The girls need to go beyond lip syncs for the Drag Race talent show
The RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise is a behemoth. It’s been going on so long that most of its contestants started drag after the show launched.
And there’s so many spin-offs that there’s at least one version airing somewhere all year. That couldn’t be clearer than in season 16’s premiere as we watch queens constantly making references to the show’s own history.
But all that means is it’s going to take a little more to stand out. Season 16 launched with a two-part premiere (a tradition that has lasted over the last few years) and a photo-shoot mini challenge (a tradition that goes back to season 1.) The girls are confident, shady, and dolled up in all the ways we’ve come to expect.
By this point we’ve seen it all, so nothing — not Dawn’s elfen couture or Mirage’s psychedelic covered “Baby Girl” dress — is shocking. (Well, maybe Amanda Tori Meating’s lack of polish seeing that we are 16 seasons in but … a conversation for another day.) After their one line entrance quotes, they are off to a photoshoot with Ru via Ring camera, and in short order are told the Maxi Challenge is a talent show with Oscar winner Charlize Theron as an extra special guest judge.
