RPDR 17: Episode 13 Rucap

This might just be one of the most emotional episodes in RuPaul’s Drag Race history. The queens were given the beautiful opportunity to makeover their parents, and watching their interactions was both heartwarming and deeply touching. Before that, however, they had to face RuPaul’s Spill the Tea mini-challenge, where the queens answered shady questions about each other. Onya Nurve came out victorious, adding another win to her belt.

A special mention must go to Jewels Sparkles, one of the youngest queens to ever compete on Drag Race but easily one of the most mature contestants. Throughout the competition, Jewels has carried herself with grace and thoughtfulness. When the majority of the queens voted her as the one most likely to go home next, she didn’t lash out or crumble under the pressure. Instead, she acknowledged that she had the least wins but stood firm in her resolve—not as a quitter, but as a fighter. That moment alone showed why she’s such a strong competitor, and I truly hope she snatches Miss Congeniality.

The Makeover Challenge: Pairing Up with Family

This week’s maxi challenge was the iconic makeover challenge, and the queens were paired with their parents:

Sam Star with her mom

Suzie Toots with her mom

Onya Nurve with her dad

Jewels Sparkles with her dad

Lexi Love with her mom

Seeing the dynamic between each pair was an emotional rollercoaster. One standout moment was Onya’s dad choosing the drag name Roberta Banks, referencing his past as a former bank robber. That name alone had the potential for some next-level camp, and I wish they had leaned into the hilarious backstory!

Another touching moment was Lexi Love reconciling with her mom, who finally embraced her daughter’s identity and used her preferred pronouns. Sam and Jewels both had incredibly supportive parents, which was heartwarming to witness. On the other hand, Suzie Toots’ situation with her mother was bittersweet. While her mom showed up, it was evident that she was struggling to fully understand and accept Suzie’s identity. That said, the moment felt honest and real, and you could see the love there despite the differences.

Runway: The Drag Daughters Debut

When the queens hit the runway with their newly transformed drag daughters, it was a spectacular display of family resemblance and drag excellence. The drag families were:

Lexi Love and Mimi Lovely

Sam Star and Sassy Star

Suzie Toots and Queenie Toot

Jewels Sparkles and Salchicha Sparkles

Onya Nurve and Nunya Bidness

The standout of the night was Sam Star, who deservedly took the win! Her makeover was polished, and the resemblance between her and her drag daughter was undeniable. The details were on point, and the mug was stamped!

Lip Sync Battle: A 2000s Throwback

The bottom two this week were Jewels Sparkles and Onya Nurve, and they had to lip sync to 1 Thing by Amerie. This song choice was a nostalgic blast, and both queens delivered an electrifying performance. It was hands down one of the best lip syncs of the season, and thankfully, RuPaul recognized the moment—resulting in a double shantay! No one was eliminated, and rightly so. Sending a queen home in front of their parent would have been truly devastating.

Next Week: The Final Five Face the RuMix Challenge

With the top five still intact, next week’s challenge will be a RuMix where the queens audition for Drag Race Live! Now that we’re back at this critical point in the competition, I really hope Jewels makes it to the finale—she’s proven time and time again that she deserves it!

What are your thoughts on this week’s episode? Did you agree with the winner? Who do you think will take the crown? Let’s discuss!