Search form

Scroll To Top
Drag

Yes, RuPaul actually competed on Drag Race—and won!

Yes, RuPaul actually competed on Drag Race—and won!

RuPaul on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars
Logo TV

The goop and gag of it all!

simbernardo

Decades before Mama Ru's queendom took over the world with the RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, RuPaul herself did actually participate in a "Drag Race" competition… and won!

This story, which had been previously shared in past interviews, was resurfaced by drag legend Chi Chi LaRue during an interview on the Shut Up, Chanel podcast hosted by casting director and producer Chanel Perrillo.

LaRue recalled that she landed a last-minute gig to host a show at the Four Star Saloon (which is now the location of Micky's West Hollywood) back in 1986. "So I hosted the show, and guess what the show is called? Drag Race!" LaRue said. "And one night, someone came in, entered the contest, and won. Guess who that person was?"

"Ru-f*cking-Paul," Perrillo replied. "RuPaul won Drag Race in 1985?!"

"She sang 'Star Booty,' and she won the contest," LaRue added.

New fans might be under the impression that this story had never been told before, but long-time fans of RuPaul and Drag Race have probably heard this hilarious story over the years.

For instance, LaRue brought up this story with RuPaul himself during a What's the Tee podcast episode from October 2014. In that interview, LaRue recalled that the "Drag Race" competition won by RuPaul probably took place between 1987 and 1988. She also added that this was the night when LaRue and Ru became friends.

LaRue also talked about RuPaul winning this "Drag Race" competition in the 1980s during an August 2021 interview with Squirrel Talk. The drag legend also highlighted that the grand prize won by RuPaul was $100.

Watch Chi Chi LaRue's full interview on the Shut Up, Chanel podcast below.

From Your Site Articles
DragrupaulMusicRuPaul's Drag RaceTelevisionEntertainmentCelebs
chanel perrillochi chi laruedrag race newspodcast
Be sure to follow Out on your favorite social platform
The Advocates with Sonia BaghdadyOut / Advocate Magazine - Jonathan Groff and Wayne Brady

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

41 male celebs who did full frontal scenes
Celebs
Badge
gallery

41 male celebs who did full frontal scenes

39 LGBTQ+ celebs you can follow on OnlyFans
Celebs

39 LGBTQ+ celebs you can follow on OnlyFans

33 actors who showed bare ass in movies & TV shows
Celebs
Badge
gallery

33 actors who showed bare ass in movies & TV shows

The best LGBTQ+ reality dating shows & where to watch them
Television
Badge
gallery

26 LGBTQ+ reality dating shows & where to watch them

Famous celebrity men who came out as straight: NLE Choppa, Shawn Mendes, Noah Beck
Celebs
Badge
gallery

21 times male celebrities had to come out as straight

17 queens who quit or retired from drag after 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Television
Badge
gallery

17 queens who quit or retired from drag after 'RuPaul's Drag Race'

52 steamy celebrity Calvin Klein ads we'll always be thirsty for
Fashion
Badge
gallery

52 steamy celebrity Calvin Klein ads we'll always be thirsty for

Gay Sex Bottom Struggles
sex
Badge
gallery

15 things only bottoms understand

L to R: Tom Dalehy & Dustin Lance Black; Noah Galvin & Ben Platt; Justice Smith & Nic Ashe
Celebs
Badge
gallery

15 gay celebrity couples who make us believe in love

Gay anal sex lesson 101: The complete, exhaustive, comprehensive guide to bottoming
sex

A gay adult film star's complete guide to bottoming

Latest Stories

Bernardo Sim

Deputy Editor

Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out, as well as a writer and content creator. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida. You can follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim.

Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out, as well as a writer and content creator. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida. You can follow him on Instagram at @bernardosim.

Read Full Bio