RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Names Its Winner on MTV
SPOILER ALERT: This report contains details about the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18.
During the season finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18, aired on MTV, a new queen was crowned.
The three finalists competing for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar included Darlene Mitchell, Myki Meeks, and Nino Coco.
After weeks of challenges, Myki Meeks emerged victorious, taking home the $200,000 grand prize, a custom crown and scepter from Fierce Drag Jewels, and a year’s supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics, marking the franchise’s first official makeup collaboration with the brand.
Myki Meeks claimed the crown, while Nini Coco finished in second place and received a $25,000 cash award. Darlene Mitchell was awarded $10,000 for her performance throughout the season.
Myki Meeks wins ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18
The finale featured original solo performances from the queens, which were developed in collaboration with composer Leland. After Myki Meeks and Nini Coco emerged as the final two contestants, the ultimate decision came down to a lip sync performance to “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved” (feat. Naomi Campbell) from Miley Cyrus’s album Something Beautiful. RuPaul ultimately crowned Myki Meeks as the Season 18 champion.
“After a season of extraordinary charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, it is my pleasure to crown Myki Meeks the champion of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18! From the beginning, Myki has demonstrated the true essence of a superstar. I’m excited to experience more of her special brand of joy, laughter and love throughout her brilliant career,” said RuPaul.
The finale also honored Miley Cyrus with the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award, making her the fourth recipient of this accolade, following Bob Mackie, Elvira, and Liza Minnelli.
Looking ahead, Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is set to premiere on Friday, May 8, exclusively on Paramount+.
RuPaul’s Drag Race is produced by World of Wonder Productions, with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Steven Corfe, Mandy Salangsang, Michele Mills, and RuPaul Charles serving as Executive Producers. Daniel Blau Rogge is the Executive Producer for MTV, and Julie Ha serves as Supervising Producer.
