impersonator Derrick transforms himself into Britney Spears 6 nights a week on the Las Vegas strip, with a look so convincing, even Brit-Brit herself was left speechless when she met him. But whether the judges will go crazy for Derrick's Britney, or ask him to gimme more, remains to be seen.
KIM CHI, 27, Chicago, IL
This Korean drag queen is not only a cultural first for RuPaul's Drag Race; she's also the first Korean drag queen ever to be on television. With her formidable makeup skills and over-the-top anime drag, it doesn't look like she will disappoint in her ambassadorial duties for Korea. Not bad for a queen named after pickled cabbage.
LAILA McQUEEN, 22, Gloucester, MA
A quasi-rocker-goth-queen, Laila brings a dark and delicious flavor to the race. Her punky aesthetic and Beetlejuice fashions make her stand out from the crowd... but only time will tell if they can make her rise to the top of the competition.
NAOMI SMALLS, 21, Redlands, CA
This ridiculously leggy, tall glass of water is obsessed with 90s supermodels, like her namesake Naomi Campbell. But with a last name inspired by Biggie Smalls, it's no wonder she also has a notorious reputation... so you'd better check your lipstick before you come for her.
NAYSHA LOPEZ, 31, Chicago, IL
One of the most beautiful queens ever to grace the Drag Race runway, Naysha already made waves in the pageant world when she snatched the prestigious Miss Continental crown. But rub this flawless queen the wrong way, and her reaction will be anything but pretty.
ROBBIE TURNER, 33, Seattle, WA
Hailing from the same city as her best friends (and Drag Race alumni) Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, Robbie Turner has some big shoes to fill as the third installment of the Seattle Drag Race trilogy. Luckily, Robbie is a multi-talented comedic performer... skills that will stand her in good stead if her predecessors are any indication.
THORGY THOR, 31, Brooklyn, NY
Fans are going to fall in love with this colorful "fashion clown," for both her high-octane energy and eclectic style. A perfectionist by nature and determined to be recognized for her talents, will Thorgy's competitive streak ultimately help or hinder her in the race?