RuPaul's Drag Race season 17

The seventeenth season of the American reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on January 3, 2025. This marks the third season to air through cable network MTV. The seventeenth installment of the series documents drag queen RuPaul in search of the "Next Drag Superstar" for the United States.

RuPaul's Drag Race
Season 17
Promotional poster for season seventeen
Hosted by	RuPaul
Judges	RuPaul Michelle Visage Carson Kressley Law Roach Ts Madison Ross Mathews
No. of contestants	14
Winner	Onya Nurve
Runner-up	Jewels Sparkles
Miss Congeniality	Crystal Envy
Companion show	Untucked!
No. of episodes	16
Release
Original network	MTV
Original release	January 3 (2025-01-03) – April 18, 2025 (2025-04-18)
Season chronology
List of episodes

RuPaul remained as host and head judge of the series. Television personalities Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, and Ross Mathews continued as regular judges. Fashion stylist Law Roach, who previously appeared as a guest judge, joined the judicial panel.

After few contenders remained in the competition, Onya Nurve won the season alongside its title and cash prize of $200,000. Jewels Sparkles was the runner-up and Crystal Envy was voted Miss Congeniality.

Production

Development

Throughout social media, the host and head judge RuPaul announced a casting call for drag performers to apply for the seventeenth season on October 30, 2023. The final deadline coincided with the premiere episode of season sixteen on January 5, 2024.^[1]

Two months later, RuPaul published his memoir titled The House of Hidden Meanings and embarked on a book tour where he was given a flash drive containing an audition tape from drag queen Hormona Lisa.^[2] Just months after its sixteenth season concluding, American cable network MTV announced the series renewal, including the companion series, on August 16.^[3]

Workroom

As season sixteen received several nominations at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, many journalists had the opportunity to visit the main stage and the workroom set.^[4] Fans quickly realized the newly constructed set for the upcoming season with journalists for People witnessing previous contestants Mhi'ya Iman Le'Paige and Morphine Love Dion using the main stage for a lip-sync contest.^[5] Architectural Digest released a video on August 22, where previous winner Nymphia Wind tours around the set with production designer Jen Chu explaining the scenery and inspiration for the series.^[6]

Tribute

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported British drag performer The Vivienne, inaugurated winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK (2019) and contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (2022), had died on January 5, 2025.^[7] Subsequently, the second episode of the season featured an in memoriam segment dedicated to The Vivienne, following the regular credits on January 10.^[8]

Marketing

A ten-second teaser was released on November 22, 2024, throughout social media, with RuPaul announcing the season premiering in January 2025.^[9] Nymphia Wind presented the contestants through the series official YouTube channel on December 4, showcasing their water-themed outfits and background.^[10]

Variety first reported on December 11 that spin-off winner Monét X Change will host The Pit Stop, a weekly webseries served as an aftershow. The first episode premiered through YouTube with alumni contestant Raven as the first guest on January 4, 2025.^[11]

Format

Further information: RuPaul's Drag Race § Format

The season's double premiere retained the same format as the previous season, where contestants rank each other based on their performances for the main challenge; this format parodies television series The Circle.^[12]

Similar to the Chocolate Bar twist from season 14, this season featured a twist where the lip-sync loser is given an opportunity to stay in the contest call the "Badonka Dunk" - the contestant is presented with Michelle Visage sitting on a dunk tank and must chose one of ten random levers, which if successfully struck, would drop Visage into the water and save the contestant from elimiantion. If they selected the incorrect lever, the contestant will be eliminated.^[13]

Contestants

Main article: List of RuPaul's Drag Race contestants

RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 contestants and their backgrounds^[a]

Contestant	Age	Hometown	Outcome
Onya Nurve	31	Cleveland, Ohio	Winner
Jewels Sparkles	23	Tampa, Florida	Runner-up
Lexi Love	33	Louisville, Kentucky	3rd place
Sam Star	24	Leeds, Alabama
Suzie Toot	24	Fort Lauderdale, Florida	5th place
Lana Ja'Rae	22	New York City, New York	6th place
Lydia B Kollins[b]	23	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	7th place
Arrietty	28	Seattle, Washington	8th place
Kori King	24	Boston, Massachusetts	9th place
Acacia Forgot	28	Los Angeles, California	10th place
Crystal Envy	27	Asbury Park, New Jersey	11th place[c]
Hormona Lisa	30	Chattanooga, Tennessee	12th place
Joella	25	Los Angeles, California	13th place
Lucky Starzzz	26	Miami, Florida	14th place

Contestant progress

Legend:

  Onya Nurve won RuPaul's Drag Race season 17.

  Jewels Sparkles was the runner-up.

  Crystal Envy was voted Miss Congeniality (Miss C) by fellow contestants.

  Suzie Toot was declared Queen of She Done Already Done Had Herses (SDADHH) after winning the final lip sync in the LaLaPaRuza Smackdown.

  WIN indicates that the contestant won the challenge.

  TOP2 indicates that the contestant was one of the two best performing in the challenge, but lost the lip sync to win it.

  SAFE indicates that the contestant was declared safe by the judges.

  BDT indicates that the contestant was saved from elimination by the Badonka Dunk Tank.

  BTM (Bottom) indicates that the contestant was up for elimination.

  ELIM (Eliminated) indicates that the contestant was eliminated.

  LOSS indicates that the eliminated contestant participated in the LaLaPaRuza Smackdown, but lost one of the lip syncs.

  Guest indicates that the contestant remained or returned as a guest.

Contestants progress with placements in each episode

Contestant	Episode
	1[17]	2[18]	3[19]	4[20]	5[21]	6[22]	7[23]	8[24]	9[25]	10[26]	11[27]	12[28]	13[29]	14[30]	15[31]	16[32]
Onya Nurve	Guest	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	WIN	BTM	SAFE	Guest	Winner
Jewels Sparkles	TOP2	Guest	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	WIN	Guest	Runner-up
Lexi Love	Guest	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	Guest	Eliminated
Sam Star	Guest	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	WIN	BTM	Guest	Eliminated
Suzie Toot	WIN	Guest	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM	SDADHH	Guest
Lana Ja'Rae	Guest	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	ELIM			LOSS	Guest
Lydia B Kollins	SAFE	Guest	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	WIN	ELIM				LOSS	Guest
Arrietty	SAFE	Guest	SAFE	SAFE	BDT	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM					LOSS	Guest
Kori King	Guest	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	ELIM						TOP2	Guest
Acacia Forgot	BTM	Guest	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM							LOSS	Guest
Crystal Envy	Guest	TOP2	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM								LOSS	Miss C
Hormona Lisa	Guest	BDT	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM									LOSS	Guest
Joella	SAFE	Guest	BTM	ELIM											LOSS	Guest
Lucky Starzzz	SAFE	Guest	ELIM												LOSS	Guest

Lip syncs

Legend:

  The contestant won the lip sync to win the challenge.

  The contestant was eliminated after their first time in the bottom.

  The contestant was eliminated after their second time in the bottom.

  The contestant was eliminated after their third time in the bottom.

  The contestant was eliminated after their fourth time in the bottom.

  The eliminated contestant won the first round of the LaLaPaRuza Lip Sync Smackdown and advanced to the next round.

  The eliminated contestant won the second round of the LaLaPaRuza Lip Sync Smackdown and advanced to the next round.

  The eliminated contestant won the final round of the LaLaPaRuza Lip Sync Smackdown and was declared Queen of She Done Already Done Had Herses.

  The contestant won the Lip Sync for the Crown and was declared the winner of the season.

Episode	Top contestants			Song	Winner
1[17]	Jewels Sparkles	vs.	Suzie Toot	"Woman's World" (Katy Perry)	Suzie Toot
2[18]	Crystal Envy	vs.	Lexi Love	"Alter Ego" (Doechii, JT)	Lexi Love
	Bottom contestants			Song	Eliminated
	Acacia Forgot	vs.	Hormona Lisa	"Yes, And?" (Ariana Grande)	None[d]
3[19]	Joella	vs.	Lucky Starzzz	"(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" (Paula Abdul)	Lucky Starzzz
4[20]	Joella	vs.	Kori King	"Buttons" (The Pussycat Dolls ft. Snoop Dogg)	Joella
5[21]	Arrietty	vs.	Lydia B Kollins	"Boogie Wonderland" (Earth, Wind & Fire, The Emotions)	None[e]
6[22]	Hormona Lisa	vs.	Lana Ja'Rae	"Get Him Back!" (Olivia Rodrigo)	Hormona Lisa
7[23]	Crystal Envy	vs.	Lana Ja'Rae	"Hands to Myself" (Selena Gomez)	Crystal Envy
8[24]	Acacia Forgot	vs.	Kori King	"Wet Dream" (Adam Lambert)	Acacia Forgot
9[25]	Kori King	vs.	Lydia B Kollins	"Kiss Me Deadly" (Lita Ford)	Kori King
10[26]	Arrietty	vs.	Jewels Sparkles	"Ya Ya" (Beyoncé)	Arrietty
11[27]	Lana Ja'Rae	vs.	Lydia B Kollins	"Unholy" (Sam Smith, Kim Petras)	Lydia B Kollins
12[28]	Lana Ja'Rae	vs.	Sam Star	"Illusion" (Dua Lipa)	Lana Ja'Rae
13[29]	Jewels Sparkles	vs.	Onya Nurve	"1 Thing" (Amerie)	None
14[30]	Sam Star	vs.	Suzie Toot	"Love Child" (Diana Ross & The Supremes)	Suzie Toot
Episode	Eliminated contestants			Song	Winner
15[31]	Hormona Lisa	vs.	Lydia B Kollins	"Say Liza (Liza with a Z)" (Liza Minnelli)	Lydia B Kollins
	Joella	vs.	Suzie Toot	"Training Season" (Dua Lipa)	Suzie Toot
	Acacia Forgot	vs.	Lucky Starzzz	"Step By Step (Junior Vasquez Tribal X Beats)" (Whitney Houston)	Lucky Starzzz
	Arrietty	vs.	Kori King	"Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" (P!nk)	Kori King
	Crystal Envy	vs.	Lana Ja'Rae	"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" (Sylvester)	Lana Ja'Rae
	Lucky Starzzz	vs.	Suzie Toot	"We Found Love" (Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris)	Suzie Toot
	Kori King vs. Lana Ja'Rae vs. Lydia B Kollins			"360" (Charli XCX)	Kori King
	Kori King	vs.	Suzie Toot	"Apt." (Rosé, Bruno Mars)	Suzie Toot
Episode	Final contestants			Song	Winner
16[32]	Jewels Sparkles	vs.	Onya Nurve	"Abracadabra" (Lady Gaga)	Onya Nurve

Guest judges

RuPaul and Michelle Visage remained as the regular judges, with Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, and Ross Mathews reappearing as alternating judges. Various guest judges were revealed on December 12, and set to appear in the upcoming season. Law Roach was initially advertised as a guest judge but was later confirmed to be an alternating judge.^[35] Celebrities are listed in chronological order.^[36]

• Katy Perry, singer and television personality^[37]
• Doechii, rapper and singer^[38]
• Sandra Bernhard, actress, comedian and singer^[39]
• Julia Schlaepfer, actress^[40]
• Paul W. Downs, actor and writer^[41]
• Hunter Schafer, actress and model^[42]
• Quinta Brunson, actress and comedian^[43]
• Adam Lambert, singer and actor^[44]
• Betsey Johnson, fashion designer^[45]
• Whitney Cummings, actress and stand-up comedian^[46]
• Sam Smith, singer
• Jerrod Carmichael, actor, comedian and writer
• June Diane Raphael, actress and comedian
• Tracee Ellis Ross, actress

Special guests

Special guests who appeared in episodes, but did not judge on the main stage.

Episode 1

• Angeria Paris VanMicheals, contestant on season 14, and winner of All Stars season 9
• Aura Mayari, contestant on season 15
• Honey Davenport, contestant on season 11
• Jaymes Mansfield, contestant on season 9 and All Stars season 8
• Kerri Colby, contestant on season 14
• Kimora Blac, contestant on season 9
• Kylie Sonique Love, contestant on season 2 and winner of All Stars season 6
• Mayhem Miller, contestant on season 10, All Stars season 5 and RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. The World series 2
• Morgan McMichaels, contestant on season 2 and All Stars season 3
• Trinity the Tuck, contestant on season 9, All Stars season 7, and winner of All Stars season 4
• Victoria "Porkchop" Parker, contestant on season 1^[47]

Episode 2

• Lawrence Chaney, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 2^[48]

Episode 6

• Norvina, president of Anastasia Beverly Hills

Episode 7

• Alyssa Edwards, contestant on season 5, All Stars season 2, winner of Global All Stars

Episode 8

• Gabe Lopez, music producer

Episode 10

• Joey Nolfi, journalist at Entertainment Weekly
• Kandy Muse, runner-up on season 13 and All Stars season 8
• Mistress Isabelle Brooks, contestant on season 15
• Plane Jane, contestant on season 16

Episode 11

• Cheyenne Jackson, actor and singer

Episode 14

• Albert Sanchez, photographer
• Latrice Royale, contestant on season 4, All Stars season 1 and All Stars season 4

Episode 16

• Liza Minnelli, actress and singer
• Xunami Muse, contestant and Miss Congeniality on season 16
• Sapphira Cristál, runner-up and Miss Congeniality on season 16
• Nymphia Wind, winner of season 16

Episodes

See also: List of RuPaul's Drag Race episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original release date
224	1	"Squirrel Games"	January 3, 2025 (2025-01-03)
All 14 new queens along with other queens from previous seasons perform in a Squid Game inspired challenge called "Ru Light, Green Light", where they serve and move forward, but when the music stops and Lil' Poundcake turns around, they have to strike a pose. All queens from previous seasons are eliminated, leaving only the new queens. They all then enter the werkroom, and find out that "Ru Light, Green Light" was a photoshoot mini challenge. Lana Ja'Rae wins the mini challenge. For the main challenge, the queens split into two groups, with seven of them performing a talent in Drag Queens Got Talent. Acacia Forgot – Playing guitar / Live singing Arrietty – Lip-sync / Baile Folklorico Jewels Sparkles – Original song lip-sync Joella – Original song lip-sync Lucky Starzzz – Original song lip-sync Lydia B Kollins – Original song lip-sync / Comedy burlesque Suzie Toot – Original song lip-sync / Tap dancing On the runway, category is Masc For Masked Singer. The queens who didn't perform in this episode rank the queens performances using Rate-A-Queen, where it is announced that Jewels Sparkles and Suzie Toot are the top two queens of the week, and will lip-sync for the win. It is also announced that Acacia Forgot was rated lowest and will be lip-syncing for her life in the next episode. Jewels Sparkles and Suzie Toot lip-sync to "Woman's World" by Katy Perry. After the lip-sync, Suzie Toot is announced as the winner of the challenge. Guest Judge: Katy Perry Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Ru Light, Green Light Mini-Challenge Winner: Lana Ja'Rae Mini-Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash tip Main Challenge: Perform a talent in Drag Queens Got Talent Runway Theme: Masc For Masked Singer Top Two: Jewels Sparkles and Suzie Toot Lip-sync Song: "Woman's World" by Katy Perry Challenge Winner: Suzie Toot Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize
225	2	"Drag Queens Got Talent – Part 2"	January 10, 2025 (2025-01-10)
For the main challenge, the remaining seven queens perform a talent performing a talent in Drag Queens Got Talent. Crystal Envy – Original song lip-sync Hormona Lisa – Stand-up live comedy Kori King – Original song lip-sync Lana Ja'Rae – Original song lip-sync Lexi Love – Original song lip-sync / Roller skating Onya Nurve – Original song lip-sync Sam Star – Original song lip-sync On the runway, category is Is It Cake?. The queens who didn't perform in this episode rank the queens performances using Rate-A-Queen, where it is announced that Crystal Envy and Lexi Love are the top two queens of the week, and will lip-sync for the win. They then lip-sync to "Alter Ego" by Doechii and JT. After the lip-sync, Lexi Love is announced as the winner of the challenge. It was later announced that Hormona Lisa was rated lowest and will be lip-syncing for her life against Acacia Forgot, who was ranked the lowest in the previous episode. They then lip-sync to "Yes, And" by Ariana Grande. Acacia Forgot wins the lip-sync, but RuPaul reveals a new twist called "Badonka Dunk", where the eliminated queen gets to pull a lever, with two of them dunking Michelle Visage into a tank of water; if Michelle is dunked, the queen is saved from elimination. Hormona Lisa pulls the 7th lever, which dunks Michelle into the water and therefore saves Hormona from elimination. Guest Judge: Doechii Alternating Judge: Ts Madison Main Challenge: Perform a talent in Drag Queens Got Talent Runway Theme: Is It Cake? Top Two: Crystal Envy and Lexi Love Lip-sync Song: "Alter Ego" by Doechii and JT Challenge Winner: Lexi Love Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Acacia Forgot and Hormona Lisa Lip-sync Song: "Yes, And?" by Ariana Grande Eliminated: None
226	3	"Monopulence!"	January 17, 2025 (2025-01-17)
For this week’s main challenge, the queens create a monochromatic outfit inspired by properties from board game Monopoly, in honor of its 90th anniversary. On the runway, category is Monopulence!. Arrietty, Onya Nurve, and Sam Star receive positive critiques, with Sam Star winning the challenge. Joella, Kori King, and Lucky Starzzz receive negative critiques, with Kori King being safe. Joella and Lucky Starzzz lip-sync to "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" by Paula Abdul. Joella wins the lip-sync. Lucky Starzzz pulls the 3rd lever of the "Badonka Dunk", failing to dunk Michelle into the water and sashays away. Guest Judge: Sandra Bernhard Alternating Judge: Ts Madison Main Challenge: Create a monochromatic outfit made inspired by Monopoly's properties Runway Theme: Monopulence! Challenge Winner: Sam Star Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Joella and Lucky Starzzz Lip-sync Song: "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" by Paula Abdul Eliminated: Lucky Starzzz Farewell Message: "Lucky Starzzzzzzzzz was here! And don't you forget it! Keep on shining my 13 lucky stars ♡"
227	4	"Bitch, I'm a Drag Queen!"	January 24, 2025 (2025-01-24)
For this week’s main challenge, the queens record and perform songs for commercials of the Bitch, I’m A Drag Queen! musical tracks featuring past Drag Race contestants. Volume 1 - Arrietty, Crystal Envy, Hormona Lisa, Jewels Sparkles, Joella, Lana Ja’Rae, and Lydia B Kollins Volume 2 - Acacia Forgot, Kori King, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, Sam Star, and Suzie Toot On the runway, category is Quilted For Your Pleasure. Crystal Envy, Onya Nurve, and Suzie Toot receive positive critiques, with Onya Nurve winning the challenge. Arrietty, Joella, and Kori King receive negative critiques, with Arrietty being safe. Joella and Kori King lip-sync to "Buttons" by the Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg. Kori King wins the lip-sync. Joella pulls the 6th lever of the "Badonka Dunk", failing to dunk Michelle into the water and sashays away. Guest Judge: Julia Schlaepfer Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Main Challenge: Film commercials based on past Drag Race contestants Runway Theme: Quilted For Your Pleasure Challenge Winner: Onya Nurve Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Joella and Kori King Lip-sync Song: "Buttons" by the Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg Eliminated: Joella Farewell Message: "Visit me when you come back to LA ♡♡♡ - J.O.E Dont forget the ella!"
228	5	"RDR Live!"	January 31, 2025 (2025-01-31)
For this week's main challenge, the queens perform in a sketch comedy of RDR Live. Host - Onya Nurve Queen News Network - Crystal Envy, Lexi Love, and Suzie Toot Neanderthal Town Hall - Arrietty, Kori King, Lana Ja’Rae, and Onya Nurve Beaverologist Podcast - Hormona Lisa, Jewels Sparkles, and Sam Star Emergency Room - Acacia Forgot and Lydia B Kollins On the runway, category is Tickled Pink. Hormona Lisa, Onya Nurve, and Suzie Toot receive positive critiques, with Suzie Toot winning the challenge. Arrietty, Lydia B Kollins, and Sam Star receive negative critiques, with Sam Star being safe. Arrietty and Lydia B Kollins lip-sync to "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions. Lydia B Kollins wins the lip-sync. Arrietty pulls the 1st lever of the "Badonka Dunk", which dunks Michelle into the water and therefore saves Arrietty from elimination. Guest Judge: Paul W. Downs Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Main Challenge: Perform in a sketch comedy of RDR Live Runway Theme: Tickled Pink Challenge Winner: Suzie Toot Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Arrietty and Lydia B Kollins Lip-sync Song: "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions Eliminated: None
229	6	"Let's Get Sea Sickening Ball"	February 7, 2025 (2025-02-07)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens team up to transport Anastasia Beverly Hills lipsticks to a display case using only their mouths. Acacia Forgot, Lexi Love, Lydia B Kollins, Onya Nurve, Sam Star, and Suzie Toot win the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens create three looks for the Let’s Get Sea Sickening Ball: Bathing Beauties, Sea Creature Couture, and Sea Sickening Eleganza. Acacia Forgot - Feather Star Arrietty - Lionfish Crystal Envy - Pufferfish Hormona Lisa - Leafy Seadragon Jewels Sparkles - Spanish Dancer Kori King - Mandarin Fish Lana Ja’Rae - Purple Sea Urchin Lexi Love - Purple Stinger Jellyfish Lydia B Kollins - Anglerfish Onya Nurve - African Sea Star Sam Star - Viperfish Suzie Toot - Coconut Shell Octopus On the runway, Arrietty, Crystal Envy, and Sam Star receive positive critiques, with Arrietty winning the challenge. Acacia Forgot, Hormona Lisa, and Lana Ja’Rae receive negative critiques, with Acacia Forgot being safe. Hormona Lisa and Lana Ja’Rae lip sync to "Get Him Back!" by Olivia Rodrigo. Lana Ja’Rae wins the lip sync and Hormona Lisa sashays away. Guest Judges: Hunter Schafer Alternating Judge: Law Roach Mini-Challenge: In teams, transport Anastasia Beverly Hills lipsticks to a display case using mouths only Mini-Challenge Winners: Acacia Forgot, Lexi Love, Lydia B Kollins, Onya Nurve, Sam Star, and Suzie Toot Mini-Challenge Prize: $500 cash tip Main Challenge: Let's Get Sea Sickening Ball Runway Theme: Bathing Beauties, Sea Creature Couture, and Sea Sickening Eleganza Challenge Winner: Arrietty Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Hormona Lisa and Lana Ja'Rae Lip-sync Song: "Get Him Back!" by Olivia Rodrigo Eliminated: Hormona Lisa Farewell Message: "Pumpkins, Never stop dreaming Never stop shining I will miss each one of you! <3 - Hormona Lisa"
229	7	"Snatch Game"	February 14, 2025 (2025-02-14)
For this week's main challenge, the queens play the Snatch Game. Alyssa Edwards and GAY-I star as the celebrity contestants. The cast consisted of: Acacia Forgot as Trisha Paytas Arrietty as “Baby Cupid” Crystal Envy as Nicole Richie Jewels Sparkles as “Miss Big Feet” Kori King as Big Ang Lana Ja’Rae as Rosa Parks Lexi Love as Gilbert Gottfried Lydia B Kollins as David Lynch Onya Nurve as Eddie Murphy Sam Star as Kim Gravel Suzie Toot as Ellen Greene On the runway, category is Nailed It!. Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, and Sam Star receive positive critiques, with Onya Nurve winning the challenge. Arrietty, Crystal Envy, and Lana Ja’Rae receive negative critiques, with Arrietty being safe. Crystal Envy and Lana Ja’Rae lip sync to "Hands to Myself" by Selena Gomez. Lana Ja’Rae wins the lip sync and Crystal Envy sashays away. Guest Judge: Quinta Brunson Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Main Challenge: Snatch Game Runway Theme: Nailed It! Challenge Winner: Onya Nurve Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Crystal Envy and Lana Ja'Rae Lip-sync Song: "Hands to Myself" by Selena Gomez Eliminated: Crystal Envy Farewell Message: "Yeah, I'd still envy ME 💎. Love you girls ♡"
230	8	"The Wicked Wiz of Oz: The Rusical!"	February 21, 2025 (2025-02-21)
For this week's main challenge, the queens perform in The Wicked Wiz of Oz: The Rusical!. Acacia Forgot as Kansas Dorothy Arrietty as the Scarecrow Jewels Sparkles as the Good Witch Kori King as a Flying Monkey Lana Ja’Rae as the Tin Woman Lexi Love as the Lioness Lydia B Kollins as a Flying Monkey Onya Nurve as Harlem Dorothy Sam Star as a Cher-inspired Wicked Witch Suzie Toot as the Green Witch On the runway, category is Parasols, Shady Ladies. Jewels Sparkles, Onya Nurve, Sam Star, and Suzie Toot receive positive critiques, with Sam Star winning the challenge. Acacia Forgot and Kori King receive negative critiques, and are announced as the bottom two. They lip-sync to "Wet Dream" by Adam Lambert. Kori King wins the lip sync and Acacia Forgot sashays away. Guest Judge: Adam Lambert Alternating Judge: Jamal Sims Main Challenge: Perform in the Wicked Wiz of Oz: The Rusical! Runway Theme: Parasols, Shady Ladies Challenge Winner: Sam Star Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Acacia Forgot and Kori King Lip-sync Song: "Wet Dream" by Adam Lambert Eliminated: Acacia Forgot Farewell Message: "All you can do is FORGOT. Love, The Piggie of the Week. -Acacia ♡"
231	9	"Heavens to Betsey!"	February 28, 2025 (2025-02-28)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens read each other to filth. Suzie Toot wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens design and create outfits inspired by a Betsey Johnson collection. Betsey’s Prom - Kori King, Lana Ja’Rae, and Onya Nurve Prenup - Arrietty, Lexi Love, and Sam Star Punk Grunge Flapper - Jewels Sparkles, Lydia B Kollins, and Suzie Toot On the runway, category is Betsey Johnson Fashion Collection. Arrietty, Jewels Sparkles, and Lexi Love receive positive critiques, with Jewels Sparkles winning the challenge. Kori King, Lydia B Kollins, and Onya Nurve receive negative critiques, with Onya Nurve being safe. Kori King and Lydia B Kollins lip sync to "Kiss Me Deadly" by Lita Ford. Lydia B Kollins wins the lip sync and Kori King sashays away. Guest Judge: Betsey Johnson Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Reading is Fundamental Mini-Challenge Winner: Suzie Toot Mini-Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash tip Main Challenge: Create a high-fashion outfit inspired by one of Betsey Johnson’s collections Runway Theme: Betsey Johnson Fashion Collection Challenge Winner: Jewels Sparkles Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Lydia B Kollins and Kori King Lip-sync Song: "Kiss Me Deadly" by Lita Ford Eliminated: Kori King Farewell Message: "Goodnight Kingdom☆"
232	10	"The Villains Roast"	March 7, 2025 (2025-03-07)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens return to the Badonka Dunk tank where Michelle Visage and Entertainment Weekly writer Joey Nolfi ask questions before dunking each of the contestants. For the main challenge, the queens will perform The Villains Roast of Kandy Muse, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, and Plane Jane. On the runway, category is Who Wears Short Shorts?. Lana Ja'Rae, Lydia B Kollins, and Sam Star receive positive critiques, with Lydia B Kollins winning the challenge. Arrietty, Jewels Sparkles, and Lexi Love receive negative critiques, with Lexi Love being safe. Arrietty and Jewels Sparkles lip sync to "Ya Ya" by Beyoncé. Jewels Sparkles wins the lip sync and Arrietty sashays away. Guest Judge: Whitney Cummings Alternating Judge: Ts Madison Mini-Challenge: Questions with Michelle Visage and the Badonka Dunk Tank Main Challenge: Perform a roast of Kandy Muse, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, and Plane Jane Runway Theme: Who Wears Short Shorts? Challenge Winner: Lydia B Kollins Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Arrietty and Jewels Sparkles Lip-sync Song: "Ya Ya" by Beyoncé Eliminated: Arrietty Farewell Message: "As one smelly b**** to another, Onya please brush your teeth."
233	11	"Ross Mathews vs. The Ducks"	March 14, 2025 (2025-03-14)
Guest Judge: Sam Smith Alternating Judge: Ross Matthews Main Challenge: Act in skit with Ross Matthews Runway Theme: Black & White Ball Challenge Winner: Onya Nurve Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Lana Ja'Rae and Lydia B Kollins Lip-sync Song: "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras Eliminated: Lydia B Kollins Farewell Message: "My Top 6 Sisters... It has been the honor of my life. You're all so incredible, make them EAT IT Piggies! ♡ (P.S. Lana, I LOVE YOU)"
234	12	"Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent Monologues"	March 21, 2025 (2025-03-21)
Guest Judge: Jerrod Carmichael Alternating Judge: TS Madison Mini-Challenge: In duos, fill in the blanks and write each other a Drag Race biography. Mini-Challenge Winner: Jewels Sparkles Mini-Challenge Prize: $1000 cash tip Main Challenge: In duos, write and perform an interpretative dance in the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent monologues Runway Theme: The Ugliest Dress Ever Challenge Winners: Onya Nurve & Lexi Love Challenge Prize: $2,500 cash prize each Bottom Two: Lana Ja'Rae and Sam Star Lip-sync Song: "Illusion" by Dua Lipa Eliminated: Lana Ja'Rae Farewell Message: "Keep on JA'REAMING. Live, Laugh, Lana."
235	13	"Drag Baby Mamas"	March 28, 2025 (2025-03-28)
Guest Judge: June Diane Raphael Alternating Judge: Law Roach Mini-Challenge Winner: Onya Nurve Runway Theme: Drag Family Resemblance Challenge Winner: Sam Star Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize and a supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills (plus $2,500 cash prize for her drag member) Bottom Two: Jewels Sparkles and Onya Nurve Lip-sync Song: "1 Thing" by Amerie Eliminated: None
236	14	"How's Your Headliner?"	April 4, 2025 (2025-04-04)
Guest Judge: Tracee Ellis Ross Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Runway Theme: Opulent Outerwear Challenge Winner: Jewels Sparkles Challenge Prize: $5,000 cash prize Bottom Two: Sam Star and Suzie Toot Lip-sync Song: "Love Child" by Diana Ross & the Supremes Eliminated: Suzie Toot Farewell Message: "Getting the crown Just Got a LOT easier for y'all Love you girls ♡ -Suzie Toot"
237	15	"Lip Sync Lalaparuza Smackdown"	April 11, 2025 (2025-04-11)
Alternating Judge: TS Madison Challenge Winner: Suzie Toot Challenge Prize: $50,000 cash prize
238	16	"Grand Finale"	April 18, 2025 (2025-04-18)
Alternating Judges: Carson Kressley and Jamal Sims Miss Congeniality: Crystal Envy Final Two: Jewels Sparkles and Onya Nurve Lip-Sync Song: "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga Runner-up: Jewels Sparkles Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season Seventeen: Onya Nurve

Broadcast

The seventeenth season, and its companion series, premiered through MTV with its first episode on January 3, 2025.^[49] The season will consist of sixteen episodes and airs weekly at 8:00 p.m. (EST).^[50] Episodes were later released throughout various streaming services such as Crave for Canada, Stan for Australia, and on WOW Presents Plus internationally with next-day availability starting on January 4.^[51]

Ratings

Viewership and ratings per episode of RuPaul's Drag Race season 17

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	Ref.
1	"Squirrel Games"	January 3, 2025	0.24	0.671	[52]
2	"Drag Queens Got Talent – Part 2"	January 10, 2025	0.17	0.494	[53]
3	"Monopulence!"	January 17, 2025	0.24	0.564	[54]
4	"Bitch, I'm a Drag Queen!"	January 24, 2025	0.20	0.556	[55]
5	"RDR Live!"	January 31, 2025	0.22	0.456	[56]
6	"Let's Get Sea Sickening Ball"	February 7, 2025	0.20	0.530	[57]
7	"Snatch Game"	February 14, 2025	0.12	0.429	[58]
8	"The Wicked Wiz of Oz: The Rusical"	February 21, 2025	0.18	0.984	[59]
9	"Heavens to Betsey!"	February 28, 2025	0.17	0.513	[60]
10	"The Villains Roast"	March 7, 2025	0.22	0.870	[61]
11	"Ross Mathews vs. The Ducks"	March 14, 2025	0.24	0.591	[62]
12	"Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent Monologues"	March 21, 2025	0.22	0.564	[63]
13	"Drag Baby Mamas"	March 28, 2025	0.17	0.526	[64]
14	"How's Your Headliner?"	April 4, 2025	0.14	0.424	[65]
15	"Lip Sync Lalaparuza Smackdown"	April 11, 2025	0.17	0.794	[66]
16	"Grand Finale"	April 18, 2025	0.22	0.867	[67]

Footnotes

1. All ages, names, with hometowns, and outcome are stated at time of filming.^[14]
2. Lydia Butthole Kollins is referred to as Lydia B Kollins on the series.^[15]
3. Crystal Envy was voted Miss Congeniality by fellow contestants.^[16]
4. Hormona Lisa lost the lip-sync, but was nonetheless saved from elimination by the Badonka Dunk Tank.^[33]
5. Arrietty lost the lip sync, but was nonetheless saved from elimination by the Badonka Dunk Tank.^[34]