All the Lip Syncs From RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13: Ranked!

RuPaul took everybody by surprise when she kicked off season 13 of Drag Race by making the queens lip sync in the first episode. Needless to say, the results were varied, and certain performances were better than others. Gottmik and Utica Queen’s lip sync was interesting, namely because it gave viewers a really clear glimpse into both of their amazing drag personas and styles. We were introduced to Gottmik’s signature face makeup and to Utica’s artistic fashion sense, and we loved seeing that. However, those who were excited to see them lip sync against one another to Lindsay Lohan’s unforgettable hit “Rumors” were somewhat disappointed. Overall, many fans felt that the performance was underwhelming, and didn’t quite do the tune justice.

Tina’s energy and moves made this performance of “My Humps” fun, infusing it with lots of personality. And while Utica brought her own flavor to it as well, many felt that her interpretation of the song made less sense. She brought a darker energy to this upbeat Black Eyed Peas tune. It was in sync with her runway look, but not much with the song itself! Whether you liked her take on it or not, there’s no denying it was unique. However, when compared to the lively approach Tina Burner took, a number of Drag Race fans were perplexed by RuPaul's decision to give Utica the win.

Snatch Game is always a big week on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. Just as there are queens that soar to the top during this crucial challenge, there are inevitably those who fail to bring the laughs. This season, Utica Queen and Elliott with 2 Ts fell flat with their respective imitations of Bob Ross and Rue McClanahan. As such, they had to lip sync for their lives to Company B’s “Fascinated”. Considering what we had seen from Elliott with 2 Ts prior to this, many were confused by her toned down performance, while Utica pleasantly surprised a number of viewers here with her confidence and character. At the end of the day, this lip sync was solid, but it wasn’t one of the show’s most exciting.

During the first episode of the season, most of the queens lip synced in pairs. But we were also treated to a three-way battle between Tina Burner, Elliott with 2 Ts, and Kahmora Hall. We were slightly worried that it would be chaotic. After all, it’s harder to shine when you’re competing against two other queens as opposed to just one on the runway. However, for the most part these queens held their own as they brought “Lady Marmalade” to life. We even got a few funny interactive moments between them! Tina brought something extra to the performance though, with her comedic prowess giving her an edge, and the win.

#16: Olivia Lux vs. Denali “Freaky Friday Queens”

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The challenge this week was one Drag Race fans know and love: the makeover. Except this time, the queens were tasked with transforming their fellow contestants into their doppelgangers. By the same token, they were judged in pairs. Olivia Lux and Denali faced the consequences, as the judges criticized Olivia for not making her brand clear enough on Denali. As such, after spending the week working together, these two queens lip synced against one another to Mary Mary’s “Shackles (Praise You)”. Both of them delivered, and Olivia ultimately won. Yet many fans felt that Denali didn’t deserve to be put in that position to begin with, making this lip sync one of the season’s less popular ones.

What could possibly go wrong during a roast of some of Drag Race’s most notable Miss Congeniality title holders? Well, Symone got in her head during the challenge, and as a result her jokes didn’t quite land. Plus, Utica didn’t heed the judges’ warning about making sure her jokes were funny rather than mean, which really backfired. As such, they both ended up lip syncing for their lives. As Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry” began playing, both queens jumped at the opportunity to prove themselves. Symone brought the personality, while Utica genuinely seemed to be enjoying herself as she danced energetically. Plus, both of them brought the passion. Ultimately, Symone edged Utica out, and earned the shantay from RuPaul.

#14: Olivia Lux vs. Rosé “The Pork Chop”

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This lip sync to Elle King’s “Ex’s & Oh’s” between Rosé and Olivia Lux was undoubtedly a fun one to watch. Both queens delivered, as they weren’t afraid to match the song’s upbeat energy and make the performance their own. From Olivia Lux playing air guitar to Rosé’s graceful twirls and (somewhat awkward) death drop, there was not a dull moment. Olivia even pulled off a mini outfit change at the very start! Her ability to embody the song’s message and create a character was definitely impressive, and she emerged victorious. Ultimately, her and Rosé both really impressed us with this performance.

As the queens acted in “Henny, I Shrunk The Drag Queens!”, we understandably heard about their desire to make it through to the top four, and were anxious to see what would happen. After the judges accused Kandy Muse and Olivia Lux of one-note performances that failed to display new facets of their personalities, they found themselves on the chopping block. This was a make or break moment, and both queens brought energy and choreography to Cher’s “Strong Enough”. In the end, Kandy’s determination - and glittery manoeuver - earned her the coveted final spot in the race. All in all, the tune was great and everybody was having fun, which made for a good time!

These initial lip syncs acted as exciting windows into the personalities of the queens we were about to get to know. Joey Jay took a sultry approach to Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”, while Kandy Muse immersed herself into the lyrics and created a character. Despite Joey Jay claiming to be a lip sync assassin, many felt that it was actually Kandy who brought the house down here. From the moment she pretended to turn on her boombox, we knew we were in for a treat. Considering how she playfully brought the girl in the song to life and won this lip sync, we were right. Funnily enough, this also foreshadowed Kandy’s crush on Joey!

This week was revealing in more ways than one as the queens created a “disco-mentary”. Namely, this was the episode where Tamisha and Kandy dealt with the aftermath of their heated face-off in "Untucked!". Plus, we learned that Tamisha lives with an ostomy bag. So when they found themselves in the bottom two, fans were curious to see what would happen. Both queens really made this lip sync to Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” an enjoyable one to watch. Despite their different styles and personalities, this performance was on point because they both brought their passion for the art of lip syncing to the stage. And even Kandy was emotional watching Tamisha Iman sashay away afterwards!

A pairing we loved watching during “The Pork Chop” episode was Tamisha Iman and Symone. They expertly executed a lip sync to Janet Jackson's “The Pleasure Principle”, and the latter queen emerged victorious. She brought the attitude that we all now know and love her for, and gave us all a performance full of high fashion and seduction. As for Tamisha, she injected this lip sync with classic old school dance moves and a flair that showcased her skill and talent. From Tamisha’s arm movements to Symone’s now iconic facial expressions, this was definitely an entertaining - and thoughtful - battle between two stunning queens.

#9: The Lip Sync Smackdowns “Grand Finale”

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The grand finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” gave us three lip syncs in a sickening Britney Spears themed smackdown for the crown. First, we saw Rosé go up against Kandy Muse to “Work Bitch”, and the latter queen advanced to the final round. Then, Symone beat out Gottmik after they competed to “Gimme More”. Last but certainly not least, the top two queens took on Britney Spears’ “Till the World Ends” in the final lip sync. After a passionate delivery, Symone snatched the crown! Overall, these performances were entertaining, and had some great reveals and choreography. Symone’s wig pop? Yes please! But many felt that they didn’t quite live up to the high standard set by the other lip syncs of the season.

This lip sync to the Pussycat Dolls’ hit song “When I Grow Up” was one to remember. Denali performed in ice skates, because she obviously didn’t expect to put on a show in her entrance look! But she didn’t let that - or her slipping dress - stop her from giving 100%. She delivered high kicks, cartwheels, and attitude for days. As for LaLa Ri, she gave us a true performance, full of great choreography, emotion, and plenty of face without ever missing a beat. She had a slight edge and was named the winner of this lip sync. This battle made it abundantly clear that both Denali and LaLa Ri are true entertainers. Talk about great first impressions!

As we entered the second week of the competition, fans and contestants alike were wondering how this season would play out. This episode focused solely on the queens who had won their week one battles, and no elimination was planned. Instead, this lip sync between Symone and Olivia Lux determined the winner of the week’s challenge. As they performed Dua Lipa’s “Break My Heart”, Olivia brought her adorable personality to the fore, while Symone felt the song in her bones and lip synced with elegance. She got the win, and the 5000$ cash tip. Both queens were in tune with the music, and just as they delivered in the maxi challenge, they proved that they were serious contenders with this performance.

Typically, there is one double shantay per season on Drag Race. As we watch the lip syncs unfold, it’s always fun to speculate on which queens will receive the honor. This season, it went to none other than Kandy Muse and Symone following their lip sync to Fifth Harmony’s “BO$$”. This was an energetic number if we’ve ever seen one. But it wasn’t until after Kandy started sashaying away that Ru unexpectedly saved her! Not every fan of the franchise agrees that this lip sync deserved a double shantay, but it was undoubtedly a lively and dynamic performance. At the end of the day, Ru felt that it wasn’t time for either queen to exit the race quite yet, and we’re not complaining!

“Phenomenon” focused on the first week’s losing queens. Like the episode that preceded it, nobody went home. As was the case for Symone and Olivia, this was Denali and Rosé’s chance to prove themselves - and win some cash. As members of the “pork chop” group, the stakes were even higher for them. But prove themselves they did with this highly entertaining take on “If U Seek Amy”, a Britney Spears classic. Rosé balanced comedy and precision perfectly, while Denali - who earned the win - embodied the star and showcased what she can do without skates. The only thing that would have made this better is if Britney herself had been there!

As we watched the remaining queens fight for a spot in the finale, nobody knew how many queens - if any - would be going home. In a twist, RuPaul announced that each queen would lip sync for her life. Not only that, they would do so one by one. To everybody’s delight, Rosé, Gottmik, Symone, and Kandy all brought the house down with their individual renditions of “I Learned from the Best”. We were obsessed with these lip syncs from start to finish, and thank goodness RuPaul was as well. We all breathed a huge sigh of relief when she announced that they would all be moving forward to the grand finale. Frankly, we don’t think we could have handled any other outcome!

This lip sync to Kelly Clarkson's "Whole Lotta Woman" was one of the season's closest and best. It was really hard to tell which queen was going to win, and many fans felt that the performance deserved a coveted double shantay. But that’s not what RuPaul decided, and LaLa Ri sashayed away. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that both her and Elliott with 2 Ts made this song theirs and mesmerized viewers everywhere. It felt more like they were collaborating than competing, which made it so fun. We could watch these two queens’ simultaneous body rolls on repeat, and we intend to!

After their bag ball looks underwhelmed the judges, LaLa Ri and Joey Jay had to lip sync for their lives. Joey Jay was focused, and delivered with her moves. She even prepared money to throw up in the air! But we really started screaming when LaLa Ri hilariously picked those bills up and used them to her advantage! Was her outfit coming apart in front of our eyes? Absolutely. Did it matter? Not at all. She had us laughing and wanting more from start to finish. She truly delivered a “LaLa Ri experience” for the ages, and was declared the winner. Our eyes were glued to our screens for the entirety of this lip sync to Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX’s “Fancy”. We just didn’t want it to end!

As they lip synced for their lives to Crystal Waters’ “100% Pure Love”, Denali had a clear advantage over Kahmora Hall. The latter queen could barely move - let alone dance - due to her dress. As stoic as Kahmora was, Denali was the complete opposite and absolutely stole the show. Great choreography? Check. A plethora of passion? Check. Truly flawless lip syncing? Check. Simply put, she CRUSHED it. Denali definitely cemented herself as a lip sync assassin with this endlessly entertaining performance. To say she had fans everywhere living is an understatement. It was everything, and will definitely go down in the drag race her-story books as one of the show’s most captivating and memorable lip syncs!