Bardi is The DRAMA
Cardi B joins “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18 for the Jan. 2 premiere to give the newest batch of queens her honest, hilarious thoughts on their performances and looks. Cardi B is a long-time fan of “Drag Race,” even sourcing her latest album name (“Am I The Drama?”) from drag queen, Scarlet Envy.
This will be Cardi B’s first ever judging appearance and her outfit is appropriately dragged-out for the occasion. The first episode guest judging has always featured huge stars (like Katy Perry, Doechii, Charlize Theron, and Ariana Grande, among others), gagging the girls and setting the tone for the season.
With the addition of Cardi’s wildly engaging and honest personality, hopes are very high for another fantastic premiere episode; something RPDR has really excelled at over the years. Other guest judges for the season include: Teyana Taylor, Zara Larsson, Benny Blanco, Dove Cameron and Atsuko Okatsuka.
Minaj goes MAGA
Cardi’s appearance couldn’t have come at a better time, as queer female rap fans are still reeling over Nicki Minaj’s appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where she praised the current sitting president, said odd things like, “Boys will be boys,” and other nonsense that feels, to some, incongruent with her LGBTQ+ fanbase.
Minaj has appeared on “Drag Race” previously as a judge on season 12, where she famously went viral for her blunt critique of Heidi N Closet. “I hate hate hate you hair and makeup,” was a shot heard round the world. The quote is being scrutinized again, in light of Minaj’s recent comments.
Fans of the franchise are already pitting the two feuding rappers’ appearances against each other and the premiere hasn’t even happened yet. What better way to kick off a new season of “Drag Race” than with some low-stakes drama?
Season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premieres Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV.
Writer and editor