Last night’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race wasn’t totally devoid of the dearly, dearly departed Pandora Boxx, who unfortunately bit the dust two weeks ago. The hour opened with the ladies seeing the lipsticked message my favorite queen left for them on the workroom’s mirror: “Lick this boxx, bitch.” Even post-elimination, Pandora is still bringing the funny to Drag Race! Thank goodness!
The episode featured the “fantastic final four” — Tatianna, Jujubee, Raven, and Tyra Sanchez — fighting it out for RuPaul’s trio of fake Diva Awards. They each had to create a look for three different awards shows: the Teen Diva Awards, a Teen Choice-ish type ceremony; the Diva D.C. Press Awards, a more professional-type show; and the Diva Hollywood Extravaganza Awards, the pinnacle of the awards season that focused on “glamour and eleganza,” according to RuPaul. It goes without saying that queens live for awards shows! I couldn’t help but think about how well the producers had managed to zero in on the things — Gone With the Wind, celebrity impersonations, brides — this season that so tickle the LGBT community. Awards shows, with all their ridiculous drama and glamour, certainly fall into that category, too! The challenges — the main ones, mind you, not the usually pointless mini challenges — have been simply delightful so far this season.
From the get-go, as we watched the ladies put their looks together, I feel like there was no question who was going home. Right? I mean, it seemed like the whole episode revolved around the sad state of things for Tatianna, who’s been the girls’ punching bag for the past few episodes. While making her rounds to check in with the contestants, RuPaul felt compelled to tell Tatianna about the messy state of her looks: “If you ever were going to pull something out of your a–, now would be the time to do it.” Ominous words from the world’s drag mother! “I think as a drag queen you should culture yourself,” Jujubee said about Tatianna. Meanwhile, Raven pointblank told Tatianna that she didn’t think she deserved to make it to the final three. Tyra Sanchez agreed, and Juju wouldn’t say more than the fact that she herself wanted to be in the top three. But you sort of knew she agreed with Raven and Tyra. And you knew it was basically all over for Tatianna. “And then there were three…” RuPaul dramatically intoned.
I suppose I feel bad for Tatianna, who was eventually told to “sashay away” after lipsyncing against Jujubee to “Something He Can Feel” by Aretha Franklin. But let’s face it: She deserved to go. The other three queens are better suited for this show — Raven with her bitchy, hard edge (“Not winning is not an option!” she said last night); Jujubee with her heart and intellect (that Diva Awards speech!); and Tyra with her fabulous fashions and style (her hair!). I had this awful feeling, though, that the producers and judges were going to try to keep Tatianna in just to be controversial. Thank goodness they didn’t!
Despite Tatianna’s offing, she still looked pretty damn good on the runway, as did all the other ladies. Tyra, who was eventually and rightfully crowned the winner, especially killed with her Solange Knowles look for the Teen Diva Awards. “Is this the BET Teen Awards?” RuPaul said, with her ever pop culture-laced tongue. “She must be from Baldwin Hills.” And Tatianna’s Sarah Palin-esque look for the Diva D.C. Press Awards actually hit me strongly, too. Or maybe it was just RuPaul’s continued, hilarious commentary: “She’s got a call,” the host said as Tatianna came down the main stage. “Rush Limbaugh? Why, you fat f—.” Hehehe. And despite what Marissa Jaret Winokur (who was one of the guest judges alongside Tatum O’Neal, who took the moment to remind us that she’s an OSCAR WINNER!) said, I think Jujubee’s Bollywood-inspired number was delicious, too.
There were so many other good things about the episode. Too many to go into here, in fact! But a few of the things I noticed that I loved:
• The opening “D-I-V-A” number the ladies had to put together. Um, just plain fun! Loved the outfits, loved the sparkly D-I-V-A letters, loved everything. Even despite Juju kicking in the wrong direction. Whoever choreographed and wrote the lyrics for that deserves some special props.
• The guest judges! For once, they actually got to talk a bit. I just wish it hadn’t taken nine episodes to get to this point — I wanted to hear more from Kathy Griffin, Lisa Rinna, and Niecy Nash when they were all on! But kudos to Tatum and Marissa for bringing mostly solid advice.
• The acceptance speeches. How moving was Juju’s, for instance? And Tyra showed a very funny side with her opening line: “I didn’t even know I was nominated!” Haha. Speaking of good lines, I loved it when they showed the red carpet footage and Raven said: “There are no small people — just big bitches.” Tee hee hee! Someone’s got a new catchphrase! (I do!)
Also, Drag Race watchers, know that next week is not the finale. OMG! Instead, Logo is airing what they’re calling “The Main Event Clip Show” episode, an hour dedicated to “the highlights, low-lights, and previously unseen footage from the first nine episodes as we race toward the climactic grand finale!” The “Grand Finale” — as well as an hour-long reunion — is set for April 26.
So now, over to you: What did you love about last night’s episode? What’d you hate? Who are you rooting for now that it’s down to just Raven, Tyra, and Jujubee?
Tanner on Twitter: @EWTanStransky
More on RuPaul and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ on EW.com:
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ recap: Drag mamas, Cloris Leachman, and the season’s most controversial elimination!
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ recap: The queens throw shade and shill books
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ recap: Is Pandora Boxx the ‘Susan Lucci of this competition’?
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ recap: It’s either Team Tyra or Team Tatianna
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ recap: The queens drag out smashing versions of Carol Channing and Britney Spears
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ recap: See who did her last splits
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ recap: Talent wins over charisma this week
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’: Werq it out with the Dragulator!
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ premiere recap: Should Mystique Summers Madison have sashayed away instead?
‘Workin’ It’ with RuPaul: Eight essential bon mots from the drag legend’s new book
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Exclusive: Meet the season 2 cast and watch them werq!
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’: LOGO greenlights season 2
RuPaul on ‘Drag Race’: Five rules for a killer comeback
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ on the Must List
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’: Winner Bebe Zahara Benet gets the documentary treatment!
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Exclusive: Meet season 2′s first queen, Jessica Wild
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’: Nine suggestions for staying fresh in season 2
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funny how contestants remind me of last year’s, Tatianna is Rebecca, Raven is defintely Chanelle and Jujubee is Ongina who also lost. Who is Bebe Benet? the other Tyra.
I love Raven, but think the title will go to Jujubee. If it comes down to those two I will be happy. I just don’t think Tyra is the whole package, so to speak. I love this show and hope they have more seasons to come.
I think you might be right that dark horse Juju (my fav) will snatch up the title. She keeps lamenting she hasnt won anything. Maybe winning the big title will be in her future!
And has anyone noticed that Tyra has yet to lipsync for her life. I love this show but I hope it isnt rigged.
If logotv is smart, they will beg for more episodes of Ru!
they’re already casting for season 3
Raven and Pandora were the only two I really liked since the start of the season. GO RAVEN!!!
I was sad to see Pandora go.
Tyra and Raven are too bitchy. I’ve been rooting for Juju and Pandora all season, so I have to go with Juju!
Was anyone else annoyed that no one called Tyra out for repeating RuPaul’s lines almost verbatim during her red carpet interview and acceptance speech? RuPaul even laughed when Tyra said, “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.” Sigh.
I thought the exact same thing, diegograce. Made me worried that it was a sign Tyra’s going to win next epi, so they didn’t want to criticize her now. I really thought Raven should have won this challenge. JUJU 4EVA!!!
I really hope Jujubee takes it all. Juju’s been one of my favorites since the beginning.
Juju is great. The queens this season are much more interesting though my fav is still Ongina.
JuJubee is the only one worth rooting for. Raven is just a bitchier version of Shannel. And Tyra doesn’t bring the funny.
I agree. I used to like Raven but she’s so mean and nasty! And she was SO jealous of Tatiana–there was really no need to be so ugly to Tati.
I agree. I used to like Raven but she’s so mean and nasty! And she was SO jealous of Tatiana–there was really no need to be so ugly to Tati. I am rooting for JujuBee–she’s the sweetest.
I totally agree! Raven is just a meaner version of Shannel — and Shannel was a waaaaay better performer. JuJu FTW! I can’t stand Tyra Sanchez. All she does is pretend to be the Knowles girls!
Now that my crush(Tatianna)is no longer in the running, I’m hoping Juju takes the prize. Raven has rubbed off on me, but she still has the b*tchness towards her that is mean not fun b*tchy. I can not imagine Raven representing the Absolut Float during Pride Week and not having some sort of a tude towards people. Oh, so, I rewatched over & over again (since LOGO kept replaying it for 5 days) when Pandora lost and I will say I think she got robbed. She was so cute during the lipsynch with her 80s outfit. It was typical Debbie Gibson cheese. Next season for guest judges I want to see real DIVAS! Seriously, how fun would it be to see Cher, Bette, Diana and Tina as guest judges! Ru had Bob Mackie on last year which was the ultimate compliment lets go fo the big guns. The women who really know a good drag queen when they see one. Oh Carol Burnett & Elton John too.
GO RAVEN! Nothing brings me more joy than watching Raven do her evil straw-sucking death stare in the interior illusions lounge.
OMG! I am laughing aloud by your comment. You are so dead right about your description of Raven! Too flippin funny!!
SO TRUE!!! LOL
HA! I completely agree! Her daggar looks are dripping with contempt as she bats her fake eyelashes at her enemies. Go Raven GO!
Someone needs to take this show off the air. I’m getting sick of hearing about and seeing these whack jobs.
There’s this thing call remote control. Just change the channel and let us have all the fun. Ja___ss.
Or he can start his own reality show. America’s next jack@**.
traditionally, when a person expresses that much dislike towards a gay man or gay men in general, it is because their own insecurities and inner turmoil are manifesting themselves in that irrational hatred. What are you triyng to tell us, Tom? All it takes is one quick step out of that closet and your life will improve 150%, guaranteed!
Very good, Blaaaake! Well said!
Why oh why are you reading the recap for a show you detest? You DO know this show only airs on Logo, a gay-themed network, right? It’s not even included in basic cable so you have to really work hard, and spend additional money, to watch it. Let us have our fun and you go back to watching Fox News.
I always felt that Raven was threatened by Tatiana’s prettiness. Maybe it was more than that; she didn’t like that Tatiana was still there despite not having as much skill as some of the other queens that were voted off before her. Raven is much more talented, but still didn’t have to be such a bitch about it. It made her seem very jealous.
Tom, maybe you should notify the authorities. Have them do something about the people holding a gun to your head and making you watch and read about this show.
Hehehe.
I think the first season should have gone to nina and this one should go to raven…
Right there with you, Mayra!
Juju is my favorite of the remaining contestants, but Tyra will win. RuPaul likes the pretty, and Tyra has the pretty, big time.
I think Juju has the pretty way more than Tyra. Your scenario of Tyra winning is the worst case scenario for me.
Ok, so I was watching the episode in a bar and maybe couldn’t hear as well as I would have at home….but didn’t they lipsynch for their lives to “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” by EN VOGUE? I realize Aretha covered the song in the 70′s, but come on Tanner…that wasn’t no Aretha! You should know some Dawn Robinson when you hear her!
I hope JuJu takes the title now, although I’m afraid that Tyra may take it. I think Raven is very talented, but the edit she’s received on the show really makes her come across as unlikable and I don’t think they would award the title to someone the audience hates. Really, JuJu would the best ambassador for the show, but we’ll see what happens!!
um.. if a song was originally sung in the 70s (Aretha) then the En Vogue version is the actual “cover” not the other way around. The version used in RuPaul’s Drag Race may have been the En Vogue one but the song itself is an Aretha Franklin song, thus Tanner’s assesment that they had to lip synch an Aretha song is correct. Semantics, that’s all.
Oh, and “that wasn’t no Aretha” is grammatically wrong because it’s a double negative. English Grammar.. learn it!
Nope that was definitely Aretha folks. And actually her’s is a cover as well. The original is from the soundtrack from the film Sparkle featuring Irene Cara and Lonette McKee.
Maw Maw bringing the musical realness.
Props to Maw Maw! Sparkle was just (re?)released on DVD a year or two ago, don’t confuse it with Glitter!
Also just to note on Drag Race they actually listed Aretha on the bottom of the screen when the lip sync started.