As Season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race draws to a close, Orlando-based queen Mikey Meeks has been crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar.
After a season of outstanding performances, Meeks defeated finalists Darlene Mitchell and Nini Coco in the final match. The finals included a talent number set to her original song “Versatile” and a lip sync battle set to a Miley Cyrus song.
Meeks took home $200,000 in prize money, a custom crown and scepter, and an exclusive makeup collaboration. anastasia beverly hills cosmetics. Coco received a $25,000 cash tip for second place, and Mitchell received $10,000 for his performance throughout the season.
Meeks grew up watching “Drag Race” and found solace in the show as a queer teenager. Meeks said winning the show is “everything”.
“I’ve been a fan of this show since the beginning. It helped me become more comfortable with myself and molded me into the queer artist I am today,” the performer said. “It’s a great honor to be on the other side of that.”
RuPaul praised Meeks’ “extraordinary charisma, uniqueness, guts and talent” throughout the season.
“From the beginning, Mikey has demonstrated the true essence of a superstar, and we’re excited to experience more of her special joy, laughter and love throughout her illustrious career,” RuPaul said.
An energetic Meeks said as he accepted the crown. “This is dedicated to all of my friends, family, and Orlando. Live fiercely, love boldly, and write it in the book, baby, the Meeks will inherit the crown!”
Meeks, Mikey Reichert’s drag persona, follows in the footsteps of Orlando drag queens Ginger Minj, who won season 10 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars,” and Orlando’s Roxie Andrews, who took the top spot on two different seasons.
“This is the city that made me the artist I am today,” Meeks said. “There’s a lot of gay history here, especially the Capitol and Pulse, which is home to some incredible and legendary showgirls. It’s a great honor to join that lineage of ancestors at this time.”
A packed viewing party was held at the Renaissance Theater in Orlando, where Meeks has frequently performed in recent years. According to Watermark Out News, fans at the venue celebrated by jumping from their seats as confetti fell.
Over the next few months, Meeks will tour the United States, Europe, South America, and Australia.
Meeks celebrated RuPaul’s win and said the key to victory is trusting your instincts while thinking about what happens next.
“There were many times when I lacked confidence in myself and didn’t know which direction to go in. But I knew my instincts were the right path. That’s what led me to the show, overcoming every challenge and winning the crown,” she said. “I’ve faced a lot of rejection in my life. I’ve never lived through a ‘no,’ but I knew being on ‘Drag Race’ was the ultimate ‘yes’ for me.”
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