Tuesday Tea: RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18

Start your engines because RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 is officially racing onto our screens on January 3rd, 2026, and honestly? This season already feels different in the best way possible.

First of all — 14 queens, and from what we can tell, this might be the oldest cast we’ve had in a while. More than half of the queens are over 30, which means one thing: polish, experience, and elevated drag. We’re not here for baby drag — we’re here for fully baked artistry.

Let’s meet the queens of Season 18:

• Athena Dion

• Briar Blush

• Ciara Myst

• Darlene Mitchell

• DD Fuego

• Discord Addams

• Jane Don’t

• Juicy Love Dion

• Kenya Pleaser

• Mandy Mango

• Mia Starr

• Myki Meeks

• Nini Coco

• Vita Von Tesse Starr

One of the biggest gag-worthy moments this season? The first-ever mother and daughter duo competing in the same season — Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion. And let’s not forget, Athena is also the drag mother of Season 16’s Morphine Love Dion and Plane Jane. That family tree is stacked.

I also clocked a few queens with the last name Starr, but whether they’re related or not… the jury’s still out. Coincidence or drag dynasty? We’ll see.

---

My Early Favorites (Top 4 Energy)

Based on the press interviews alone, my early Top 4 are:

• Darlene Mitchell

• Nini Coco

• Myki Meeks

• Juicy Love Dion

There’s something about their confidence, polish, and presence that just screams finale material. Of course, Drag Race has humbled us before — so anything can happen.

---

Can We Talk About These Guest Judges?!

Because WOW. This season’s guest judge lineup is stacked:

• Teyana Taylor

• Zara Larsson

• Dove Cameron

• Iman

And the queen of chaos herself — Cardi B as the premiere guest judge

You already know the premiere episode is about to be loud, messy, and iconic.

Season 18 feels like it’s shaping up to be one for the books — mature queens, elevated drag, family dynamics, and a guest judge lineup that understands the assignment.

So… how are you feeling about Season 18? Who’s your early pick to snatch the crown? 👑