RuPaul Charles’ drag entertainment empire has done it all: web shows, singing contests, makeup competitions, international franchises. But nothing beats the original show that brought the art of drag into the mainstream. RuPaul’s Drag Race is now on its 14th season, which hasn’t even finished airing, and Mama Ru is already hard at work! The show has already been renewed for its 15th season.
A whole new batch of drag queens — selected by Ru and her team — will be entering the werk room. And like the queens that came before them, they will be competing for the crown and the title of the country’s next drag superstar. But while fans pretty much know what the game is all about, you never really know what surprises might be in store with the new season. Here’s everything we know so far.
An official premiere date has yet to be set. But RuPaul’s already selecting her girls for the new season. In November 2021, a casting call was announced and the final deadline for applications was on January 7, 2022. So by now, it’s safe to assume that the production team’s already going through audition tapes if they haven’t already finished building their roster.
If we’re going by the schedule that the Drag Race universe has established so far, season 15 is likely to air in early 2023.
We all know the drill. At the end of the day, Ru calls all the shots and decides who gets to shantay and stay or sashay away. She consults her panel of judges, which will probably include her right-hand gal Michelle Visage, and most likely Carson Kressley and Ross Matthews. And, OFC, there’s got to be some extra-special guest judges lined up. Season 14 started off strong with Lizzo and Alicia Keys. There’s no telling who’s going to be judging the queens next!
It’s changed over the years, but as of last season, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race gets a total of $100,000. And anyone who wins maxi challenges also gets an extra $5,000 cash tip. Plus, there’s the year’s supply of makeup, a crown and scepter, and of course the incredible honor of becoming the reigning RPDR champion. Season 15 queens should expect the same unless Ru decides to add a little something else and sweeten the deal even more. We all know she loves her twists and surprises.
Already fans are putting together their season 15 cast wishlists. But, as of now, there’s no telling which fresh faces we’ll be seeing in the next season.
