List of RuPaul's Drag Race contestants

This is a list of contestants who have appeared on the American television show RuPaul's Drag Race. Contestants compete against each other and are progressively eliminated, until just a winner remains, who is crowned "next drag superstar". They are judged by drag queen RuPaul and her panel of judges. The series first aired in 2009 and as of 2017, there have been nine seasons of the show. A total of 113 different participants have been selected as finalists in the show in its eight years running, with eight drag queens - BeBe Zahara Benet, Tyra Sanchez, Raja, Sharon Needles, Jinkx Monsoon, Bianca Del Rio, Violet Chachki, and Bob the Drag Queen being crowned so far as "America's Next Drag Superstar". In addition, an All-Stars season aired in 2012 featuring twelve returning contestants from the first four seasons, each competing for a place in the "Drag Race Hall of Fame". The season was won by Chad Michaels, previously a runner-up in season four. In 2015, it was announced All Stars had been renewed and a second season premiered on August 25, 2016. The second season was won by Alaska, who was previously a runner-up in season 5.

Contestants usually apply to be on the show, or attend casting calls, but the series has been known to recruit contestants via online casting. Season 1 contestant Nina Flowers, season 2 contestant Jessica Wild, season 5 contestant Penny Tration, and season 6 contestant Darienne Lake were all selected to participate by an audience vote via the show's official website. RuPaul and Santino Rice personally chose season 3 contestants Venus D-Lite and Delta Work at an open casting call in Hollywood. All contestants selected must be 21 years of age or older at the time of taping.

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