MTV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race crowned Onya Nurve as the Season 17 winner Friday night during a finale that featured original performances, a high-stakes lip-sync battle, and a tribute to Liza Minnelli.
Finalists Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, and Sam Star each performed an original track, leading into the final decision by host RuPaul. Jewels and Onya advanced to a last-round lip-sync to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” a single from the singer’s new album Mayhem. The performance determined the final result, with Onya taking home the $200,000 grand prize presented by TodayTix.
“Time and time again, Onya Nurve delivered that ‘something extra’ that made her our undisputed champion,” RuPaul said after announcing the result. “Condragulations to all the queens, and especially our finalists, for serving one of the most competitive seasons in Drag Race herstory.”
Runner-up Jewels Sparkles received a $25,000 prize from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Lexi Love and Sam Star were awarded $10,000 each by the same sponsor.
Crystal Envy was named Miss Congeniality after a vote by her fellow contestants. Olay Body awarded her $10,000 and tipped the rest of the Season 17 queens $2,000 each.
The finale included a surprise appearance from Liza Minnelli, who was honored with the show’s “Giving Us Lifetime Achievement” award. Presented by RuPaul following a live performance of “Good Luck and Don’t F%k It Up,” the award recognized Minnelli’s long-standing influence on entertainment and her connection to drag and queer cultural history. Previous recipients have included Bob Mackie and Cassandra Peterson, known for her character Elvira.
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Minnelli’s appearance drew strong reactions from the crowd and contestants alike, adding a celebratory note to the high-energy competition. The award was introduced during the show’s run as a way of recognizing figures who have left a distinctive mark on the art of performance.
Each finalist took part in individual routines before the final decision, bringing a range of aesthetics and performance styles to the stage. The format followed the show’s recent finale structure, with RuPaul narrowing the field to two queens before the final lip-sync showdown.
