THE MEEKS SHALL INHERIT THE CROWN

World of Wonder

19 April 2026

Joshua Magazzu

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 has wrapped up after 16 episodes. The Grand Finale aired on April 18th, with three queens vying for the crown: Nini Coco, Myki Meeks, and Darlene Mitchell. The finale opened with the tradition of eliminated queens walking the main stage one final time in their finale eleganza. Our top 3 queens then graced the runway one final time, before everyone, and I mean everyone, rose to their feet for the Icon, Legend, Superstar: our beloved RuPaul. She performed her track “Mother of the House” on the main stage, flanked by a troupe of dancers, in a towering blonde wig, a beaded jumpsuit, and a giant tulle coat. Not bad for an old gal!

For the final challenge, each of the three queens performed an original song, with Darlene Mitchell up first. “Cooking with Gas” was camp, churchy, and Southern — all banjo strumming and yeehawing with saucy, catchy lyrics. It felt true to her brand but perhaps lacked conviction on the night, and it proved to be the weakest of the three performances.

Then came Myki Meeks, who performed her original song “Versatile.” This performance felt like a victory lap. It was so tongue-in-cheek, talking about sexual things in comparison to her drag skills, it was a play on words that was very polished and fun! From Orlando, Florida, Myki had been a dominant force in the second half of the competition, winning four maxi challenges across the season — including three consecutively — and her song reflected that confidence and momentum.

Nini Coco closed out the finale performances with a slick, polished performance that showcased her unique blend of fashion and camp. “Stimulate” leaned into her strengths — sharp, theatrical, and visually stunning. The choreography: now this was CUNT! It was so Paula Abdul, so Janet Jackson. The precision, the skill, the reveal, WOW, this was a superstar performance, and by a mile the best of the night.

Each of the three queens had their interview segments with Ru, which are always tear-jerkers as they talk to their younger selves. We quickly wiped those tears, though, as Miley Cyrus joined as a special guest and was honoured with the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award — the fourth recipient of the accolade, following Bob Mackie, Elvira, and Liza Minnelli. Miley looked incredible, and said as she accepted the award from Ru, “This makes the Grammy look cheap,” followed by “Moments like this keep me going, to stand beside my idols and icons, like Mother Ru, and get my flowers — but to also use my platform to serve this incredible community. Life’s a climb, but the view is great, especially from Beverly Hills!”

Drag Race always likes to honour those who paved the way for the community during a finale. Iconic alumni Bob the Drag Queen, Raja, and Kim Chi appeared and paid tribute to William Dorsey Swann, Jose Sarria (Mama Jose), and Mother Flawless Sabrina for their contributions to queer history and their courage in standing up for LGBTQIA+ rights.

Miss Congeniality was presented by the current reigning Miss Congeniality, Crystal Envy. The winner of Miss Congeniality for Season 18 is… Jane Don’t!!! A triumphant win, after being shockingly eliminated a few weeks prior. She was gifted $10,000 after being voted for by her fellow cast members. All of the eliminated queens are gifted $2,000 each for delivering all season long!

Onya Nurve, America’s current reigning Drag Race Superstar, arrived ready to step down and deliver the crown to the next queen. Before she does, unfortunately, Darlene Mitchell is eliminated. She is awarded $10,000 for being sickening all season long before sashaying away.

It all came down to this. A head-to-head lip sync between Nini Coco and Myki Meeks to Miley Cyrus’ track “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved,” featuring Naomi Campbell. The queens performed the house down boots, doing everything they could to impress Mama Ru one last time. In what was a close and dramatic showdown, Myki Meeks was ultimately declared the winner — taking home the $200,000 grand prize, a custom crown and sceptre from Fierce Drag Jewels, and a makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics. Nini Coco placed as runner-up, earning $25,000. Season 17 winner Onya Nurve presented Myki with the sceptre, inducting her into the Drag Race Hall of Fame.

“This is for my friends, my family, all of Orlando. Live fiercely, love boldly, and write it in the books, baby, the Meeks shall inherit the crown!” declared Myki Meeks in her winning speech, before taking her strut as the newly crowned Drag Superstar!

Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race was a triumph. From a record-breaking premiere to a finale that had viewers on the edge of their seats, the season delivered drama, artistry, and genuine emotion in equal measure. Myki Meeks proved herself to be a worthy winner — a comeback queen who turned early vulnerability into unstoppable momentum, ultimately winning four maxi challenges and closing the season as its most dominant competitor. Nini Coco gave everything she had — and on another night, it might just have been enough. Darlene Mitchell, the fan-favourite whose roast of Alyssa Edwards became one of the season’s most talked-about moments, bowed out with grace and her head held high. Jane Don’t, robbed of a spot in the finale, was at least vindicated by her Miss Congeniality win — voted for by the very sisters she had competed alongside all season. All Stars calls will no doubt go out to Darlene, Nini, and Jane in no time. With Miley Cyrus on stage, RuPaul in full glory, and a cast that felt polished and passionate from start to finish, Season 18 stands as one of the franchise’s strongest chapters.

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️