Let there be… more drag queens! A new season of the Emmy® Award-winning “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is almost upon us and season 18 promises a little more seasoned and experienced performers this time around. No shade to season 17, it was one of the most dramatic, well-edited seasons we’ve had in the modern era. However, with the average age of season 17 being about 24, it showed with how lackluster a lot of the lip syncs, Snatch Game, and roast were.
Season 18’s crop of queens ages have more of an age diversity with the queens skewing older, having more years of performing under their belts. It seems like RPDR’s casting team is moving slowly away from the influencer/look queen/baby queen phase that has dominated the show these last few years.
The newest cast was announced Dec. 2, 2025 and it was a doozy because we have a family tree battle, a low-key Florida takeover, and wild rumours of disqualification. Let’s dive into each queen below with some guesses and predictions for the season. (Note: we do NOT look at ‘Drag Race’ spoilers or leaks and encourage readers not to do so either or, at the very least, not spread them around.)
Spotlight on the queens
Athena Dion – Miami, FL: “The Mother of Miami”
Athena is a legend in the drag scene from Miami to Mykonos, with one of her drag daughters being the iconic Morphine Love Dion (also being joined this season by her granddaughter, Juicy Love Dion). This is the queen we’re most excited to see on the show. She exudes wisdom, knowledge, and a level of c*nt you can only achieve by performing for so many years.
Prediction: Top three and possible winner. Will likely eat up the “Rusical” and girl group performances.
Briar Blush – Boston, MA: “Boston’s Pin-Up Princess”
Briar is a Goth kid that grew up into a polished, pin-up diva that babbles a mile a minute. She’s naturally funny and makes all her own clothes, a talent that is becoming rarer among drag queens.
Prediction: Top seven, but could make it further. Design challenges are hers to lose.
Ciara Myst – Indianapolis, IN: “Shapeshifting Superstar”
An excitingly and exceedingly strange queen who nerds out over the Power Rangers and comic books, which inspire her kooky, spooky drag. Ciara’s outfits and makeup are very cartoonish in a supremely gorgeous way, but her overdrawn, oddly-shaped lips already have fans divided.
Prediction: Potential to be an early out, but desperately need her to stay for Snatch Game.
Darlene Mitchell – Los Angeles, CA: Country, C*nt, and Camp
Darlene is a sweetheart; a charming L.A. transplant (originally from Indiana), that is likely to win audiences over with her infectious chuckles. Her drag is reminiscent of the good old early days of RPDR, and we mean that with love. A huge supporter of “bringing back mall drag,” Darlene’s presence promises a much-needed return to fun, cheap drag.
Prediction: Likely an early out, but will end up the fan favorite for her confessionals.
DD Fuego – New York, NY: “The President’s Worst Nightmare”
Born in Monterrey, Mexico, DD isn’t doing the typical “fiery Latina” personality. She’s a goofy, silly, “handsome” lady, who’s very involved in the creations of her looks. Unfortunately, she’s also kind of forgettable, which is not the best thing going into a new season.
Prediction: Early out vibes are strong here, but could surprise us!
Discord Addams – St. Petersburg, FL: “Punk Rock Maximalist”
One of the most visually striking queens of season 18, Discord’s drag is stud- and spike-heavy, with hardcore wigs to match. She’s got an abrasive, abrupt vibe that will absolutely be TV gold. Plus, her pre-season is already littered with random rumors about disqualification and beef with Shea Couleé.
Prediction: Fights with at least two cast members and top eight placement.
Jane Don’t – Seattle, WA: “Lawyer by Day,” Conceptual by Night
Jane’s bright aesthetic and easy humor will likely win audiences over quickly, especially with her hailing from Seattle, a city known for its conceptual, fierce drag scene (think Bosco and Irene The Alien). She isn’t afraid to cinch and pad and find her gorgeous shape, which we know the judges will love.
Prediction: Could go all the way to top four. Might surprise us in lip syncs and the reading challenge.
Juicy Love Dion – Miami, FL: “Latina Sexiness, Club Kid” Vibes
Another one we’re excited for, a member of the Dion family, Juicy’s mug is stunning and she’s a phenomenal performer like her mother, Morphine. She’s an immediate fan favorite frontrunner with the most likes on her individual poster on RPDR’s Instagram. Her babbling brightness is almost certainly going to mean we get amazing confessionals, along with talent. And we get to see “herstory” in the making with a drag granddaughter/daughter competing against her drag parent!
Prediction: Can see her in the top six, maybe top two if the producers are feeling spicy. Girl group challenge and lip syncs are in the bag.
Kenya Pleaser – Sumter, SC: “Barry White Mixed With Lizzo”
Kenya is one of our most anticipated queens as well. She is boisterous, beautiful, and brutally honest. She’s quick-witted with a body for days. Her promises of being able to do high kicks and her sense of humor is going to be a blast to watch. We adore a queen that has the ability to make us instantly fall in love with her.
Prediction: Top two, might definitely win the whole thing. Comedy challenges hate to see her coming.
Mandy Mango – Philadelphia, PA: “Sweetest Fruit in Philadelphia”
Mandy’s got legs for days. She’s a pretty Filipina and very loud. That’s about all I can remember from her. We’ll see if she provides more on the show.
Prediction: Porkchop of the season might be in her future.
Mia Starr – West Palm Beach, FL: Singer First, Dancer Second
Another Floridian in the building. Mia’s accent and affectations immediately give her cool auntie vibes. She’s funny without forcing it and her drag is definitely peak whore drag with a little glitz.
Prediction: Top ten is likely. An early dance challenge win perhaps.
Myki Meeks – Orlando, FL: “Dynamic, Theatrical Powerhouse”
Myki Meeks is a cutie patootie that already seems the kind of anxious that might collapse on national television. But she’s got absolutely stupendous drag and makeup, which should get her noticed on the runway.
Prediction: Perpetually safe to out before the top eight pipeline. An acting challenge could be hers.
Nini Coco – Denver, CO: Powerhouse on Stage
Nini Coco feels like an instant star. She has shiny, sparkly, rhinestoned drag that shows off her pretty face and figure. While she may not be as seasoned as some of her fellow castmates, it doesn’t feel like that will start her from storming the competition.
Prediction: Top four or five with at least two wins.
Vita VonTesse Starr – Montgomery, AL: “A Drag Queen’s Drag Queen”
Vita might be one of the most gorgeous cast members, in and out of drag. Self-described as an “emo-gothic kid,” her inspirations have us excited for what she’ll bring to the show. Whether she’s actually going to go off is another story, she seems like a very chill person.
Prediction: Hate to say it, but likely an early out.
Each queen brings a little razzle and dazzle that will have audiences revved up for the upcoming season. Will season 18 bring the peak reality TV we’ve come to expect, especially after all of the high-stakes drama we saw in season 17? Only time will tell. But the older ages and experiences of the queens have us excited for a season and “Untucked” filled with exquisite talent, viral lip syncs, and iconic confessionals.
Season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premieres Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV.
Writer and editor