RuPaul's Drag Race - S16E16: The Recap
Are you up to speed?
We've hit the finale - are you up to speed? Let's get into it.
The format
In a bit of a change from recent years, the finale episode was filming in-studio at the time that the rest of the season was filmed.
It was clear that the intention was to deliver the format and the energy of a live finale theatre event, but with more manageable logistics and production costs.
Overall, it seemed to work pretty well.
The eliminated queens all got to serve some looks and got some good screen-time, but obviously the focus was on the Top 3.
First up we got a performance from each of the Top 3 lip-syncing to an original track that had been created for them. These were all really strong. Nymphia gave us Queen of the Wind and absolutely nailed it. Sapphira gave us a Love Yourself message with lots of energy and really shone, despite the questionable shoes. In comparison, Plane's performance felt a bit flat - mainly because the track she was performing to felt a bit underdone - it was all about wearing bodysuits, which hasn't really been a storyline that's featured in the season.
Top 2
Plane was announced as third-place, leaving us a Top 2 of Sapphira versus Nymphia to battle it out in a final lip-sync for the crown.
But before we got to that, we got a Sasha Colby showcase. Normally, the reigning queen just has to come on and hand over the trophy, but they asked Sasha to do a "lap of honour" - she served up an absolute killer performance of Her by Megan Thee Stallion. A masterclass in drag - in every respect.
The downside of giving Sasha Colby the stage mid-competition is that it's kind of obvious to everyone that she should probably keep the crown. Let her reign for another year, right?
Ultimately, we got down to business with the lip-sync of Sapphira versus Nymphia - the track was Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue.
Objectively, based on the edit we saw, Nymphia gave a better performance.
Sapphira went with a weird vampire-teeth gimmick and an awkward reveal - it was a strong performance but it all felt a bit messy.
The energy of the track probably suits Nymphia better but she felt more connected to the track. Her reveals seemed to go smoother, and she was stunting all over the stage and engaging with the audience.
The Crowning
Based on everything we'd seen in this season, my heart was saying Nymphia but my head was saying Sapphira. It seemed almost inconceivable that Rup would choose Nymphia over Sapphira but that's exactly what happened.
Nymphia is the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Season 16, done!
The Cast
Nymphia Wind
Final Ranking: Like everyone else, I've been obsessed with Nymphia since the moment she slipped into the work-room. She's kooky but also very good at everything. I really wanted her to win but did not imagine that it was going to happen. But, here we are. It's Nymphia's season and she's absolutely earned it - she's a formidable talent and it feels like she's just warming up.
Sapphira Cristál
Final Ranking: Sapphira gave us frontrunner energy from the get-go. The confidence has been palpable and justified. To be honest, I fully expected Sapphira to be crowned the winner of this season but we're obviously going to be seeing a lot more from this experienced, talented queen. Sapphira really shines in the Drag Race format so I imagine she's already got an All Stars season booked in the diary.
Plane Jane
Final Ranking: She made it clear from the beginning that she was here to be the villain of the season. That has worked out really well for her. Third place was a really strong result for Plane and she's comfortably established herself as one of the most iconic characters ever featured in the franchise.
Q
Final Ranking: Q makes her own looks, and they’re spectacular. Making Top 4 was a great result for Q. She doesn’t come across as particularly likeable, or a great performer, but she makes great looks.
Morphine Love Dion
Final Ranking: I underestimated Morphine - she's been consistent and strong throughout this competition. She's not only established herself as a top-tier drag queen, but also a top-tier performer who is likeable and gives good TV. It's been a great introduction to the world for Morphine, plus she's picked up $50K for winning the lip-sync smack-down. Well done, Mama!
Dawn
Final Ranking: I’m obsessed with Dawn. She’s a pocket-sized elf-twink, she makes all her looks, and they’re good. She also seems very comfortable performing on stage. I’ve got high hopes for Dawn but with no wins under her belt it’s hard to see how she’s going to go much further in the competition.
Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige
Final Ranking: Mhi’ya is famous for her flips and stunts – she knows how to perform and she’s confirmed that this season.
Plasma
Final Ranking: A very accomplished theatre queen. There’s a lot to like about Plasma. Sure, she’s a bit annoying in a weaponised-BFA kind of way, but you can’t deny the talent and the enthusiasm.
Xunami Muse
Final Ranking: There’s a lot to like about Xunami – she’s warm, engaging, and entertaining in whatever she’s doing. She was always a bit under the radar on this season, but she made it to Episode 8 – beaten in the lip-sync by Morphine.
Megami
Final Ranking: Megami seems quite conceptual and the looks are strong – she’s got a cos-play background. It never really felt that Drag Race was the right format to showcase her skills, but she made it to Episode 7 – she can be happy with that.
Geneva Karr
Final Ranking: It’s been a roller-coaster for Geneva, and she’s done well to make it to Episode 6 – beaten in the lip-sync by Mhi’ya.
Amanda Tori Meating
Final Ranking: Amanda is talented, funny, and clearly a seasoned performer. Her weakness has been her runways and her make-up, but she knows that. She’s given us some great TV but it came to an end in Episode 5 – beaten in the lip-sync by Q.
Mirage
Final Ranking: I love how Mirage gives low-key energy but next-level talent. She’s a fantastic performer on a stage and she’s going to very in-demand. We didn’t get to see a whole lot of mirage on this season – eliminated in Episode 4 – and maybe this format wasn’t the best fit for her, but there’s a lot to like about Mirage.
Hershii LiqCour-Jeté
Final Ranking: I love Hershii’s personality and energy but we didn’t get to see much of her – eliminated in Episode 3, Hershii is the Pork Chop of the season.