Top 20 Underrated RuPaul's Drag Race Lip Sync Performances
#20: “My Humps”
Utica Queen vs. Tina Burner
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The kooky fashion queen from Minnesota being a lip sync assassin was not on our season 13 bingo card. When she and Tina Burner landed in the bottom for the “Pop! Goes the Queen” challenge, the two were pretty evenly matched. Their beast couture looks only added to the ridiculousness of the situation. However, it was Utica who stole the spotlight, with her hilariously dramatic and villainous take on the song. Her Maleficent-inspired outfit had her looking like a fairy tale witch who was determined to hypnotize us with her humps. Not to be outdone, Tina also got her chance to shine. After all, who wouldn’t love a hairy beast doing iconic dances from the ‘90s?
#19: “Dirrty”
Manila Luzon vs. Kylie Sonique Love
We all knew we were about to get a show when “Drag Race” legend Manila Luzon was announced as the week’s lip sync assassin. She’s a powerhouse in her own right. But she wasn’t quite prepared for Kylie Sonique Love, a queen who makes a backflip into a split look like kids’ stuff. She owned the stage like a seasoned pop star and the lip sync was so tight that, for a brief moment, we lived in a world where there was no Christina Aguilera, only Kylie Sonique Love. Technically, Manila Luzon was this week’s lip sync assassin, but if anyone slayed on the mainstage in this performance, it was the season’s eventual winner.
#18: “I Kissed a Girl”
BenDeLaCreme vs. Shangela
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Some lip syncs are made so much better when the queens play off of one another, and this “All Stars” 3 lip sync for your legacy is a great example. Playing against type, BenDeLaCreme assumes the part of the ultra-feminine bad girl, while Shangela is the repressed and introverted bookworm. Together, they present a heartbreaking and hysterical character study of sexual awakenings, forbidden love, and vulgarity. It was amazing to begin with, but once Shangela started tossing those breath mints, it was a wrap. Ultimately, they were both declared winners, but we have to wonder: Where are their Tony Awards? Because this performance unfolds like an entire Broadway epic in pantomime.
#17: “Meeting in the Ladies Room”
Stacy Layne Matthews vs. India Ferrah
This Klymaxx song calls for a fierce attitude and a take-no-prisoners approach. Needless to say, Stacy Layne Matthews heard that loud and clear. Other season three lip syncs soak up all the glory, but Stacy’s fierce delivery proved one thing. She was not a BW – a basic woman. She was a star. The country queen from North Carolina was season three’s biggest underdog. Watching her take on the role of a woman who is just daring you to start some beef with her is kind of funny and also a little scary. After all, she had to leave her condo to come to this.
#16: “Carry On”
Sahara Davenport vs. Morgan McMichaels
As if the possibility of elimination wasn’t dire enough, RuPaul seemingly raised the stakes when she revealed just how much this Martha Wash song meant to her. Sahara Davenport and Morgan McMichaels clearly took that to heart. While Morgan was by no means terrible, the standout performance here undeniably came from Sahara. Known for her formal training in ballet and her graceful style of lip syncing, Sahara was able to meld her expertise seamlessly with this house anthem of perseverance and strength. The lip sync also took on a whole new meaning when Sahara tragically passed away in October of 2012.
#15: “Point of No Return”
BenDeLaCreme vs. Darienne Lake
During season six, BenDeLaCreme was a fan favorite, but Darienne Lake was constantly on her heels and her neck. Their season-long rivalry almost came to an end in week seven. Having both landed in the bottom, they matched each other point for point while performing Exposé’s “Point of No Return.” Both were in some of the best drag they featured on the season, shimmering as they caught every beat and every word. Other queens have pulled plenty of tricks and stunts to wordless sections of a song, but Darienne miming as if collecting tips from an invisible audience is an all-time lip sync moment. It was a well-deserved double shantay.
#14: “I’m So Excited”
Coco Montrese vs. Jade Jolie
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Coco Montrese is at least half responsible for some of the most remarkable lip syncs on “Drag Race,” as well as one of the show’s most famous rivalries. Long before her ultimate triumph over Alyssa Edwards, she took down Jade Jolie to the ‘80s classic, “I’m So Excited” right in front of the Pointer Sisters. Both of the queens gave this one their all, and the bubbly energy in the room was palpable. Even the judges couldn’t stop themselves from lip syncing right along with them. Once that first chorus hit, though, it was impossible to look away from Coco’s explosive choreography and playful demeanor. Indeed, she kicked her way to a clear victory.
#13: “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination”
Latrice Royale vs. DiDa Ritz
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Latrice and DiDa were two of season four’s best lip sync performers, and when they hit the stage to this percussive Gladys Knight classic, it was a true battle royale. Both of them understood the assignment. DiDa’s high energy performance style served her well here, but Latrice paid special attention to the meaning behind the lyrics. What’s more, she didn’t even have to compromise on the entertainment value to do it. Her dramatic style perfectly aligned with the song’s themes of grit and determination in the face of a dying relationship. It was a good fight, but ultimately, it was Latrice who was allowed to keep on keeping on.
#12: “Knock on Wood”
Alexis Mateo vs. Stacy Layne Matthews
For reasons that defy logic, Alexis Mateo is not always listed among the “Drag Race” legends. Considering her high-flying performance to Amii Stewart’s “Knock on Wood,” she’s easily a contender for legendary status. The editors may have taken a few liberties with this lip sync, but honestly, if you told us that Alexis could cause a rift in the time-space continuum when she performs, we’d believe it. On the other hand, Stacy Layne Matthews seemed uncomfortable with the song from the jump. Even if she had found her footing later on in the number, it still would have been hard to catch up to Alexis.
#11: “I Think We’re Alone Now”
Ginger Minj & Sasha Belle vs. Jaidynn Diore Fierce & Tempest DuJour
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Season seven gave us a lot of tight, polished, and technically impressive lip syncs. This is not one of them. This four-way performance by Ginger Minj, Sasha Belle, Jaidynn Diore Fierce and Tempest DuJour was a complete and total mess, but frankly, that’s what makes it so great. Coming right from a maxi-challenge where the remaining queens had to walk the runway attached to a previously eliminated contestant, this lip sync presented some logistical challenges. However, from Ginger motorboating herself to the amusing attempts of Tempest and Jaidynn to dance while attached, it was still a lot of fun. As Jaidynn described it, this one was “hashtag the best I can do right now in this situation.” You can’t help but cackle.
#10: “Lovergirl”
Kandy Ho vs. Mrs. Kasha Davis
When she's put up against Kandy Ho, Mrs. Kasha Davis pulls up her skirt and says “Let's do this.” Davis is serving across the stage to 'Lovergirl', and gets some exceptional praise from Ginger Minj. While Jaidynn points out that Kandy starts off slow, she earns early laughs from RuPaul. As her routine speeds up, Kandy brings attitude to her lines and drops to her knees. While their gowns would normally limit a performance, both queens offer a lot of face to compensate. It's Kandy Ho's building energy however that has us coming back to this lip sync.
#9: “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On but the Rent”
Alyssa Edwards vs. Ivy Winters
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For her second lip sync in a row, Alyssa Edwards needed to deliver when she sang “Ain't Nothin' Goin' On but the Rent.” Alyssa puts everything out in front of the judges, in an effort to beat out Ivy Winters. Ivy insists on singing in place, as she talks about focusing on the lyrics from her corner. Though Jinkx Monsoon claims Ivy is owning her side of the stage, Alyssa easily dominates everything else. Through their dramatically different energies, Alyssa and Ivy brought a lot of ‘romance to their finance’ looks.
#8: “Head to Toe”
Gia Gunn vs. Laganja Estranja
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After a very mixed edition of Snatch Game, Gia Gunn and Laganja had their friendship tested in the bottom two. As they groove to Lisa Lisa's “Head To Toe,” the two queens put a lot of chemistry into very contrasted dances. Despite being read by guests like Gillian Jacobs for not being funny, Gia fits a costume change into her otherwise controlled routine. Ms. Estranja however goes all out, and drops a jump split right next to her opponent. Though Gia's voguing made up for a lackluster Kim Kardashian impression, Laganja's energy was undeniably more impressive.
#7: “Call Me”
Chi Chi DeVayne vs. Naysha Lopez
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With members of Blondie themselves watching on, Naysha and Chi Chi had to deliver when they lip synced to “Call Me.” The two queens bring intense rock moves in their neon realness outfits, as DeVayne says it's time to hustle. With her second elimination of the season on the line, Lopez shows great eye to the judges along with some flips. Chi Chi returns the favor with gymnastics of her own and a back-flip that makes Ru's jaw drop. The two end the lip sync on an energetic note as they end up on the floor gesturing to the judges to call them.
#6: “Even Angels”
Alexis Mateo vs. Shangela
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The queens face a brutal outfit and wig challenge, which puts Shangela and Alexis head-to-head in the bottom. Though both contestants were known for their high energy, Fantasia's “Even Angels” demanded a much more emotional show. Shangela delivered plenty of hand moves and an upbeat enthusiasm for the song, all while in her hair dress. Alexis, on the other hand, was interpreting the song with her entire body, which Manila deemed as timeless. With Shangela and Alexis on the verge of tears, Fantasia herself cheers as they finish. By redeeming a read-worthy runway day, these Queens brought the house down.
#5: “Vogue”
Milan vs. Kenya Michaels
Kenya's very messy showing on Snatch Game pits her against Milan, who was read for an outfit that was more drag king than queen. With Madonna's classic “Vogue” behind them, the two queens are ridiculously high-energy in different ways. As much as Kenya’s antics hurt her Snatch Game, this attitude translated into an endlessly watchable dance. Milan's quirky moves get mixed reactions at first, but her voguing quickly stands out. The pair end up doing simultaneous death-drops and even share a tango moment together. Milan and Kenya gave audiences something to remember with their ecstatic performances and tribute to “Vogue” history.
#4: “Something He Can Feel”
Jujubee vs. Tatianna
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As season two was nearing the finals, stars like Jujubee and Tatianna ended up against each other when the standards were high. After a draining dance challenge that week, the Queens were asked to slow things down for some Aretha Franklin. Despite a lot of glowing work from Tatianna across the competition, she couldn't nail Franklin's vocals and often sang back-ups. Juju redeemed her dancing missteps by bringing raw soul and giggle-inducing humor to her lip sync. The subtle comedy and appropriate interpretation was captivating and helped secure Jujubee's place as the season's lip-sync assassin.
#3: “Mesmerized”
Robbie Turner vs. Cynthia Lee Fontaine
A roller-girl realness challenge meant the bottom two could do their lip sync in wheels or heels. With Robbie Turner on skates and Cynthia Lee Fontaine rocking shoes, you can hear Queens screaming in excitement. Cynthia embraces Faith Evans' “Mesmerized” by frantically kicking and punching her heart out. Robbie taps into the disco side of the song with her wheels, and flows hypnotically around the stage. Robbie gets so caught up in her act that she breaks a light by accident and tumbles off the podium. Between Cynthia's magical cucu and Robbie's sliding, there was a lot to make the judges holler at this dance.
#2: “Shake It Off”
Roxxxy Andrews vs. Tatianna
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In typical “All Stars” fashion, Roxxxy and Tatianna were actually on stage because they rocked their talent show. With $10,000 on the line for their best rendition of “Shake It Off,” these ladies werk in peak form. Roxxxy fit her burlesque style around the lip sync for a uniquely cheeky and glamorous update to Taylor Swift’s hit. After a spoken word win at the talent show, Tatianna had a lot of lyric-specific choreography. Though Roxxxy spent most of the season clawing her way out of the bottom, her personality and flying tassels helped her wow the judges while she Lip Synced for her Legacy.
#1: “Two of Hearts”
Morgan McMichaels vs. Kylie Sonique Love
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For their fight set to “Two Of Hearts,” Kylie Sonique Love and Morgan McMichaels pitted flashy moves against accurate lip-work. Kylie insists on doing whatever it takes, and sensually strips down for the excited crowd. She wastes no time, and begins flipping and splitting around the entire stage. Morgan nails every single word of the song, with RuPaul praising her as one of the series' tightest performers. As earlier mentioned, Morgan's low-energy show wouldn't help her against the fierce Sahara one episode later, however. This master class in lip-sync technique and variety is still one of the series' highlights to this day.
