#main challenge

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Rags To Riches Ball Part I: Unconventional Talent Category

In our first part of our Rags To Riches Ball, our queens had to create their own unconventional outfits using objects that made us gag! And, as an extra part on this category, the girls had to create a talent video. Let’s see how they do!

Analyse Thropic

Lila:  UGH! UGGGGGHHHHH! I am absolutely adoring this entire thing from head to toe. Every little piece has a detail, every little thought is so meticulously planned, and I live for it. Looking at this now, it’s no joke - what you’ve done in 7 months, across charm school, across this cycle, you’ve became this truly unstoppable force of powerhouse talent, and this outfit really stamps on the map how much you’ve progressed, from not even sewing at all, to becoming this powerhouse of DIY. Mary, I salute you.The ONLY THING - and it’s absolutely miniscule - your mushroom cut is doing the same as what happened to me - one of the hairs is flaring out making it off-kilter and once I noticed it, I’m like “ugh, this is glaring at me so much”. For your talent - I genuinely respect that you sat there, created a little scene and could master really singing without the camera’s audio clipping or distorting. You’re not the best singer, yes, but honestly, I was dancing to the song and having the occasional chuckle. I’m glad we didn’t get that stilted Weather Girl™ shot you’ve been criticised for in the past, and you kept me entertained for the entire video. I loved this, and you’re cementing yourself to be such a powerhouse in drag!

Letha:  Analyse, the amount of work and detail that went into this look is honestly astounding. The playing card skirt, the accessories, the little crown, even the little nails, it's all so great and is a smart use of them materials. I think the stole/wrap would have worked better if it was just a piece on the shoulders, as it kind of closes you off. The hair has such great volume but I think the structure fell apart a bit from when you initially styled it. I will say I'm not loving the shape you've created, as it's a bit boxy. Either more flare from the skirt or more cinch from the corset would have helped define the silhouette a bit more. The makeup is very graphic and cartoony and is some of your best work of the cycle, as far as blending goes. Your talent video was hilARIOUS and very on brand for you, very Quirky Dique Pigue. You have a good voice and the sing/speak style worked very well. All in all, you really impressed me with your work on this challenge!

Toni: 301’S ON THE BOTTOM I C O N I C!!!! I really like this look, I think it was smart to take a character for inspiration and build the look around that. I love that from head to toe you used unconventional materials, even down to the brows and nails, so props for creative use of uncon. I do wish you had a bit more shape and a bigger bottom skirt for this look because it really would have pushed that wow factor for me. I also think you could have benefited from a staff or a scepter The wig is a big rough on one side and I wish you had taken the time to fix that up. Onto your makeup I live that you used 301’s on the bottom, and cards as the brows.You did a good job of keeping your makeup from getting muddy but I do wish you had lined your lips with a darker color. Onto your talent I think you really picked a strong talent, along with a strong song choice that really showed off who you are as queen!! I think it could have been done with a little editing such as the parts where its like you jumping from conversation to conversation. You could have easily edited that to have a fade between each one just to have it make more sense.

Gluttoni:  This look is an ace Analyse and you look like a fucking QUEEN! This is the type of tedious, detailed work that makes fashion great.  And my sweet you look fucking great. I’m such a fan of classic fairytales and I’m obsessed with your nod to the Queen of Hearts. You really excel in whimsical fantasy looks. The hair looks very grand so congrats on the styling of that and the makeup with card accents are great tie ins to this extravagant look. All in all, I loved the styling of this look. The only this is that I compare it to past looks that have done exactly like this but otherwise this a finished, polished look. Your talent! WOW. I’m not too versed in musical culture besides the one that let me keep my gay card intact but miss lady, YOU DID THAT. I was fully immersed in what you were doing. The set up was simplistic yet effective and I loved the concept beyond words because we’ve all had that awkward Tinder date before. Excellent work in showing us the fact you are multitalented. You went off with these other girl’s head.

Avana Noir

Lila:  Wow. Wow, wow, wow. This is above and beyond, and I’m loving this concept a lot. It kind of has this twisted element of like Wonderland meets Final Fantasy meets the Cloud District, and the animals kill all the civillians and you’re killing your ex husband and the fucking full body shot of you with the blood - wow. The blood must be mine after this - that wig is not doing this concept any justice for me. It’s such a lovely colour and it’s those bangs. If you rat combed through it, really detangle it and get it as flat as you can, it would work - because the volume and the raggedy anne of it bar the bangs fit this concept super well, it’s just those bangs - you could’ve done an egg head dress if you wanted the illusion of it looking lace frontal-y and teased it out even more just so the volume stayed, but honestly - that’s just a nitpick. Overall, really cute and a great execution from yourself! Your talent was kind of a little bit here there and everywhere - I know how much of a videographer you are and editing is one of your strongest talents, and for me, there were standout moments, however there were still cracks in what could have otherwise been something really special and showcase-y. It reminds me of those really upclass OOTD videos that are on YouTube, and the only things that could be improved are the set dressing, and perhaps less shaky camera work. All in all, this was extremely fun to watch!

Letha: Hey bitch, it's Avana Noirrrrrrrrr!!!! You are serving straight up Playboy Easter Bunny, and the sex appeal works to balance out the shape of the middle, which could be argued is a bit bulky, but works as whole. I think a tiddy contour could have helped add some definition, though. I love the theme you went with, you better GET that Easter shit on clearance and make a look out of it. The makeup is fun, but a bit sloppy/messy in some places. I know you were going for a bit of a horror vibe here, but I think if there had been some sfx work over a flawless base it would have worked better than just smudging it. The wig is quite frankly a WRECK, but I like the nails and ears. I was confused a bit by your talent when I first saw it, but looking at it as an example of film it's pretty well done. Good job!

Toni:Lets start with your talent. BET. I thought that was a really smart way to do you talent and to give the judges a good look at your makeup and clothes. I love how in the first part you connected the first look to the second and then it had that huge mood shift. I wish you found a way to connect the second to the third because I think that was really cool and made it seem more professional.  I think that this look is really cool and super out of the box for you. It was smart to tack the easter supplies that were on sale and sue them that way you got more bang for your buck. I think you could have painted the nails to look like little carrots and that would have been really cool. You also needed some form of strap to really hold everything in place on your shoulders. I think the makeup is very cute and very fitting, but that wig is rough girl. I think if you had styled the bangs down to hide that harsh line you would have been better off. 

Gluttoni:  Avana! You made it my love. This look is fucking amazing. I love anything cute and dark and you are giving me that! I love that you are giving us Easter feels for this springtime finale. The easter egg bodice almost had me stumped when you mentioned it but you really turned it as far as construction and execution goes. This is very good look and you should be proud of all the work you put in this because it shows. Your talent left me wanting a little more. I get what you were going after but it really just didn’t hit me over the head with feels y’know?

Lexi Lamour

Lila:  Your pictures this week are a little hard to make out, but either way, your costuming is absolutely spot on. This is extremely amazing work, honestly. It shows how much effort you can really put into something and it’s just so great to see this crazy flower rainbow display. The colours work so well in this and it’s just an exciting mix. The only thing that I would really change is the hair’s length, the length is sort of swallowing you up and it would’ve been much more perfection if the hair was a little short or pinned up. Your talent was kind of hit-and-miss for me. I don’t brand myself a comedy queen but I’m an embarrassment and also tragique, but some of the jokes could’ve landed a lot better. The sound was kind of swallowing your recording up a lot more too - Some elements were just off and for me, really, the funniest part was at the end when you showed some goofiness. I think it’s because there’s not much of that crack into being “goofy” so the jokes come across rather as a story than jokes. All in all, this category was good for you.

Letha:  Lexi, a flower after my own heart. Obviously I love me a good flower look, and the way you combined both the flowers and the colors to make a rainbow is really great. I love the butterfly accents as well as the cloud/bird's nest, and the bright red hair is GREAT, it makes for a really cool gradient blend into the outfit. My only critique would be that the color of your tights kind of throws me, but I know how hard it can be to match them so that's understandable. I think the makeup is very pretty, but I feel like you could have done a bolder lip to keep up with the oomph of the rest of the outfit. For your standup comedy talent video, I must admit I wasn't the biggest fan. There were a couple funny parts and some clever editing choices but all in all it was pretty flat. All in all, it was kind of a mixed bag for me, but I do LOVE the look!

Toni:Hey Lexi! So I really love this body suit with all the flowers, I love the colors on the front but then you turn around and on the back it’s something totally different!!! I think you’ve accessorized it well with the cuff and the butterflies but I do wish there there was something going on towards the bottom because it does get a bit top heavy with the shoulder pads (that I do love). I think the hair is beautiful and really fits the look. Your makeup has improved so much over the cycle and I think I like the eye done with blue more than they one done with yellow and this face would have been perfect if you had done them both that way. Onto your talent that was really funny! I got a lot of good chuckles out of that and it was clear that this is something you’ve practiced and worked on. I think what could have helped this best is by letting the jokes breathe a little and putting more air time in it so that the audience has time to get the jokes. 

Gluttoni: Lexi, Lexi, LEXI! You are here to go out with motherfucking bang I see and I’m totally on board for it. You slayed crafting a look out of these materials and I couldn’t be more proud of your work. You look fantastic in red hair and the monarchs were an amazing touch. You look like a rainbow dream and the styling of this is something I didn’t quite expect from you but I must say I love it. Your talent is something else completely unexpected from you. I was on the floor laughing and I’m glad you can really make fun of yourself even through your trying time and that is the makings of a true queen.

Sugar Monroe

Lila:  This by far is one of your strongest outfits you’ve created. I believe what you’re selling, the plastic is such a great fabric and because it is layered, it gives this nice effect of white kind of fibery fabric. The pink colour scheme is such a fun look and the entire headpiece is such a fucking strong point of interest. With that being said, where are your backlighting photos? I’m a little let down that there isn’t a light feature that you promised us, but that’s besides the point. I’m proud of this look, I think you should be too. Your talent on the other hand, ehh, it was alright. Alright in a way that I was expecting kind of a little bit more effort of a tally of you getting it wrong or right, maybe seeing the lyrics on screen whilst you sing the songs you were asked to do. You have such a beautiful voice and I’m really glad you always give us a listen to it - you’ve really given us such a great insight into what you can do this cycle and I’m so proud to see you shine where you can stand.

Letha:  Sugar, I must say, of your three looks, this is the best put together, and my personal favorite. I would go so far as to say this is the most intricate one of your outfits has ever been. I wish you had done a pic with the tea lights more visible, as that would have been really cool (like in your runway), but I still really like it. Love the headpiece a lot, and the hair is simple but works well with the rest of the look. The makeup is also cute, I would've liked a bit more blending/softening around the edges of the eyes, though. For the talent portion, the singing was okay, but the organization of the video/editing was a bit of a mess. For about the last half, you're out of focus, which sucks, but at least the audio wasn't affected. With that in mind though, this is a solid submission and a testament to your growth throughout this cycle. Great job!

Toni: I think out of all your looks this one is easily my favorite. I think this is so beautiful and exciting to look at. It has so many different layers and textures, along with the lights, head piece, and styling of the with it all really just comes together for me. I really love this look from you. Onto your talent I think it was lacking a bit. The best parts of it for me was when you’d mess up and we’d get to see that spark of sugar humor, I loved that. I wish you had done more of that and just really worked your personality into this, or done another talent that had showcased your humor and personality it would have had a huge payoff. 

Gluttoni: Much like all the other judges have said this is by far your crown and glory of all your looks. This outshines your queen look in the terms of being regal and royal looking. You look fucking ethereal in all honestly. I think you’ve had a very smart mindset in how to use your unconventional materials because they are very well placed. The headpiece is so ornate and beautiful so the straight hair fits well. The makeup is so good. I’d personally would add one more lighter color to blend edges out of the pink on the eyes. The talent aspect was just a dry for me although your singing was good. I definitely think you brought it in this category. 

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TDR Cycle 9 | Finale

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Rags To Riches Ball Part III: Regally Royal Couture

Our next category celebrates all those who have sat on the throne, decked out in drag inspired by kings and queens of the past! With this, our final 4 are also telling us why they should win to get their own crown and throne too! Let’s see what they’ve done!

Analyse Thropic

Lila: Analyse, you are breathtaking. You turn a silhouette that is arguably quite simplistic, intelligently select colour stories and fabrics to go with it, accessorize it extremely, and produce makeup and hair that you may not think goes with the outfit, and man, does it come together. This is such a fucking strong ass look, the concept is so right and I literally die from how Elizabethan it is in design. There are issues, like the lace could’ve came all the way down, and it could’ve had this Vera Wang look to it that would’ve made it more breaktaking, but that’s just me. Your makeup is absolutely stunning in this category and you should be extremely proud because this is a makeup that really made me audibly gasp when opening the link to the pictures. You’ve came such a long way from Charm School and it’s so amazing to see you create such powerful strides.You are truly a TDR success story - and the first queen to truly make me cry. Analyse, it has been such a remarkable journey with you in the past 5 months, and I am so proud to stand by while you go through from strength to strength in this competition, and see you tackle some of the most ambitious challenges in TDR herstory without complaining or being defeatist about anything really was a breath of fresh air. Your speech honestly refreshed my mind and really had me nodding my head, agreeing with your statements and you didn’t filibuster into the realm of repetition, nor did you make it all about yourself. You acknowledge your low points and defend yourself well over those points, and I honestly love a queen who can carry themselves like you can. Analyse, you’ve done amazing this cycle, and I really can’t wait to see what you do in the future, no matter the outcome.

Letha: Analyse Thropic, Miss Royal Tea. You picked a great color palette for this look, as the colors of gold and purple go with royalty while not necessarily borrowing from a specific monarch in particular. I love the ruffs as well as the belt, and from the waist up, I like the outfit, but I don't love the bottom half as much, the length of the gold skirt makes it a bit too business fish for my taste. The hair is a bit of a wash as far as styling goes, but the crown on top does help to make it more regal. Love the nails on gloves, they're the best kind of tacky. I like parts of the makeup, the lips and eyes are great, and the pearl forehead/eyebrows are also good, but the rest of the pearls on the face doesn't read as glamorous for me. Your winning speech was inspiring and you talking about your growth and journey throughout Charm School and Cycle 9 really illustrates how far you have come, and I can only hope that someone watching it becomes motivated to follow their own drag and begin a journey like yours. You should be very proud of your work, Analyse, because I know I am. 

Toni: I loved this look, I think its very well done and I think its clear who you are a queen based around this look. Just a few things thought: Your hair is really confusing looking at it, im not totally sure what its doing but I don’t like it. I also wish that the lining went all the way down to the floor because it would have made it very much ROYAL and I think it’s a bit missing. The speech was beautiful and well spoken. It was funny when it needed to be, serious and heartfelt when needed, and I think it really went over well and gave you a strong platform. 

Gluttoni:  What a beautiful queen you make Analyse! This look is quite stunning and I think my favorite reason why is because of your color palette you chose. The golden champagne color along with that royal deep purple is honestly such smart choice girl! I’m obsessed with the design of your crown and the amazing negative space of it. It’s honestly a gorgeous look but it’s lacking in some areas for me. The hair is definitely you signature color and great length but it need some serious styling in my eyes because it just looked too fried with this polished look. Also you lose me a bit with the underskirt length because it’s just a tad awkward with the sheer panel.  Good job regardless. Your speech was very well spoken and honestly you gave very solid points that really moved me. You should be proud my favorite skin cavity.

Avana Noir

Lila: UGH. This concept is so smart and I get your convention that you set out to achieve. Your hair is so good, literally love this hair on you and paired with this makeup, you LOOK SO DAMN BEAUTIFUL. The makeup is fucking stunning Avana - STUNNING.The colours are strong here, if your silhouette was more of a flair than a ball - shape, then I would’ve enjoyed this a lot more. But without that - I feel your concept is superb. I foresaw this being the route you took, your Mexican heritage should be a proud staple and the chance to express it like this, like I’m proud of you. You have such a great presence when you’re on camera, you have the ability to make me laugh, make me cry, and make me believe that you believe that you can win this. Your points in your speech came across really genuine, I feel such a strong connection to those who go through TDR in a way that you have - you seemed anxious at times, you undermined your work when nothing was really wrong with it, and now, you’ve overcame a sort of renaissance period where you are good enough and you are the one to watch - you’ve acknowledged some of your “mistakes” and you’ve managed to overcome them. Look where you stand. You are such a warm glow in a community that could be watching their Next Drag Superstar. One of the biggest points of TDR is growth - personal growth and growth in drag - and your potential is starting to shine brighter than you know it!

Letha: Avana Noir, or is it just Avana???? Either way, Queen. This look is really great and I love your thought process for it, making it regal but also about your heritage. The color scheme is great, but I do wish you had a strap to hold up the top and stop it from flopping, because otherwise it'd be perfect. The hair goes very well with the look, and the makeup is STUNNING, you really knocked that part out of the park. Your speech was entertaining and funny, as you always are, and you discussing your growth during your time here, as well as you finding your community here, is always so great to hear that someone has gotten that out of their cycle. Know that these friendships will last beyond this competition if you want them to, and that just because we may all live in separate places, we're all sisters and having a network of such fabulous and creative people is like nothing else on this Earth. I am so proud of you, Avana, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.

Toni: I love love love that you went in and made a whole fucking ball gown for this!!! Its rough around the edges but it’s totally amazing for a first try!! I think if you had slowed down and focused on making more ruffles and make sure the lace looked nice this would have been stellar!!! I also think that this could have helped with straps because right now it looks like its barely holding on to your chest. Your speech was so very very very you!!!! It was fun and light hearted but had the slight seriousness that I’ve come to appreciate from you ❤

Gluttoni:  Right in time for Cinco De Mayo, you give it to us with this beautiful Mexican queen look. I love that you pick something so close and meaningful to the person that you are. I love the mug and you really look like doll that you would get as a souvenir for visiting Mexico. Your speech was hilarious. I really got some good hardy laughs out of it and I’m so glad you are owning everything that you are and really bringing what you had along to the competition. Good luck henny.

Lexi Lamour

Lila: I like your Marie Antoinette a lot - The colour scheme is almost very Cinderella as Marie Antoinette, and truly the makeup is just such a standout. Your costuming is coming across for me, very halloweeny store at the bodice line, however with the flare out it’s extremely draggy and it balances out the Yin and Yang pretty much. Your hair is so good and I just think the powder blue is just so fucking beautiful for this scheme like wow. Another success story comes from culminating, well, success, in TDR. Your speech made me choke up a bit and I’m really glad you explained yourself in your reasoning for your personal situation. It sucks to be in such a tight spot and obviously knowing your passion and determination to win this, it must’ve been such a dire situation to be in. For me, you really hit home about some of your points - remember to relax on camera too - we’re only behind the screen and that lense isn’t an eye for the CIA to stare at you through! Touching on your success restored a lot of your achievements in this cycle and I think you should really be proud of what you’ve managed to achieve and succeed in through your journey in this cycle - the amount of friends you’ve made, the new challenges you’ll face afterward, and the support system that you can always turn to. Really, you’ve done such a great job this cycle, Lexi. Don’t forget about it.

Letha: Lexi Lamour, are you you gonna finish that cake or can the children have some? This look screams ROYAL and is so opulent, I am amazed. Even if you didn't make it, you sold the garment and it's so fabulous. I don't love the petticoat underneath, as it creates an odd shape underneath the skirt, but that would be my only crit for the gown. The hair is also incredible, and the makeup is honestly so beautiful, you look so soft and delicate, even if it isn't totally the typical Marie Antoinette style. Your speech was so heartfelt, and your drag journey is much longer than many of ours, with so many ups and downs, but the fact that you are still here is a testament to your strength and resolve to push through and commit to your drag, and I am so proud to see it. I am happy to have helped you through this cycle with my tough love, and I cannot wait to see what's next. 

Toni:I love love love love love adore love this rococo inspired outfit and I think you did a good job of styling it, I just wanted two things form this. It needed a different  hoop skirt, one that went more side ways like rococo gowns do, and I wanted you to be drenched in pearls. I love your speech so much because you really talk from the heart and its something from you that I haven’t seen before and I really enjoyed it and fell in love with you during it. that this

Gluttoni: I love anything referencing French lifestyle and culture so this look is quite the slam dunk for me. I love the soft pastel blue for this look and the hair up to the gay gods. This makeup is probably the best you’ve ever looked in my eyes and the styling was fantastic as well. Nothing bad I can say about this look. You gave us the cake and we got to eat it too. I couldn’t help but tear up during your speech because I heard all the passion and drive in your voice and it was very reminiscent of when I had to do my speech. I was literally boohooing while watching. I just want to you to know whatever comes of this. THIS NOT THE END OF YOU. You have so much more work and passion for the whole world to see. You have the platform, now what are you going to do with it?

Sugar Monroe

Lila: Because this is the finale and you are all battling for a crown, I’m going to be outright with this. I do not like this at all and I was expecting a lot more than this. If you are going to do a Marie Antoinette look, the hair needs to be sculpted up, there needs to be more accessories, and certainly, there needs to be more cohesion. Your makeup has the conventions of Marie, but more of a clown inspired rather than beauty inspired. I would’ve done a lot more white paint all the way down to your clavicle, and certainly tried to make the arms look a lot more white too. Your speech made me soooooo sad. As soon as I opened your speech, I didn’t expect you to give into your own negative thoughts so quickly. Even if you think of all those things - The argument that you didn’t expect to make it this far, the argument that you did this for yourself - you did this like every other person standing in those positions at the finale. You all have reasons for and reasons against winning this competition. Any person in this cast could’ve came to the finale, and you all have potential to win this thing. I say this in a critique so that people can see it - you beating yourself up isn’t going to change how you perceive yourself, nor how others see you too. If you can go through being low, being bottom 2, and still make it to the finale? You have as much right as anyone standing up there with you to plead your case. So Sugar, read this now: You are a great queen. You deserve to be here, and you should celebrate it. Good job in this competition, and good job in this finale.

Letha: Sugar, I have to admit that I'm not loving the look. Beyond the makeup, I don't get too much "royal" so much as "holo", which could work for say... a future queen? but it doesn't have that typical futuristic sleekness. The hair is pretty nondescript, and the makeup throws me a bit. It's very Marie Antoinette, but the contour meeting the cheek kind of muddies the shapes a bit for me. I like the lip/eye, though. All in all, it is a bit hodge-podge and not very cohesive for me. Moving on to your speech, there were some good parts, but you seemed to have felt very defeated. Your confidence didn't carry through the speech, but I want you to know that you and your drag are so valid, and that your growth here is so evident in these challenges. When we started together on Cycle 8, I had no idea we would end up here, but now that we have, I can only say how proud I am of you and how much I look forward to your future in drag. I love you, Sugar. 

Toni:I really loved your speech, I love how you talked about your personal growth and how you really showed us passion for who sugar was and your art, and proving yourself to others as well as yourself. The look is a bit of a let down im afraid. I think if you had done an updo for your hair it would have helped a lot. Maybe adding more stones or jewels, a crown, or even a septar, just something to show us your royalty because other than I’m not getting queen from any section of this. I think your makeup is interesting, I’m not sure if I like it or not. I think if you ahd softened the blue a bit it would have made it a lot better. very you!!!! 

Gluttoni: I feel like I got the vision of the parts of royalty you were trying to reference but I must admit I’m kind of lost with the whole picture of it all. The good parts like the beauuuuutiful holographic fabric seems dulled by the uneventful and plain juxtaposed top. I’m also obsessed withe shoes but it seems a tad too modern for the silhouette's sake.Something about the sullen clownish mug and flat hair really doesn’t spell out opulence and queen-like regalness in my eyes. Not to say any of this is at all bad because it not but I wish you would have though out more about the whole picture which is why this is hard because you can’t explain for yourself your thought process. Your speech was definitely the embodiment of your growth and testament of your hardships overcome by your triumphs. I know this isn’t the end of you journey and my hopes is the that really own your star quality.

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Rags To Riches Ball Part II: Best Personal Drag

In the final category, the girls have one last chance to prove to us that they are the winner of Tumblr’s Drag Race Cycle 9, decked out in their best personal drag and lipsynching to a mix or song they’ve chosen themselves!

Analyse Thropic

Lila:  HOLY SASHA VELOUR’S PROJECTOR. I love that you outright became a gold star in this category, and the reveal is honestly well crafted for how much sewing experience you have in this competition. Honestly - this is another really strong concept and It’s absolutely brilliant. I do have doubts - your makeup is a bit ehhh in tandem to pigmentation in your crease and the lack of contour is kind of throwing me off - however, holy shit. HOLYY SHIT. Your references to past challenges on your dress in motifs are really cute, and the fact that you look like you are a queen on your own accord in this BPD is just astonishing. Your lipsync is honestly on par with some of the best of them in the finale - I adore the ones that aren’t afraid to have a visual to it rather than a plain old background or generic setting, and by god, it was just expertly handled. You should have at least had more white backgrounds like Sasha Velour does because it sometimes lost you in the backgrounds. Without that, your work in this lipsync is absolutely stunning, and really your lipsynching skill has developed a hell of a lot - a lot of people forget it’s something queens need to be skilled in, however, you’ve pushed it to the max this category!

Letha: Analyse, I love how you really embraced being a bald queen for your BPD. I know that sounds like a read, but it really and truly does show your utter commitment to this cycle and to your drag, and to come out, gilded for filth, no wig, with a damn crown already on your head, well that takes guts. The outfit itself is cute, and shows so much thought to hearken back to your past work during your time here. The reveal is also great. Watch the top of the pink version though, as you had some bra poking out. Makeup is cool, you do lose some definition by being so metallic, but the stones are fab (If I were you I would have done just the rhinestones and not the pearls, as they make more sense with the look). Now, on to the lipsync. Art. It was so good, the concept was so strong and though it is something we have seen from other queens (including TDR queens), it's a great workaround to the "no editing" rule and you really made it your own. There are a few places where you kind of lose you/the words because you're standing in the dark, but I can forgive that as there is so much going on on the screen in the first place. You have every confidence in you/your work, and it showed with that performance. Fantastic work, Analyse, well done. 

Toni:I LOVE LOVE LVOE LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS LOOK. I love things that a sentimental and it was is just so perfect that you did a little dress with appliques that paid homage to your challneges only to 2in1 to a redo of your audition look. I love that you wanted to do a crown like violets where its in the head, but I do think that could have been done a bit smoother. Your makeup is so cool and so outside of the box for you and I am so glad that you keep pushing yourself even here at the end. I love this lipsync, I think it was so inspiring and well done, with a great mixture of medias and lipsyncs. I think my only issue with it was at some points it was hard to see your lips and would have done with a few more test runs. 

Gluttoni:  Not only one but TWO WHOLE LOOKS! You went off girly. Number Uno A gurl…..you know I’m partial to bald bitch so I love the choice to be bald in this literal golden hour of yours. Then you figured out the golden paint and I’m so proud! You look like an award. I love that you stuck to your brand of you A motif and it very well suited for this so. Both looks really scream you and honestly I couldn’t be more proud so good work. Your lipsync was by far the best and you fucking know it. Great song choices and an overall great look.

Avana Noir

Lila: ICHI KAWAII DESU! Avana, I knew you’d pull out your Harajuku style and flavour right at the end in full force, and as it’s been nice to see glimpses of that in your works, in it’s full head to toe-ness, this is one of the best outfits you’ve done by far. This screams Avana Noir and the colour palette is so cute and - ugh, it’s so fun. Really, only issue is that I wanted to see two ponytails on top of your pink wig - it would’ve sold the Madoka Magicka a little bit more in my opinion. Your lipsync was really adorable and exciting to watch. You did drop some of your words, but forgivable since most of your song choices were full K/J-Pop anthems. You were backlit a lot during your performance, maybe take into consideration when you film, whether or not you have a ring light or some form of light that helps add a little bit more to your frontal lighting. One major thing I’ll give you props for is the Chloe Howl-stylistic camera work in this - down to the consistent movement to your points where you do more group choreo - really commend you for doing that, it shows you’re moving out of the box with how you present your drag style. Great job in this category, you did super well!

Letha: Avana-desu!!!!! This look really does scream you, and it's super cute. Not a lot of shape 'round the middle, but it's not bad. The bow is cute, and the hair works (be careful of the boy hair poking out, a wig cap would help conceal the color), but I would suggest even a little petite pink nail for the look, especially if you are posing with your hands. The makeup is great, a bottom lash might have helped amp up the cute/lolita factor more. As for the lipsync, it cut off at the end which threw me a bit, but what is there is great. I like the mix of the hip/hop with the kawaii, it screams you, and I love the group choreo (though I wish there had been some more coordination of looks, even plain pink T shirts with jeans would have worked). There are some dropped words, as well, with a mix as short as this one you really should be nailing ALL of them. All in all though, it's still a really good submission, good job!

Toni: YES THIS IS WHO AVANA IS. I love this so much, its so well made and so flattering on you. I think the colors are really nice, you could have used more variations on pink but that may just be a personal preference. I think you also could have had the little poncho be 2 inches longer and it would have been perfect!!! The makeup is so much better!! I’m so proud of how your makeup has grown over this cycle. Your wig was nice but there were points when I saw your boy hair.  The lip-sync was very on brand for you and I think it was your best one this cycle I really enjoyed it. I do wish that it was longer because the group choreo, the way it was film? Art ART. I also would have liked a softer ending. more 

Gluttoni: AVANA. This is the best you’ve ever looked in my humble opinion. You look beyond adorable and I’m glad this is your best drag because you came full circle from your Japanese donut hole look. I LOVE PINK and you gave me that and more. I hope we see more looks like this from you in the future. Honestly keep on this track because you look super stunning and precious.  I loved your final lip-sync. The beginning song needs to be mine and you fucking slayed with the K-Pop or J-Pop dance break. My only issue with anything that it was so short.

Lexi Lamour

Lila:  Your best personal drag, to me - well, I’ll be outright. It’s not your best look for me. You’ve done so many head turning looks this cycle that it almost makes me a bit sad that you didn’t save the one catsuit you wore last week for you music challenge for this category this week. But, anyways - this is still a stellar look. The hair is so big and fun and with this look it’s really cohesive. I don’t have much to critique honestly, it’s such a Lexi staple. Your lipsync was cute, it was very Lexi and I love a mix. You have such a great performing energy and at last we get to see it again. Great job in this category!

Letha:  Lexi, this look is giving me "Oh, she's about to turn some shit". It's very club drag, and while I'm not sure it's YOUR personal best, it's still a great look and one you can perform the house down in. And honestly the only crit I can find for it is that maybe a black boot would work better to contrast? The hair is fantastic, it has great volume and is perfect for whipping around. The makeup is also really good, especially the eyes/lips, but the cheeks could use a bit more blush, as you look kind of washed out. The lipsync was also really good, the mix had some very classic drag staples, and you performed them well. A few words were dropped though, and I could tell you were constrained by the space you were in and wanted to buck/twirl a bit more than the area allowed for. That being said though, this was some STRONG work, and you really served it!

Toni: Lexi!! This lipsync was so fucking cute and I really enjoyed it because I think you are the dancing queen this cycle. I do wish you had more space to really stunt on us all because every time I think you are gonna reach the edge and jump off and slay me it backs up a bit and I’m left wanting more in the worse way. I think this look is really cute on you and I really love it but I do think it’s a bit lacking from what we’ve seen from you. I think it just comes off as “just a body suit” when you’ve done body suits before its been LOOKS like your pokemon or the black one from last week. I think your makeup is flawless and I really love it, as well as this hair. 

Gluttoni: Lexi. I must say this isn’t what I quite expected and while I’m not mad at it, I can’t say this says I’m here to take it all. No doubt you look quite gorgeous. I love the choice of color and silhouette because it’s different but for some reason I’m just a bit underwhelmed. This does not mean you aren’t a killer queen with amazing taste because the score board only proves that fact. The lip-sync was good. You have a stellar amount of stage presence and out of all the girls the most chops when it comes to performing live which I’m sure you have a long, long future of blazing stages. All the best to you my love, please keep shining bright.

Sugar Monroe

Lila:  Your BPD is P--P---Pretty damn cute! I think it reads as you, very Sugar, I get a candy vibe from it and I’m loving the change in your makeup to make it very punk-grunge which we all know you like to dabble in! I *do* get a little nervous with that empire waist again, but the variation you’ve put on it saves it. You make everything you wear outfit-wise, which I commend you for. The only thing I would watch out for is the black on a black background, just because you’re blending in with it - if you used a different background it would’ve worked a lot better in my opinion. Your lipsync was cute, but I mean we’ve all saw you do super well in lipsyncs, as well as you winning one of your own lipsyncs yourself. This was a little more controlled than usual, there was very little choreo that really sold your intentions during Bubblegum Bitch, and then your second song picked up the pace a little. I was more intrigued in the second half than the first half, but either way, I digress. It was super fun to watch!

Letha: Sugar Monroe!!! On one hand, this look really does scream "Sugarrrrr", but on the other, I wish it had been pushed farther. The contrast of the blue/pink with the black was great (though idk about it on the black background, sometimes it made it look like there was a hole in your body), but I wanted the edginess of the makeup (which is great, by the way) to extend into the rest of the look. It's just a bit too clean right now. I see some burns on the skirt, but I wanted TEARS, holes, even some dirt or grime. A bit more Mad Max. Also, I do love me a gathered skirt, but pleats up top could be covered with a band across the top, it just makes it look more finished. Your lipsync mix was very cute, and the songs make a lot of sense with your character (the transitions could use a little smoothing out though). You drop some words, but you're still an amazing performer and have great presence. Good job on this category for sure!

Toni: I love watching you lipsync and this was a joy as always. I think this is very on par for you and I really enjoyed it. I think you were giving 90% on this lipsync and I wanted to see 110%. The mix was well done as well. The look was really cute, very on par for you with the skater skirt. I think when we talked you were gonna make it really grunge and mad max, but then pulled it back to burned and tore up and it doesn’t look like you really pushed that, which is disappointing because that would have been the t for me. I think your makeup and hair look beautiful and it’s so nice to see that. love it–A��h

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Week #9 Runway

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Main Challenge #10 - Electro Pop Your Pussy!

Analyse! Avana! Lexi! Sugar! You’ve all made it to the Top 4! Now you may be wondering why there isn’t a mini challenge this week, that’s because this challenge requires a lot of work behind it!

For this week’s main challenge, you will be writing, recording, and producing your very own single, along with a Music Video and Album Cover to boot! Here are the details on what you’ll need to do this week!

You will be writing your own song, or a parody of a song - much like any other drag recording artist! Are you going to choose a popular song in the charts and create a she-larious track with the funniest lyrics, or be your own individual recording artist and write your very own song with instrumentals you find online. The genre, the style, the BPM, singing, rapping - the choice is up to you! We suggest you use YouTube for either parody or original music, or using sites such as Looperman to grab yourself a nice instrumental to work with. With that in mind, writing your song and recording it is another key point - the best option is to use a camera or phone to record your vocals, and recording in a space where there is no backing noise listening to your instrumental as you go gives you optimal vocals. After this, using a sound recorder such as Audacity to put the clips together will help you finalize this, and really create an amazing little track for your next step! 

You will be producing your own Music Video - To the tune of LSFYL’s 4th Season’s Finale, we want you to produce a music video with you lipsynching to your track. This can be done in any style, but you have to be on camera and you have to be in drag. Your drag look has to emote your style - will you be Techno, Goth, Rap or other? As well as this, you can also do as many looks as you want in your videos - We do recommend having a few looks, but not too many as we fear this may convolute your video. Get as creative as you like with this - go outside, dance around, have a pool party, or stay indoors and give us a set dressing that will make your music video go VIRAL! For this, the best results are going to be from researching what music videos fit your genre - we will be judging you on how crafted this portion is, as well as how well you lipsync and execute your drag in the video. If you do need help with editing tips and tricks, our panel of judges will be here to help!

You will also be producing your single’s Cover Art - This is a photoshop-able opportunity to go nuts with your concept - You can do a different look (like Adore Delano’s ‘Til Death Do Us Party discography) or the same look you wear in your videos (like Manila Luzon’s Bring It discography) this will also be judged on how well executed your ability to sell yourself in print form as well as your ability to relate your entire concept together in three different ways - Drag Looks, Music Video and Album Cover.

You all have until this Sunday, 23rd April at 9PM EDT to submit the following:

Two headshots of your characters from your music video (one of each MUST be faced forward)

Two head-to-toe pictures of your characters from your music video (one of each MUST be faced forward)

A short description of your look  of your music video, album and song choice.

Your music video uploaded to your personal YouTube Account under “UNLISTED”

Your Album Cover (For size ratios for Album Covers, the optimal Tumblr-friendly scaling ratio are multiples of 500px, thus stick to this ratio when designing your Albums, otherwise you may be upset with the results!)

A 15-second runway walk (or montage, if you prefer) of all of your characters involved in your music video.

A lipsync performance to Donna’s Summer’s On The Radio - Please use this version - uploaded as UNLISTED to your personal YouTube Accounts.

Ladies! Good Luck - And don’t FUCK IT UP!~

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Main Challenge #8 - Results

One of you played a dangerous game, and we suspect it was you...

Lexi Lamour! with the candlestick in the lounge! Condragulations, you are the winner of this week’s challenge!

Avana Noir, your whites this week, were a little off. You scored LOW.

Marcella Fox, your Colonel Mustard could launch a thousand missiles. You scored HIGH!

Analyse Thropic, you stuck in your thumb and, unfortunately, didn’t pull out a plum. I’m sorry my dear, but you are up for elimination.

Sugar Monroe, we really wanted to see your peacock-cock-cock again! You scored HIGH!

Phoebe St. Jefferson, your attempts at murdering this challenge was just a random shot in the dark. I’m sorry my dear, but you are up for elimination.