RuPaul's Drag Race season 13

The thirteenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on January 1 and concluded on April 23, 2021. The cast was announced via Twitter on December 9, 2020. The competition is broadcast on VH1 in the United States and showcases 13 new queens competing for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar". VH1 renewed both RuPaul's Drag Race and its spin-off RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars for a thirteenth and sixth season respectively on August 20, 2020. Casting calls for season 13 were opened in December 2019. In addition to airing on VH1, the premiere episode was simulcast across 5 other channels: Logo, MTV, MTV2, Pop, and The CW, becoming the most-watched episode in the franchise's history.

After the season's first teaser trailer was accidentally leaked a day prior, the cast was officially revealed by season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall on December 9, 2020. The teaser revealed that the season's premiere would consist of six "Lip-Sync for Your Life" battles in a Lip-Sync Extravaganza, along with a new socially distanced stage and werkroom design. The season welcomed Gottmik, the show's first ever openly transgender male and assigned female at birth contestant since the series began in 2009.

The season was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, relying on strict protocols, including isolation and testing of contestants, judges, and crew. On February 26, 2021, the series aired Corona Can't Keep a Good Queen Down detailing the season's production amid the pandemic, including unseen footage and reflections from the cast. The winner of the thirteenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race was Symone, with Kandy Muse as the runner-up and LaLa Ri as Miss Congeniality.

The winner, Symone

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

Notes:

Legend:

Notes

Legend:

Notes:

• Jamal Sims, choreographer (episodes 2 and 8)
• Nicole Byer, stand-up comedian (episodes 3 and 5)
• Loni Love, comedian and television host (episodes 4, 6, 10 and 12)
• Ts Madison, LGBT activist (episodes 7 and 9)
• Cynthia Erivo, English actress, singer and songwriter (episode 13)

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

Alternating Judges: Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews Main Challenge: Face-off in Lip-Sync for Your Life battles Lip-Sync Songs: "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, "When I Grow Up" by The Pussycat Dolls, "The Pleasure Principle" by Janet Jackson, "Rumors" by Lindsay Lohan, "Ex's & Oh's" by Elle King and "Lady Marmalade" by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa, Pink Lip-Sync Winners: Kandy Muse, LaLa Ri, Symone, Gottmik, Olivia Lux and Tina Burner Lip-Sync Losers: Joey Jay, Denali, Tamisha Iman, Utica Queen, Rosé, Elliott with 2 Ts and Kahmora Hall | | | | | 2 | "Condragulations" | January 8, 2021 (2021-01-08) | | | At the beginning of the episode, it is revealed that Elliott with 2 Ts has been voted out. The winning queens from last episode enter the workroom and are joined by Elliott with 2 Ts. For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will walk the runway showing off two looks: Day Time Drama Mama and Night Time is the Right Time. For the main challenge, the queens will write, record, and perform verses to "Condragulations". On the runway, category is Lamé You Stay. Elliott with 2 Ts, LaLa Ri, Olivia Lux, Symone and Tina Burner receive positive critiques. Gottmik and Kandy Muse receive negative critiques. It is announced that Olivia Lux and Symone are the top two queens of the week and will lip-sync for the win. They lip-sync to "Break My Heart" by Dua Lipa. After the lip-sync, it is announced that Symone is the winner.

Guest Judge: Jamal Sims Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Mini-Challenge: Walk the runway showing off two looks: Day Time Drama Mama and Night Time is the Right Time Main Challenge: Write, record, and perform verses to "Condragulations" Runway Theme: Lamé You Stay Top Two: Olivia Lux and Symone Lip-Sync Song: "Break My Heart" by Dua Lipa Challenge Winner: Symone Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip | | | | | 3 | "Phenomenon" | January 15, 2021 (2021-01-15) | | | The queens who lost their lip-sync in episode one enter the workroom. For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will walk the runway showing off two looks: Lady and Vamp. For this week's main challenge, the queens will write, record, and perform verses to "Phenomenon". On the runway, category is We're Here, We're Sheer, Get Used to It. Denali, Rosé, Tamisha Iman and Utica Queen receive positive critiques. Joey Jay and Kahmora Hall receive negative critiques. It is announced that Denali and Rosé are the top two queens of the week and will lip-sync for the win. They lip-sync to "If U Seek Amy" by Britney Spears. After the lip-sync, it is announced that Denali is the winner.

Guest Judge: Nicole Byer Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Mini-Challenge: Walk the runway showing off two looks: Lady and Vamp Main Challenge: Write, record, and perform verses to "Phenomenon" Runway Theme: We're Here, We're Sheer, Get Used to It Top Two: Denali and Rosé Lip-Sync Song: "If U Seek Amy" by Britney Spears Challenge Winner: Denali Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip | | | | | 4 | "RuPaulmark Channel" | January 22, 2021 (2021-01-22) | | | For this week's main challenge, the queens will overact in cheesy RuPaulmark holiday movies.

April Fool's Rush In - Gottmik, Joey Jay, Kandy Muse, Tamisha Iman and Tina Burner God Loves Flags - LaLa Ri, Rosé, Symone and Utica Queen Misery Love's Company - Denali, Elliott with 2 Ts, Kahmora Hall and Olivia Lux On the runway, category is Trains for Days. Kandy Muse, Rosé and Symone receive positive critiques, with Symone winning the challenge. Denali, Kahmora Hall and LaLa Ri receive negative critiques, with LaLa Ri being safe. Denali and Kahmora Hall lip-sync to "100% Pure Love by Crystal Waters. Denali wins the lip-sync and Kahmora Hall is the first queen to sashay away.

Guest Judge: Loni Love Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Main Challenge: Overact in cheesy RuPaulmark holiday movies Runway Theme: Trains For Days Challenge Winner: Symone Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Denali and Kahmora Hall Lip-Sync Song: "100% Pure Love" by Crystal Waters Eliminated: Kahmora Hall Farewell Message: "Keep chasing the sparkle. I love you ladies. - Kahmora Hall" | | | | | 5 | "The Bag Ball" | January 29, 2021 (2021-01-29) | | | For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will get into baby quick drag and see who is the most misbehaved baby. LaLa Ri wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will create three looks for The Bag Ball: Mixed Bag, Money Bags and Bag Ball Eleganza. On the runway, Gottmik, Rosé and Utica Queen receive positive critiques, with Gottmik winning the challenge. Joey Jay, LaLa Ri and Tamisha Iman receive negative critiques, with Tamisha Iman being safe. Joey Jay and LaLa Ri lip-sync to "Fancy" by Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX. LaLa Ri wins the lip-sync and Joey Jay sashays away.

Guest Judge: Nicole Byer Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Get into baby quick drag and see who is the most misbehaved baby Mini-Challenge Winner: LaLa Ri Mini-Challenge Prize: A $2,500 gift card from FierceQueen.com Main Challenge: The Bag Ball Runway Themes: Mixed Bag, Money Bags and Bag Ball Eleganza Challenge Winner: Gottmik Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Joey Jay and LaLa Ri Lip Sync Song: "Fancy" by Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX Eliminated: Joey Jay Farewell Message: "I'm a gay ass bitch... I'm WHO? xoxo .mw-parser-output .blacksuits,.mw-parser-output .clubs,.mw-parser-output .spades{color:black}.mw-parser-output .redsuits,.mw-parser-output .diamonds,.mw-parser-output .hearts{color:red}@media screen{html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .blacksuits,html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .clubs,html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .spades,html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .playingcards{padding-left:0.2em;padding-right:0.2em;border-radius:0.2em;background:white;color:black}html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .redsuits,html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .diamonds,html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .hearts{padding-left:0.2em;padding-right:0.2em;border-radius:0.2em;background:white;color:red}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .blacksuits,html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .clubs,html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .spades,html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .playingcards{padding-left:0.2em;padding-right:0.2em;border-radius:0.2em;background:white;color:black}html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .redsuits,html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .diamonds,html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .hearts{padding-left:0.2em;padding-right:0.2em;border-radius:0.2em;background:white;color:red}}♥ Joey Jay! ♥" | | | | | 6 | "Disco-mentary" | February 5, 2021 (2021-02-05) | | | For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will create a dress made from wallpaper. Elliott with 2 Ts and Tamisha Iman wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will perform in a disco-themed dance documentary.

The Birth of Disco - Gottmik, Kandy Muse and Tina Burner Disco & Sex - Elliott with 2 Ts and Tamisha Iman Studio 54 - Olivia Lux and Utica Queen Disco Fashion - Denali and Rosé Disco Sucks - LaLa Ri and Symone On the runway, category is Little Black Dress. Elliott with 2 Ts, Olivia Lux and Tina Burner receive positive critiques, with Olivia Lux winning the challenge. Kandy Muse, Tamisha Iman and Utica Queen receive negative critiques, with Utica Queen being safe. Kandy Muse and Tamisha Iman lip-sync to "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)" by Blu Cantrell. Kandy Muse wins the lip-sync and Tamisha Iman sashays away.

Guest Judge: Loni Love Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Create a dress made from wallpaper Mini-Challenge Winners: Elliott with 2 Ts and Tamisha Iman Mini-Challenge Prize: A $2,500 gift card from Spoonflower Main Challenge: Perform in a disco-themed dance documentary Runway Theme: Little Black Dress Challenge Winner: Olivia Lux Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Kandy Muse and Tamisha Iman Lip-Sync Song: "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)" by Blu Cantrell Eliminated: Tamisha Iman Farewell Message: "Till we meet again. Love Misha ♥" | | | | | 7 | "Bossy Rossy RuBoot" | February 12, 2021 (2021-02-12) | | | For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will read each other to filth. Gottmik wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will team up and improvise in the new night-time talk show "Bossy Rossy After Dark".

I'm Pregnant with My Imaginary Boyfriend's Baby! - Denali, LaLa Ri and Rosé Breaking My Silence: Escape from the Cult of Mime-ology! - Gottmik, Olivia Lux and Utica Queen Former Teen Queens: Where Are They Now? - Kandy Muse and Symone My Best Friend's 600 Pound Ass is Killing our Friendship! - Elliott with 2 Ts and Tina Burner On the runway, category is Bead It. Kandy Muse, Olivia Lux and Symone receive positive critiques, with Olivia Lux winning the challenge. Elliott with 2 Ts, LaLa Ri and Utica Queen receive negative critiques, with Utica Queen being safe. Elliott with 2 Ts and LaLa Ri lip-sync to "Whole Lotta Woman" by Kelly Clarkson. Elliott with 2 Ts wins the lip-sync and LaLa Ri sashays away.

Guest Judge: Ts Madison Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Mini-Challenge: Reading is Fundamental Mini-Challenge Winner: Gottmik Mini-Challenge Prize: A $2,500 giftcard from ISLYNYC Main Challenge: In teams, improvise in the new night-time talk show "Bossy Rossy After Dark" Runway Theme: Bead It Challenge Winner: Olivia Lux Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Elliott with 2 Ts and LaLa Ri Lip-Sync Song: "Whole Lotta Woman" by Kelly Clarkson Eliminated: LaLa Ri Farewell Message: "Slay! Then save me a plate! Love yall! LaLa Ri!" | | | | | 8 | "Social Media: The Unverified Rusical" | February 19, 2021 (2021-02-19) | | | For this week's main challenge, the queens will perform in Social Media: The Unverified Rusical.

Denali plays Russian Bot, Nikita Elliott with 2 Ts plays Miss TokTik Gottmik plays Russian Bot, Natasha Kandy Muse plays Reverend Dr. Lady Linked In Olivia Lux plays Markie Tuckenberg Rosé plays Foxy Symone plays Miss InstaGlam Tina Burner plays EmShee Utica Queen plays Lady Tweets On the runway, category is Yellow, Gorgeous. Denali, Gottmik and Rosé receive positive critiques, with Rosé winning the challenge. Kandy Muse, Symone and Tina Burner receive negative critiques, with Tina Burner being safe. Kandy Muse and Symone lip-sync to "Boss" by Fifth Harmony. Symone is declared the winner of the lip sync and Kandy is asked to sashay away. However, just before Kandy exits, RuPaul tells her that she is safe to slay another day and is allowed to remain in the competition.

Guest Judge: Jamal Sims Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Main Challenge: Social Media: The Unverified Rusical Runway Theme: Yellow, Gorgeous Challenge Winner: Rosé Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Kandy Muse and Symone Lip-Sync Song: "Boss" by Fifth Harmony Eliminated: None | | | | | 9 | "Snatch Game" | March 5, 2021 (2021-03-05) | | | For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will audition for the Pantyhoes band. Tina Burner wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will play the Snatch Game. Raven and Victoria "Porkchop" Parker star as the celebrity contestants. The cast consisted of:

Denali as Jonathan Van Ness Elliott with 2 Ts as Rue McClanahan Gottmik as Paris Hilton Kandy Muse as Patrick Starrr Olivia Lux as Tabitha Brown Rosé as Mary, Queen of Scots Symone as Harriet Tubman Tina Burner as Richard Simmons Utica Queen as Bob Ross On the runway, category is Fascinating Fascinators. Denali, Gottmik and Rosé receive positive critiques, with Gottmik winning the challenge. Elliott with 2 Ts, Olivia Lux and Utica Queen receive negative critiques, with Olivia Lux being safe. Elliott with 2 Ts and Utica Queen lip-sync to "Fascinated" by Company B. Utica Queen wins the lip-sync and Elliott with 2 Ts sashays away.

Guest Judge: Ts Madison Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Audition for the Pantyhoes band Mini-Challenge Winner: Tina Burner Mini-Challenge Prize: A $2,500 tip, courtesy of Snag Tights Main Challenge: Snatch Game Runway Theme: Fascinating Fascinators Challenge Winner: Gottmik Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Elliott with 2 Ts and Utica Queen Lip-Sync Song: "Fascinated" by Company B Eliminated: Elliott with 2 Ts Farewell Message: "It took y'all hoes 4 times to get rid of me!!! Be kind and make it HOE! xoxo Elliott with 2 Ts" | | | | | 10 | "Freaky Friday Queens" | March 12, 2021 (2021-03-12) | | | For this week's main challenge, the queens will makeover another queen into your own drag doppelganger.

Denali and Olivia Lux Gottmik and Kandy Muse Rosé and Tina Burner Symone and Utica Queen On the runway, category is Drag Doppelgangers. Gottmik, Kandy Muse, Symone and Utica Queen receive positive critiques, with Symone and Utica both winning the challenge. Denali, Olivia Lux, Rosé and Tina Burner receive negative critiques, with Rosé and Tina Burner being safe. Denali and Olivia Lux lip-sync to "Shackles (Praise You)" by Mary Mary. Olivia Lux wins the lip-sync and Denali sashays away.

Guest Judge: Loni Love Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Main Challenge: Makeover another queen into your own drag doppelganger Runway Theme: Drag Doppelgangers Challenge Winners: Symone and Utica Queen Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Denali and Olivia Lux Lip-Sync Song: "Shackles (Praise You)" by Mary Mary Eliminated: Denali Farewell Message: "Clara Clara, over any gold medal, crown or cash prize, my sisters were the greatest reward. Ass of '13 off to get some D! L8r sk8ers! ♥ Denali" | | | | | 11 | "Pop! Goes the Queens" | March 19, 2021 (2021-03-19) | | | For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will play a trivia game with the pit crew called, "Are You Smarter Than the Pit Crew". Kandy Muse wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will create, market, and film a commercial for your own soft drink.

Gottmik - Gottmik's GotSexxx Sex Juice Kandy Muse - The K Special Olivia Lux - Liv(e) Rosé - RoseAid Symone - Sweet Toof Tina Burner - Burnin' Up Utica Queen - Utican On the runway, category is Beast Couture. Kandy Muse, Rosé and Symone receive positive critiques, with Rosé and Symone both winning the challenge. Gottmik, Olivia Lux, Tina Burner and Utica Queen receive negative critiques, with Gottmik and Olivia Lux being safe. Tina Burner and Utica Queen lip-sync to "My Humps" by Black Eyed Peas. Utica Queen wins the lip-sync and Tina Burner sashays away.

Alternating Judges: Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews Mini-Challenge: "Are You Smarter Than the Pit Crew" trivia game Mini-Challenge Winner: Kandy Muse Mini-Challenge Prize: A $2,500 gift card from JJ Malibu Main Challenge: Create, market, and film a commercial for your own soft drink Runway Theme: Beast Couture Challenge Winners: Rosé and Symone Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Tina Burner and Utica Queen Lip-Sync Song: "My Humps" by Black Eyed Peas Eliminated: Tina Burner Farewell Message: "Live life with no apologies. Be your true authentic self. Let your light shine. Turn it and burn it. xx the Manhattan monster Tina B." | | | | | 12 | "Nice Girls Roast" | March 26, 2021 (2021-03-26) | | | For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will pair up and star in a live makeup tutorial on how to take a glamorous selfie. Kandy Muse and Rosé win the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will perform a roast of previous Miss Congenialities Heidi N Closet, Nina West and Valentina. On the runway, Gottmik, Kandy Muse and Rosé receive positive critiques, with Kandy Muse winning the challenge. Olivia Lux, Symone and Utica Queen receive negative critiques, with Olivia Lux being safe. Symone and Utica Queen lip-sync to "No Tears Left To Cry" by Ariana Grande. Symone wins the lip-sync and Utica Queen sashays away.

Guest Judge: Loni Love Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Mini-Challenge: In pairs, star in a live makeup tutorial on how to take a glamorous selfie Mini-Challenge Winner: Kandy Muse and Rosé Mini-Challenge Prize: $2,500 worth of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics Main Challenge: Perform a roast of previous Miss Congenialities Heidi N Closet, Nina West and Valentina Challenge Winner: Kandy Muse Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Symone and Utica Queen Lip-Sync Song: "No Tears Left To Cry" by Ariana Grande Eliminated: Utica Queen Farewell Message: "Hay Goobers ♥ I'm so happy to have you all in my life now! To my new sisters, I love you so much and love yourself inside & out ♥ Wiggle to the Top! Utica" | | | | | 13 | "Henny, I Shrunk the Drag Queens!" | April 2, 2021 (2021-04-02) | | | For this week's main challenge, the queens will star in the new sci-fi adventure "Henny, I Shrunk the Drag Queens!"

Gottmik plays Chardonnay Kandy Muse plays Dominique Perignon Olivia Lux plays Ginger Ale Rosé plays Brandy Symone plays Margarita On the runway, category is Haute Pockets. Gottmik, Rosé and Symone receive positive critiques, with Rosé winning the challenge. Kandy Muse and Olivia Lux receive negative critiques, and are announced as the bottom two. They lip-sync to "Strong Enough" by Cher. Kandy Muse wins the lip-sync and Olivia Lux sashays away.

Guest Judge: Cynthia Erivo Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Main Challenge: Star in the new sci-fi adventure "Henny, I Shrunk the Drag Queens!" Runway Theme: Haute Pockets Challenge Winner: Rosé Challenge Prize: A $5,000 cash tip Bottom Two: Kandy Muse and Olivia Lux Lip-Sync Song: "Strong Enough" by Cher Eliminated: Olivia Lux Farewell Message: ""Believe in yourself, I believe in you! ♥" xoxo your polite diva, Liv" | | | | | 14 | "Gettin' Lucky" | April 9, 2021 (2021-04-09) | | | For the final challenge of the season, the queens will write, record and perform their own verses to RuPaul's song "Lucky". On the runway, category is Drag Excellence. The remaining queens then lip-sync to " I Learned from the Best (HQ2 Radio Mix)" by Whitney Houston. After the lip-sync, Gottmik, Kandy Muse, Rosé and Symone are announced as the finalists.

Alternating Judges: Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews Main Challenge: Write, record, and perform their own verses to RuPaul's song "Lucky" Runway Theme: Drag Excellence Lip-Sync Song: " I Learned from the Best (HQ2 Radio Mix)" by Whitney Houston Eliminated: None | | | | | 15 | "Reunited" | April 16, 2021 (2021-04-16) | | | The queens all return virtually for the reunion. The eliminated queens all lip-sync in a self-directed music video. LaLa Ri receives the new Golden Boot Award for her episode five Bag Ball Eleganza Look. Denali and LaLa Ri are both awarded this season's "Lip-Sync Assassins" and will battle in a lip-sync for a charity of their own choosing. They lip-sync to "Be My Lover" by La Bouche. Denali wins the lip-sync and wins $10,000 for her charity National Center for Transgender Equality. LaLa Ri also wins $5,000 for her charity National Black Justice Coalition. | | | | | 16 | "Grand Finale" | April 23, 2021 (2021-04-23) | | | All the queens return for the grand finale. LaLa Ri is announced as this season's Miss Congeniality. RuPaul then announces that the queens will take part in the lip-sync smackdown for the crown. The first lip-sync is between Kandy Muse and Rosé. They lip-sync to "Work Bitch" by Britney Spears. Kandy Muse wins the lip-sync and Rosé is eliminated. The second lip-sync is between Gottmik and Symone. They lip-sync to "Gimme More" by Britney Spears. Symone wins the lip-sync and Gottmik is eliminated. The final lip-sync is between Kandy Muse and Symone. They lip-sync to "Till the World Ends" by Britney Spears. It is announced that Symone is the winner, leaving Kandy Muse as the runner-up.

Finals venue: Ace Theater, Los Angeles, California Final Four: Gottmik, Kandy Muse, Rosé and Symone Miss Congeniality: LaLa Ri Lip-Sync Smackdown #1: Kandy Muse vs. Rosé Lip-Sync Song: "Work Bitch" by Britney Spears Eliminated: Rosé Lip-Sync Smackdown #2: Gottmik vs. Symone Lip-Sync Song: "Gimme More" by Britney Spears Eliminated: Gottmik Lip-Sync Smackdown #3: Kandy Muse vs. Symone Lip-Sync Song: "Till the World Ends" by Britney Spears Runner-up: Kandy Muse Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season Thirteen: Symone | | | |