RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 Smackdown Lipsyncs: RANKED

It was clear going into the smackdown that Spice was going to be a lip sync victim, due to her having less experience than everyone else. However, the battle ended up being much closer than anyone could’ve expected. For a Joan Jett song, one would expect punk rock energy, and what we got instead was a slightly awkward, stiff display. While Loosey LaDuca did have a touch more energy than Spice, her performance came across as underwhelming, especially considering her competition. Spice tried her best as well, but her lack of performance experience showed, which caused Loosey to edge her out for the win. The latter queen going on to say she had “murdered [the] round” was just the confusing cherry on top.

If you combine a lip sync and a fever dream, this is pretty much what you’d get. Spice thought she could get the upper hand by choosing a song Malaysia didn’t know the words to. Unfortunately, that plan immediately backfired when she realized she didn’t know them either. We were laughing as much as the safe queens were. Spice panicking and resorting to the conga dance only added to the hilarity. Malaysia, meanwhile, was arguably able to cover up her lack of preparation a little better. That resulted in her emerging victorious, though some fans disagreed with the outcome and felt both of them should’ve had to go again. Despite neither of them knowing the lyrics, the lip sync still had us entertained!

Talk about a stacked lip sync. Anetra and Jax had already proven to be fantastic performers in the talent show, and Luxx’s first smackdown lip sync against Salina proved that she shouldn’t be underestimated. The fact that it was all three queens’ second lip sync of the night only added to the anticipation. Between Jax’s moves, Luxx’s floorwork and Anetra walking that duck, it was hard to tell who would win. However, each of them were so determined to prove themselves that it led to the performance becoming somewhat chaotic. There was a lot going on, and it was hard to choose one person to focus on. However, the judges were seemingly drawn in by Luxx’s charisma and stage presence, which led to her winning.

As soon as we saw "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by Celine Dion pop up, we knew we were in for a show. The iconic ballad had appeared in the “Drag Race” universe before, but this was the first time it was performed on the core US show. While Luxx poured her all into selling the feeling that drives the song, all eyes were on Salina EsTitties and her campy yet emotive interpretation. It was a masterclass in blending humor and feeling, with plenty of innuendos to boot. It was so good that Loosey couldn’t help but grip her wig for dear life. It was another close call, but Salina’s take ended up working in her favor, and she easily won the round.

When Malaysia chose Marcia Marcia Marcia as her opponent, she assumed it would be an easy win. However, both she and the judges were probably shocked when Marcia pulled out impressive gymnastic maneuvers, including a back handspring. Marcia had shown off her dance skills in her talent show, but this was next level, and a total surprise. While Malaysia was taken aback, she didn’t let that phase her – in fact, she started throwing even more energy into her own performance. It was the boost of motivation she needed, and it resulted in a fantastic show being put on by both queens. Marcia Marcia Marcia ended up being the first winner of the night, proving to everyone that she was not to be underestimated.

Mistress Isabelle Brooks went into this round with a plan – to choose the queen that would pick a song she wanted. While that ended up working in her favor, it meant that she had to go up against Jax, one of the season’s strongest performers. If Mistress was nervous though, she didn’t let it show. Jax of course delivered a high energy lip sync, filled with acrobatics and impressive moves. Mistress, on the other hand, chose to focus on giving face, glamor, and comedy. They were neck and neck, but the latter’s confidence gave her the little something extra she needed to come out on top. It was, in some ways, a classic vs modern drag showdown, and both styles were represented beautifully.

As far as tense lip syncs go, this one surely takes the cake due to the fact that it marked Anetra and Jax’s last chance to stay in the race. The former saving Spice beforehand only added to the drama on stage. While “Finally” had notably been performed before on Season 9, these queens made the song their own. They used different tactics - Anetra went the more comedic route, with tricks and plenty of personality peppered in, and Jax opted for a more emotionally driven showing. Yet both were so mesmerizing, it was unclear who would be eliminated until the last possible second. While we’re sad to see Jax go, there’s no doubt that she’s an extremely talented queen.

This was the lip sync we didn’t know we needed, but it was the one we deserved. We already knew that both Sasha Colby and Anetra are exceptionally talented. So outcome aside, it was clear we were about to get our minds blown. Still, nothing could’ve prepared us for just how spectacular their lip sync to "I'm in Love with a Monster" would be. Between Sasha’s hair flips and “Matrix”-inspired moves and Anetra’s charisma and impressive tricks, Ru had her work cut out for her. While Sasha was able to snag the win, many fans thought it would be a double shantay. What made it extra special was how effortless both competitors made it look– that’s how you know it’s a truly iconic showing.