RuPaul's Drag Race season 3

The third season of RuPaul's Drag Race began airing on January 24, 2011, and ended its run on May 2 of the same year.^[2] Thirteen drag queens competed for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar", a headlining spot on the Absolut Tour, a lifetime supply of Kryolan makeup, and a cash prize of $75,000.

RuPaul's Drag Race
Season 3
Promotional poster for season three
Hosted by	RuPaul
Judges	RuPaul Michelle Visage Santino Rice Billy B[1]
No. of contestants	13
Winner	Raja
Runner-up	Manila Luzon
Miss Congeniality	Yara Sofia
Companion show	RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!
No. of episodes	16
Release
Original network	Logo TV
Original release	January 24 (2011-01-24) – May 2, 2011 (2011-05-02)
Season chronology
List of episodes

This season had Michelle Visage replacing Merle Ginsberg at the judge's table and Billy Brasfield^[3] (better known as Billy B), Mike Ruiz, and Jeffrey Moran filling in for Santino Rice's absence during several episodes. Billy B, celebrity makeup artist and star of the HGTV mini-series Hometown Renovation, appeared as a judge in five episodes. Whereas Mike Ruiz only judged for two episodes, and Jeffrey Moran for one, Moran only appeared for promotional reasons. Due to Billy B's continued appearances, he and Rice are now considered to have been alternate judges for the same seat at the judges table, both appearing side-by-side in the reunion special to announce Yara Sofia as the season's Miss Congeniality.^[1]

Other changes made included the introduction of a wildcard contestant from the past season, Shangela; an episode with no elimination; and a contestant, Carmen Carrera, being brought back into the competition after having been eliminated a few episodes prior. A new pit crew was also introduced consisting of Jason Carter and Shawn Morales.

The theme song playing during the runway every episode was changed to "Champion" while the song playing during the credits is "Main Event", both from RuPaul's album Champion. As with the previous season, each week's episode was followed by a behind-the-scenes show, RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked. On December 6, 2011, Amazon.com released this season on DVD via their CreateSpace program.^[4]

The winner of the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race was Raja, with Manila Luzon being the runner-up.

Contestants

The winner, Raja

See also: List of RuPaul's Drag Race contestants

Ages, names, and cities stated are at time of filming.

Contestants of RuPaul's Drag Race season 3 and their backgrounds

Contestant	Age	Hometown	Outcome
Raja[a]	36	Los Angeles, California	Winner
Manila Luzon	28	New York City, New York	Runner-up
Alexis Mateo	30	St. Petersburg, Florida	3rd place
Yara Sofia	26	Manatí, Puerto Rico	4th place[b]
Carmen Carrera	25	Elmwood Park, New Jersey	5th place[c]
Shangela[d]	28	Los Angeles, California	6th place
Delta Work	34	Norwalk, California	7th place
Stacy Layne Matthews	25	Raynham, North Carolina	8th place
Mariah[e]	29	Atlanta, Georgia	9th place
India Ferrah	23	Dayton, Ohio	10th place
Mimi Imfurst	26	New York City, New York	11th place
Phoenix	29	Atlanta, Georgia	12th place
Venus D-Lite	26	Los Angeles, California	13th place

Notes:

1. Raja Gemini is referred to as Raja on the show
2. Yara Sofia was voted Miss Congeniality by the viewers
3. Carmen Carrera originally placed sixth before re-entering the competition
4. Shangela Laquifa Wadley, simply referred to as Shangela on the show, originally competed on season 2 and placed twelfth
5. Mariah Paris Balenciaga is referred to as Mariah on the show

Contestant progress

Legend:

  Raja won RuPaul's Drag Race season 3.

  Manila Luzon was the runner-up.

  Yara Sofia was voted Miss Congeniality (Miss C) by the viewers.

  WIN indicates that the contestant won the challenge.

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

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

  ELIM (Eliminated) indicates that the contestant was eliminated.

  Guest indicates that the contestant returned as a guest.

Contestants progress with placements in each episode

Contestant	Episode
	2[5]	3[6]	4[7]	5[8]	6[9]	7[10]	8[11]	9[12]	10[13]	11[14]	12[15]	13[16]	15[17]	16[18]
Raja	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	Winner	Guest
Manila Luzon	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	WIN	Runner-up	Guest
Alexis Mateo	SAFE	WIN	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	BTM	Eliminated	Guest
Yara Sofia	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	ELIM		Miss C
Carmen Carrera	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	ELIM		ELIM			Guest
Shangela	BTM	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	BTM	ELIM				Guest
Delta Work	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	ELIM							Guest
Stacy Layne Matthews	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	WIN	ELIM								Guest
Mariah	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM									Guest
India Ferrah	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	ELIM										Guest
Mimi Imfurst	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM											Guest
Phoenix	SAFE	ELIM												Guest
Venus D-Lite	ELIM													Guest

Lip syncs

Legend:

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

  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.

Episode	Contestants			Song	Eliminated
2[5]	Shangela	vs.	Venus D-Lite	"The Right Stuff" (Vanessa Williams)	Venus D-Lite
3[6]	Delta Work	vs.	Phoenix	"Bad Romance" (Lady Gaga)	Phoenix
4[7]	India Ferrah	vs.	Mimi Imfurst	"Don't Leave Me This Way" (Thelma Houston)	Mimi Imfurst
5[8]	India Ferrah	vs.	Stacy Layne Matthews	"Meeting in the Ladies Room" (Klymaxx)	India Ferrah
6[9]	Delta Work	vs.	Mariah	"Looking for a New Love" (Jody Watley)	Mariah
7[10]	Alexis Mateo	vs.	Stacy Layne Matthews	"Knock on Wood" (Amii Stewart)	Stacy Layne Matthews
8[11]	Delta Work	vs.	Manila Luzon	"MacArthur Park" (Donna Summer)	Delta Work
9[12]	Carmen Carrera	vs.	Yara Sofia	"Mickey (Spanish version)" (Toni Basil)	None
10[13]	Carmen Carrera	vs.	Shangela	"Believe" (Cher)	Carmen Carrera
11[14]	Alexis Mateo	vs.	Shangela	"Even Angels" (Fantasia)	Shangela
12[15]	Carmen Carrera	vs.	Raja	"Straight Up" (Paula Abdul)	Carmen Carrera
13[16]	Alexis Mateo	vs.	Yara Sofia	"I Think About You" (Patti LaBelle)	Yara Sofia
Episode	Contestants			Song	Winner
15[17]	Manila Luzon	vs.	Raja	"Champion (DJ BunJoe's Olympic Mix)" (RuPaul)	Raja

Guest judges

Listed in chronological order:

• Bruce Vilanch, comedy writer, songwriter, and actor
• Mike Ruiz, photographer, director, and reality television personality
• Vanessa Williams, actress, singer, and former Miss America
• Lily Tomlin, actress and comedian
• Alessandra Torresani, actress
• La Toya Jackson, singer
• Susan Powter, motivational speaker and fitness guru
• Chloë Sevigny, actress and model
• Debbie Matenopoulos, television host
• Aisha Tyler, comedian and actress
• Amber Rose, model
• Eliza Dushku, actress
• Sara Rue, actress
• Rita Rudner, comedian
• Arden Myrin, comedian
• Cheryl Tiegs, model
• Johnny Weir, professional figure skater
• Jeffrey Moran, Absolut Vodka marketing/branding executive
• Jody Watley, R&B/pop singer
• Carmen Electra, actress
• Wayne Brady, actor, comedian, and singer
• Fantasia Barrino, singer, actress, and author
• Margaret Cho, actress and comedian
• Sharon Osbourne, television host and reality television personality
• Gigi Levangie, novelist and host of Logo's The Arrangement

Episodes

See also: List of RuPaul's Drag Race episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original release date
22	1	"Casting Extravaganza"	January 24, 2011 (2011-01-24)
The first episode shows behind the scenes of the casting process for the 2011 edition of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Featured are entrants that were not cast in the series. All the contestants are profiled. Manila's audition tape includes an endorsement from her boyfriend, season 2's Sahara Davenport. Raja reveals she has done make up for some pretty big names in Hollywood and her audition tape includes an endorsement from Adam Lambert. India Ferrah shows us through video and old photos his early drag career which started at 14. Mimi and Stacy were premiered as the Big Girls of the Season. Phoenix talks about her start in drag. Venus D-lite and Delta Work are profiled, and it is revealed that they were chosen as a result of auditioning in front of RuPaul and Santino Rice at an open casting call in Hollywood, California. This special also features several queens who appear on future seasons: Madame LaQueer and Chad Michaels, who would go on to appear on Season 4, Alaska, Detox, and Penny Tration who would go on to appear on Season 5, Joslyn Fox who would appear on Season 6, Katya Zamolodchikova, Sasha Belle, Mrs. Kasha Davis and Jasmine Masters who appeared on Season 7, Thorgy Thor and Dax ExclamationPoint from Season 8, and Season 11's Nina West. Audition tapes for new "Pit Crew" members with Shawn Morales and Jason Carter being selected to join the team.
23	2	"The Queen Who Mopped Xmas"	January 24, 2011 (2011-01-24)
Twelve new queens enter the workroom. Shangela, who was eliminated first last season, made a comeback to compete again. For the first mini-challenge, the queens do a Christmas Card photoshoot on a trampoline. Raja wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens create an outfit made from Christmas themed items. On the runway, Manila Luzon, Mimi Imfurst and Raja receive positive critiques, with Raja winning the challenge. Carmen Carrera, Shangela and Venus D-Lite receive negative critiques, with Carmen Carrera being safe. Shangela and Venus D-Lite lip-sync to "The Right Stuff" by Vanessa Williams. Shangela wins the lip-sync and Venus D-Lite is the first queen to sashay away. Guest Judges: Bruce Vilanch, Mike Ruiz and Vanessa Williams Mini-Challenge: Christmas Card Photoshoot on a trampoline Mini-Challenge Winner: Raja Main Challenge: Create an outfit made from Christmas themed items Challenge Winner: Raja Challenge Prize: A $2,000 gift card to Sequin Queen Bottom Two: Shangela and Venus D-Lite Lip-Sync Song: "The Right Stuff" by Vanessa Williams Eliminated: Venus D-Lite Farewell Message: "Don't be shady!!, Be a Lady!, Love ya, Venus D-Lite"
24	3	"Queens in Space"	January 31, 2011 (2011-01-31)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens pair up and try to guess their partner's choices for different questions. Mariah and Phoenix win the mini-challenge and are named team leaders, tasked with choosing teammates for the main challenge: starring in the trailers for two different installments of the Drag Queens in Outer Space Sci-Fi spoof film saga. Team Mariah starring in Drag Queens in Outer Space: Return to Uranus : Alexis Mateo, Mariah, Mimi Imfurst, Shangela, Stacy Layne Matthews and Yara Sofia Team Phoenix starring in Drag Queens in Outer Space: From Earth to Uranus : Carmen Carrera, Delta Work, India Ferrah, Manila Luzon, Phoenix and Raja On the runway, category is Sci-Fi. Team Mariah is the winning team, with Alexis Mateo and Shangela both winning the challenge. Team Phoenix is the losing team. Carmen Carrera, Delta Work and Phoenix receive negative critiques, with Carmen Carrera being safe. Delta Work and Phoenix lip-sync to "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. Delta Work wins the lip-sync and Phoenix sashays away. Guest Judges: Lily Tomlin and Alessandra Torresani Mini-Challenge: In pairs, guess your partner's choices for different questions Mini-Challenge Winners: Mariah and Phoenix Main Challenge: In teams, star in the trailers for two different installments of the Drag Queens in Outer Space Sci-Fi spoof film saga Runway Theme: Sci-Fi Challenge Winners: Alexis Mateo and Shangela Challenge Prize: A set of hand-sculpted silicone breast plates by Boobs for Queens Bottom Two: Delta Work and Phoenix Lip-Sync Song: "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga Eliminated: Phoenix Farewell Message: "Be You Bitches (Boots) Loves, Phoenix"
25	4	"Totally Leotarded"	February 7, 2011 (2011-02-07)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens pair up and make a leotard using only duct tape. As winners of the mini-challenge, Carmen Carrera and Manila Luzon select their teammates for the main challenge: producing a fitness workout video. Team Carmen Carrera: Carmen Carrera, Delta Work, India Ferrah, Mariah and Yara Sofia Team Manila Luzon: Alexis Mateo, Manila Luzon, Mimi Imfurst, Raja, Shangela and Stacy Layne Matthews On the runway, category is My Favorite Body Part. Alexis Mateo, Stacy Layne Matthews and Yara Sofia receive positive critiques, with Alexis Mateo winning the challenge. India Ferrah, Mariah and Mimi Imfurst receive negative critiques, with Mariah being safe. India Ferrah and Mimi Imfurst lip-sync to "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston. India Ferrah wins the lip-sync and Mimi Imfurst sashays away. Guest Judges: Billy B., La Toya Jackson and Susan Powter Mini-Challenge: In pairs, make a leotard using only duct tape Mini-Challenge Winners: Carmen Carrera and Manila Luzon Main Challenge: In teams, produce a fitness workout video Runway Theme: My Favorite Body Part Challenge Winner: Alexis Mateo Challenge Prize: A $2,500 gift card to Gilt Groupe Bottom Two: India Ferrah and Mimi Imfurst Lip-Sync Song: "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston Eliminated: Mimi Imfurst Farewell Message: "mimiimfurst.com 'life is too short to live someone else's"
26	5	"QNN News"	February 14, 2011 (2011-02-14)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens pose for a scandalous Red Carpet photoshoot. For winning the mini-challenge, Carmen Carrera and Stacy Layne Matthews pick their teammates for the main challenge: producing a morning news show called "QNN News". Team Carmen Carrera: Carmen Carrera, Delta Work, India Ferrah, Manila Luzon and Raja Team Stacy Layne Matthews: Alexis Mateo, Mariah, Shangela, Stacy Layne Matthews and Yara Sofia On the runway, category is Fabulous Drag. Manila Luzon and Shangela receive positive critiques, with Manila Luzon winning the challenge. India Ferrah, Mariah and Stacy Layne Matthews receive negative critiques, with Mariah being safe. India Ferrah and Stacy Layne Matthews lip-sync to "Meeting in the Ladies Room" by Klymaxx. Stacy Layne Matthews wins the lip-sync and India Ferrah sashays away. Guest Judges: Billy B, Chloë Sevigny and Debbie Matenopoulos Mini-Challenge: Scandalous Red Carpet photoshoot Mini-Challenge Winners: Carmen Carrera and Stacy Layne Matthews Main Challenge: In teams, produce a morning news show called "QNN News" Runway Theme: Fabulous Drag Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon Challenge Prize: A $2,000 gift card to Wig USA Bottom Two: India Ferrah and Stacy Layne Matthews Lip-Sync Song: "Meeting in the Ladies Room" by Klymaxx Eliminated: India Ferrah Farewell Message: "Never Give Up, You're all stars...India Ferrah"
27	6	"Snatch Game"	February 21, 2011 (2011-02-21)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens play a game of "Shit RuPaul Says". Delta Work wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens play the Snatch Game. Aisha Tyler and Amber Rose star as the celebrity contestants. The cast consisted of: Alexis Mateo as Alicia Keys Carmen Carrera as Jennifer Lopez Delta Work as Cher Manila Luzon as Imelda Marcos Mariah as Joan Crawford Raja as Tyra Banks Shangela as Tina Turner Stacy Layne Matthews as Mo'Nique Yara Sofia as Amy Winehouse On the runway, category is Best Drag. Alexis Mateo, Raja and Stacy Layne Matthews receive positive critiques, with Stacy Layne Matthews winning the challenge. Delta Work, Mariah and Yara Sofia receive negative critiques, with Yara Sofia being safe. Delta Work and Mariah lip-sync to "Looking for a New Love" by Jody Watley. Delta Work wins the lip-sync and Mariah sashays away. Guest Judges: Aisha Tyler and Amber Rose Mini-Challenge: Shit RuPaul Says Mini-Challenge Winner: Delta Work Main Challenge: Snatch Game Runway Theme: Best Drag Challenge Winner: Stacy Layne Matthews Challenge Prize: A cruise for 2 to the Bahamas courtesy of Al and Chuck Travel Bottom Two: Delta Work and Mariah Lip-Sync Song: "Looking for a New Love" by Jody Watley Eliminated: Mariah Farewell Message: "Condragulations Raja. Mug4Dayz! Mariah"
28	7	"Face, Face, Face of Cakes"	February 28, 2011 (2011-02-28)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens do a nude photoshoot. Carmen Carrera wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge the queens create an outfit inspired by a bakery cake. Alexis Mateo - Cheesecake Carmen Carrera - Princess Cake Delta Work - Angel Food Cake Manila Luzon - Carrot Cake Raja - Chocolate Lava Cake Shangela - Pineapple Upside Down Cake Stacey Layne Matthews - Red Velvet Cake Yara Sofia - Strawberry Shortcake On the runway, Delta Work, Manila Luzon, Raja and Yara Sofia receive positive critiques, with Raja winning the challenge. Alexis Mateo, Carmen Carrera, Shangela and Stacy Layne Matthews receive negative critiques, with Carmen Carrera and Shangela being safe. Alexis Mateo and Stacy Layne Matthews lip-sync to "Knock on Wood" by Amii Stewart. Alexis Mateo wins the lip-sync and Stacy Layne Matthews sashays away. Guest Judges: Billy B., Eliza Dushku and Sara Rue Mini-Challenge: Nude photoshoot Mini-Challenge Winner: Carmen Carrera Main Challenge: Create an outfit inspired by a bakery cake Challenge Winner: Raja Main Challenge Prize: A shopping spree at L.A. Eyeworks Bottom Two: Alexis Mateo and Stacy Layne Matthews Lip Sync Song: "Knock on Wood" by Amii Stewart Eliminated: Stacy Layne Matthews Farewell Message: "Be a lady! You're All Amazing. Stacy Layne “Bryant” Matthews XOX"
29	8	"Ru Ha Ha!"	March 7, 2011 (2011-03-07)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens read each other to filth. Shangela wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens perform a stand-up comedy routine in front of the judges and a live audience. On the runway, Carmen Carrera, Raja, Shangela and Yara Sofia receive positive critiques, with Shangela winning the challenge. Delta Work and Manila Luzon receive negative critiques, and are announced as the bottom two. They lip-sync to "MacArthur Park" by Donna Summer. Manila Luzon wins the lip-sync and Delta Work sashays away. Guest Judges: Billy B., Rita Rudner and Arden Myrin Mini-Challenge: Reading is Fundamental Mini-Challenge Winner: Shangela Main Challenge: Perform a stand-up comedy routine in front of the judges a live audience Challenge Winner: Shangela Challenge Prize: An original, custom designed gown from Miami Elite Designs Bottom Two: Delta Work and Manila Luzon Lip-Sync Song: "MacArthur Park" by Donna Summer Eliminated: Delta Work Farewell Message: "WORK HEATHERS xoxo Delta"
30	9	"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Style"	March 14, 2011 (2011-03-14)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens decorate regular bras using rhinestones. Manila Luzon wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens film a patriotic message addressed to US military personnel overseas. On the runway, category is Patriotic Drag. Alexis Mateo and Shangela receive positive critiques, with Alexis Mateo winning the challenge. Carmen Carrera, Manila Luzon, Raja and Yara Sofia receive negative critiques, with Manila Luzon and Raja being safe. Carmen Carrera and Yara Sofia lip-sync to "Mickey (Spanish Version)" by Toni Basil. Both queens win the lip-sync and no one goes home. Guest Judges: Cheryl Tiegs and Johnny Weir Mini-Challenge: Decorate regular bras using rhinestones Mini-Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon Main Challenge: Film a patriotic message addressed to US military personnel overseas Runway Theme: Patriotic Drag Challenge Winner: Alexis Mateo Challenge Prize: A three-piece luxury luggage set from Antler Luggage Bottom Two: Carmen Carrera and Yara Sofia Lip-Sync Song: "Mickey (Spanish Version)" by Toni Basil Eliminated: None Carmen Carrera's Stay Message: "I kiss Johnny Weir! Carmen Carrera" Yara Sofia's Stay Message: "I'm still here! Echa Pa Lante xoxo Y.S."
31	10	"RuPaul-a-palooza"	March 21, 2011 (2011-03-21)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens play a game of musical chairs. Manila Luzon wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens perform RuPaul's song "Superstar" in different music genres. Alexis Mateo - Hip Hop Carmen Carrera - Reggae Manila Luzon - Disco Raja - Punk Rock Shangela - Country Yara Sofia - Pop On the runway, Manila Luzon, Raja and Yara Sofia receive positive critiques, with Raja winning the challenge. Alexis Mateo, Carmen Carrera and Shangela receive negative critiques, with Alexis Mateo being safe. Carmen Carrera and Shangela lip-sync to "Believe" by Cher. Shangela wins the lip-sync and Carmen Carrera sashays away. Guest Judges: Jeffrey Moran, Jody Watley, and Carmen Electra Mini-Challenge: Play a game of musical chairs Mini-Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon Main Challenge: Perform RuPaul's song "Superstar" in different music genres Challenge Winner: Raja Challenge Prize: An original, custom gown by Marco Marco Bottom Two: Carmen Carrera and Shangela Lip-Sync Song: "Believe" by Cher Eliminated: Carmen Carrera Farewell Message: "Heathers better win."
32	11	"The Hair Ball"	March 28, 2011 (2011-03-28)
For this weeks mini-challenge, the queens create beach-themed headpieces. Raja wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens create three looks for The Hair Ball: A Classic Look from Another Era, A Modern Red Carpet Look and A Fantasy Hair Outfit On the runway, Manila Luzon, Raja and Yara Sofia receive positive critiques, with Yara Sofia winning the challenge. Alexis Mateo and Shangela receive negative critiques, and are announced as the bottom two. They lip-sync to "Even Angels" by Fantasia. Alexis Mateo wins the lip-sync and Shangela sashays away. At the end of the episode, RuPaul tells the other queens that the judges will be voting one of the eliminated queens back into the competition. Guest Judges: Wayne Brady and Fantasia Barrino Mini-Challenge: Create beach-themed headpieces Mini-Challenge Winner: Raja Main Challenge: The Hair Ball Runway Themes: A Classic Look from Another Era, A Modern Red Carpet Look and A Fantasy Hair Outfit Challenge Winner: Yara Sofia Challenge Prize: An Alaskan cruise for 2 from Al and Chuck Travel Bottom Two: Alexis Mateo and Shangela Lip-Sync Song: "Even Angels" by Fantasia Eliminated: Shangela Farewell Message: "Always live your dreams and believe in second chances. Halleloo! Love Shangela"
33	12	"Jocks in Frocks"	April 4, 2011 (2011-04-04)
At the beginning of the episode, RuPaul reveals that the judges have voted back Carmen Carrera, and she officially returns to the competition. For the mini-challenge, the queens play a game of Dunk-A-Queen, in which the queens will have to dunk their opponents. Alexis Mateo wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens makeover heterosexual male athletes. On the runway, Alexis Mateo, Manila Luzon and Yara Sofia receive positive critiques, with Manila Luzon winning the challenge. Carmen Carrera and Raja receive negative critiques, and are announced as the bottom two. They lip-sync to "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul. Raja wins the lip-sync and Carmen Carrera sashays away. Guest Judges: Mike Ruiz, Margaret Cho and Sharon Osbourne Returned: Carmen Carrera Mini-Challenge: Dunk-A-Queen Mini-Challenge Winner: Alexis Mateo Main Challenge: Makeover heterosexual male athletes Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon Challenge Prize: A cruise for 2 to the Bahamas courtesy of Al and Chuck Travel Bottom Two: Carmen Carrera and Raja Lip-Sync Song: "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul Eliminated: Carmen Carrera Farewell Message: "Good bye AGAIN!! Best of luck to everyone. Turn it out & don't be a sprepper! xoxo Carmen"
34	13	"The Money Ball"	April 11, 2011 (2011-04-11)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens create a marketable drag product and deliver a sales pitch for it on fictitious home shopping network "RuVC". Yara Sofia wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens create three looks for The Money Ball: Swimsuit Body Beautiful, Cocktail Attire After 5 and Evening Gown Eleganza. On the runway, Manila Luzon and Raja receive positive critiques, with Manila Luzon winning the challenge. Alexis Mateo and Yara Sofia receive negative critiques, and are announced as the bottom two. They lip-sync to "I Think About You" by Patti LaBelle. Alexis Mateo wins the lip-sync and Yara Sofia sashays away. Guest Judges: Mike Ruiz, La Toya Jackson and Gigi Levangie Mini-Challenge: Create a marketable drag product and deliver a sales pitch for it on fictitious home shopping network "RuVC" Mini-Challenge Winner: Yara Sofia Main Challenge: The Money Ball Runway Themes: Swimsuit Body Beautiful, Cocktail Attire After 5 and Evening Gown Eleganza Challenge Winner: Manila Luzon Challenge Prize: A collection of fine jewelry from Kathy Ireland Jewelry Bottom Two: Alexis Mateo and Yara Sofia Lip-Sync Song: "I Think About You" by Patti LaBelle Eliminated: Yara Sofia Farewell Message: "Echa pa' lante, no mires pa' atras pa' coger impulso, and you know what f&%k you haha" (Push forward, don't look back to gain momentum, and you know what f&#k you haha)
35	14	"RuPaul Rewind"	April 18, 2011 (2011-04-18)
A look back at the highlights, low-lights and previously unseen footage from the first 13 episodes. Chaz Bono made a cameo appearance during the episode's opening scene as a spot light operator. Season two winner Tyra Sanchez as well as runner-ups Raven and Jujubee returned to the provide their opinions on the season's highlights.
36	15	"Grand Finale"	April 25, 2011 (2011-04-25)
For the final challenge of the season, the queens star in RuPaul's music video "Champion (DJ BunJoe's Olympic Mix)". On the runway, Alexis Mateo is eliminated from the competition, leaving Manila Luzon and Raja as the top two queens of the season. They lip-sync to "Champion (DJ BunJoe's Olympic Mix)" by RuPaul. It is then announced that Raja is the winner, leaving Manila Luzon as the runner-up. Main Challenge: Star in RuPaul's music video "Champion (DJ BunJoe's Olympic Mix)" Eliminated: Alexis Mateo Farewell Message: "Always know your place. The jig is up!!! Siempre, Alexis" Top Two: Manila Luzon and Raja Lip-Sync Song: "Champion (DJ BunJoe's Olympic Mix)" by RuPaul Runner-up: Manila Luzon Farewell Message: "Positive Always! I Love You Mommy & Daddy! Manila Luzon :)" Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season Three: Raja
37	16	"Reunited"	May 2, 2011 (2011-05-02)
The queens all return for the reunion. Discussions include: Mimi Imfurst picking up India Ferrah during their lip-sync, all the girls' issues with Shangela during the season, and the "Heathers" vs. the "Boogers". It is then announced that Yara Sofia is this season's Miss Congeniality. Miss Congeniality: Yara Sofia

Ratings

Episode	Title	Viewers (in millions)	Households1	Ages 18–491	Network
2	The Queen who Mopped Xmas	0.449	-	0.4/1[19]	LOGO
3	Queens in Space	0.560	0.3/1	0.3/1[20]	VH1
4	Totally Leotarded	0.478	0.3/1	0.2/1[21]
5	QNN News	0.537	0.4/1	0.3/1[22]
6	The Snatch Game	0.503	0.3/1	0.2/1[23]
7	Face, Face, Face of Cakes	0.486	0.4/1	0.2/1[24]
8	Ru Ha Ha	0.483	0.3/1	0.2/1[25]

¹Based upon point/share system for Nielsen ratings. The first number represents the percentage of households within the population viewing the program (known as points). The second number (known as shares) is how many households were expected to view the program, within the population. For example, Episode 8 has a point/share of "0.3/1". This means .3% of households viewed the program from the expected 1%, showing .7% of the show's audience were watching a different program.

Controversy

Raja's win leaked

Before the season even started airing, blogger Perez Hilton revealed Raja as the winner to the public, causing an uproar from fans. It also led to the show's crowning format being changed, with the finale taped with several different winning outcomes. The true outcome would then be announced during the broadcast of the finale in an attempt to conceal the winner's identity and prevent any spoilers from taking place. This took place from the following season-onwards.^[26]