As season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” draws to a close, America’s Next Drag Superstar has been crowned: it’s Orlando-based queen Myki Meeks.
After a season of standout performances, Meeks beat finalists Darlene Mitchell and Nini Coco in the final showdown, which included a talent number set to her original song, “Versatile,” and a lip-sync battle to a Miley Cyrus tune.
Meeks took home the $200,000 grand prize, a custom crown and scepter, and an exclusive makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics. In second place was Coco, who received a $25,000 cash tip, while Mitchell was awarded $10,000 for her performance throughout the season.
Meeks grew up watching “Drag Race” and found solace in the show as a queer teenager. Winning the show is “everything,” Meeks said.
“I’ve been a fan of the show since the very beginning. It helped me become comfortable with myself and raised me into the queer artist I am today,” the performer said. “To be on the other side of it, it’s a big honor.”
Orlando-based drag queen Myki Meeks won season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” taking the crown as America’s Next Drag Superstar. (Courtesy MTV)
RuPaul praised Meeks’ “extraordinary charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent” that was on display throughout the season.
“From the beginning, Myki has demonstrated the true essence of a superstar. I’m excited to experience more of her special brand of joy, laughter and love throughout her brilliant career,” RuPaul said.
In accepting the crown, an exuberant Meeks said, “This is for my friends, my family, all of Orlando, live fiercely, love boldly, and write it in the books, baby, the Meeks shall inherit the crown!”
Meeks, the drag persona of Mikey Reichart, follows in the footsteps of Orlando drag queens Ginger Minj, who won “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” in season 10, and Orlando’s Roxxxy Andrews, who placed in top spots during two different seasons.
“This is the city that raised me into the artist that I am,” Meeks said. “There’s a lot of gay history here, especially with Parliament House and Pulse housing some incredible, legendary showgirls. To be in that ancestral line at this point, it’s a huge honor.”
Orlando-based drag queen Myki Meeks won season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” taking the crown as America’s Next Drag Superstar. (Courtesy MTV)
Orlando’s Renaissance Theatre, where Meeks has frequently performed in recent years, held a viewing party with a packed house. Fans in the venue jumped out of their seats as confetti fell around them to celebrate, according to Watermark Out News.
In the months to come, Meeks will tour the United States, Europe, South America and Australia.
As Meeks enjoys her RuPaul victory and considers what’s to come next, she said trusting her gut was the key to victory.
“There were many times where I felt the self-doubt hitting and I wasn’t sure which direction to go, but I knew my intuition was the right path. It got me to the show, through every challenge and to the crown,” she said. “I’ve faced a lot of rejection in my life. I’ve never lived by the ‘No’s, but I knew that being on ‘Drag Race’ was my ultimate ‘Yes.’”
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