10 Drag Race Winners You Forgot About: Where Are They Now?

Onya Nurve

Season 17

As one of the newest winners in the franchise, she hasn’t had much time to fully utilize the platform that comes with her crown. Yet, since Season 17 has ended, Onya Nurve seems to have slipped into the background. She started out with ample opportunities, including an offer to portray Lola in the iconic musical “Kinky Boots.” Just a few months later, however, it was revealed that she was no longer a part of the cast. With no explanation from her or the production, fans have been left hoping that she’s doing alright, and that she gets another chance to shine soon. It’s clear how much Onya Nurve adores drag, and we can only hope she returns to the spotlight as soon as possible.

Angeria Paris VanMichaels

All Stars 9

Although the generous cash reward isn’t the only reason a queen should want to compete, plenty have used that bonus as a way to build upon their brand or elevate their drag. While Angeria Paris VanMichaels was able to donate an incredible amount to the National Black Justice Coalition after winning the ninth season of “All Stars,” she didn't have the same financial platform others did. She’s expressed a desire to continue acting following her victory; but so far, those opportunities have been slim. It doesn’t help that she was overshadowed by the show’s editing, which led to other queens being uplifted over her.

Blu Hydrangea

“UK vs. the World” Season 1

Angeria isn't the only one to have won the crown without the cash prize. Due to the BBC’s regulations as a publicly funded channel, Blu Hydrangea couldn’t be given financial compensation after winning the first season of “UK vs. the World.” Instead, she recorded a medley of RuPaul songs with the host herself, which unfortunately didn’t leave much of an impact. Luckily, she’s found a couple of non-“Drag Race” related roles, including a temporary gig as the host of “Stitch, Please!” and a record-breaking run on the Irish version of “Dancing with the Stars.” Though she may not be in the mainstream the way other champions are, she’s managed to carve out the perfect niche for herself at home.

BeBe Zahara Benet

Season 1

When she won the first season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” back in 2009, the world was a different place. Most of BeBe Zahara Benet’s initial gigs post-winning had been set up by the show itself, including a campaign with LA Eyeworks and a cameo in a RuPaul music video. But there was a lack of mainstream opportunities, forcing her to carve out her own path. At first, her appearances were limited to comedic music and cameos in “Drag Race” spin-offs. It wasn’t until Benet was reintroduced on the third season of “All-Stars” that more doors opened for her. From producing a tour to appearing as the subject of a documentary, she’s finally been able to reap the benefits of her triumph over a decade later.

Kylie Sonique Love

All Stars 6

In 2021, she made history as the first out trans woman to win an American season of the franchise. Since then, Kylie Sonique Love may not have made a huge splash within the mainstream—but she’s still thriving just outside the spotlight. She’s released a series of singles, and if her Instagram is anything to go by, she’s remained booked and busy with drag gigs. Her first big break came with a role in the 2025 film “Dope Queens.” Perhaps this could be the catalyst for her to break out of her bubble and into mainstream media, which could help inspire a generation of trans performers to follow their dreams as well.

Willow Pill

Season 14

While some winners aren’t offered stellar opportunities after appearing on the show, others have chosen to step back on their own accord. Although Willow Pill slayed Season 14, she’s been perfectly fine fading to the background since then. After being crowned, she was open about wanting to step back from classic drag in order to hone the more absurd and whimsical side of her art. She’s also expressed her desire to save as much of her cash prize and subsequent gig money as possible, with the goal of retiring by her mid-30s. While she still has love for the artform, she’s admitted just how exhausted she’s become—and we can’t say we blame her.

Krystal Versace

“RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” Season 3

After becoming the franchise’s youngest champion in 2021, Krystal Versace hasn’t done much to remain in the public eye. Besides appearing in her prize digital series “Keeping Up with Krystal Versace,” the Kent native has been perfectly content with a quiet life. She hasn’t even released any singles, other than a feature she recorded with the first two winners of the spin-off. In October of 2024, she announced that she was taking an indefinite hiatus from drag, with the goal of working on herself and learning to love the artform again.

Aquaria

Season 10

She’s the perfect example of a queen who has been offered wonderful opportunities, yet still prioritizes her peace. After winning Season 10, Aquaria made appearances for various fashion brands, had her own eyeshadow palette with NYX Cosmetics, and was even the entertainment editor for Dazed magazine. As the years have gone by, however, she’s seemed content stepping back from high-profile gigs while focusing on her art. Whether it's perfecting her drag or her newfound DJ skills, it’s clear she’s fully devoted to her various crafts. She has expressed interest in returning for an “All Winners” season—and should she dominate the way she did her first time around, she may end up on top of the world all over again.

Tyra Sanchez

Season 2

He didn’t just burn his bridge with the franchise; he ensured it could never be rebuilt. After Tyra Sanchez won the second season of the show, he was subjected to hate from fans. Over the last several years, he’s taken his wrath out against viewers and fellow contestants alike. His insensitive comments about Jiggly Caliente and The Vivienne after their deaths confirmed that he would never be welcome by the fanbase again. He retired and returned to drag multiple times, but any excitement fans would have for a potential comeback has been permanently dimmed. Although, given his comments about his desire to never return to “Drag Race,” it doesn’t seem he minds too much.

Sharon Needles

Season 4

She will never be accepted by the fanbase again. When Sharon Needles first won, she was heralded as one of the most groundbreaking queens of her time. As the years have gone by, her star naturally waned. However, it wasn’t the reason she all but vanished from the public eye. She was involved in a series of racist incidents and accused of grooming a fan to the point of physical attacks and encouraging them to harm themselves. While Needles has denied the allegations, her fate was sealed. She was written off by viewers, and a former producer confirmed she’s been banned from the franchise.

Which of these champions would you love to see return to the limelight? Let us know in the comments below!