All the Rusical Performances: RANKED

#12: “Trump: The Rusical” Season 11

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This performance got political, lampooning the reality star and 45th president of the United States. With Trump himself, his family, and his associates imagined as tropes inspired by "Grease,” the concept was a little out of left field. However, the production value was high and some performances, like Silky Nutmeg Ganache as Oprah Winfrey, were certainly entertaining. But it was the musical’s last section that truly fell flat. With a trite theme of women coming together, the final number totally contradicted the previous characterization and seemed to skate over the complex issues that had already been presented. Although the individual actors weren’t bad, this spoof suffered from seriously mixed messaging.

While many “Drag Race” musicals have had the queens play real-life figures, Season 13’s version required most to portray social media platforms and trends. The queens deserve props for not only performing but pre-recording their songs, and Rosé stood out for her killer vocals. But several performances were unexciting or downright sloppy. And with the overall tone inching towards after-school-special, the cautionary tale was heavy-handed in its depiction of the costs of using social media. While the unique premise could have worked, the lyrics felt out-of-touch and laugh-worthy moments were unfortunately hard to come by.

The Season 10 queens unusually participated in two Rusicals, but the first one themed around the pharmaceutical industry was downright strange. Individual numbers served as infomercials for fictional medications treating drag-related problems. Unfortunately, the jump from vignette to vignette meant the routine lacked a cohesive plotline. And with the writing sometimes relying on punchlines that were obvious rather than clever, it wasn’t always a funny viewing experience. To boot, there were several noticeable issues with lip syncing and choreography throughout. The musical deserves credit for its downright creative premise, and some queens had no problem with their lines. But overall, this wasn’t nearly the show’s strongest showing.

This performance focused on the lives and legacy of the Kardashian/Jenner clan, spanning from their first big break to the imagined future they have a hand in shaping. Alexis Michelle was absolutely spot-on as Kris Jenner, while Shea Couleé’s Blac Chyna interlude showed off her dancing and provided a change of pace. However, the musical did have its downsides. Cynthia Lee Fontaine got considerable screen time as Kim Kardashian West, but lacked personality and didn’t know her words. Other sections, like the introduction of the Jenner sisters, were underwhelming and poorly executed. And Eureka’s performance as North West wasn’t exactly star-making. But for its genuinely funny high points, this number is worth a rewatch.

This “All Stars” Season 6 challenge required the queens to embody famous performers in a mock Super Bowl halftime show while each lip syncing to a song by RuPaul herself. It was entertaining to see tracks often heard on “Drag Race” reimagined in the style of different artists. And although they weren’t recorded by the queens themselves, some celebrity impressions were surprisingly accurate. Choreo-heavy performances from the likes of Jan and Trinity K. Bonet were not only downright impressive, but also true to the singer being portrayed. But some roles like Madonna offered fewer opportunities to impress, and Shakira was totally let down by a bored-looking Yara Sofia. Ultimately, it was a performance of highs and lows, but a watchable one nonetheless.

All Stars 3

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In this challenge, the queens impersonated music industry icons in a "VH1 Divas" parody tribute. The concept allowed each queen to shine on their own - or fade into the background. The Mariah Carey section was absolutely hilarious, with a slew of jokes that Shangela nailed. And BenDeLaCreme’s high-energy performance as a rapping Julie Andrews is “Drag Race” at its silliest - and its best. But with some roles destined for comedy gold and others comparatively lacking in interest, it was an uphill battle for certain queens to stand out. Despite its uneven success, this Rusical won’t be forgotten any time soon thanks to some truly iconic moments.

This performance imagined an airline run by drag queens, with Trixie Mattel and Ginger Minj each leading a team through lip-synced dialogue and songs. While many numbers had flight attendants running mock safety procedures, others ventured into illicit relations with the pilot. Rusicals aren’t exactly known for reinventing the wheel musically, but several of the songs here were catchy and well-sung. And compared to some other iterations of this task, many queens did well despite their challenging lines - and Mrs. Kasha Davis particularly stood out. The scream sound effect was certainly overused, and some sections such as the introduction didn’t go over well. But overall, “Airways” was both well-executed and entertaining.

This production told the story of Cher, following the music icon through her many eras as a singer, TV host, and movie star. Unlike some other Rusicals, this one required the queens to not only execute choreography, but also sing live. Even with this major hurdle, many contestants gave memorable performances. Kameron Michaels won the challenge for her strong impression, but Eureka delivered on humor while Miz Cracker executed an auto-tuned verse that was underappreciated by the judges. Even Asia O’Hara managed to make light of her botched “Moonstruck”-inspired sequence. While it wasn’t riveting all the way through, it was a consistent effort with a high level of difficulty.

This parody of the “Pitch Perfect” movies had the queens compete in an onstage acapella sing-off. Lip syncing to re-recorded versions of RuPaul’s songs, the queens squared off in two teams before coming together for a mash-up finale. It was one of the show’s more polished group numbers, with numerous entertaining moments. The “Shady Bitches” group was particularly great, with a fierce introduction and a star-making performance involving a handstand from Chi Chi DeVayne. But the “Lady Bitches” also had their share of funny moments, like Robbie Turner singing “Freaky Money” and Cynthia Lee Fontaine sending her shoe into the ceiling. And, with a relatively short runtime, the Rusical had the advantage of never dragging.

There’s no question that “All Stars” Season 2 was chock-full of talent. This was fully on display in their Rusical, when the queens played iconic, rebellious, and inspirational female historical figures. Try as they might, “Drag Race” challenges don’t always strike comedic gold, but this performance had genuinely funny punchlines. From Detox’s operatic Marie Antoinette to Alyssa Edwards’s hilariously raunchy Annie Oakley, there were many moments to love. The musical could have been even more impressive if the queens had recorded their own vocals. But with excellent lip syncing all around, it’s a minor bone to pick with an overall excellent showing.

#2: “Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical” Season 12

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Jumping across musical styles and visual aesthetics, this performance was a crash course in the pop star famous for reinventing herself. With the queens pre-recording their own vocals, the number put their singing skills to the test. But nearly every contestant rose to the challenge, and some were downright captivating. Jan, Widow Von’Du, and Gigi Goode all nailed extensive choreography, with the latter also executing impressive lifts. But there was also variety, with Jaida Essence Hall channeling Madonna at her steamiest and Crystal Methyd delivering pure silliness. To top it off, the worst performances from Brita and Heidi N Closet were hardly bad at all. For its near-flawless execution, this Rusical was a joy to watch.

#1: “Shade: The Rusical” Season 6

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Singing live is hard enough on its own, but this Season 6 production forced the queens to act and dance as well. And while some Rusicals have each competitor taking a turn onstage, “Shade” required that they turn out vocals and execute blocking as a group. With an inventive premise focusing on factions of drag queens and the concept of shadiness, the number was not only original, but also had a consistent storyline that echoed real-life musicals. Even when queens didn’t excel at singing, it didn’t much detract from the performance - and Courtney Act and Adore Delano absolutely slayed their parts. A serious challenge for even veteran performers, this was an absolutely iconic “Drag Race” moment that proved the cast had major talent.