Exclusive 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 17 Interviews Promise Profanity and High Drama

The queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 are bringing their A-game to the runway, and it looks like the show is about to enter uncharted waters. The newest crop of queens is not only one of the youngest casts ever but also promises to "set the bar" with stunning looks, jaw-dropping performances, and plenty of drama. As the highly anticipated premiere approaches on January 3, 2024, Entertainment Weekly sat down with the queens for exclusive interviews, and they didn’t hold back.

The excitement surrounding season 17 is palpable, and the queens are ready to show the world why they deserve to be crowned the next Drag Superstar. The upcoming season includes a fresh, dynamic mix of talent, charisma, and audacity. The queens themselves are aware of the immense pressure to elevate the show’s standards, and they’re not shying away from the challenge.

"Meta Drag" and High Stakes

Boston’s Kori King, one of the standout queens of the season, describes the evolving nature of Drag Race. "I feel as though, nowadays, the cast is getting younger and younger, and I feel as though we’re so meta at this point," Kori explains. "We’re doing what we would’ve wanted to see on TV, and that’s what you’re going to get. We’ve watched it. We’ve seen it." Kori's perspective reflects the collective mindset of the cast, who are all keenly aware of their place in the legacy of Drag Race and are determined to make their mark.

At just 22 years old, Lana Ja’Rae is the youngest queen of the season and is already setting herself apart with her modeling career and fierce personality. "Season 17 ups the game because we’re all aware that we’re on a season together and we have to make TV," she reveals. But despite the competition, Lana emphasizes the camaraderie within the cast, saying, "We can call you a bitch, but we love you, you know?"

Runway Looks That Will "Set the Bar"

As always, the runway is a crucial part of Drag Race, and this season, the queens are bringing top-tier fashion. Crystal Envy, a drag sister of season 14's Jasmine Kennedie, promises that fans are in for a visual feast. "The looks on this season are some of the most amazing looks I think you guys will ever see on the show," she says. "That’s really going to set the bar." Crystal teases that the upcoming season will introduce "fun twists and turns," keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Expect to see some jaw-dropping reveals and unexpected surprises.

Alongside Crystal, Arrietty—the self-proclaimed "villain" of the season—promises runway looks that will turn heads. With her signature elf ears and feline-inspired nose makeup, Arrietty is out to prove that she’s not just a pretty face. "If you’re going to be a f---ing bitch, you’ve got to look good," she says with confidence.

Surprises and Twists Ahead

While the queens are keeping the details of the new twist under wraps, Lydia B Kollins—a queen known for pushing boundaries—hints at something that may cross the line. "I don’t know if it’s possible to completely blur out a look for profane imagery, but I think I might have done that [on the Main Stage]," Lydia jokes. "I didn’t ask for permission; I asked for forgiveness." Fans can expect the unexpected, with an added layer of drama and more than a little chaos on the runway.

The queens’ personalities are just as colorful as their costumes, with each contestant offering a unique perspective and story. From Hormona Lisa, a trans activist who incorporates pageantry into her drag, to Joella, who uses her platform to break barriers for AAPI performers, the cast is brimming with diversity, talent, and ambition.

Closing Thoughts

As the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 prepare to flood TV screens with high-octane performances, unforgettable looks, and plenty of drama, fans can rest assured that this season will be one for the books. With a mix of young energy, fierce competition, and a twist that could change the game, season 17 promises to be a wild ride. Be sure to tune in to the premiere on January 3, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV to see what these queens are really made of!

FAQ

Q: When does RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 premiere?
A: The premiere airs on January 3, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

Q: Who is the youngest queen of season 17?
A: Lana Ja'Rae is the youngest queen, at 22 years old.

Q: What can we expect from the runway this season?
A: Season 17 promises to deliver some of the most stunning and innovative looks ever seen on Drag Race, with queens like Crystal Envy and Arrietty setting the bar for fashion and creativity.

Q: Will there be a major twist this season?
A: Yes! The queens have teased a new twist that promises to shake up the competition, though specifics are being kept under wraps for now.