Top 10 Times Eliminated Queens Returned on RuPaul's Drag Race
#10: Morgan McMichaels, All Stars 3 “Handmaids to Kitty Girls”
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This lip sync assassin’s return to “All Stars” 3 was scandalous to say the least. BenDeLaCreme sent her packing in the very first episode due to Morgan’s plan to eliminate her own strongest competition. But having later won the opportunity to choose one contestant to return, DeLa brought her back. Was the choice inspired by feelings of guilt and concerns about Morgan calling her a hypocrite? Or was it truly because Morgan had more to show? If the episode weren’t already gag-worthy enough, after announcing her victim’s return, DeLa shockingly quit the race. Morgan’s comeback wasn’t exactly a success, but its controversial circumstances and questionable justification make it unforgettable.
#9: Kenya Michaels, Season 4 “DILFs: Dads I’d Like to Frock”
Some surprise returns on “Drag Race” stand out for just how short-lived they are. That’s unfortunately the case with Kenya, who was originally sent home for her downright irritating Beyoncé impression. Although the reasons for her rejoining the competition weren’t clear, she returned five episodes later to compete in the beloved makeover challenge. But thanks to frumpy outfits and a somber runway presentation, she landed in the bottom two and was easily overshadowed by Latrice Royale in the lip sync. Bringing Kenya back was a strange choice, and she just wasn’t able to justify her presence. But her nosedive of a comeback was certainly a memorable saga in Season 4.
#8: Eureka!, All Stars 6 “The Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent Monologues”
After Eureka! sadly left Season 9 due to a knee injury, fans rejoiced when she returned to the following season of “Drag Race” and made it all the way to the finale. But this queen’s most shocking comeback took place on “All Stars” 6. After Silky Nutmeg Ganache advanced through a jaw-dropping six lip syncs during the “Ru-demption Smackdown,” Eureka! swooped in at the last moment and seized the open spot in the competition. The nail-biting turn of events resulted in this beloved queen finally winning a challenge with a downright hilarious monologue. She didn’t take home the crown, but for beating a nearly unstoppable lip sync assassin and making it to the top four, this queen deserves all the love.
#7: Carmen Carrera, Season 3 “Jocks in Frocks”
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In “Drag Race” Season 3, Ru revealed late in the game that she had given the judges the opportunity to bring back one competitor if they could come to a consensus. While sometimes queens who were sent packing early get another chance, in this case the recently eliminated Carmen returned. Although she would be sent home in the very same episode, her second chance wasn’t all for naught. In fact, she went out with a bang thanks to her iconic and downright steamy “Straight Up” lip sync opposite Raja. And unlike some other returning queens who went straight back home, Carmen deserves major props for making it far in the first place.
#6: Naysha Lopez, Season 8 “RuCo’s Empire”
As far as queens who are notorious for an unsuccessful comeback are concerned, Naysha takes the cake. The Miss Continental winner bombed the very first design challenge and lost her lip sync against Laila McQueen. But after a dramatic double-elimination, she was brought back to truly show her stuff. Sadly, her singing and stage presence as part of a new wave band were seriously lacking, and she wasn’t able to keep up with fellow bottom queen Chi Chi DeVayne’s acrobatics. While not every contestant does well upon returning, Naysha also had the distinction of lacking a solid run before her first elimination. With only three episodes to her name, this queen’s run on “Drag Race” was simply unfortunate.
#5: Latrice Royale, All Stars 4 “LaLaPaRUza”
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The first go of “All Stars” forced the queens to compete in pairs, but its alumni were invited back to the series as of its fourth edition. If that weren’t enough comebacks for one season, a lip-sync competition midway through allowed eliminated contestants to fight for their redemption. With an incredible and evenly matched face-off against Monique Heart, Latrice was the only competitor to win her spot back. And her track record afterward was admirable: she won the very next challenge for her superb club design and hosting abilities, and ended up placing in the top five. Latrice is one of the show’s most beloved personalities, and her second time on this spinoff series solidified her absolutely legendary status.
#4: Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Season 9 “She Done Already Done Brought It On”
Although this queen didn’t exactly excel in either of her “Drag Race” appearances, she won fans over with her big heart — and, of course, her “cucu.” But she was also responsible for one of the most dramatic “Drag Race” entrances ever. The Season 9 premiere ended on a cliffhanger as Ru shocked the girls with the announcement of a fourteenth competitor. After Cynthia was revealed, she was embraced by her competitors as she described her battle with cancer following her first elimination. With her shocking reveal, inspiring story, and infectious personality, the reigning Miss Congeniality’s return was not only unforgettable, but more than welcome.
#3: Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Season 11 “Whatcha Unpackin?”
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Miss Vanjie’s Season 10 elimination was one of the show’s most instantly iconic. Upon finding out she lost the lip sync, the queen started backing up the runway and repeating her own name — and fans absolutely loved it. Thankfully, the beloved contestant’s return was a big part of the Season 11 premiere, and she dramatically outperformed her original run. Vanjie’s second go at the competition stands out as one of the most successful, since it allowed viewers to see every side of her lovable and larger-than-life personality. From her impassioned “No More Drama” lip sync to her performance in the “Diva Worship” challenge and even her quips on the mainstage, she gifted us with countless memorable moments.
#2: Alyssa Edwards & Tatianna, All Stars 2 “Revenge of the Queens”
Despite their solid track records, these two legendary queens were sent home relatively early in the second edition of "All Stars.” However, the fifth episode paired up the remaining and eliminated queens for stand-up comedy routines. As the standout performers, Tatianna and Alyssa had to lip sync to determine which hopeful would return to the competition. Although they’re both undeniably talented, no one could have predicted the truly iconic performance that would follow. The number was so hard to call that Ru allowed both queens to rejoin the race, and we got to see the likes of Alyssa’s frenetic energy drink commercial and Tatianna’s TLC-themed runway look. Suffice to say, the season was better for it. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Manila Luzon, All Stars 4, “All Star Super Queen Variety Show” This Queen Returned for a Second Stint on the Spinoff and Outdid Herself in the Comedy Challenges Jujubee, All Stars 5, “All Star Variety Extravaganza” Jujubee’s Return to “All Stars” Saw Her Truly Excel and Place as a Runner-Up to Shea Couleé Ginger Minj, All Stars 6, “All Star Variety Extravaganza” The First Two-Time “All Star” Who Wasn’t a Part of the Spinoff’s Much-Maligned First Season Alexis Mateo, All Stars 5, “All Star Variety Extravaganza” This Two-Time All-Star Kept Coming Back With a “BAM!” Trixie Mattel, Season 7, “Conjoined Queens” This Future Superstar & AS3 Winner Fought Her Way Back into Season 7 As the “Special” Twin
#1: Shangela, Season 3 “The Queen Who Mopped Xmas”
When it comes to unforgettable rebounds on “Drag Race,” there’s no question who takes the cake. After botching the design challenge in the Season 2 premiere, Shangela was sent home despite giving her all against Sahara Davenport. But in a truly iconic moment for the show, Shangela’s return to the competition was announced using a giant gift-wrapped box. It was a first for the series, and it allowed the pro to show off her talents in dancing, acting, and comedy in ways we wouldn’t have otherwise seen. But if this reveal weren’t memorable enough, the beloved performer topped it all off with a truly gag-worthy joke comeback in Season 4.
