The much-anticipated grand finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 brought glitz, drama, and unforgettable performances. Four fierce finalists battled for the coveted crown. This season, known for its bold creativity, strong cast, and boundary-breaking challenges, ended in a dazzling display of drag artistry that will go down as one of the show’s most iconic conclusions.
With RuPaul Charles at the helm, the show not only celebrated drag excellence but also paid tribute to LGBTQ+ icons and empowered the next generation of performers. The season 17 finale aired on MTV, drawing massive attention from fans worldwide and sparking conversations across the drag and pop culture communities.
Meet the Final Four of Drag Race Season 17
The finale opened with the return of the top four finalists, Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, and Sam Star. Each queen had carved out a distinct path through the competition. Onya Nurve was leading the pack with four maxi challenge wins. Jewels and Lexi each held two wins, while Sam impressed fans and judges alike with three victories.
These finalists were not only top-tier performers but also dynamic personalities who embodied the essence of drag, confidence, creativity, and charisma.
Stellar Solo Performances on the Main Stage
Each queen brought their A-game to the Main Stage with jaw-dropping solo numbers designed to showcase their unique drag style:
- Jewels Sparkles delivered a cheeky and fun performance about a “ding-a-ling” with campy charm.
- Lexi Love wowed the audience with chrome-plated roller skates and aerial acrobatics, combining athleticism with glam.
- Onya Nurve performed a power-packed number about boldness and confidence, reflecting her season-long dominance.
- Sam Star stunned in a gown that doubled as a red carpet, blending fashion, elegance, and innovation.
These performances were the culmination of months of hard work, growth, and resilience, with each queen proving why they made it to the top four.
A Tribute to an Icon: Liza Minnelli Honored
In a touching moment that blended Hollywood legacy with drag excellence. Liza Minnelli was presented with the third annual Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for her long-standing support of the LGBTQ+ community and her influence on drag culture. Moreover, Minnelli’s appearance was met with thunderous applause.
“I wouldn’t be me without you. You made me,” Minnelli said emotionally. She was joined by her brother Joe in the audience, further amplifying the sense of history and pride during the tribute.
Miss Congeniality: Crystal Envy Wins the Hearts
Before the final lip-sync showdown, RuPaul welcomed back Drag Race Season 16 queens Sapphira Cristál and Xunami Muse to announce Season 17’s Miss Congeniality. The honor, voted on by fellow cast members, went to Crystal Envy, known for her kindness and grace throughout the season.
“Remember to always sparkle like a crystal and be kind!” Crystal said in her acceptance speech. In true Drag Race fashion, all other contestants were also rewarded with $2,000 each for slaying the competition all season long.
Final Lip-Sync for the Crown: Onya Nurve vs. Jewels Sparkles
With Lexi Love and Sam Star eliminated after the solo performances (but both receiving $10,000 for their efforts), the stage was set for a thrilling final battle. Onya Nurve and Jewels Sparkles went head-to-head in a lip-sync to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.”
Complete with outfit reveals, stage theatrics, and powerhouse energy, the performance was one of the fiercest in Drag Race herstory. Nymphia Wind, the reigning Season 16 winner, returned to the stage to crown her successor and brought a signature twist — a “banana under the seat” gag that delighted fans.
After the electric performance, RuPaul crowned Onya Nurve as the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17.
Onya Nurve: The Queen with “Nurve” and Heart
“H*** yeah! It do take Nurve!” exclaimed Onya Nurve, as she took the crown, the scepter, and a place in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.
A proud Cleveland native, Onya came into the competition with 14 years of theater experience. “My first play was To Kill a Mockingbird,” she shared in a pre-season interview. “I didn’t have lines, but I had the lookbacks. I made that role count.”
Onya’s drag is deeply rooted in Black excellence, and her style is anything but traditional. She blends powerful facial expressions with deep emotional storytelling and favors unexpected musical choices like Nina Simone, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Eartha Kitt, and Barbra Streisand. “I like to turn songs on their head, make them bold, Black, and glamorous,” she said.
What’s Next for Drag Race Fans?
Although Season 17 has come to a fabulous end, the drag extravaganza is far from over. RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 is set to premiere on May 9 on Paramount+, bringing back 18 returning queens for another round of fierce competition.
The All Stars format continues to keep fans on their toes with its mix of returning legends, twists, and new challenges that test the queens’ versatility and evolution. With RuPaul still steering the ship, drag lovers can expect more drama, more glitter, and even more heart.
Why RuPaul’s Drag Race Still Reigns Supreme
Since its debut in 2009, RuPaul’s Drag Race has revolutionized pop culture, mainstreamed drag, and created a global platform for LGBTQ+ voices. Moreover, the franchise has expanded worldwide with multiple international versions and spin-offs like Untucked, All Stars, and Drag Race UK.
Season 17 proved once again that the heart of the show lies in its queens,.their stories, their artistry, and their resilience. From comedy and fashion to music and lip-syncs, the show continues to evolve while celebrating authenticity, diversity, and unapologetic self-expression.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Grand Finale was a brilliant blend of entertainment, emotion, and empowerment. With Onya Nurve taking the crown, Crystal Envy earning Miss Congeniality, and legends like Liza Minnelli gracing the stage. It’s clear that the show remains a cultural force that honors past legends while paving the way for future icons.
