Drag Race fans have seen RuPaul get emotional a number of times over the years, but actual tears? Those are Ru-served for very special occasions — and very special queens.
Enter Alyssa Edwards, who’s officially representing the good ol’ U-S of A in the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars, now streaming on Paramount+. The series unites 12 Ru girls from across the globe for an international smackdown, but only one contestant dang near made Mother cry.
The emotional moment went down during the first half of the two-part premiere, while the judges were giving critiques (aka compliments) to the six queens who just completed the Global Glamazon Talent Extravaganza.
“Alyssa Edwards, years of being on stage, of being a star, it all shows,” Ru told her. “Tonight you are a star.” With tears in her eyes and a noticeably shaky voice, Ru told Alyssa, “I’m very proud of you. Very proud of you.” It was a simple moment but also a beautiful one.
And Alyssa’s fellow queens took notice of Ru’s high praise, asking her about the memorable exchange while untucking backstage. “It was special,” Alyssa told them. “Hearing Ru tonight say that I was a star, I started getting emotional. I was like, ‘Y’all trying to make me sappy on Day 1?!’”
So no one was surprised when Alyssa was named one of the top two queens of the week, alongside Drag Race Down Under‘s Kween Kong, who rocked the talent show with style and strength. (“This bitch picked up a whole-ass man!”)
Both queens brought their A-games to the season’s first lip sync, Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World),” which surely gave longtime Drag Race fans flashbacks to Alyssa’s iconic “Shut Up and Drive” face-off against Tatianna in All Stars 2. And just like that famous showdown, this one also ended in a tie. Coincidence… or rigga-morris?! You decide.
How are you feeling about RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars after its first week? Grade the franchise’s latest offshoot below, then drop a comment with your full review. Which queen(s) do you see going all the way?