How Much Time Do Queens Have To Get Ready On RuPaul's Drag Race? - The List (2024)

How Much Time Do Queens Have To Get Ready On RuPaul's Drag Race? - The List (1)

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ByHaley Van Horn/March 17, 2022 6:57 pm EST

"RuPaul's Drag Race" has become one of the most popular reality shows on television. According to Radio Times, the show has continued to see an increase in viewership as it's progressed. Season 13 was a popular one for the franchise, but the most recent premiere, Season 14's, was the most viewed since Season 10's 2018 premiere (via Deadline).

"RuPaul's Drag Race" casts queens from across the U.S. — and now the world, as they've got international "Drag Race" spinoffsacross the globe — to compete for prize money and notoriety. According to NME, the show has taken over pop culture popularity because it offers an honest look at the lives of drag artists, while also providing entertainment. The show has been compared to other forms of TV talent shows but without all the gimmicks.

One part of the show that captivates viewers is watching the queens transform into full glam. If you've ever seen the show, you've probably found yourself wondering just how long it takes to get into drag. Well, the cast of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" spilled the tea about the time limit on the competition show.

The queens are given far less time to get ready than RuPaul is

How Much Time Do Queens Have To Get Ready On RuPaul's Drag Race? - The List (2)

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According to NewNowNext, it takes RuPaul six hours to get into drag to film "Drag Race." On the topic of getting ready, RuPaul once said, "I could do it in an hour," adding, however, that he and his former makeup artist like to "take six hours." However, the queens competing for the crown on the show are not as lucky with their time allowance. According to Radio Times, who sat down and spoke with Season 1's cast of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK," queens work in a very limited time frame on the show.

The Vivienne, who won the season, shared that competing on the show was one of the most stressful times of her life. "Imagine working until the early hours of the morning, having two hours [of] sleep, then having to get up, film other stuff, and finally having an hour-and-a-half to get in drag," she said.

Gothy Kendoll, another competitor on Season 1 of "Drag Race UK,” shared her struggle, too. "[At home] I get ready with, like, a ring light, with my music going. I like to get really naked as well," Kendoll explained."Whereas [on "Drag Race UK"] you've got two hours with boiling hot bulbs melting your makeup as you're doing it, and people in your ear, saying 'Hurry up'!'"

While RuPaul is enjoying six hours of bliss getting ready, the queens typically have an hour and a half, which is far under how long they give themselves to get into drag under regular circ*mstances.

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How Much Time Do Queens Have To Get Ready On RuPaul's Drag Race? - The List (2024)

FAQs

How Much Time Do Queens Have To Get Ready On RuPaul's Drag Race? - The List? ›

1. The queens only have three to four weeks to prepare for the show. According to Jan, she got the call that she was cast only three to four weeks before shooting began, and was only given the list of categories she needed to prepare looks for EIGHTEEN DAYS before heading into the Werk Room.

How much do drag queens make per show? ›

New drag queens can earn around $50 per event they go and receive additional money through tips. Once you are able to establish your name in the industry, you can earn up to $800 or more per night, especially if you are performing in top theaters and clubs.

How long does RuPaul's Drag Race take? ›

That's because following the RuPaul's Drag Race season 15 premiere, its new network MTV decided to shorten the episode length from its typical 90-min.

How long are the Drag Race contestants filming for? ›

Each season takes roughly four weeks to film from start to the penultimate episode. After Season 12 was recorded but before it began airing, contestant Sherry Pie was accused of "catfishing" and sexually manipulating several men.

Which queen spent the most on Drag Race? ›

Here's a breakdown of the insane amounts of money queens have spent to go on Drag Race
  • Bob the Drag Queen on season eight: $6000. ...
  • Yvie Oddly on season 11: $14,000. ...
  • Mo Heart on All Stars 4: $20,000. ...
  • Trinity the Tuck on All Stars 4: $20,000. ...
  • Gottmik on season 13: $20,000. ...
  • Icesis Couture on Canada Vs the World: $70,000.
Dec 14, 2022

How much do you tip at a drag show? ›

It is customary to tip drag performers with $1 bills if you enjoy the show. Bartenders usually don't mind providing you with change (especially if you're ordering a drink) but it's easier to show up with your singles. Also, remember to hand the money to the performer instead of throwing it at them.

How long is a day of filming drag race? ›

The show is filmed for around 11 to 12 hours a day

For runway days, the queens are in full drag, heels and tucked for nearly 12 hours. Yikes.

How long do drag queens stay on drag race? ›

Behind the scenes, queens have only 90 minutes to get ready and are cut off from the outside world. The winners don't find out they took the crown until the show airs.

How long is a day in drag race? ›

Unlike a typical three-hour football game or two-hour concert, NHRA Drag Racing is an all-day affair. The best advice for fans might well be the same advice given to the teams you're coming to watch: Come early, stay late, and be prepared.

Do you get paid to be on Drag Race? ›

RuPaul's Drag Race is a unique opportunity for many artists. Although the contestants don't pay to be on the show, most of them invest money in outfits to impress the judges and the public. The amount often surpasses what they make on the show, but they see it as an investment.

Where do drag queens stay during Drag Race? ›

The girls on Drag Race aren't forced to live together, however. They all go back to separate hotel rooms, and what goes on when they're not in the workroom or on the runway isn't filmed. The girls are actually kept pretty secluded and aren't allowed to use their phones or have outside contact while filming.

Do Drag Race contestants make their outfits? ›

How do contestants get their costumes on RuPaul's Drag Race? Unless they are part of a specific challenge, they have brought their own from wherever they live. Was this worth your time? This helps us sort answers on the page.

What does fishy mean in drag? ›

fish / fishy. a term used to describe when a drag queen looks like a cis-gendered woman. gag / gagging. another term used in place of "stunned"

How much is Trixie cosmetics worth? ›

Trixie Mattel: US$10 million

From launching a music career to starring in TV shows and bagging endorsem*nt deals, Mattel has seen her personal wealth skyrocket to an estimated US$10 million.

Who is the second highest paid drag queen? ›

Ranking the Highest-Earning Queens in 'RuPaul's Drag Race'...
  • Kylie Sonique Love – $111,000. ...
  • Monét X Change – $115,000. ...
  • Symone – $120,000. ...
  • Jaida Essence Hall – $127,000. ...
  • Raja – $135,000. ...
  • Shea Couleé – $150,000. ...
  • Willow Pill – $159,500. ...
  • Jinkx Monsoon – $332,500.
Aug 1, 2022

What do drag queens do for fun? ›

People do drag for reasons ranging from self-expression to mainstream performance. Drag shows frequently include lip-syncing, live singing, and dancing. They typically occur at LGBT pride parades, drag pageants, cabarets, carnivals, and nightclubs.

Do drag queens shave? ›

Drag queens depend on a flawless close shave so that their skin can serve as a smooth canvas for heavy makeup.

Can I wear jeans to a drag show? ›

A button-up shirt and jeans is your go-to.

Dress it up with some Oxfords if you're feeling fancy, or dress it down with some white sneakers for a more casual look, for things like drag storytime.

Do you bring dollars to a drag show? ›

If you sit in the front row, you're in the Dollar Zone, so bring some dollars. This is non-negotiable. Drag is expensive and time-consuming, so when you bring your hot little self to the show and push your way to the front, tip appropriately.

What is the average salary for drag racing? ›

What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Drag Racing Jobs in the U.S. For example Drag Specialties jobs pay as much as $30,035 (61.0%) more than the average Drag Racing salary of $49,215.

Do they drink alcohol on Drag Race? ›

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 queens Robin Fierce, Aura Mayari, and Marcia Marcia Marcia can attest to production bringing back alcohol during Untucked. The spinoff series previously swapped out booze for Bubly carbonated drinks, but it wouldn't last for too long.

What's the shortest Drag Race? ›

At 5'0", she is the shortest queen to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race. Her drag daughter is Amy Michaels. She is the first queen born in the 90's to compete on the show.

How are drag races timed? ›

Racers line up in front of a countdown device, called a Christmas Tree. When they leave the starting line, timers record how long it takes them to reach the finish line. This is called elapsed time, or ET for short. Top speed is also recorded.

How long does drag queen makeup take? ›

A drag queen's makeup routine

It takes much longer than the makeup other artistes do. Personally, it takes me about 2-3 hours to get into makeup and hair. I start with colour correction and blocking my eyebrows, and end with my lipstick and highlighter. Once my face is done, I start my hair.

What is RuPaul's famous saying? ›

If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” Can we get an amen up in here! It's probably the most famous of all RuPaul quotes, and for good reason. It's just true.

Do drag queens know who wins? ›

Actually, the queens find out who wins the same time we, the viewers do. What happens is, they film each queen winning and their acceptance speech and make the audience cheer multiple times so that it doesn't get leaked on social media as to who wins.

Is drag racing still 1 4 mile? ›

The standard distance of a drag race is 1,320 feet, 402 m, or 1/4 mile( +- 0,2% FIA & NHRA rules). However, due to safety concerns, certain sanctioning bodies (notably the NHRA for its Top Fuel and Funny Car classes) have shortened races to 1,000 feet.

What is the longest Drag Race? ›

Reigns
SeasonWinnerDuration
1Chad Michaels1,453 days
2Alaska514 days
3Trixie Mattel337 days
4Monét X Change525 days
4 more rows

Do Drag Race cars shift? ›

Drag racing cars use automatic transmissions instead of manual ones because they are more efficient. Automatic gearboxes allow racers to shift gears faster and smoother, making the car go faster in a race setting. They are also easier to maintain over time which is why most professional drag racers use them nowadays.

How much does it cost to enter drag week? ›

CLICK HERE for HOT ROD Drag Week 2022 Class Rules

Regular spectator tickets will be available on-site only at each venue for $20. *Children 12 and under can enter with their family for free.

Do you tip at Drag Race live? ›

Tip theM!!!

If you're standing or sitting front-row at a drag show, you should be prepared to tip. The best policy is to just hand the performer your tips with your arm outstretched, or toss the money onstage if they're busy.

How long do drag race contestants get to prepare? ›

1. The queens only have three to four weeks to prepare for the show. According to Jan, she got the call that she was cast only three to four weeks before shooting began, and was only given the list of categories she needed to prepare looks for EIGHTEEN DAYS before heading into the Werk Room.

Is there a drag queen in rent? ›

Angel Dumott Schunard is a featured character in RENT, as well as one of the more - if not the most - controversial characters in the entire show. Some fans believe her to be a transgender woman, and some believe her to be a drag queen, while some even speculate that she is genderfluid.

Does RuPaul name his wigs? ›

@RuPaul names all her wigs.

Where is the birthplace of drag racing? ›

Drag racing was born in the dry lake beds in the California deserts. In the 1930s as engines got better and drivers got braver, speeds began topping 100mph. But it wasn't until after World War II that a bunch of kids with cars, hanging out with nowhere in particular to go, turned into something more serious.

Which drag queens can t sew? ›

Jinkx, who was crowned the winner of Drag Race season five, almost stumbled during her initial season due to her lack of sewing skills.

Can I wear a wig to a drag show? ›

Remember that drag shows are all about self-expression, so don't be afraid to experiment with your look. Try out a new makeup technique or wear a bold wig to really stand out in the crowd. Just make sure to pay attention to the venue's dress code and any specific guidelines they may have.

Do Drag Race contestants know what outfits to bring? ›

Queens are given a list of runway outfits to prepare. If you've ever wondered how queens know what to bring to the competition, it's because they receive an extensive list of possible themes and outfits to prepare for challenges and the main-stage runway.

What is a rosebud in drag? ›

Rosebud is the stage name of Cooper Davis, a drag queen, designer, performer, sewer and one of the Season 4 contestants of Anxiety's Drag Race, where she was voted Miss Congeniality, and as well as one of the All Stars 1 contestants. Advertisem*nt.

What Kitty girl means? ›

Kitty Origin and Meaning

The name Kitty is both a boy's name and a girl's name of English origin meaning "pure". This endearing nickname name is one Katherine pet form that predates all the Kathys and Katies, having been fairly common in the eighteenth century.

What does gagging mean in drag? ›

"It's all in how you use it." Gagging is used to describe something extremely fierce. Example: "Your performance -- I was gagging the whole time -- it was so amazing, you were so fierce." "Gagging is basically when something is so fierce you are losing your mind on it, you're choking on it," drag queen Nicky Doll said.

Is Trixie Mattel a billionaire? ›

Trixie Mattel (Estimated net worth: $10 million)

A true rags-to-riches tale, Trixie went from scrambling to make ends meet in her native Milwaukee to international fame.

How much did Trixie pay for the motel? ›

Trixie Mattel spent $2.4 million on the Trixie Motel: “It is going to leave people's jaws on the floor” Trixie Mattel has revealed what went into creating her new motel, which is set to open at some point this year.

Why does Trixie do her makeup like that? ›

Trixie has said she wants to look like the most made-up person in the world, daring fans to find a place on her face where more makeup could be added. It's a look that helped her stand out from the crowd, but not everyone is a fan.

Who is the most famous drag queen? ›

Bianca Del Rio

Fans often consider her the best winner in the show's history due to her snarky humour, determination, and talents, which helped her win three maxi challenges on Drag Race. After the show, Bianca began touring in shows and as a solo act, often performing with the famed Lady Bunny.

Which Drag Race girl has the most followers? ›

As of June 2022, Trixie Mattel was the most followed Ru Paul's Drag Race contestant on Instagram, with a total of 2.9 million followers. Trixie Mattel was a contestant on Ru Paul's Drag Race season 7 and was the winner of All Stars season three in 2018.

Who is the most famous Drag Race contestant? ›

As of 2022, Jujubee has appeared more than any other contestant on Drag Race, competing on four different seasons: season 2, All Stars 1, All Stars 5, and UK vs the World.

How much does Trixie Mattel make? ›

Trixie Mattel: US$10 million

From launching a music career to starring in TV shows and bagging endorsem*nt deals, Mattel has seen her personal wealth skyrocket to an estimated US$10 million.

Do you tip the performers at a drag show? ›

Tip theM!!!

If you're standing or sitting front-row at a drag show, you should be prepared to tip. The best policy is to just hand the performer your tips with your arm outstretched, or toss the money onstage if they're busy.

How much does Michelle Visage make per season? ›

Michelle Visage Net Worth
NameMichelle Visage
ProfessionAmerican singer
Monthly Income And Salary$24,000 +
Yearly Income And Salary$0.3 Million +
Last Updated2023
1 more row
Jan 7, 2023

Who is the richest drag racer in the world? ›

MEET STEVE SISKO: DRAG RACING'S "RICHEST RACE" WINNER.

Is drag racing an expensive hobby? ›

Drag racing

Speed is the essential component of this hobby, but you will also spend your money pretty fast! Depending on the amount of work you are ready to do on the car, the price will range from some $3,000 to $20,000.

What type of racing pays the most? ›

F1 drivers are the highest-paid athletes in motorsports, taking home $11.4 million on average across all 20 drivers on the 2022 grid – a figure set to slightly reduce this year with high-earners Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo stepping away.

How much does it cost to stay in the Trixie Mattel? ›

Rates range from $550-$750 per night (excluding taxes and fees). New episodes of "Trixie Motel" are streaming Fridays on discovery+.

Can you dress in drag to a drag show? ›

Dress Code Advice

All that to say: there's nothing you have to wear, and there's not much that's off-limits, either. Wear what you want, and wear what you want other people to see. That's the spirit of drag. Tailor your look to the type of drag show you're going to.

Should I dress in drag for a drag show? ›

Drag shows are all about freedom of expression, so wear whatever makes you feel confident and fabulous. Some people opt for sequins and glitter, while others prefer a more understated look. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that you feel comfortable in and that allows you to move around freely.

Are RuPaul and Michelle Visage friends in real life? ›

Michelle and RuPaul have now been friends for over 30 years and continue to be close.

How did Michelle Visage lose weight? ›

And on Tuesday, Michelle Visage, 54, revealed that she's lost 45lbs in a year thanks to following a strict The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet and weightlifting, after struggling with perimenopause.

Is Michelle Visage still a Vegan? ›

Visage is vegan. She lives in California with her husband, David Case, and her two daughters. On November 10, 2015, she published her first book, The Diva Rules.

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