The Reign Of Onya Nurve: 5 Shocking Twists And Every Queen From RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17

The seventeenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race delivered on its promise of "unforgettable" television, premiering on Friday, January 3, 2025, on MTV and concluding a run filled with high-stakes drama, incredible fashion, and a controversial finale. The season introduced a cast of 14 fierce new queens to the Werk Room, all vying for the coveted title of America's Next Drag Superstar and the grand prize of $200,000.

The entire season was a masterclass in modern reality TV, blending the classic Drag Race formula with fresh, sometimes polarizing, twists. From a "Squid Game"-inspired premiere to a winner's circle that made franchise history, Season 17 solidified its place as one of the most talked-about installments in the show’s storied history. This is the definitive breakdown of the queens, the champion, and the biggest moments that defined the season.

The Queens of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17: Full Cast Profile

The seventeenth season welcomed a diverse and highly competitive cast of 14 queens from across the United States. The competition was fierce, but ultimately, only one queen could snatch the crown. Here is a look at the full cast and the ultimate victor of Season 17.

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Season 17 Winner: Onya Nurve

• Born: Justin C. Woody
• Hometown: Northeast Ohio
• Claim to Fame: Onya Nurve made history as the first queen from Ohio to win the flagship series of RuPaul's Drag Race. Her artistry and ability to infuse Black excellence into her drag resonated deeply with fans and judges throughout the competition. Onya walked away with the title, a cash prize of $200,000, and a year's supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics.

The Season 17 Top Four and Major Title Holders

• Runner-up: Jewels Sparkles
• Miss Congeniality: Crystal Envy
• The Finalists: Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Envy (Miss Congeniality), and one other queen who made it to the final stage of the competition.

Complete Season 17 Cast List

The season's cast brought a wide array of talents, from comedy and design to high-concept performance art. The full roster of queens who entered the Werk Room included:

• Acacia Forgot
• Arrietty
• Crystal Envy
• Hormona Lisa
• Jewels Sparkles
• Joella
• Kori King
• Lana Ja'Rae
• Lexi Love
• Lydia B Kollins
• Sam Star
• Suzie Toot
• Onya Nurve
• *One additional queen, completing the cast of 14*

5 Shocking Twists and Moments That Defined RPDR Season 17

Season 17 was not just about the queens; it was about the mechanics of the competition itself. Mama Ru and the World of Wonder producers ensured the season was packed with unpredictability, utilizing new formats and challenges to keep the contestants—and the audience—on their toes. These are the most significant twists and memorable moments.

1. The "Squirrel Games" Premiere Twist

The season kicked off with a high-stakes, two-part premiere that immediately set the tone for a dramatic run. The first mini-challenge, dubbed the "Squirrel Games," was a direct and campy parody of the popular Netflix series Squid Game, complete with a "Red Light, Green Light" component. This twist was a culturally relevant and viral opener, forcing the queens to compete in a game-show format before even stepping onto the main stage, adding immediate pressure and separating the cast into two groups for the initial episodes.

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2. The Controversial Finale Format

The conclusion of Season 17 sparked significant debate among the Drag Race fandom. Critics and viewers alike noted that the finale felt "small and unfabulous" compared to the grand, high-budget spectacles of previous seasons. The controversial structure, which included a change in the final lip-sync format, led to online discussions about whether the show's culminating moment did justice to the incredible journey of the finalists, particularly the stellar run of runner-up Jewels Sparkles.

3. The Monopoly-Inspired Design Challenge

Design challenges are a cornerstone of Drag Race, and Season 17 delivered a memorable one with a Monopoly-inspired theme. Queens were tasked with creating stunning looks from unconventional materials related to the classic board game. This episode was a true test of creativity and construction skills, leading to some of the season's most innovative garments and, naturally, some of the most dramatic meltdowns. The challenge was a clear highlight for many fans, showcasing the artistry of the queens under pressure.

4. The Unpredictable Double Save and Shocking Eliminations

The competitive structure of Season 17 was marked by "wild twists" that included both a double save and several "shocking eliminations." These unpredictable moments kept the power ranking fluid throughout the season, ensuring that no queen felt safe. The double save offered a lifeline to two deserving queens, injecting new momentum into the second half of the competition, while the unexpected eliminations of frontrunners added genuine suspense and emotional stakes to the weekly episodes.

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5. The Return of Fan-Favorite Guest Judges and "Squirrel Friends"

To celebrate the milestone season, RuPaul brought back several beloved "squirrel friends" and former contestants to mentor the new batch of queens. The season featured appearances by All Stars winner Angeria Paris VanMicheals (from Season 14) and Season 15's Aura Mayari, who provided guidance and support to the cast. The judging panel also featured a star-studded lineup of guest judges, including Law Roach, Adam Lambert, Doechii, and the return of iconic figures like Trinity the Tuck, further cementing the show's cultural significance.

The Legacy of Season 17 and America's Next Drag Superstar

The legacy of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 is defined by its champion, Onya Nurve, and the new bar set for performance and presentation. Onya's victory was a testament to her consistent growth, powerful storytelling, and unique vision of drag. Her success story, as the first Ohio queen to win the main series, is an inspiration to a new generation of drag performers.

Beyond the crown, the season introduced a wealth of new entities into the Drag Race universe, including the unforgettable Crystal Envy, who earned the title of Miss Congeniality, and the powerful presence of Jewels Sparkles. Discussions about the "Villain of the Season" and the "unrigging" of the competition kept social media buzzing long after the final lip-sync for the crown. The season proved that even 17 installments in, the reality competition series can still innovate and generate genuine excitement, making it essential viewing for fans of high-quality, high-drama reality television.