From Cher to Madonna to Britney, Billboard breaks down the celebrities whose songs have been featured essentially the most occasions on the fact present’s most iconic section.
Ariana Grande, RuPaul and Britney Spears
Artwork Streiber/NBC/NBCU Photograph Financial institution through GI; VH1; L. Busacca/GI
Whereas many codecs have come and gone all through the storied historical past of RuPaul’s Drag Race, one basic custom on the present has remained because the very starting — the lip sync.
Whether or not it’s a lip sync to your life, a lip sync to your legacy, a lip sync for the crown or one other variation, the lip sync has change into essentially the most inextricable cornerstone of the fact present’s model. Watching two (or sometimes extra) queens battling it out whereas dancing and mouthing the phrases to a few of our favourite songs is a part of the explanation why Drag Race has primarily change into the unofficial sporting league of the LGBTQ group.
Debates have lengthy been held within the Drag Race fan group as to what constitutes an ideal lip sync; is it the high-octane dance strikes, demise drops, duck walks and numerous different stunts that increase performances to success? Is it the variety of reveals — both in costumes or wigs — {that a} queen can efficiently pull off? Is it so simple as how properly a queen can convey the spirit of a tune?
As legitimate as all these factors are, there may be one issue to a profitable lip sync that doesn’t typically get its due — tune selection. Choosing the right observe for staging a no-holds-barred battle is essential to the last word success of a lip sync. So, the query stays: which recording artist’s songs have soundtracked essentially the most lip syncs on Drag Race?
Beneath, Billboard breaks down the artists whose songs have been featured essentially the most occasions in lip syncs on RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and why their music has change into a vital a part of the Drag Race expertise.
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Nicki Minaj
Picture Credit score: Prince Williams/FilmMagic The Numbers: 7 lip-syncs (S10:E4, S10:E14, S12:E1, S16:E15 All Stars S3:E1, All Stars S7:E12, All Stars S9:E5)
The Influence: Each time Drag Race wants to offer its contestants a problem, the present tends to show to Queen of the Barbz for some tongue-twisting lip sync numbers. No different rap artist comes remotely near the variety of lip syncs Minaj has scored all through Drag Race herstory, and it’s straightforward to see why — Nicki’s high-energy tracks not solely give the queens a superb beat to bop to, however the pure persona that she brings to every of her tracks are simply too good to skip with regards to the lip synching format
The Greatest One: Monét X Change vs. Dusty Ray Bottoms to “Pound the Alarm,” Season 10, Episode 4 — In one of many first cases of considered one of Minaj’s songs showing on Drag Race, Monét X Change determined to show a masterclass within the artwork of lip synching to “Pound the Alarm.” Her decisions — from the tearaway skirt to the hilarious dip fake-out — made excellent sense inside the context of the tune. Dusty was additionally in that lip sync, however she might as properly not have been; this was Monét’s second to indicate precisely how a Nicki Minaj lip sync needs to be completed.
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Cher
Picture Credit score: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Photos for The Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame The Numbers: 7 lip-syncs (S3:E10, S5:E5, S13:E13, S14:E16, S16:E4, S16:E15, All Stars S6:E10)
The Influence: Chad Michaels might have imitated Cher calling Drag Race‘s Snatch Recreation a “chicken-s–t gig,” but it surely’s clear that the present doesn’t really feel that method in regards to the Goddess of Pop. It is sensible — not solely does Cher have a deeply spectacular again catalogue of iconic songs to perfom on Drag Race, however she’s additionally a prototypical homosexual icon whose songs have been celebrated within the LGBTQ+ group for many years. In the event you suppose she doesn’t belong on this, then may we recommend you make like Nicolas Cage in Moonstruck, and “snap out of it!”
The Greatest One: Megami vs. Amanda Tori Meating to “The Shoop Shoop Tune,” Season 16, Episode 15 — There are lots of iconic Cher lip syncs of Drag Race, they usually should be remembered. However none of these lip syncs have been as buck wild because the time when Megami, a queen on the lookout for redemption in her LaLaPaRuza smackdown with the opposite eradicated contestants, determined to simulate salad-tossing on nationwide tv. We are able to solely “Imagine” that that is precisely the form of ridiculous, hilarious, arch efficiency that Cher dreamed of when she was placing collectively this doo-wop tune.
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Aretha Franklin
Picture Credit score: Theo Wargo/GI for Tribeca Movie Pageant The Numbers: 8 lip-syncs (S2:E9, S4:E10, S6:E10, S11:E12, S14:E11 All Stars S4:E5, All Stars S7:E12, All Stars S10:E10)
The Influence: Whenever you want emotion, tears, and a voice that might deliver a constructing down, who else are you going to show to besides the Queen of Soul? The late, nice Aretha Franklin might not be the primary individual you consider with regards to high-energy, dance-the-house-down lip syncs. However the uncooked ardour of her music makes for among the most shifting performances on Drag Race, proving as soon as once more that lip-syncing isn’t at all times about stunts — it’s about embodying the artist.
The Greatest One: Latrice Royale vs. Kenya Michaels to “(You Make Me Really feel Like) A Pure Girl,” Season 4, Episode 10 — Lip-syncing whereas carrying being pregnant bellies shouldn’t be a simple factor to do, as Kenya Michaels came upon on this iconic season 4 second. Whereas the dancing queen tried to separate and kick and flip her strategy to a win, Latrice Royale stood in place and paid easy, lovely homage to Franklin, proving as soon as and for all that she was a drive to be reckoned with.
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Janet Jackson
Picture Credit score: Francois Nel/GI The Numbers: 9 lip-syncs (S10:E14 [twice], S13:E1, S16:E6, S16:E15, All Stars S1:E3, All Stars S4:E9, All Stars S6:E2, All Stars S9:E4)
The Influence: The sultry stylings of Ms. Jackson deliver a much-needed air of need to the lip syncs of Drag Race — tasking the queens with translating Janet’s easy, sensual songs into keyed-up performances is usually a troublesome process for some. However when the queens handle to stroll the road, their lip syncs to those songs rapidly change into among the finest within the present’s historical past, proving as soon as once more why Janet Jackson is as iconic as she is.
The Greatest One: Ra’Jah O’Hara vs. Brooke Lynn Hytes to “Miss You A lot,” All Stars Season 6, Episode 2 — When Ra’Jah and Brooke Lynn confronted off to the sounds of “Miss You A lot” in All Stars 6, it was instantly one for the historical past books. Each queens introduced the pure intercourse wanted for the tune whereas embodying Janet’s power — it’s no surprise why they each gained. And as an added bonus, no butterflies have been harmed within the making of this lip-sync.
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Britney Spears
Picture Credit score: Michelangelo Di Battista/Sony/RCA through GI The Numbers: 11 lip-syncs (S1:E5, S4:E1, S5:E4, S9:E4, S9:E14, S11:E2, S13:E3, S13:E16 [three times] All Stars S6:E4)
The Influence: Whenever you consider a drag queen performing a lip sync, what tune involves thoughts? “Womanizer?” Maybe it’s “Work Bitch?” Perhaps even “…Child One Extra Time?” Both method, Britney Spears is likely one of the finest performers to ship a dragged-out lip-sync to, and there’s no exception with regards to Drag Race — the pop princess’ vocals lend themselves to mimicry, her discography gives the whole lot from pure campy pop to lonesome ballads, and her music is among the most immediately recognizable all over the world. I imply, it’s Britney, b—-!
The Greatest One: Peppermint vs. Trinity “The Tuck” Taylor to “Stronger,” Season 9, Episode 14 — Whereas there are almost a dozen lip syncs to select from right here, none compares to the battle royale between Peppermint and Trinity on the season 9 finale. From the second the tune started, each queens gave their all to this efficiency, actively manifesting Spears’ inspirational lyrics. However when Peppermint supplied a wig and outfit reveal in a single fell swoop, it grew to become clear she was the one true winner.
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Girl Gaga
Picture Credit score: Patrick Smith/GI The Numbers: 11 lip-syncs (S3:E3, S4:E:6, S8:E1, S11:E14, S14:E14, S16:E9, S17:E16, All Stars S6:E12, All Stars S7:E12, All Stars S8:E11, All Stars S10:E12)
The Influence: Together with being one of many biggest visitor judges to grace the stage of Drag Race, Mom Monster has made her presence identified by way of a few of her fiercest songs exhibiting up on the fact collection. Gaga’s emotive voice, blended together with her music’s chameleonic high quality, creates the dramatic, intense environment that queens all over the place want to tug out a sickening efficiency. In any case, she’s Girl Gaga — of course her songs are going to soundtrack some fabulous lip sync battles.
The Greatest One: Yvie Oddly vs. Brooke Lynn Hytes to “The Fringe of Glory,” Season 11, Episode 14 — Discuss doing what the opposite women can’t. On this finale lip sync for the crown, lip sync assassins Brooke Lynn Hytes and Yvie Oddly gave a nail-biting battle to Gaga’s Born This Means hit – but it surely was the second when Yvie circled to disclose a second face earlier than bending over backwards right into a flip that all of us knew it might go down as an iconic closing lip sync.
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Whitney Houston
Picture Credit score: Kevin Winter/GI The Numbers: 11 lip-syncs (S1:E3, S9:E13 [twice], S11:E5, S11:E12, S13:E14, S16:E8, S17:E15, All Stars S4:E3, All Stars S7:E4, All Stars S9:E1)
The Influence: Who higher than The Voice to deliver a lip-sync to life? Whitney Houston’s music completely encapsulates what makes the lip-syncs of Drag Race so enjoyable to look at; they’re straightforward to bop to, her breathtaking vocals deliver the drama, and everybody is aware of the phrases to a basic Whitney tune. Frankly, it’s a surprise that she’s solely been carried out to seven occasions on the present — however we’re sure that this isn’t the final we’ll hear from Whitney on Drag Race
The Greatest One: Sasha Velour vs. Shea Couleé to “So Emotional,” Season 9, Episode 13 — Who may ever neglect maybe essentially the most well-loved reveal within the present’s historical past? When Sasha Velour lifted her wig and shook roughly a gallon of rose petals onto her head, followers all over the place misplaced it — not solely did the style queen handle to beat out the favourite for the crown Shea Couleé, but it surely was an ideal send-up of Houston’s iconic observe. We nonetheless get emotional desirous about what a wonderful efficiency this was.
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Ariana Grande
Picture Credit score: Artwork Streiber/NBC/NBCU Photograph Financial institution through GI The Numbers: 12 lip-syncs (S7:E6, S9:E9, S10:E14, S12:E3, S13:E12, S15:E2, S17:E2 All Stars S4:E2, All Stars S5:E6, All Stars S6:E10, All Stars S8:E11, All Stars S9:E10)
The Influence: Whereas Ariana Grande’s songs didn’t seem on Drag Race till her look as a visitor choose in season 7, they’ve now virtually change into a staple of the present itself. Nearly each season, two queens find yourself lip syncing to an Ariana banger, and it’s straightforward to see why — the pop famous person has a penchant for making hook-focused, immediately catchy tracks that nearly beg you to lip-sync alongside to them. Grande’s music grew to become so omnipresent on Drag Race that she even surpassed the long-held document by pop icon Britney Spears, securing essentially the most lip sync songs used on the present by an out of doors artist in season 17.
The Greatest One: Nina Bo’nina Brown vs. Valentina to “Grasping,” Season 9, Episode 9 — Sure, this lip-sync to “Grasping” is universally thought of to be one of many all-time worst lip syncs on Drag Race. And that’s why it’s the finest — to today, followers nonetheless discuss Valentina’s masks, RuPaul’s offended lecture mid-song, Shea Couleé’s off-screen commentary of “She. Doesn’t. Know. The Phrases.” and way more. However not sufficient individuals discuss what a superb job Nina Bo’nina Brown did encapsulating the vibe of Ariana Grande whereas dressed as a skeleton in a tutu.
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Beyoncé
Picture Credit score: Carlijn Jacobs* The Numbers: 12 lip-syncs (Solo: S14:E6, S14:E11, S14:E14, S15:E10, S16:E1, S17:E10, All Stars S7:E3, All Stars S8:E1, All Stars S10:E6 | With Future’s Little one: S11:E14, S12:E14, All Stars S8:E10)
The Influence: Up till season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Beyoncé’s music had solely appeared twice on the present, and each occasions have been from her Future’s Little one days. However when it rains, it pours — scoring three lip syncs in a single fundamental season and rapidly change into a staple thereafter, Bey got here again in a giant method, exhibiting simply how very important her songs are to the artwork of lip synching.
The Greatest One: Jorgeous vs. Girl Camden vs. Angeria Paris VanMicheals to “Radio,” Season 14, Episode 11 — Having greater than two queens carry out in a lip-sync proved to be problematic in previous seasons. However there’s something about this LaLaPaRuza lip sync from season 14 that simply works. Perhaps it’s the truth that an typically underappreciated Beyoncé gem was getting its shine; possibly it’s the truth that all three queens are utilizing each ounce of the stage and their expertise to shine; or possibly it’s the easy proven fact that by the tip, it was onerous to say who gained in probably the greatest lip syncs of the complete season. All we all know for positive is that the “Radio” lip sync was one for the books.
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RuPaul
Picture Credit score: Courtesy of VH1 The Numbers: 23 lip-syncs (I don’t know why you’re all gagging, she brings it to you each season).
The Influence: I imply, duh. Her title is actually within the title. There isn’t a RuPaul’s Drag Race with out RuPaul, so in fact she’s going to be the one who will get essentially the most lip-syncs on the present — and this isn’t even counting the RuPaul songs that queens are tasked to jot down their very own verses for! Due to the very nature of Drag Race, RuPaul’s songs are the best lip-sync songs; they’re fairly actually constructed to be lip-synced to. Frankly, if it had been anybody else topping this record, that may have been the true gag of the century.
The Greatest One: Naomi Smalls vs. Gia Gunn to “Adrenaline,” All Stars Season 4, Episode 6 — There are fairly actually a mountain of lip-syncs to select from, however the one that also stands out to today got here throughout All Stars 4’s notorious “LaLaPaRuZa” episode, when Naomi Smalls and Gia Gunn delivered show-stopping performances to RuPaul’s “Adrenaline.” There are such a lot of noteworthy moments on this one lip sync — Gia’s Gogo Yubari-esque reveal, Naomi’s gravity-defying backbend, each of them voguing for his or her lives — that we nonetheless don’t perceive why they each weren’t permitted to remain within the competitors for doing Ru proud.
