On Jan. 24, gays everywhere tuned into LOGO to watch the premiere of season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. It was bigger, louder and more outrageous than ever, which was expected. But Floridians noticed one major difference over previous seasons. There wasn’t a single Florida queen in the mix.
Performers from around the country apply to be one of only 14 contestants on the reality competition show every year, so not every state is represented. This year the season premiere was split into two shows, with seven queens competing in the first episode, and the remaining seven competing in the second episode on March 3.
With no Florida queens on, there are no Florida eliminations (goodbye Kellie Mantle of LA, who sashayed away Feb. 24, we hardly knew you).
But 2014 still marks the first time Florida hasn’t shown up in the cast.
In Season 1, Rebecca Glasscock of Fort Lauderdale came in third place. Season 2 winner Tyra Sanchez represented Orlando, and Tampa Bay’s Alexis Mateo placed a respectable third—er, second runner up—in Season 3.
In Season 4, Alisa Summers of Tampa made an appearance, albeit a brief one, on the blockbuster show.
Season 5 had the most Floridians represented when Orlando’s Roxxxy Andrews, Gainesville’s Jade Jolie and Talahassee’s Serena ChaCha all competed. Coco Montrese, who used to live in St. Petersburg, was also part of that season.
But this year there isn’t even a Miami or Fort Lauderdale contestant in the mix. The contestant closest to the Sunshine State is Trinity K. Bonet of Atlanta.
Past performers told Watermark that Florida is a nursery, of sorts, of Drag Performers, which explained why our state was so well represented every year.
Season 6, however, won’t have any Florida representation.
All 14 contestants will compete for the crown and determine who will walk away with a $100,000 cash prize and the coveted title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”
“Our sixth season is rated ‘BBB.’ ‘Bitches Better Beware!’” says RuPaul, who is not only the star of the show, but it’s executive producer. “It’s our most outrageous and sickening cast to date. And quite frankly, I’m scared of these queens.”
What may gain more viewers than the queens themselves is the impressive lineup of guest judges on tap to help RuPual behind the table.
“This season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ is perfect for viewers who want to ‘butch it up’ after watching a month of Olympic figure skating!” jokes RuPaul.
This season’s celeb guest judges include Neil Patrick Harris, Adam Lambert, Khloe Kardashian, Lena Headey, Linda Blair, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Heather McDonald, Eve, Trina, Leah Remini, Jaime Pressly, Paula Abdul, Mike Ruiz, David Burtka and Bob Mackie alongside show regulars Michelle Visage and Santino Rice.
Together they will decide who will stay, lip-sync for their life or “Sashay Away.” Additional guest appearances this season include: Lucian Piane, Gillian Jacobs, Lainie Kazan, Bruce Vilanch, Chaz Bono, Georgia Holt and US Weekly Entertainment Director, Ian Drew.
Staying Untucked
Once again, the Drag Race companion series, Untucked, will return every Monday following the competition. The series known for the backstabbing, backbreaking and backstage drama that isn’t seen on the runway will once again be narrated by RuPaul herself.
Both series run every Monday on LOGO.
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