Top 10 Guest Judges You Forgot Were on RuPaul's Drag Race

The seventh season of “Drag Race” may not be a fan-favorite, but there were great guest judges to appreciate. For one thing, Honest Company co-founder and actress Jessica Alba appeared in the fourth episode. Even better, singer Demi Lovato graced our screens a bit later on in the season, when the queens put musical twists on renowned John Waters films. The talented vocalist guest judged alongside Waters himself, and was a joy to watch. Lovato was clearly excited throughout, offering funny and insightful commentary. We’re still not over that remark about Ginger Minj’s performance. The fact that the queens lip synced for their lives to their hit song “Really Don’t Care” made the whole thing even better.

Man, we feel like it was a great idea to have this Canadian star on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” to help judge “The Bossy Rossy Show.” And the fact that the week’s runway theme was Denim and Diamonds was perfect for the “Queen of Country Pop.” Even better, Kameron Michaels got the chance to tell Twain how formative she had been in her life. And while the singer wasn’t the loudest person in the room, her observations about the queens’ improv performances and looks were thoughtful. To top it all off, Mayhem Miller and Monét X Change had her bopping as they performed her hit track “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” That seems like the mark of success to us.

The season 10 queens gave us the “PharmaRusical,” and Halsey got a front-row seat to the action. Granted, in the grand scale of the show’s Rusicals, this one wasn’t necessarily the best. But the pop star seemed to be enjoying themself, and that’s all we needed. Their enthusiasm carried through the rest of the episode, with some great quips about the queens’ ensembles. It quickly became evident that the star fit right in with the panel. We’re not sure who ended up getting Dusty Ray Bottoms’ blazer, but it doesn’t matter. Our only complaint is that Halsey didn’t get their own part in the Rusical! Can’t you just imagine them putting a pharmaceutical-themed spin on "Bad at Love"?

Brace yourself, because winter is coming. Oops, sorry, that’s the wrong show! But Lena Headey, better known by “Game of Thrones” fans as ​​Cersei Lannister, once joined the “Drag Race” judging panel. And there’s no need to worry, she was nothing like her character. But given her show’s darker themes, the scary movie scenes challenge, otherwise known as “Drag Race Me to Hell,” was probably right up her alley. And it showed. Her critiques were fair, balanced, and honest. She notably talked about what hindered Vivacious’ performance, but it didn’t come across as mean or hurtful. It goes without saying, but Headey was a welcome addition to the panel, and she had us screaming for joy.

These days, she’s a “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” fixture. But before she ever became a cast member on that reality show, Lisa Rinna lent her talents to the “Drag Race” team in season 2. If you’re wondering which challenge she got to help judge, it was none other than the show’s very first “Snatch Game.” She brought a great energy to the episode, encouraging Kylie Sonique Love to unleash her inner “fabulousness.” And she loved Pandora Boxx’s Carol Channing as much as the rest of us! We can only imagine what a treat it would’ve been if she had been there when Jackie Cox impersonated her in season 12.

The inaugural season of “Drag Race” aired in 2009, and they knew how to snag top-tier guest judges from the beginning. Indeed, singer Michelle Williams joined the panel for the aptly titled “Girl Group Challenge,” where the queens teamed up and performed – you guessed it – Destiny’s Child numbers. She drew on her own experience to give some great advice. She also gave us one of the show’s greatest soundbites. The fun didn’t stop there, as Akashia and Tammie Brown were tasked with lip syncing to her solo work, "We Break the Dawn." Sure, Tammie wasn’t doing much, but Akashia moved the star so much she cried! It was great to have Williams there, and we’d love to see her return to the main stage.

There’s no denying that Tomlin is an icon whose comedic skills are truly something to behold. She shines in every project, from “The Magic School Bus” to “Grace and Frankie.” “Drag Race” was no exception. She brought her expertise to the table when the time came to judge the “Drag Queens in Outer Space” acting challenge. After all, the contestants’ trailers were meant to be funny, and nobody does funny quite like Lily Tomlin. She was ready to impart her wisdom, digging into why Phoenix, for instance, failed to make a splash. She also gave credit where it was due, namely praising Manila’s character work. It felt like a mini masterclass, and we were all lucky to witness it.

When Gigi Hadid appeared on season 8, she and fellow supermodel Chanel Iman pulled double duty as both “Snatch Game” contestants and guest judges. Now, we’d be remiss not to mention Hadid’s outfits throughout the episode. Nobody can compete with Ru’s looks, but she definitely brought her own style to the party. And watching her try to give responses that might get her a match during the challenge was pretty entertaining. Plus, on the main stage, she gave us the perfect answer to a question that many people have surely asked themselves before. Granted, Hadid wasn’t exactly in her element, as evidenced by her remark about Bob’s pads. But hey, we’re sure she knows some supermodel tips the rest of us don’t!

Hold on to your pigtails, because the inimitable Baby Spice, aka Emma Bunton, entered the building for the third edition of “All Stars.” Okay, she wasn’t sporting her old signature hairdo, but she still slayed. Bunton got to sit back and enjoy the rival Kitty Girls groups putting on a show. She seemed to be having the time of her life, and was a vibrant force on the main stage. We loved hearing her draw parallels between Trixie Mattel’s outfit and her Baby Spice aesthetic. And her interaction with Shangela had us living! The only thing that could’ve made this appearance better would’ve been all the Spice Girls guest judging at once. Ru would’ve needed a bigger table, but it would’ve been worth it.

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

Tiffany Pollard, Season 11
Her Fierce Presence Made the Rusical Episode Extra Fun

Clinton Kelly, Season 5
Who Better Than the “What Not to Wear” Co-host to Guest Judge a Makeover Challenge?

Neil Patrick Harris, Season 6
He & His Husband, Actor David Burtka, Brought Their A-Game to the “Drag My Wedding” Episode

This reality TV star and businesswoman helped “Drag Race” usher in its sixth season, appearing in the second part of the premiere. Khloé Kardashian shared her thoughts on the queens’ party pack ensembles, delivering humor, wit, and sharp critiques in equal amounts. Her back-and-forth with Bianca Del Rio is proof she came prepared. Clearly, she impressed someone on the team, because she then returned for the season’s “Glitter Ball.” Of course, that was another design challenge, which makes sense given the big role fashion plays in the Kardashian-Jenner brand. Once more, the star was ready, delivering spot-on analyses. It remains to be seen whether more “Drag Race” guest stints are on the horizon for her, but we’ll be waiting!