Celebrities Who've Been Impersonated Multiple Times on Snatch Game
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Arianna Wechter
These names are no stranger to Snatch Game. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we're looking at celebrities that have been portrayed by multiple queens during the Snatch Game. Our countdown includes RuPaul, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and more!
Celebrities Who've Been Impersonated Multiple Times on Snatch Game
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at celebrities that have been portrayed by multiple queens during the Snatch Game.
Liberace
Being featured across seasons is one thing, but being interpreted twice in a single episode is another feat entirely. Liberace is a renowned performer, known for his flamboyant style and lavish lifestyle. On the ninth season of “All Stars,” Nina West and Shannel made “Drag Race” herstory by both portraying him in different rounds of Snatch Game of Love. Shannel mastered the physical transformation, becoming the spitting image of the star. However, Nina stole the show by leaning into his eccentric disposition, with plenty of tongue in cheek one-liners that made Ru crack up throughout the whole round. Both depictions were fantastic for their own reasons, but in the end, Nina’s comedic caricature ended up edging out her competition’s character illusion.
Maya Angelou
When thinking of funny options for the challenge, your mind may not immediately go to writers. Maya Angelou in particular is more known for her serious work— making her an unexpected and unique choice. Each time a queen has taken the task of playing her, they’ve gone about in different ways. Chi Chi DeVayne’s All Stars attempt didn’t quite reach the mark. She struggled to remember certain facts about the author— including the correct spelling of her name. In Season 10, Monét X Change stunned Ru and the audience with her smart yet shady humor and sheer knowledge about Angelou. While she fell just short of winning, she proved that your character doesn’t have to have a comic background to be funny.
Carol Channing
It’s only natural that someone as hilarious as Carol Channing would be the perfect choice for this challenge. Both Channing’s voice and mannerisms are distinctive, giving a queen two different areas to master. Pandora Boxx did an excellent job, with irreverent answers and hilarious expressions helping her become one of the very first standout Snatch Game performances. Seasons later, Bob the Drag Queen changed the game by switching from Uzo Aduba to Channing mid-round. She made an immediate impression with her take on the actress’s voice, age, and references to her famed, odd dietary habits. She only got to answer one question as Carol, leaving all of us— especially Ru— wanting more.
Lady Gaga
The show has been on the air for so long that different eras of culture have overlapped. One example of this is how Lady Gaga has been presented. In Season 2, Kylie Sonique Love referenced the “Just Dance” era, but her nervousness prevented her from showing off her personality. Just a couple seasons later, Phi Phi O’Hara tried her hand at displaying the “Bad Romance” phase— but her erratic movements and diva attitude didn’t fare much better. Miz Cracker resurrected the concept for All Stars 5’s Snatch Game of Love, where she focused on Gaga during the “A Star is Born” promotion. While it wasn’t bad, she played it a little too safe, causing her to fade to the background.
Britney Spears
It isn’t easy to portray a generation-defining pop star as traditionally funny. Despite that, both Tatianna and Derrick Barry have been able to pull it off when impersonating Britney Spears, who has rarely gotten to flex her comedic chops. Tatianna went for a pure parody and referenced several tropes that Britney has been known for. Not only did that help her snag the win, it also set the tone for the entire challenge going forward. Barry not only nailed the look, but also opted for jokes that didn’t punch down. It was proof that no matter which route someone took, Spears could still be a safe and hilarious choice.
Cher
Some people were made to be depicted in this medium. Cher needs no introduction— the entertainer is beloved, and has even been the subject of her own Rusical. It only makes sense that several queens would try to emulate her. Delta Work was the first to try, mostly responding in ways that made fun of the singer’s extensive career. On “UK vs The World,” Jujubee gave it a shot, giving silly answers and even displaying physical comedy. While it was good, it still didn’t come close to Chad Michaels’ impression. Not only did she get the voice and look down, she also showed clear respect for the diva. She managed to capture Cher’s energy, making it feel as though she was really in the room.
Eartha Kitt
Even the most soft spoken people can be played in a funny way. Known for her distinctive voice and often seductive tone, Eartha Kitt’s roles as Catwoman and Yzma have both been used as springboards for jokes. Chi Chi’s feline mannerisms helped her succeed on Season 8, while Valentina mastered her voice and dramatic tone. While they both did a great job, Jujubee won both the judges and Snatchelorette over with her interpretation. She stretched out each word, highlighting Kitt’s unique way of speaking while spitting out hilarious material. From the already-iconic thermostat line to her interactions with Shea Couleè, it was clear that she had Snatch Game down to a science.
Joan Crawford
By this point, the Old Hollywood actress has become a staple of the show. Besides the countless references to her films and entire Rusical dedicated to her in All Stars 8, Crawford’s also made repeat appearances in the Snatch Game. Her grandiose personality, beloved roles, and dramatic personal life have made her a favorite within the gay community at large. So far, two queens have attempted to play her, with varying results. Mariah Paris Balenciaga was the first to attempt it, but she struggled to capture the star’s dramatics, and was eliminated shortly afterwards. Alyssa Edwards took her impersonation to insane heights, creating a caricature that had everyone laughing— even if some of her answers didn’t make sense at times.
RuPaul
If there’s one thing Ru loves, it’s referential humor— especially when that reference is herself. Her random sense of humor and endless quotes also make her the perfect choice to portray. Each queen showed the host in a different light— Trixie Mattel focused on her serious side, while Jessica Wild went for a pure parody of Ru’s mannerisms. The former’s attempt wasn’t well-received, proving one needed more than quips to emulate Ru’s charisma. Jessica, on the other hand, was so wild that it was impossible to be mad at, and while it didn’t win, it made a long-lasting impression. Ru isn’t the only drag performer to have been featured — Alyssa Edwards’ unintentionally hilarious mannerisms have been displayed by Aja and season seven winner Violet Chachki.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Joan Rivers
Her Snarky Remarks Have Helped Create Multiple Iconic Snatch Game Moments
Paris Hilton
While Raven Played It Safe, Gottmik Leaned into the Heiress’s Campy Traits
Charo
Her High Energy Personality & Quirks Make Her Perfect for Parody
Whitney Houston
She’s Been a Recurring Favorite Since the Snatch Game’s Inception
Tammy Faye Messner
The Puppet-Wielding Evangelist Is an Unexpectedly Perfect Snatch Game Guest
Beyoncé
She’s a true icon, but when it comes to Snatch Game, she just can’t win. Although she’s supplied plenty of memorable pop culture moments, not much is known about her personality, making her a risky choice. However, that hasn’t stopped contestants from trying. Tyra Sanchez was able to sneak by with a straightforward impression— which now seems award-winning compared to others. Kenya Michaels opted to make the star erratic, even throwing herself out of her seat and into the bottom. Seasons later, Asia O’Hara decided to give it another try— but this time, the diva was portrayed as angry and even mean at some points. Each variation has only been more confusing, and to this day, queens haven’t been able to truly pull her off.
Which celebrity impression could you never get tired of seeing on Snatch Game? Let us know in the comments below!
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