Top 10 Guest Judges on RuPaul's Drag Race

Cooking goddess Padma Lakshmi made her “Drag Race” debut in the show’s tenth season during the “PharmaRusical” episode. As a regular judge on another popular reality competition show, having her on made for great synergy. Not only did Padma look typically impeccable on the judge’s panel, but she delivered constructive criticism to the queens that was both insightful and encouraging. When Michelle told Eureka O’Hara off for choosing a bodysuit as her “best drag” look, Padma was quick to soften the blow, telling her it was the “best” of the many bodysuits on the main stage. She was also a good sport about RuPaul reminding her of her role in the critically-panned movie, “Glitter,” laughing that she’ll “never live that down.”

Singer, reality television star, and social media mogul, Tamar Braxton is exactly the kind of celebrity for “Drag Race.” Her big personality and diva attitude have also earned her a sizable gay following, as Roxxxy Andrews proved when she chose to imitate her for Season Five’s “Snatch Game.” The real Tamar has appeared more than once on “Drag Race,” first on Season Seven and then again on Season 9 for the comedy roast of Michelle Visage. Her over-the-top reactions to the queens’ performances definitely secured her place as a fan favorite, but her appearance was also immortalized by a cringey exchange with Alexis Michelle. When Tamar questioned Alexis’ She-Hulk look, she snapped back with this: [Alexis “Have you seen the show?”] Not the best way to impress the judges, Alexis...

Legend, icon, and star, Jenifer Lewis graced the “Drag Race” panel with her presence in the season premiere of “All Stars 4.” We expected big things from her appearance and, boy, did she NOT disappoint. As well as being a bonafide gay icon, the veteran actress and singer already had close ties to the show through her friendship with Shangela, and her love for her protege’s profession came through while she watched the All Star Talent Show. As well as her enthusiastic comments, her physical reactions to the performances were instantly GIF-worthy. Fans took to Twitter straight after the episode aired to sing her praises and turn clips of her into reaction memes.

Coming to fame through “American Idol,” Adam Lambert knows a thing or two about reality competition shows. Coincidentally, he also made his first “Drag Race” appearance on Adore Delano’s season, who is also a former “American Idol” contestant. Not that Adam paid much attention to her, though: He was too busy checking out April Carrion… A less thirsty Adam returned for “All Stars 3,” this time taking on a coaching role as well. While helping the girls record their “Kitty Girl” verses he gave a great reaction face to Bebe Zahara Benet’s bonkers performance. But, he’ll be best remembered for getting on the wrong side of Trixie Mattel, who’s dry responses to his feedback made for a super awkward atmosphere.

The former “High School Musical” star’s appearance on the “All Stars 3” premiere was definitely a “so bad, it’s good” thing. While the actress enjoyed herself and got into the spirit of the show, the world of drag seemed to be painfully new to her, evident in her expressing her newfound love of vogueing. However, her clueless comment quickly sparked a deluge of memes, and even a dance remix from Adam Joseph. She also inadvertently popularized the word “shablam,” which she used to describe Shangela’s death drop during the Variety Show. But, we have to give credit where credit’s due - not a lot of celebrities would be willing to Lip Sync For Their Life against a pork chop.

Before Season 11, you might have spotted Miley Cyrus in the audience at a “Drag Race” live finale, so, it was only a matter of time until the celebrity superfan was invited to officially take part in the show. Mirroring Lady Gaga’s stunt in the Season Nine premiere, Miley snuck into the Werkroom during the eleventh season’s first episode as a sound guy. She hovered boom mikes over unsuspecting queens’ faces for a while until - after getting close to Silky Nutmeg Ganache - she was finally rumbled. On stage, she embraced her history as a child star by happily watching the Bottom Two lip sync to a Hannah Montana song, and slipped backstage to give the queens some support in that week’s “Untucked.”

‘00s pop icon Christina Aguilera had one of the best introductions of any celebrity guest judge. In the Season 10 premiere, RuPaul gave the new queens quite a shock when she announced that Season 9 contestant Farrah Moan would be returning to the competition. There were gasps all around, which soon turned to laughter and applause when Farrah’s famous doppelganger walked down the runway instead. She even attempted an impression of Farrah. Christina also popped up in “Untucked” to kiki with the queens, who gushed over her straight away. Not only did she have sage advice for working in the entertainment industry, but she also had some juicy insider stories on the inspiration behind some of her songs.

She’s one of the biggest pop stars on the planet and, in 2015, when her career was starting to really heat up, Ariana Grande was a big get for “Drag Race." The ex-Nickelodeon star appeared in the sixth episode of Season Seven, and, when greeted by RuPaul, she sincerely told the host that this was “the best day of her life.” It was also fun to see Ariana poke fun at herself when she defended Max against the criticism that she never deviated from her grey wigs. ["As someone who always wears their hair the same way, I identify with Max.”] (She was referring to her famous high ponytail, of course.)

Made famous by the popular sitcom, “King Of Queens,” Leah Remini has since become better known for her one-woman crusade against Scientology. But, “Drag Race” fans also know her as one of most outspoken guest judges the show has ever had. And, we mean that in a good way. Leah and permanent judge, Michelle Visage, have a friendship that stretches back to the early ‘00s, and it really showed in their interactions during Leah’s guest appearance in Season Six. The two Jersey girls had the kind of sharp-tongued rapport that only BFFs can get away with. Even without Michelle, Leah’s passionate commentary on the contestants was funny enough for us to wish she could come back every week.

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

Ke$ha

Todrick Hall

Kristen Johnston

Gillian Jacobs

Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman

Who else but Mother Monster? Lady Gaga has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community from the beginning of her career. Her music and style sensibilities have also always reflected high camp values, making her an absolute must for “Drag Race”’s judging panel. Fans of RuPaul and Gaga finally got their wish in the first episode of Season Nine, an episode that was devoted to celebrating Gaga’s back catalogue of fabulous fashion. Gaga also showed her playful side by posing as another contestant. She had the queens fooled for a few minutes, but when they clocked her, emotional meltdowns were imminent. Despite her extraordinary level of fame, Gaga came across as reverent and encouraging; just the morale boost the queens needed.