After 15 intense weeks of competition, Season 15 RuPaul’s drag racing finally chose American superstar Next Drag on Friday night when they crowned Sasha Colby. The other three finalists are anetra, Suite Noir LondonAnd Ms. Isabelle Brooks — were also phenomenal, and to be honest, we wish they all won, but it was definitely Sasha’s time. Sasha was not only one of the most perfect drag race runs we’ve seen, but as a trans woman who is truly a drag, her victory seems incredibly powerful amid the ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in the US, which are especially targeted at trans people and drag queens.
Going to the final, we were already confident in Sasha’s victory - when it’s right, it’s right. But we still rooted for her all the way, and seeing her in that scepter crown is definitely one of the most satisfying TV moments of 2023. In fact, we’re pretty sure that if Sasha ever competes in an all-winners season, she’ll have him locked up (but please don’t make us choose between her and Bob the Drag Queenproducers!) Let’s look back what makes Sasha one of the best drag race winners to date.
Sasha Colby Had One Of The Most Impressive ‘Drag Race’ Presentations Ever
Sasha had an almost perfect track record to show his time on drag race, with an astonishing four Trials wins and none bottom, which is a rare feat for a queen. We especially enjoyed her winning performance in the episode “Blame It All,” in which the top four composed their own verses on RuPaul song of the same name and performed them in a sci-fi themed music video. Sasha has already set an incredibly high bar for herself, but she did not disappoint: we will sing “dreamer, starmaker, breaking point, bank breaker” for some time to come.
Sasha also had several “high” places during the season, and he managed almost all the problems, including drag race main products such as Rusical, makeover, talent shows and girl groups. When she had to sing along, it wasn’t because she was in the bottom two, it was part of the Lalaparuza Tournament episode. And, of course, she casually performed one of the best lip-syncs the show has ever seen, alongside Anetra, to Fifth Harmony’s “I’m In Love With a Monster.” And how not to talk those looks like? Sasha masterfully combined spectacle and fashion in her catwalk outfit; her shows in signature drapery, puff, gloves, and frayed catwalks were outstanding, but she never missed a beat.
Sasha managed to exceed extremely high expectations
To say that Sasha had a huge reputation in season 15 would not be serious. Before drag race, she won the 2012 Miss Continental, one of the most prestigious drag competitions in the country. She was the last member to enter the Werk Room from the first group of eight queens in the season premiere; one of her fellow rivals simply wondered, “Are we going home?” upon her arrival, while another called her a “legend” - a reaction only rivaled by that of a guest judge. Ariana Grande. Sasha has described herself as “your favorite drag queen” and was even mentioned several times in the show’s previous season when her drag queen daughter, Kerry Colbycompeted.
Many would have given in under such colossal pressure, but Sasha humbly exceeded all expectations. At the show’s finale, she set up a performance for the ages with the original song “Goddess” featuring hair perms, neck twists, stunts and a stunning snake outfit. A particular highlight of the performance was that her long, snake-like braids were removed from her head by her dancers, creating a visually striking look reminiscent of Medusa - a fitting nod to a misunderstood and mistreated mythological figure, much like the trans community. . We liked all the final performances, but Sasha was really in her league, where her many years of experience and impeccable preparation for the competition really showed up. We saw the full extent of her talent with her full creative potential and her promotion to the top 2 was a breeze.
In the current political climate, Sasha’s victory makes a statement
Sasha did not participate in competitions for many years. RuPaul’s drag racing due to the show’s refusal to recruit openly transgender contestants. Thankfully, the show has come a long way since then, especially in the last few years, with season 13 featuring the first trans males, and season 14 featuring a record five transgender contestants, as well as a transgender queen. willow pill going to win. Sasha’s win highlights the show’s evolution to become a more inclusive LGBTQ+ platform, but beyond that, it also makes a statement in the current political climate.
In 2023, a wave of anti-drug and anti-transgender bills were introduced by conservative lawmakers across the country. Anti-drag bills mostly address drag in the presence of children due to misconceptions that drag is inherently sexual. In March, Tennessee passed Senate Bill 3, which would ban “adult cabaret performances” in front of minors, including “male or female impersonators.” This is despite the fact that there are many activities for children, such as the Drag Queen Story Hour. On top of that, hundreds of anti-transgender bills have been introduced, of which 44 have now been passed - which tend to restrict trans people in “health care, education, legal recognition and the right to exist in public.”
In the face of this moral panic, the coronation of Sasha Colby, who is also the first-chosen Native Hawaiian, highlights the importance of celebrating transgender people and not succumbing to transphobic rhetoric. Sasha represents both the drag and trans communities; she expressed that she is “the epitome of what they want to eradicate”. Performing almost naked in two of the best lipsinks was deliberate retribution against those who attempt to censor and control the bodies of transgender people. After her coronation, Sasha’s closing phrase was: “This applies to every transgender, past, present and future, because we are not going anywhere” - well said, we think.
All four finalists RuPaul’s drag racing the ending was outstanding. Everyone set themselves a challenge, and Mrs. Isabelle Brooks made a strong impression with her storytelling and her consistently entertaining personality. Luxx Noir London consistently offered fun confessions and eye-popping fashion, while Anetra was a powerhouse singer who went on to become one of the franchise’s most popular fans thanks to her viral song and talent show catchphrase “You Better Walk That”. Damn duck.” The fact that Sasha won such a stellar competition is a testament to what a strong queen and winner she is. She’s already doing incredible things during her reign, having recently landed an interview with Vogue - and we can’t wait to see how she uses her platform to amplify transgender issues; Meanwhile, her talent, charm and story will continue to inspire many.
Source: Collider
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