RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9 Episode 10 brought us the much-anticipated Lip-Sync Lalaparuza Smackdown, a staple challenge that has become as iconic as the Snatch Game or the ball. This episode, however, felt somewhat lackluster compared to previous seasons, primarily due to the high bar set by past lip-syncs. Despite this, the episode still delivered the entertainment value that fans crave, thanks to the sheer joy of watching drag queens perform.
The episode kicked off with Gottmik choosing Angeria as her opponent, a decision that seemed questionable from the start. Angeria selected “My Lovin’” by En Vogue, a song that clearly played to her strengths. Gottmik struggled to keep up, and Angeria emerged victorious, though neither performance matched the iconic original by Raven.
Next up was Vanjie, who smartly picked Plastique, knowing she would choose “When I Grow Up” by Pussycat Dolls. This song has been performed twice before on the show, and while Vanjie’s performance was engaging, it didn’t quite reach the heights of previous renditions. Plastique, despite her best efforts, failed to connect with the song, leading to another loss for her.
Nina chose Shannel as her opponent, and Shannel picked “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive. This song was a welcome addition, given its previous underwhelming performance by Trinity the Tuck. Shannel’s familiarity with the song gave her the edge, and she won the round, redeeming the song’s reputation on Drag Race.
The final matchup of the first round featured Roxxxy and Jorgeous. Roxxxy chose “Holding Out for a Hero,” a song with personal significance to her. Her passionate performance and stage command were unmatched, securing her victory over Jorgeous, who put up a good fight but couldn’t quite measure up.
In the semifinals, Vanjie picked Shannel, hoping for a song she could excel in. Shannel chose “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan, a song that has seen memorable performances in the past. Shannel’s experience and precision gave her the win, advancing her to the finals.
The second semifinal saw Roxxxy face off against Angeria with “Groove Is in the Heart” by Deee-Lite. Roxxxy’s ability to navigate the song’s shifts and her command of the stage earned her the win, sending Angeria to the back.
The final lip-sync of the episode featured Roxxxy and Shannel performing to Ariana Grande’s “Break Free.” Roxxxy’s pop star approach and hairography gave her the edge over Shannel, who struggled to adapt her performance style to the song. Roxxxy’s win secured her another badge and a spot in the finale.
Throughout the episode, the queens showcased their unique styles and strengths, but the reused songs and comparisons to past performances often overshadowed their efforts. The episode served as a reminder of the high standards set by previous seasons and the challenges of living up to those expectations.
As we head into the finale, the badge count and potential twists keep the competition exciting. Roxxxy’s strong performance this episode positions her as a frontrunner, but with the possibility of multi-badge challenges, the outcome remains uncertain. The next two weeks will determine which queen will join the Drag Race Hall of Fame and which charity will receive the $200,000 grand prize donation.
In conclusion, while this episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9 may not have reached the heights of past Lalaparuzas, it still provided plenty of entertainment and showcased the talents of the remaining queens. The finale promises to be an exciting conclusion to a season filled with memorable moments and fierce competition.
Source: Various sources
