Thanks to the powers that be (aka RuPaul), we never have to wait too long for a show in the RuPaul Cinematic Universe™️ to debut. And this time around, your newest franchise fixation is going to be *drumroll, pls* RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 9!
But first, a quick update. In past seasons, drag's finest stars competed for their own cash prizes. But season 9 of All Stars brings a truly incredible twist: These veterans are set to contend for a $200,000 donation to a charity of their choice. Oh, and on top of all that, this latest installment is a non-elimination competition à la season 7—a move that will no doubt give each contestant a better chance to help their organization.
The new season of the iconic franchise arrives on May 17, and Cosmopolitan has an exclusive look at the first 15 minutes, in which this new crop of queens meet each other for the first time, discuss their time on the franchise in the past, and open up about the cause they hope to contribute $$$ to this time around. We'll give you a sec to binge-watch it right TF now!
In the clip above, we get to know the latest batch of Werk Room warriors and are greeted by Ru introducing this season's ~vibe~. Ahem: “Calling all queens: I’m looking for eight sickening all-stars to give 'til it hurts and compete for a cause that is near and dear to their hearts. Because this season, sisters are doing it for who? Charity! The time has come for drag queens to save the world.”
Let's get to know a bit more about each Drag Race veteran, their season, and their charity goal, shall we?
Gottmik (season 13)
“Being on Drag Race made me a superstar and I get to use my superpowers this season to compete for Trans Lifeline. It’s a charity that’s so important to me, and I’m ready to take the crown.”
Roxxxy Andrews (season 5, All Stars season 2)
“I’m so blessed to be successful and to be able to do what I love for so long. So I’m so ecstatic to come back and play for my charity, the Miracle of Love. They work with the LGBTQ+ community in my hometown, Orlando, Florida.”
Vanessa Vanjie (seasons 10 and 11)
“My goal is winning some challenges, winning the crown, making everybody proud of me, [and] taking some money back to the ASPCA. I got animal print everywhere, fake fur. I bring the money to the cats and the dogs and the woof woof. Yeah!
Angeria Paris VanMicheals (season 14)
“I’m happy, I’m elated, I’m ecstatic that Ru thought enough of me to bring me back here to use my superpowers for good. I gotta win this for me, I gotta win this for all the people back home, and I also gotta win this for the National Black Justice Coalition, okay?”
Nina West (season 11)
“I have accomplished a lot of goals and dreams, so I’m coming back feeling like an all-star. I’m thrilled to be asked back and be a part of this charity season. I’m playing for The Trevor Project, who I have done work with for many, many years. And I think I can win. I think I can win!
Plastique Tiara (season 11)
“I found my voice and now I am able to come back full force and represent my culture by playing for The Asian American Foundation.”
Jorgeous (season 14)
“Since season 14, I’ve been touring around the world and my confidence is just through the roof. And I feel so ready to kill these challenges for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Let’s get this money mama!”
Shannel (season 1, All Stars season 1)
“I count my blessings each and every single day for everything that I have and what I’ve been able to gain from this competition. I am playing for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and bitch I’m here to use the power of drag to change the world.”
You can officially watch season 9 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars exclusively on Paramount+ starting on May 17, with the first two episodes dropping that very day and the remaining ones debuting every Friday afterward. Happy watching!
