Drag Race Down Under Explained

Alt Name:Drag Race Down Under
Genre:Reality competition
Based On:RuPaul's Drag Race
Theme Music Composer:RuPaul
Opentheme:RuPaul's Drag Race theme
Endtheme:"I'm a Winner, Baby (Skeltal Ki Remix)"
Country:New Zealand
Australia
Language:English
Num Seasons:3
Num Episodes:24
Producer:Amanda Pain
Camera:Multi-camera
Runtime:60 minutes
Location:New Zealand
Company:World of Wonder
Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand
Network:
TVNZ 2 & TVNZ+ (NZ, 2021-2023)
BBC Three (UK)
WOW Presents Plus (International)
Last Aired:present
Related:Drag Race franchise

Drag Race Down Under (formerly RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under) is a reality competition television series based on the American television series of the same name produced by World of Wonder and Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand. The show documents RuPaul and a panel of judges' search for "Down Under's next drag superstar". Contestants of Drag Race Down Under are either from Australia or New Zealand. RuPaul has played several roles on the show including host, mentor, and head judge for the series, as the contestants are given different challenges to participate in each week. The show has also employed Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson as judges. The series premiered on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand, Stan in Australia,[1] and on WOW Presents Plus internationally on 1 May 2021.[2] The series is also streaming on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom,[3] [4] and broadcast by both Crave and its associated streaming service in Canada.[5]

Drag Race Down Under is the sixth international adaptation of the American reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race, following Chilean, Thai, British, Canadian, and Dutch versions. It has been followed by Spanish, Italian, French, Philippine, Belgian, Swedish, Mexican, Brazilian, and German iterations.

The ten drag queens from season one compete for the title of the "Down Under's first Drag Superstar", a one-year supply of Revolution Beauty Cosmetics, and a cash prize of . The winner of the first season was Kita Mean. In September 2021, the series was renewed for a second season.[6] Casting closed on 5 October 2021.[7] It premiered on July 30, 2022. The winner of the second season was Spankie Jackzon. Casting for season three opened on 24 October 2022.[8] It aired from 28 July to 15 September 2023. Isis Avis Loren won.

On March 11, 2024, WOW announced that RuPaul had stepped down as host and judge of the show, but would remain on as executive producer. Michelle Visage took over as host and main judge from the fourth season, due to premiere in 2024. Because of RuPaul’s exit as host and judge, the show was renamed Drag Race Down Under.[9]

Format

See also: List of Drag Race Down Under episodes. Like the American version, RuPaul has several roles within the show, acting as host, coach, and judge. As the host, RuPaul introduces celebrity guests, announces the challenges the queens will take part in each week, and reveals who will be leaving the competition. For his role as a coach, RuPaul offers guidance to the contestants through each challenge, and as a judge he critiques the queens on their overall performance of the challenge. The show uses progressive elimination to reduce the number of drag queens in the competition from the initial field of ten contestants (series 1), down to the final four. Each episode follows a format consisting of a mini challenge, a maxi challenge, a runway walk (where the contestants model fashion on a runway, usually with a theme based on the main challenge), the judging panel, a lip sync battle, and the elimination of a contestant.

Mini challenges

In mini challenges, each contestant is asked to perform a different task with varying requirements and time limitations. Certain mini challenges are repeated from series to series, or repeated from the original American season. For instance, the first mini challenge is a photo shoot with a photographer or RuPaul himself, that includes a special twist (such as being doused with water while in full drag, having a high-powered fan turned on during the shoot, or being photographed while jumping on a trampoline). One recurring mini challenge is dedicated to "reading", a drag term for making insulting observations about one's peers for comedic effect, inspired by Paris Is Burning. The winner of a mini challenge is sometimes rewarded with an advantage in the main challenge. Though most episodes have a mini challenge, select episodes do not.

Maxi challenges and runways

The requirements of the maxi challenge vary across each episode, and can be individual or group challenges. The winner of the maxi challenge also receives a special prize for their win. The final maxi challenge consisted of the queens taking part in an all-singing and all-dancing routine to one of RuPaul's songs.

The goal of each maxi challenge involves a new theme and outcome. Contestants are often asked to design and construct a custom outfit, sometimes incorporating unconventional materials. Other challenges focus on the contestants' ability to present themselves on camera, perform with music, or perform humorously. Some challenges became a tradition across seasons, such as the "Snatch Game" (in which the contestants impersonate celebrities as a parody of Match Game), a ball or a makeover, in which the contestants create drag personas for other people. The contestants walk down a runway presenting outfits. If the maxi challenge involves the creation of an outfit, that outfit is presented to the judges in the runway. Otherwise, a theme is assigned and the contestants must put together a look that fits the theme, which is presented to the judges. The runway looks and presentation are judged along with the maxi challenge performance.

Judging panel

A panel of judges cast opinions about the challenge performances and runway looks, first to the contestants onstage, and then again with them offstage.

Judges on Drag Race Down Under[10]
JudgeSeason
1234
RuPaulcolspan="1"
Michelle Visagecolspan="4"
Rhys Nicholsoncolspan="4"
RuPaul acted as both the host and main judge, with Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson as supporting judges.

The show made an unsuccessful attempt to book New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for some form of appearance, either as a guest judge or making a cameo appearance in the workroom.[11] Ardern declined, citing scheduling issues.[11]

Companion series

There are web series also accompanying each episode of Drag Race. How's Your Head, Queen?, features Michelle Visage checking in with the newly eliminated queen from RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under to chat about their experience, their passions, the future, and more.[12] Fashion Photo RuView, aired for the first season, co-hosted by Raja and Raven who evaluate the runway looks of the main show. Binge Queens with Kita Mean, Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Jasmine Kennedie and June Jambalaya who threw a couch kiki for a weekly watch party for RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under (season 2).[13] [14]

Show! rowspan="2" scope="col"
HostsSeason
123
Fashion Photo RuViewRaja and Raven
How's Your Head, Queen?Michelle Visage
Bring Back My GirlsTs Madison
Binge QueensKita Mean & Angeria Paris VanMicheals
Jasmine Kennedie & June Jambalaya

Series overview

Season 1 (2021)

See main article: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season 1. The first season of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under began airing on 1 May 2021 on Stan in Australia, TVNZ 2 in New Zealand and World of Wonder's WOW Presents Plus streaming service internationally, and ran for 8 episodes. The judging panel included RuPaul, Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson. The cast was announced on 6 March on YouTube. Art Simone, Karen from Finance, Kita Mean and Scarlet Adams made it to the final, with Kita Mean being crowned Down Under's first Drag Superstar.

Season 2 (2022)

See main article: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season 2. The second season was confirmed and casting was opened on 9 September 2021.[15] Casting closed on October 5.[7] TVNZ said that the network would be partnering with Stan, World of Wonder, Passion Distribution, and Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand for another season of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under due to film in New Zealand and premiere in 2022."[16]

According to media reports, the season began filming on 18 January and was scheduled to run through to 14 February 2022. Season 1 judges Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson were spotted in south Auckland around this time, leading to speculation that both would be returning to judge season 2.[17] The winner of the second season was Spankie Jackzon, with Hannah Conda and Kween Kong as runners-up.[18] [19]

Season 3 (2023)

See main article: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season 3. The third season was confirmed and casting was opened on 24 October 2022.[20] Casting closed on 13 November 2022.[7] Isis Avis Loren was the winner and Gabriella Labucci was a runner-up.

Season 4 (2024)

See main article: Drag Race Down Under season 4.

The fourth season was confirmed and casting was opened on 24 October 2023.[21]

Contestants

There has been a total of 30 contestants featured in RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under.

Discography

List of singles
TitleSeason
"Queens Down Under" (Team "Three and a Half Men" & Team "Outback Fake Hoes")1
"I'm a Winner Baby" (Cast Version)
"Bosom Buddies" (Team "BAB'Z" & Team "The Hung Divas")2
"Who Is She" (Cast Version)
"BMX Bitches" (Team "F.A.B. International" & Team "Sexy N Stupid")3

Awards and nominations

YearAward ceremonyCategoryNomineesResultsRef.
2021New Zealand Television AwardsTelevision Personality of the YearRuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season 1Anita Wigl'it[22] [23]
2022Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) AwardsBest Entertainment ProgramRuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season 2[24]
2023TV Week Logie AwardsGraham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New TalentRuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season 2Kween Kong[25]
Most Outstanding Entertainment ProgramRuPaul's Drag Race Down Under season 2

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rupaul's Drag Race Down Under: A guide to the Australian version of the drag queen reality TV competition. Reich. Hannah. ABC. 30 April 2021. 1 May 2021. 8 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210708182752/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-01/rupaul-s-drag-race-down-under-drag-queen-reality-tv/100091256. live.
  2. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race announces premiere date for Australian spin-off. Earp. Catherine. Digital Spy. 8 April 2021. 9 April 2021. 8 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210408124059/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a36059463/rupauls-drag-race-australia-premiere-date-down-under/. live.
  3. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. BBC Three. 4 May 2021. 4 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210504123511/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09f98mw. live.
  4. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under: When is it on? And everything else you need to know. 29 April 2021. 1 May 2021. 2 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210502000934/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/28ea9b19-f0f7-4bc7-b450-0456fabf10ad. live.
  5. Web site: April 29 – May 5: Crave Weekly Streaming Overview. 28 April 2021. 4 May 2021. 4 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210504201533/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/april-29-may-5-crave-weekly-streaming-overview/. live.
  6. News: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under Season 2 Officially Renewed For 2022. September 9, 2021. Bernardo. Sim. Screen Rant. September 17, 2021. 10 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210910114123/https://screenrant.com/rupauls-drag-race-down-under-season-2-renewal/. live.
  7. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race Casting . 23 September 2021 . 29 September 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210929022341/https://www.rdrcasting.com/ . live .
  8. Web site: G'day, g'day, g'day~ Casting has officially begun for #DragRaceDownUnder Season 3!. Instagram. 24 October 2022. 31 October 2022. en. 31 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221031073336/https://www.instagram.com/p/CkHbAKkvp2D/. live.
  9. Web site: RuPaul steps down as Drag Race Down Under host, Michelle Visage takes over judges panel . 11 March 2024 . EW.
  10. Web site: Meet the RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under judges. 30 April 2021. Anna. Barry. 17 September 2021. Radio Times. 17 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210917175442/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/reality-tv/drag-race-down-under-judges/. live.
  11. Ethan Sills, "Jacinda Ardern turned down cameo role in RuPaul's Drag Race" . The New Zealand Herald, 4 August 2021.
  12. Web site: How's Your Head, Queen? . 4 August 2022 . 4 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220804171322/https://www.wowpresentsplus.com/how-s-your-head-queen . live .
  13. Web site: SPOILER ALERT: Binge Queens - RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under Season 2, Episode 1. 3 August 2022. 3 August 2022. YouTube. 4 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220804171322/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2piQXKu7Jo&ab_channel=WOWPresents. live.
  14. Web site: Binge Queens . 4 August 2022 . 23 September 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220923115321/https://www.wowpresentsplus.com/binge-queens . live .
  15. Web site: 'RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under' Season 2 Is Coming and Casting Begins Now!. Twitter. 9 September 2021. 10 September 2021. en. 9 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210909225019/https://twitter.com/WorldOfWonder/status/1436060964810477581. live.
  16. https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/rupauls-drag-race-down-under/season-2 Season 2
  17. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under Season Two Filming to Commence This Week . GayNation.co . 18 January 2022 . 25 January 2022 . 25 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220125003617/https://gaynation.co/rupauls-drag-race-down-under-season-two-filming-to-commence-this-week/ . live .
  18. Web site: Can Palmerston North drag queen keep RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under title in NZ?. Justin. Wong. 17 September 2022. 2022-09-17. Stuff. 17 September 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220917092158/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/300690734/can-palmerston-north-drag-queen-keep-rupauls-drag-race-down-under-title-in-nz. live.
  19. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under power rankings: And the winner is…. Sam. Brooks. 17 September 2022. 2022-09-17. The Spinoff. 17 September 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220917072913/https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/17-09-2022/rupauls-drag-race-down-under-power-rankings-and-the-winner-is. live.
  20. Web site: G'day, g'day, g'day~ Casting has officially begun for #DragRaceDownUnder Season 3!. Instagram. 24 October 2022. 31 October 2022. en. 31 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221031073336/https://www.instagram.com/p/CkHbAKkvp2D/. live.
  21. Web site: G'day, g'day, g'day! Casting is NOW OPEN for #DragRaceDownUnder S4!. Instagram. 24 October 2022. 24 October 2023. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20221031073336/https://www.instagram.com/p/CkHbAKkvp2D/. 31 October 2022 . live.
  22. Web site: NZ TV Awards Names 2021 TV Legend And TV Personality Of The Year Finalists . Scoop Media . 26 January 2022 . 26 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220126185218/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2201/S00157/nz-tv-awards-names-2021-tv-legend-and-tv-personality-of-the-year-finalists.htm . live .
  23. Web site: This year we had over 36,000 votes cast for the coveted New Zealand Television Personality of the Year 2021 award. The public has spoken and our winner is…Terei Tonight's Nix Adams!. Twitter. 1 March 2022. 5 August 2022. en. 5 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230405200929/https://www.instagram.com/p/CajC34Ulo-K/?hl=en. live.
  24. Web site: WINNERS & NOMINEE. 31 October 2022. 31 October 2022. en. 27 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210927104000/https://www.aacta.org/aacta-awards/winners-and-nominees/range/1970-1979/year/1977/. live.
  25. Web site: Kelly . Vivienne . 2023-07-30 . 2023 Logie Award Winners (FULL LIST) . 2023-08-29 . Variety Australia . en-AU.