RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Cast Reunites at Splashy Emmys FYC Pool Party in West Hollywood
To celebrate what has been called “the splashiest season in herstory,” RuPaul’s Drag Race hosted an unforgettable 2025 Emmys “For Your Consideration” event at the Skybar pool at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood. Season 17’s top six queens — winner Onya Nurve, runner-up Jewels Sparkles, Sam Star, Lexi Love, Suzie Toot, and Lana Ja’Rae — reunited for a vibrant panel discussion and meet-and-greet with members of the Television Academy.
Joining the queens were executive producer Randy Barbato, co-executive producer and resident judge Michelle Visage, and choreographer and guest judge Jamal Sims. The panel was moderated by actress and Drag Race superfan Leslie Jones.
One of the event’s central themes was the intersection of drag and politics, with Visage declaring, “In this climate, we need to be louder. We need to be gayer than ever before.” The queens opened up about their experiences on the show and emphasized why the art of drag matters now more than ever — particularly in response to rising attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression.
Onya Nurve, Season 17’s champion, described her journey as “a testament to betting on yourself,” saying, “I hope winning this show is a beacon of hope for everyone who looks like me.” Runner-up Jewels Sparkles reflected on the impact of participating in the makeover challenge with her father, highlighting the importance of family acceptance.
The queens also emphasized the cultural importance of RuPaul’s Drag Race as a platform that empowers queer voices and connects with younger generations. The show’s influence extends beyond entertainment: the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, supported by Drag Race, has raised over $2.1 million to fight anti-LGBTQ legislation.
A humorous highlight of the evening involved Visage recounting her plunge into the “Badonka Dunk Tank,” inspired by a classic Lucille Ball gag. Producers and crew members also participated in the stunt, a moment that was relived through a fun behind-the-scenes video shown during the event.
During the poolside reception, the Pit Crew (including Bryce and Bruno) mingled with attendees. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails like the Ru-Rita and the Badonka Dunk, while a taco bar and a photo booth titled the “Confessional” added to the fun. Inspirational quotes from RuPaul were displayed throughout the space.
Each of the queens shared powerful reflections:
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Sam Star: “Tears of joy can be just as powerful as tears of sadness.”
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Suzie Toot: “Only 14 queens are chosen out of thousands. I wear the women who inspired me on my sleeve.”
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Lexi Love: “My vulnerability has allowed me to accept life. The show unlocked everything.”
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Lana Ja’Rae: “My drag is everything people told me I couldn’t be.”
Jamal Sims noted that confidence is key in every queen he works with, adding, “I always ask: what do you need from me?”
Michelle Visage summarized it best: “This competition is different because our queens are different. They live for the art of drag.”
With 71 Emmy nominations and 29 wins — including 14 Emmys for RuPaul Charles — RuPaul’s Drag Race continues to set a gold standard for reality competition series. All episodes of Drag Race are available to stream now on Paramount+.
