Top 10 RuPaul's Drag Race Lip Syncs in Front of the Artist

No, the Season 10 premiere’s guest judge was NOT Farrah Moan. For the maxi challenge this week, the queens had to produce looks using items from the 99-cent store - and when it came to Vanjie and Kalorie, you could tell. But these slip-ups didn’t stop either performer from turning it in front of Christina Aguilera. Kalorie slipped off her skirt made of money and burst into choreography while her opponent served upside-down face off the edge of the stage. And when Williams threw handfuls of bills into the air like confetti and jumped into a split, Vanjie responded with a dip that sent her shoe flying. It was a thoroughly entertaining lip sync on both sides that had the iconic singer hooting and hollering.

When the contestants were tasked with acting in a mockumentary about former judge Merle Ginsberg, Kandy was plagued by hair and makeup issues while Jaidynn struggled with her lines. It was Kandy’s third time in the bottom two, but that didn’t stop her from giving a fierce performance of Ariana Grande’s “Break Free.” Looking gorgeous in black lingerie, she delivered major hair-ography during the song’s chorus and breakdown. But it was Jaidynn who truly shone, embodying the dance-pop track by hitting every beat with some club-worthy choreo. With an approving finger wag from the enraptured singer, it was a moment where both queens could be proud.

When Chaka Khan paid “Drag Race” a visit, the bottom two queens gave a performance worthy of R&B royalty. While Jan went all-out, running across the stage and busting out retro dance moves, Widow took her time to build to an emotional climax. Whipping off her billowing skirt to reveal a sparkly, figure-hugging gown, she perfectly matched the intensity of Khan's vocals. With dramatic hand gestures during the chorus and jerky, robot-like moves for the song’s breakdown, Widow was captivating to watch. Jan delivered impressive cartwheels and stunts, but her competitor edged her out by focusing on Khan’s passionate performance. Music legends can be tough to impress, but the “Queen of Funk” was clearly moved.

Suffice to say these two queens’ showings in the collaborative anthem “Can I Get An Amen?” were less than star-making. Despite their musical issues, both players brought their A-game to this rendition of “I’m So Excited.” From the first few moments of the lip sync, Anita and Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters were all smiles, and for good reason. While Jade twirled and stomped around the stage, Coco brought joyous energy to the R&B group’s every word. Kicking in place and swinging her arms, the pageant queen embodied the uplifting energy that made the ‘80s song a hit. One look at the judging panel, and it was clear that the performance was a joy to behold.

Although she wouldn’t be the last queen to do so, Sahara Davenport gave the first ever performance en pointe in “Drag Race” her-story. Embodying grace and power in ballet shoes and a bridal tutu and veil, Sahara was fearless as she leapt off the stage into a split. Although guest judge and “Carry On” singer Martha Wash watched the lip sync quietly, she was visibly shocked by the incredible jump. While Morgan delivered emotion, she just couldn’t match her rival’s fierce footwork. The number was so powerful that it even had Ru raising the roof.

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#5: Chi Chi DeVayne vs. Naysha Lopez
Season 8

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Top 10 Chi Chi DeVayne Moments on RuPaul's Drag Race

With icons Debbie Harry and Chris Stein on the judging panel, the stakes for interpreting Blondie’s “Call Me” were high. While neither queen totally disappointed, Chi Chi in particular stood out as a veritable assassin. Naysha took a risk by immediately kicking off her heels and launched into cartwheels, but her opponent was not far behind. With a high kick into a dip that coincided perfectly with the song’s titular line, Chi Chi brought dramatics that made RuPaul burst out laughing. But that wasn’t all - during the song’s extended instrumental break, the Louisiana queen turned out rarely-seen front walkovers and back handsprings. Acrobatics can’t save an emotionless performance, but Chi Chi reminded us how killer dancing can enhance a passionate lip sync.

In the Season 12 premiere, the contestants had to write and perform rap verses, and the top two queens unusually had the chance to duke it out onstage. It was immediately clear that Widow was giving it her all in front of Nicki Minaj. From the moment she threw off her iridescent gown, she launched into impressive moves like a spinning jump split and a slide across the stage, not to mention demonstrating downright ridiculous flexibility. While Widow showed off jaw-dropping dancing, Gigi delivered funny moments like struggling to “get on the floor” and lying motionless on the stage. Minaj couldn’t contain her excitement, and the rapper’s reactions were almost as entertaining as the lip sync itself.

Paula Abdul is a legendary choreographer, so performing in her presence isn’t exactly child’s play. But if the grin on her face was any indication, the guest judge loved the lip sync to “Vibeology” just as much as many fans did. Both queens matched the energy and attitude of Abdul’s song, with their costumes adding a layer of humor to the number. After nailing acrobatics and kooky dance moves alike, the pair took to the floor to show off their sensual sides. Grinding and nearly locking lips, the duo had Ru captivated. This beloved lip sync was equal parts ferocity and fun, and there’s no question that Abdul ate it up.

Yvie can be counted on to impress as a performer - but as guest Lip Sync Assassin in the “All Stars” Season 5 premiere, she was truly killer. The Season 11 winner brought her eccentric fashion and makeup to the stage, but that wasn’t all. With a seamless combined backbend and wig reveal, splits, dips, and other demonstrations of her signature flexibility, she had star power in spades. However, India Ferrah was the true surprise, with her own share of stunts and a somersault that was unbelievably perfect in its execution. Practically every moment of the number was pure entertainment, and guest judge Ricky Martin was visibly in awe.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Katya vs. Sasha Belle, Season 7
A Star-Making Performance for Katya in Front of Olivia Newton-John

Robbie Turner vs. Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Season 8
Robbie Impressed Faith Evans with the Show’s First-Ever Lip Sync in Roller Skates

Mayhem Miller vs. Yuhua Hamasaki, Season 10
The “Queen of the Party” Channeled Courtney Love’s Attitude by Ripping Feathers from Her Gown

Akashia vs. Tammie Brown, Season 1
Michelle Williams Was Brought to Tears by Akashia’s Emotional Interpretation

Kameron Michaels vs. Monét X Change, Season 10
While Monét Gave a Humorous Take on Lizzo’s “Good as Hell,” Kameron Served Up On-Point Choreography

Dida's performance is considered one of the show’s finest, and there’s no wonder why. From the first notes of Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” she was radiant onstage, filling every moment of the lip sync with breathless energy. The Princess was no slouch, either, prancing around the runway to the upbeat tune. But as Dida emoted every lyric, Cole whooped and hollered, and she and the other judges whipped out handkerchiefs that they waved in approval. Dida wanted to honor the legendary guest judge - and it made for a great lip sync, but also one of the show's most beautiful moments.