Meet The Queens Of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16
These 14 queens will all be competing for the crown -- and $200,000 -- on the upcoming season of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Next year is about to become a lot more fabulous!
Season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race is set to premiere on January 5 with a two-part return. The queens are set to not only showcase what they can do and what sets them apart from the competition in the annual talent show, but they’ll be voting for who ends up on top and who will have to lip sync for their lives. Twist!
But who are these new queens? RuPaul and company have selected 14 up-and-coming future stars from across the U.S.
They all bring something unique and gorgeous to the table, and soon enough, millions will fall in love with them via one of the most successful shows in reality TV history.
The reveal — or should that be “ruveal”? — was shared by the official RuPaul’s Drag Race Instagram page.
At the same time, MTV shared a press release detailing everything the world needs to know about the upcoming season, the changes, and the queens who will all be vying for the $200,000 grand prize.
Here are the 14 queens of season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, with commentary shared by MTV.
AMANDA TORI MEATING, 26 – LOS ANGELES, CA | @amandatorimeating
Ready to take it to the top with her wit, wigs, and energetic moves, this talented wig stylist has done hair for Drag Race queens Kerri and Sasha Colby, and Beyoncé’s music video dancers.
DAWN, 24 – BROOKLYN, NY | @upuntil.dawn
The self-described “ethereal elf goddess of Brooklyn,” Dawn is a fitting name for a queen who often stays up late enough to see the sunrise. Designing and constructing almost all of her eccentric looks, the kooky and artistic queen always brings a story when she hits the stage.
GENEVA KARR, 30 – BROWNSVILLE, TX | @geneva_karr
RuPaul’s Drag Race’s first Mexican-born queen, Geneva witnessed her parents’ struggles as they worked tirelessly to get her family safely to the United States in search of a better life. A dancing queen with mischievous energy.
HERSHII LIQCOUR-JETÉ, 31 – LOS ANGELES, CA | @hershiiliqcour
Part of the legendary Haus of Jeté, Hershii counts Drag Race star Kornbread Jeté as her sister. A take-no-prisoners performer with a legion of L.A. area fans, when not performing, Hershii is very family-oriented, and together with her boyfriend is raising two young children.
MEGAMI, 33 – BROOKLYN, NY | @megaminyc
This self-proclaimed “geek-chic” queen started doing drag as a cosplayer at conventions such as Comic Con, and from there incorporated high fashion into her characterful designs.
MHI’YA IMAN LE’PAIGE, 34 – MIAMI, FL | @queenofflipss
An electrifying performer, Mhi’ya is known as the Queen of Flips. Her videos of her flipping onto café tables have caught fire on social media.
MIRAGE, 29 – LAS VEGAS, NV | @mirage_amuro
Hailing from Sin City, this Native American and Mexican beauty towers in 7” heels and legs that go on for days.
MORPHINE LOVE DION, 25 – MIAMI, FL | @morphinelovemua
Morphine started out doing makeup tutorials on social media. Now, she is the self-proclaimed “It Girl of Miami.” As a dancer she’s been featured in Maluma and Bad Bunny music videos.
NYMPHIA WIND, 27 – TAIWAN / NY | @66wind99
RuPaul’s Drag Race‘s first queen to hail from Taiwan, Nymphia came to the United States to build on her massive fanbase of “Banana Believers” — a term given to her fans thanks to her signature color yellow, and penchant for the absurd. Inspired by Asian culture, art, and tradition.
PLANE JANE, 24 – BOSTON, MA | @the_planejane
Plane Jane is as glamorous as she is wickedly funny. Boston-raised, but with Russian roots, Plane Jane was a competitive ballroom dancer as a child.
PLASMA, 24 – NEW YORK, NY | @plasmanyc
Raised listening to Julie Andrews, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, Plasma channeled her love for divas into drag. Can this queen’s BFA in Musical Theatre Performance raise the roof at RuPaul’s Drag Race?
Q, 26 – KANSAS CITY, MO | @living4q
The only letter of the alphabet you ever need worry about! This talented diva is a theater queen who specializes in the costuming aspect of drag. She makes all of her own looks, plus many commissioned costumes for prior Drag Race stars.
SAPPHIRA CRISTÁL, 34 – PHILADELPHIA, PA | @sapphiracristal
Philadelphia’s crown jewel, Sapphira is a serious musician with a six-octave vocal range. A powerhouse performer who studied music composition and opera, she can be found hosting, singing, dancing and performing comedy.
XUNAMI MUSE, 33 – NEW YORK, NY | @xunamimuse
A self-described “knock-off Naomi Campbell,” originally from Colón, Panama. Xunami moved to New York City, where Drag Race superstar Kandy Muse became her drag mother.
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