Meet the Queens of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18: Check Out the Cast Photos for the MTV Competition

MTV’s ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 to Premiere January 2

MTV is set to launch Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Friday, January 2nd, at 8 p.m. ET. The highly anticipated season will introduce 14 new queens vying for the coveted title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” along with a cash prize of $200,000.

The contestants include Athena Dion, Briar Blush, Ciara Myst, Darlene Mitchell, DD Fuego, Discord Addams, Jane Don’t, Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Mandy Mango, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, and Vita VonTesse Starr.

In the premiere episode, titled “Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!”, the queens will showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent in their first challenge. They will pay homage to their predecessors by using items from the Drag Race vaults to create signature looks.

Following the main show, the RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked aftershow will air at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT, offering fans a glimpse into the backstage drama as the queens await their fate.

Meet the Queens of Season 18

Athena Dion – Miami, FL

Named after the Greek goddess, Athena brings legendary energy and is a prominent drag mother, counting Morphine Love Dion and Plane Jane among her drag daughters. She aims to make history as part of the first-ever mother/daughter duo to compete.

Briar Blush – Boston, MA

Briar is a unique blend of retro and edgy styles, complete with sharp wit and a striking appearance. With her distinct look and personality, she is determined to leave a lasting impression.

Ciara Myst – Indianapolis, IN

As a prosthetic makeup artist, Ciara blends sci-fi and fantasy with her drag. Known for her costume creation skills, she aims to mesmerize the audience with her creative transformations.

Darlene Mitchell – Los Angeles, CA

A country camp queen, Darlene combines glamorous and humorous elements in her performances. After a five-year hiatus, she returns to see if she can reclaim her place on stage.

DD Fuego – New York, NY

Fiery and full of charisma, DD Fuego is known for her electrifying performances. A former production designer, she strives to bring high energy and impact to every stage she steps on.

Discord Addams – St. Petersburg, FL

Discord embodies punk rock aesthetics, combining fashion with chaos. Believing in the power of raw energy, she aims to transition from the mosh pit to the runway.

Juicy Love Dion – Miami, FL

A vibrant performer described as Miami’s Afro-Cuban dancing doll, Juicy blends energy and precision in her dance routines. She represents the Dion Dynasty, further connecting the family legacy within the competition.

Kenya Pleaser – Sumter, SC

Known for her lively atmosphere and impersonations, this Southern diva captivates audiences with her humor and stage presence, mixing energy and charm in her performances.

Mandy Mango – Philadelphia, PA

Mandy is as vibrant as a fruit cocktail, balancing her nursing career with her drag passion. She captivates audiences with her playful personality and infectious energy.

Mia Starr – West Palm Beach, FL

Mia reenters the drag scene after years of pursuing a dance career with notable performances alongside stars like Rihanna and J Lo, eager to take center stage once more.

Myki Meeks – Orlando, FL

Combining glamour with camp, Myki is the dynamic powerhouse of Orlando. Known for her engaging performances, she brings a unique perspective to the competition.

Nini Coco – Denver, CO

A conceptual designer and performer, Nini blends high energy with fashion, taking a risk by leaving behind her engineering career to focus fully on drag.

Vita VonTesse Starr – Montgomery, AL

Claiming the title "Queen V," Vita is a multi-titleholder, known for her elegance and precision. Her commitment to performance sees her crafting standout looks.

Jane Don’t – Seattle, WA

Drawing inspiration from iconic comedy queens, Jane combines humor and fashion in her performances, prepared to make a memorable impact.

Discord Addams – St. Petersburg, FL

A self-described maximalist, Discord brings punk rock flair to the competition with a goal of redefining drag rock stardom.

As the queens step into the spotlight, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 promises to deliver compelling performances, competition, and entertainment, further solidifying its place in drag history.