Words: Will Stroude
After 14 weeks of wig-stealing, legendary Untucked bust-ups and, er, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11 has finally been crowned.
Thursday night’s grand final at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre saw the season come to a dramatic climax as Yvie Oddly defeated Brooke Lynn Hytes in a final lipsync showdown to Lady Gaga’s ‘The Edge of Glory’ to be named America’s Next Drag Superstar.
Earlier, Silky Nutmeg Ganache had lost out in a lipsync to Destiny’s Child’s ‘Bootylicious’ against Brooke Lynn, before Yvie knocked out A’Keria C. Davenport with a typically bendy performance to Rihanna’s ‘SOS’, during which she revealed a pair of underwear which read ‘Free Britney’.
After being named winner of the season, Yvie, who had won praise from the judges throughout the season for combining quirky, unique looks with slick execution, urged fans to “follow your oddities and fly your freak flag.”
We have a winner, baby!! Condragulations to America’s Next Drag Superstar: @OddlyYvie!!! 👑 #DragRace pic.twitter.com/yoiRntlw60
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) May 31, 2019
The grand final also saw season 11’s Miss Congeniality crowned by the recipient of last year’s award, Monét X Change.
In news that’ll come as a surprise to exactly no one, it was revealed the eliminated queens had voted the Nina ‘Pride of Season 11’ West as this year’s Miss Congeniality.
Condragulations @NinaWest on Miss Congeniality!!! Shine on Pride of Season 11!! 🏳️🌈 #DragRace pic.twitter.com/Q1HEUypAly
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) May 31, 2019
Deserved.
Other highlights form the night included legenday Drag Race queens returning to the runway while Christine and the Queens channelled her inner femme to deliver a fierce rendition of Ru’s ‘Sissy That Walk’.
Christine and the Queens and some legendary alumni Sissy That Walk!! 💃 Who had your fav lewk? #DragRace pic.twitter.com/0RF6ObQurD
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) May 31, 2019
Who’s ready for tonight?! Watch as the eliminated Queens of Season 11 serve lewks on the runway of the #DragRace Grand Finale! 👑
Don’t miss the extravaganza TONIGHT at 9/8c on @VH1! 🏁💋 pic.twitter.com/MXh3WM4Gvr
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) May 30, 2019
There was also, incredibly, an extended ‘In Mammoriam’ segment for Michelle Visage’s famous breast implants, which Ru revealed his Best Judy had decided to get removed after battling breast implant illness.
Breast in peace to these blessed All Stars: @michellevisage’s boobs 💗 #DragRace pic.twitter.com/sW7P4D71Oi
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) May 31, 2019
Still more of a series arc than Honey Davenport got.
All in all, it was a solid finale for a season which has been accused by some of being a little lacklustre – but between Brooke Lynn’s runaway reveals, Yvie vs. Silky, Yvie vs. Vanjie and Nina West, periodt, we’re calling season 11 a success overall.
Now roll on All Stars 5, right? Right?!