The Race for the Crown in RuPaul's Drag Race Season 12

The Race for the Crown: A Look at Drag Queen Pageant Crowns

In the world of drag, the crown is everything. Winning the crown at a major drag pageant can launch a queen's career and lead to huge opportunities. Three fan favorites are vying for the crown this season on RuPaul's Drag Race - Crystal Methyd, Gigi Goode, and Jaida Essence Hall. Fans have taken to social media to voice their support using hashtags like #teamcrystal, #teamgigi, and #teamjaida.

The Importance of the Crown

The crown is the ultimate symbol of drag success. Winning the crown at a major national pageant like RuPaul's Drag Race means joining the "Drag Race Hall of Fame" and becoming part of drag herstory. It can lead to lucrative opportunities like touring, endorsements, merchandising, TV appearances, and more. The previous winners represent the best of the best - queens like Bianca Del Rio, Violet Chachki, and Aquaria.

For up-and-coming queens, the crown often means no longer having to struggle as much for bookings or having to scrape by. After Sasha Velour's shocking win, she was immediately bombarded with offers and opportunities. Winning the crown opens doors and provides career validation.

Crowning Traditions and Rituals

The crowning moment is steeped in drag traditions and rituals. During the finale episode, all the finalists walk the runway one last time in their finest drag. There is often a musical performance from a special guest or previous Drag Race girls. Then Mama Ru dramatically announces who is the "next drag superstar" and crowns the winner.

Historically, new crowned winners would receive a bronze crown and cape bearing the Drag Race logo. However in recent years, the show has switched to elaborate statement crowns designed specifically for each new winner. These special crowns tend to reflect the winner's personal style and brand - for example, Aquaria's massive tiara and Yvie Oddly's moveable dragon crown.

Crown Designs

Drag pageant crowns have gotten bigger and more elaborate over the years. They are often designed by the queens themselves or special drag designers. The overall shape is similar to traditional royal crowns with an open semi-circular design, points, and ornamentation. However drag crowns take it to the next level with oversized proportions, bright colors, crystals, and quirky elements.

Materials used include metal, plastic, foam, rhinestones, faux jewels, feathers, and more. Headdresses may incorporate holiday decorations, dolls, figurines, lights, and other three-dimensional elements. Some feature moving parts that reference the queen's signature style. The crown is a wearable representation of the queen's brand and achievements.

Not All Queens Want the Crown

Winning Drag Race is not every queen's goal. Some enter the competition to gain more exposure and fans, improve their drag skills, or challenge themselves. Building a career as a "fan favorite" rather than the crown holder can be lucrative as well. Queens like Katya, Alyssa Edwards, and Vanessa Vanjie have become hugely popular without ever snatching the crown.

Other queens turn down the crown and the pressures that come with it in order to have more creative freedom. Alaska Thunderf*ck infamously did this during the All Stars 2 finale. She preferred to cement her status as an icon on her own terms rather than as Mama Ru's chosen one.

The Next Drag Superstar Is...

Which of the Season 12 finalists - Crystal Methyd, Gigi Goode, or Jaida Essence Hall - will be the one to snatch the crown? They all have devoted fans using hashtags like #teamcrystal, #teamgigi, and #teamjaida to voice their support. Each queen brings something unique to the competition.

Crystal Methyd has an offbeat, art school style that galvanized fans. Gigi Goode is polished perfection and a fantastic designer. Jaida Essence Hall is beautiful, warm-hearted, and great at making fashion into art. Ultimately, it comes down to who can stick the landing in the finale and deliver that special star quality.

No matter who wins, it will be a historic moment. The Season 12 crown has the chance to further legitimize the art form of drag and give visibility to the LGBTQ+ community. May the best queen win!

FAQs

What does winning the drag queen pageant crown mean?

Winning the crown is the ultimate validation and means joining the "Drag Race Hall of Fame." It opens doors to lucrative opportunities and cements a queen's status as among the drag elite.

How are drag crowns designed and made?

Drag crowns are elaborate headdresses made from materials like metal, plastic, foam, rhinestones, and feathers. They incorporate lights, dolls, decorations, and moving parts. The design represents the queen's personal brand.

Who decides who wins the crown?

Ultimately RuPaul decides who wins the crown each season. But the title can only be earned after a season of hard work and competitions showing versatility, talent, and charisma.

Do all drag queens want to win the crown?

No, some queens just want the exposure. Others turn down the crown to have more creative freedom rather than being RuPaul's chosen one.

What does the Season 12 crown mean for drag?

The Season 12 crown represents further legitimacy for drag and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. It honors how far drag and RuPaul's Drag Race has come.