Pick up your remote, because RuPaul's glittery drag multiverse is expanding into an all-new show titled Queen of the Universe. The forthcoming drag competition, hosted by the incomparable Graham Norton, is a one-of-a-kind series that will showcase a lineup of talented drag queens from around the world performing their hearts out for a chance to win $250,000. Unlike other drag competitions where the best lip-syncing skills help get the 10s, these drag divas will be using their real singing voices to impress the star-studded judges' table.
And while we're on the subject, the award-winning judges are not for the weak. TBH, we're almost more excited for who's sitting behind the judges' table than for the actual contestants — almost. With Queen of the Universe exclusively streaming now on Paramount+, we thought it best to give you a look into the judges that are lending their expertise to the competition.
Vanessa Williams
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We all know Vanessa Williams isn't a stranger to the stage, but the former Miss America has also dabbled in the world of drag. In fact, the Grammy and Emmy-nominated star appeared on RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race back in 2020, when she performed a remixed version of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" in full drag makeup and wardrobe. She even has a drag name: Vanqueisha De House. Sashay you stay, Vanqueisha.
1 / 5
Trixie Mattel
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There was no way there was going to be a new drag competition without a highly respected drag queen at the judges' table. Enter: Trixie Mattel. Also known as "Skinny Legend," she made her RuPaul drag universe debut on Season 7 of RuPaul's Drag Race. She later came back for her crown on Season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars and walked away the winner. Of course, Trix isn't the average drag diva. She's also a recording artist who's had a song on Billboard Heatseekers and charted No. 1, so she knows a thing or two about performing in full costume and singing your heart out.
2 / 5
Michelle Visage
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RuPaul doesn't keep many people in his A-List circle of friends, but Michelle Visage has been a consistent right hand to the drag legend since the '80s in their heyday of the New York nightclub scene. Alongside her long-running gig as a judge in RuPaul's world — RuPaul's Drag Race (since Season 3), RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars, RuPaul's Drag Race UK, and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under — Michelle is also a platinum-selling recording artist, radio DJ, TV host, and author. Who says a girl can't have it all?
3 / 5
Leona Lewis
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If you were anything like us in the early 2000s, then you've sung "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis at the top of your lungs at some point. Many may not recall, but Leona is also no stranger to the reality TV world. She got her major break after appearing on the UK version of The X Factor in 2006, which resulted in her earning a £1 million recording contract. She consistently released music throughout the '00s and 2010s, even dabbling in acting in 2019 on the NBC series Songland. Maybe we'll get a chance to hear her stunning voice on Queen of the Universe.
