Top 30 Best & Worst RuPaul's Drag Race Lip Sync Reveals
#15: Trixie Mattel’s “Wrecking Ball” Reveal (Fail)
All Stars 3
This final lip sync may be one of the most polarizing in “Drag Race” herstory. Trixie Mattel and Kennedy Davenport definitely have different strengths, which is especially clear when they’re lip-syncing. Trixie digs into the storytelling aspect, where Kennedy twirls and dances her face off. There’s one moment in her winning lip sync that stands out. Her reveal, from a yellow robe to a sparkly red mini-dress and yellow rainboots, is not dramatic, nor is it all that flattering. Even Trixie has regrets. Her win, though deserved, was definitely more about her cumulative effort to that point.
#15: Willow Pill & Lady Camden’s Coordinated Reveals (Win)
Season 14
Just when you thought finale reveals were tired and played out. Facing off against each other in the season’s very last lip sync, Season 14 finalists Willow Pill and Lady Camden couldn’t have planned this better. Lipsyncing to Cher’s cover of ABBA’s “"Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” both were clearly hiding a few tricks up their sleeves. Each one had not one, not two, but three perfectly timed reveals. Lady Camden called back to her iconic runway stunt, and Willow shed an oversized striped tuxedo until they were both tearing up the stage together. It was a joint slay.
#14: Jewels Sparkles’ RuVeal-A-Palooza (Fail)
Season 17
Sometimes, less is more. Season 17’s Lip Sync for the Crown was pretty underwhelming. Onya Nurve’s dancing left a lot to be desired, but “category is” underwhelming reveals. Finalist Jewels Sparkles had too many outfit modifications for a three-minute performance. They feel ill-timed and random as a result. It’s all very creative, but at a certain point, it feels more like a Reveal for the Crown than a Lip Sync for the Crown. What’s worse is that some of the transitions she makes are a bit clunky. Many came away underwhelmed by this final lip sync.
#14: Bosco’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” (Win)
All Stars 10
We’ll just add ourselves to the list of people who think Bosco is absolutely stunning. Her gorgeous, flowy dress makes her look like a tornado on the mainstage. It’s already a visual marvel, but just when it feels like that might be it, she strips into a super revealing outfit that perfectly shows off her natural assets. She was already trouncing Irene the Alien with the sheer energy of the performance alone, but this was like the final nail in the coffin. This just put her over the top and secured her the win for the week.
#13: Trinity the Tuck’s “Stronger” Reveal (Fail)
Season 9
This Season 9 finalist had the misfortune to compete in the show’s very first Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown. Trinity the Tuck had the right idea. This season was gonna be won with shocks and stunts. Where her opponents brought entire transformations, Trinity the Tuck had no idea that her simple tearaway skirt wasn’t gonna cut it. It’s the “Drag Race” equivalent of wearing a diamond-studded bikini to the Met Gala. It’s nice, it makes a statement, but it sort of pales in comparison.
#13: Silky Nutmeg Ganache’s Half-and-Half Reveal (Win)
All Stars 6
Episode 10 was basically the Silky Show. Despite being eliminated in All Stars 6’s third episode, she dominated in a lip sync smackdown competition for a chance to get back into the game. Silky Nutmeg Ganache didn’t let the fact that her competitor didn’t show up stop her. She had a show to put on, even if she had to go solo. Her veil and dress didn’t make sense at first. Then, once Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” kicks into high gear, we realize she is made up and dressed in half masculine, half feminine drag. She turns each side toward the judges when the song switches from Barbie’s voice to Ken’s. It’s so dumb that it’s actually genius.
#12: Milan’s “Born This Way” Strip (Fail)
Season 4
We can argue over the technicalities of what a reveal is, but Milan’s frantic and dramatic tearing at her own runway look to reveal her body underneath is clearly meant to go with the song. It’s a desperate reach for a poignant moment that doesn’t quite pay off. “Born This Way” is obviously a celebration of the self, even in the face of discrimination and hardship. Milan’s heart is in the right place here, but judging from the reactions and the way the lip sync is edited, it’s not giving. She sashayed away soon after.
#12: Gia Gunn’s “Adrenaline” Reveal (Win)
All Stars 4
It’s not like Gia Gunn to cover up. Her black, Victorian schoolgirl look was fabulous, but it was very unlike her. There had to be something going on underneath. She waited until “Adrenaline” reached the breakdown before throwing it off. The club beat kicks in, and suddenly, Gia is tearing off her uncharacteristically chaste look to reveal a spangled fringe number. Her transformation is seamless. In the same movement, she makes the switch and launches right into her ballroom-inspired dance. Naomi Smalls goes on to win the lip sync, but it might just be one of the closest we’ve ever seen.
#11: Mimi Imfurst’s “Opposites Attract” Reveal (Fail)
All Stars 1
The first episode of All Stars 1 saw Mimi Imfurst facing off against Chad Michaels in a Paula Abdul lip sync. The odds were not in Mimi’s favor. Her runway look was already not winning her any favor with the judges. When she stripped it off to reveal a shorter but pretty unremarkable dress, it’s about as exciting as watching paint dry. We’re with Manila Luzon on this one. It just has us wondering, “That’s it?” We’ll refrain from complaining about the pair's twist, but Mimi’s reluctant partner, Pandora Boxx, looks like she’d rather be anywhere else.
#11: Raja’s “Straight Up” Reveal (Win)
Season 3
As is usually the case for wig reveals, if you don’t have something better underneath, don’t do it. In this case, the rule doesn’t apply. When she went up against Carmen Carrera in this Paula Abdul lip sync, Raja knew she had to beat the body queen at her own game. She slowly peeled off her cheetah print dress and stepped out of it in a tantalizing set of lace lingerie. It’s one of the most sexually charged lip syncs, and certainly one of the most seductive reveals we’ve ever seen on the mainstage. That’s saying a lot, to be honest.
#10: Ciara Myst’s “Born Naked” Reveal (Fail)
Season 18
In one of the most controversial lip syncs of the season, Ciara Myst was declared a winner in her battle against Athena Dion. Performing RuPaul’s “Born Naked,” Ciara went for a fun reference to the 2024 body horror movie, “The Substance.” But as she shed the monstrous shell of a costume, she kept getting tripped up. Facing away from the audience for half of the costume change, she tugged at her first layer like it was the first time she had ever attempted it. The final look, portraying the younger version of the character from the movie, seemed like an anticlimax. It didn’t stop Ru from awarding her the win. Fans were skeptical, to say the least.
#10: Jessica Wild’s “Coconuts” Reveal (Win)
All Stars 8
Has any other queen ever won a lip sync this fast? Mere seconds into the bouncy Kim Petras track “Coconuts,” Jessica Wild rips open her coat to reveal a gigantic, silicone breastplate. Suddenly, nothing else matters. It’s so funny purely as a visual gag, but it’s also such a literal take on the song that it keeps you laughing the whole time. Most of all, it’s just so hypnotizing. Lip Sync Assassin Ra’Jah O’Hara doesn’t stand a chance here. After that, Jessica could literally sit on stage and jiggle every couple of seconds for the rest of the song, and she’d still win.
#9: Aquaria’s “If” Lip Sync (Fail)
Season 10
After Sasha Velour’s legendary rose petals in Season 9’s Lip Sync for the Crown, to say expectations were raised is an understatement. The next batch of finalists attempted to recreate that magic, with varying results. Aquaria’s first lip-sync look became one of her rare fashion misses throughout her run, when she hit the stage in a puffy, silver ensemble. It was clear she had something underneath, but viewers were left whelmed when she immediately tore it off to show a basic pink bodysuit with fabric spikes. The fan referencing Vanjie and eventual glitter spike weren’t enough to distract from the lackluster outfit. Luckily, it didn’t affect the outcome of the lip sync, with her moving on and eventually taking home the crown.
#9: Symone’s “Gimme More” Reveal (Win)
Season 13
The grand finale lip sync between finalists Symone and Gottmik could have gone either way, but the effortless reveal already put Symone way ahead. A smooth, mid-lip sync costume change is hard to pull off. In one continuous movement, Symone rips off her fashion-forward tracksuit to reveal a gorgeous two-piece and boots. The style whiplash between the two looks is a stroke of genius. It’s a gorgeously executed twirl on its own. That she manages to rip and tear at all the right pieces and make it look like it’s not even that a big deal is why she’s a winner.
#8: Rosé’s “Work Bitch” Lip Sync (Fail)
Season 13
Just because you can add a reveal to a performance, doesn’t mean you always should. Rosé had done well throughout Season 13, and soon found herself going up against Kandy Muse in the first round of the Lip Sync showdown. It already wasn’t looking good when she arrived wearing a pink suitcoat and thigh-high pink boots. As the song progressed, she slowly removed the jacket and boots to unveil a body suit the exact same color. The outfit didn’t do much to flatter her beauty or performance, and was quickly overshadowed by Kandy Muse’s multi-colored leotard. Had she been wearing something more exciting or fashion-forward, then she may have clinched the win. Unfortunately, it signalled the end of Rosé’s impressive run instead.
#8: Bosco’s “Show Me How You Burlesque” Reveal (Win)
All Stars 10
Grandeur and spectacle were on the menu this week. Bosco appeared in an expensive-looking Las Vegas showgirl number, complete with a massive peacock feather headpiece and a large boa covering the strategic areas. In true Bosco fashion, she soon drops her modesty pieces to reveal a nude illusion through a glittering and revealing showpiece. The ultimate reveal is still to come. The peacock feather headpiece comes off in two pieces. Style superstar Carson Kressley is as gagged as we are. She uses them to do a teasing fan dance like a true blue burlesque goddess.
#7: Gia Gunn’s “Head to Toe” Lip Sync (Fail)
Season 6
To paraphrase the great Bianca Del Rio, if you’re going to reveal a look, then you shouldn’t draw it out. Gia Gunn learned this the hard way after ending up in the bottom due to a subpar Snatch Game performance. During her lip sync to “Head to Toe,” she decided to remove her gown in favor of a sparkly body suit she had on underneath it. The only issue? She took her time taking it off, drawing out the process as long as possible. By the time she finished, the song was nearly over, and Laganja had danced circles around her. Had she quickly taken it off, she may have had a better chance at remaining in the competition.
#7: Brooke Lynn Hytes Pointe Shoe Reveal (Win)
Season 11
Another Lip Sync for the Crown, another year of queens trying to wow the crowd with mid-song costume changes. But Brooke Lynn Hytes doesn’t just reveal a pair of shoes. She unexpectedly whips out one of her talents. She yanks patches out of her boots to reveal red pointe shoes and dances the rest of Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious” en pointe. She pulls focus from fellow finalist Silky Nutmeg Ganache in a major way, and wins the lip sync. There are few people who can actually dance en pointe, let alone “Drag Race” queens. It was a power move as much as it was a reveal.
#6: Trinity the Tuck’s LaLaPaRUza Look (Fail)
All Stars 4
A reveal lacking in creativity can make the whole look fall flat. Trinity the Tuck proved this during the “All Stars” 4 LaLaPaRUza. It made sense to plan a second one given the fact it was a lip sync showdown, but she went about it in an underwhelming way. She came out in a giant oversized cloak that showed only her head, making it obvious to everyone from the judges to the other contestants that she had something else underneath. Not only was it a lazy take on the idea, it also got rid of the most important aspect of any unveiling: the element of surprise. It didn’t help that the outfit beneath it wasn’t anything show-stopping, making the entire stunt feel unnecessary.
#6: Nymphia Wind’s Balloons (Win)
Season 16
Considering she incorporated the color yellow into every look, the Season 16 champion trained us to expect it from her. Her finale look does not disappoint. During her lip sync against Sapphira Cristál, she clearly has a reveal waiting under her ornate, golden, ombré cape. She opens it up and drops it for three separate eye-catching reveals. There’s the outfit underneath, but also the gorgeous blue and floral lining of the cape. Most gaggy of all is the collection of black balloons she releases at the same time. It’s so different, both for her and for the tradition of finale lip sync reveals.
#5: Mimi Imfurst’s “Don’t Leave Me This Way” Lip Sync (Fail)
Season 3
This lip sync is infamous for Mimi’s choice to non-consensually hoist India Ferrah onto her back mid-performance. But even putting aside the messy physical antics that led to her elimination, Mimi did not have an easy time onstage. As she attempted to step out of her floor-length animal-print gown at the back of the runway, she tripped over the garment gathered at her feet. To make matters worse, it became attached to her heel and she had to try to shake the dress off. Any “Drag Race” fan knows that a reveal is only as good as its execution, and her sequined minidress was completely overshadowed by her clumsy footwork.
#5: Yvie Oddly’s “Edge of Glory” Lip Sync (Win)
Season 11
It’s rare that you see two competitors both flawlessly pull off reveals. During the Season 11 finale, Brooke Lynn Hytes and Yvie Oddly both proved they had some unique tricks up their sleeves. The former took a tongue-in-cheek approach, with a cloak covered in the word “reveal” and teasing what was to come. Yvie went the understated route, wearing a gorgeous ball gown with a mirrored headpiece. During a lull in the song, she spun around to show off a second face on the back of her head. It was a truly innovative and breathtaking stunt, and she did it all without removing a single article of clothing. Her subtle execution ended up paying off, with her winning the lip sync and the crown.
#4: Laila McQueen’s “I Will Survive” Lip Sync (Fail)
Season 8
This classic disco song of strength and overcoming is considered an LGBTQ anthem – but it didn’t get a fitting tribute on “Drag Race” Season 8. Neither Laila nor Dax ExclamationPoint’s performances were up to par, and the former’s choice to ditch her costume was particularly questionable. Midway through the song, the queen took off her green gown to reveal plain black undergarments. This move is a tough one to pull off – and in the context of an already underwhelming lip sync, it came off as desperate. With anticlimactic timing and her heels having already been tossed, Laila’s outfit change clearly didn’t please the judges – and it sadly sent her packing.
#4: Eureka’s “If” Lip Sync (Win)
Season 10
Reveals were not in short supply at the “Drag Race” Season 10 finale. In her lip sync against eventual winner Aquaria, Eureka executed a three-part outfit change that was as solid as they come. After she threw off her giant red wig, her feathered purple dress unfurled into a scarlet poncho. Finally, at the song’s breakdown, she unzipped into a bodysuit with mirrored detailing that matched her silver boots. The crowd went wild for each reveal, and her flawless execution helped secure her a place in the final three-way showdown. While Aquaria opted to unveil almost her entire outfit at the beginning of the number, Eureka exercised patience – and it paid off.
#3: Cynthia Lee Fontaine’s “Woman Up” Lip Sync (Fail)
Season 9
Any “Drag Race” devotee knows that undressing onstage during a lip sync can be a hard sell. Although a sexy striptease can pay off, revealing one’s undergarments can just as easily make for a sloppy performance. When Cynthia Lee Fontaine failed to shine in Season 9’s “Kardashians: The Rusical,” she faced off against Farrah Moan and made this all-too-common error. Practically as soon as the song began, she removed her grey gown with grid panelling to show a mismatched set of bra and panties. With absolutely no lead-up to the reveal, it was not only unoriginal, but downright underwhelming.
#3: Detox’s “Step It Up” Lip Sync (Win)
All Stars 2
In the penultimate episode of “All Stars” Season 2, Detox and Katya bested their competitors with their transformations of family members into drag siblings. Always one to impress on the runway, Detox showed that her outfit had more than met the eye when she took the stage to lip sync for her legacy. She took off her long-sleeved jacket to reveal a simple corseted top… until she turned around. With the bodice leading into a thong and her rear exposed, the “Look Queen” had sex appeal in spades. The visual was even more striking with her racy black garment perfectly contrasting Katya’s hilariously frumpy gown. When it comes to fashion, Detox never disappoints – and the same is true of reveals.
#2: Trinity the Tuck’s “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” Lip Sync (Fail)
All Stars 4
Outfit reveals intended solely for shock value don’t always land. That was unfortunately the case with this performance from “All Stars” 4, which saw Trinity inexplicably change from her fierce runway look molded out of pink plastic into senior drag. When she removed her leopard-print bathrobe in the middle of the number, she unveiled a sagging bodysuit and diaper. The visual gag might have been funny in another context, but was totally unrelated to the song and felt forced as a consequence. While some of the funniest lip syncs bring out the humor in the music, in this case the song played second fiddle to Trinity’s bewildering comedy routine. There’s no doubt that Trinity is a sickening performer, but this reveal got old quickly.
#2: Peppermint’s “Stronger” Lip Sync (Win)
Season 9
At the Season 9 finale, Trinity the Tuck and Peppermint competed in the first Lip Sync Smackdown to get a step closer to the crown. At the number’s midway point, their takes on Britney Spears’ early aughts hit were fairly evenly matched. As the song inched to its climax and Peppermint reached behind her belt, an incoming reveal was obvious. But as she twirled onstage, not only did her skirt unfurl into a long dress; her long blue hair also gave way to a cropped ice-blonde wig. The crowd went wild, and for good reason – even if it took a moment to prepare, the switch was perfectly timed and smoothly executed. The dramatic transformation undoubtedly helped secure Peppermint’s place in the final lip sync.
#1: Asia O’Hara’s Butterfly Mishap (Fail)
Season 10
When it comes to reveals, sometimes simple is best. Unfortunately, Asia’s attempt at a complex and risky one at the Season 10 finale totally backfired. At a pivotal moment as she entered her first Lip Sync Smackdown against Kameron Michaels, Asia ripped off structures from her wrists and chest, seemingly expecting the butterflies enclosed inside to fly away. However, the stunned insects infamously failed to take off and instead fell to the stage. Even though the trick wasn’t working, the finalist continued to rip off the butterfly cages – but it sadly didn’t get any better. With the audience looking on in horror as the disappointing scene unfolded, it was a downright cringe-worthy moment.
#1: Sasha Velour’s “So Emotional” Reveal (Win)
Season 9
We said no wig reveals, and we meant it. This isn’t just a wig reveal. The roses are the star here. Sasha Velour was almost defiant in never wearing a wig during her time on “Drag Race.” When she appears in a long red wig and matching gloves for her lip sync against Shea Couleé, it becomes clear she’s in this to win it, even if she has to adopt a more traditional drag look. Hidden in each glove is a bunch of roses she showers on the stage at strategic points. The electrifying final reveal, the shower of roses hidden under her wig, is a transcendent statement. She’s still Sasha, and she just dominated. No lip sync reveal has even come close.
What makes a good lip sync reveal? Tell us in the comments.
