Top 10 Emotional Moments on the Drag Race Main Stage

In “Drag Race U.K.” Season 3, the competitors had to craft original looks from camping materials. Returning queen Veronica Green took to the runway in a dramatic ensemble that was colorful yet somber. While elaborating on the inspiration for the striking look, she revealed her struggle with depression. Although her outfit wasn’t the most polished, her message of hope certainly came across. The judges placed her in the bottom, but she channeled her emotions into a powerful lip sync that had us on the edge of our seats. This may have been Veronica’s swan song, but her vulnerability in sharing her story won’t be forgotten.

As any “Drag Race” fan knows, Ru loves to share wise words from her seat on the judging panel. But the host doesn’t always get as personal as in this second-season episode. While introducing the lip sync tune “Carry On” by guest judge Martha Wash, Ru told a story about her own family. As it turns out, Ru often listened to the diva house track after her mother’s death from cancer, finding solace in the song’s lyrics. Morgan McMichaels and the late Sahara Davenport clearly took the message to heart. The latter even seemed to get emotional over Ru’s speech. It’s no wonder they delivered a passionate and uplifting performance.

There is one perennial segment on “Drag Race’ that’s bound to pull at the heartstrings. That would be when contestants talk to their younger selves as represented by a childhood photo. In Season 8, the lovable and talented Kim Chi delivered a speech that was both vulnerable and powerful. While talking about the struggles young Sang would face, she began choking up. She addressed issues like cultural belonging, body image, and depression on a huge public platform — not an easy feat. Her final encouraging statement that “life will get better” nearly brought tears to our eyes.

There’s no question that trans queens have made waves on “Drag Race” throughout the show’s history. But Monica was the very first contestant to open up about their gender identity in the midst of a season. In the show’s fifth outing, she broke down in tears after the judges noticed that her mind seemed elsewhere. It certainly required courage to share that she is a trans woman while on the hot seat. But it was beautiful to see her speak her truth and be embraced by those around her. Monica’s actions undoubtedly helped inspire future contestants to live as their authentic selves.

Eliminations can be some of the toughest times on “Drag Race,” for understandable reasons. However, few exits have been quite as dramatic as Pangina’s in “UK vs the World.” The host of “Drag Race Thailand” was the front-runner by episode four, with two challenge wins under her belt. So when Blu Hydrangea chose to send her home, it came as a shock to nearly everyone. While Ru and Michelle were visibly astounded, Pangina broke down in sobs and apologized to her community. Although she did astoundingly well during her time on the show, it was hard to see her go in such a heartbreaking way.

With strange rules and fan-favorites sent home early, “All Stars” Season 1 isn’t exactly beloved viewing in the fandom. However, Team Rujubee helped make the season unforgettable. Most notably, their tight friendship was put to the test in one of the most devastating lip syncs ever. As Robyn’s clubby “Dancing On My Own” began playing, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an all-out battle for the win. Rather, the duo tapped into the song’s sad themes, no doubt because of their own raging emotions. In fact, when the performance wrapped, Jujubee could barely hold it together. Thankfully, they were both safe to slay another day.

This episode decided which three queens would compete for the crown in the grand finale. After delivering a vulnerable speech about why she should be crowned, Yara landed in the bottom opposite Alexis Mateo. It’s obvious how much was on the line for Yara, so an impassioned lip sync was to be expected. However, no one could have foreseen the devastation she would display. Ripping open her dress and taking off her headpiece, the queen fell to the ground in sobs. The moment was truly heartbreaking, and the judges struggled to keep it together. Even safe queen Alexis was overcome with emotion.

Unsurprisingly, this confession is one of the show’s most unforgettable moments ever. After failing to stand out in the comedy roast challenge, Season 5’s Roxxxy Andrews delivered an iconic lip sync opposite Alyssa Edwards. However, before Ru could announce the victor, Roxxxy started tearing up. After speaking of feeling weak and not worthy, she revealed that was abandoned at a bus stop as a child. The bombshell announcement had competitors and judges alike welling up. Although she herself was getting emotional, Ru gave one of the most touching responses in the show’s history. Speaking of the LGBTQ community as a family, she simply told Roxxxy she was loved.

This Season 1 maxi challenge was dedicated to people living with HIV/AIDS. The queens had to record screen tests for Mac’s charitable “Viva Glam” campaign. The legendary Ongina’s video was a huge success, showcasing spirit and optimism. However, the queen immediately broke down in tears upon being declared winner. Through her sobs, Ongina revealed that she had been living with HIV for the past two years. She admitted her fear of disclosing her status on television, but her courage was absolutely remarkable. It wouldn’t be the only time that a contestant shared such information on “Drag Race.” But Ongina’s powerful message of celebrating life undoubtedly set the tone for future seasons.

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

The Vixen and Eureka!’s Argument, “Snatch Game”
Tensions Were High and Tears Were Shed as the Competitors Expressed Their Frustrations

Latrice Royale’s Elimination, “The Fabulous Bitch Ball”
This Queen Delivered Perhaps the Show’s Most Heartfelt Exit Speech Ever

Tyra Sanchez is Crowned, “Music Video Finale”
Even Winners Lose It Sometimes

Laganja Estranja’s Stand Up Critiques, “Drag Queens of Comedy”
The Pressure of Being Judged Got to This Dancing Queen

Pearl Addresses Her Younger Self, “And the Rest Is Drag”
From the Warning Pearl Gave to ‘Little Matthew,’ It Was Clear That She’d Been Through a Lot

This moment goes to show that you never know someone’s story unless they tell you. In Season 10, Blair St. Clair had no shortage of charm, but this began wearing on the judges. By the time of the Drag Con panel challenge, she was being critiqued for her one-note sweetness and innocence. However, hearing this feedback brought out some serious emotions in the queen. She revealed that she’d previously survived a violent experience, and that she sought out beauty and positivity as a result. Her harrowing tale was by far one of the most shocking main stage statements in “Drag Race” history. We were glad that Blair felt comfortable enough to open up, and that her fellow queens had her back.