RuPaul’s Drag Race is back, and in a few short weeks, we’ll know America’s Next Drag Superstar v.17. After twelve weeks, we’ve now eliminated over half of the competition. We’ve seen our girls walk plenty of runways, compete in plenty of challenges and deliver plenty of confessionals. So, while we still have a few weeks before the finale, we’ve got a lot of information already as pertains to the five remaining queens.
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Which brings us to the question: Who will win Season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race?
To that end, I’ve put together a ranking of the remaining drag queens competing this season, ordered from least likely to most likely to be crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar. It’s a power ranking, if you will, and while there are supposed spoilers on dark corners of the internet, I haven’t read any of them. And to clarify, this ranking relates specifically to their chances of winning Season 17 and not just making it far.
This week, Lana Ja’Rae was sent home, which wasn’t much of a shock given that this was her fourth time lip syncing for her life. Last week I ranked her sixth of six in the rankings so her exit seemed appropriate.
You can read last week’s ranking here, and check back every week throughout the season for updated rankings as the queens are eliminated. But without further ado, here’s our ranking after Episode 12.
Related: ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ Renewed for Season 10
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Episode 12 Power Rankings
MTV
5. Jewels Sparkles
Last Week: 5th
Track Record: Top, Safe, Safe, Safe, Safe, Top, Top, Win, Bottom, Bottom, Safe
After weeks of waiting to see what order the obvious boots would be sent home in, we’re finally down to just the actual contenders. Unfortunately Jewels has been struggling as of late after a very strong series of weeks. She’s the one remaining queen with only one win which does make her vulnerable. That being said, Jewels is a massive talent and should the right competition come along, I could easily see her snatching a second win and sending home one of the other girls.
MTV
4. Lexi Love
Last Week: 4th
Track Record: Win, Safe, Safe, Safe, Safe, Top, Safe, Top, Bottom, Top, Win
While Lexi’s second win this week securely places her in finale contention, she’s the most volatile of the remaining queens. If she can stay out of her own head, she could have a real shot at winning. But it’s equally likely that she’ll spiral next week and wind up in fifth place. I do think she’s the best lip syncer left in the crew, though, so it will take some effort to send her home.
MTV
3. Suzie Toot
Last Week: 3rd
Track Record: Win, Safe, Top, Win, Safe, Safe, Top, Safe, Safe, Top, Safe
After establishing herself as the front runner early, Suzie hasn’t earned a third win despite lots of confidence that she would win a majority of the recent challenges. While the other queens seem to see Suzie as the biggest threat, I would not be surprised at all if she doesn’t make the finale. RuPaul doesn’t love a Broadway queen, and if she ends up in a lip sync, I think the other four girls could all eliminate her without much trouble.
MTV
2. Sam Star
Last Week: 2nd
Track Record: Safe, Win, Safe, Bottom, Top, Top, Win, Safe, Top, Top, Bottom
While Sam Star did end up lip syncing for her life this week, I think that was in part due to the fact she was Lana’s partner and it was Lana’s time to go. That said, RuPaul did bring up the “too polished” critique yet again for Sam, something that seemed to have been left in the rearview as of late. I think that Sam will be one of this season’s finalists. But in such a topsy-turvy lineup, she could get plucked off at the last minute.
MTV
1. Onya Nurve
Last Week: 1st
Track Record: Safe, Top, Win, Top, Safe, Win, Top, Bottom, Safe, Win, Win
With four wins, Onya Nurve will almost certainly make it to the finale. She is the front-runner and the one to beat. That said, RuPaul doesn’t always crown the queen with the best track record, especially if their drag is a bit more on the ordinary side. While Onya could very likely be the Season 17 winner, there’s also a chance we cut to her pissed-off face in the finale as one of the other queens is crowned.
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