Who has the C., U., N., and T. to win ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ S1?
We’re in the final push for the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. After seeing these UK queens show how amazing drag across the pond can be, we have our final three contestants in the finale: Baga Chipz, Divina de Campo, and The Vivienne.
Over the course of the season, these three queens have gone leaps and bounds ahead of the pack of talented drag performers. The Maxi Challenges were nearly all won by either one or some combination of these three.
Only one can win the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and prove herself the UK’s next drag superstar. Film Daily can help you with this breakdown of the Drag Race UK top three so you can make an educated guess on who will take home the crown and a starring role in their own digital TV series, and take home that bag o’ chips drag pool prize down the pub.
We’re going to paraphrase Mama Ru’s words here: who is the shantay to stay all the way to the top?
Baga Chipz (London)
How she does drag
Chipz describes her style as a “more cabaret, old-school, sequin frocks, Shirley Bassey, Danny La Rue, Lily Savage kind of drag”.
What the judges say
One of the rotating judges, Graham Norton, appears to be a fan of Baga. In episode five, he tells her, “I’ll tell you what, I was really looking forward to working with you, what surprised me as they you were kind of the most shambolic . . . but it was really, really well done.”
Michelle Visage, who has travelled over from the parent Drag Race, seems more critical of Baga. Thought, to be fair, Visage is not a judge to give her praise out lightly. What is telling, however, is that Baga has won three challenges. Given her performances in episodes six and seven, in which she placed low or in the bottom, it’s hard to tell where the queen will stand with the judges going into the finale.
What the public says
For the most part, people were okay with Baga – until episode seven happened. In the family drag makeover maxi challenge, Baga was repeatedly rude to her mom.
While Baga said that they have a banter-based relationship, her mom’s tears indicated she went too far. People on the internet think so anyways. PopBuzz has compiled a list of some seriously savage memes against the Baga. Unless her attitude changes in the finale – or she apologizes to her mum – then people won’t be happy with her getting the crown.
What Film Daily says
“Baga Chipz is a British icon for so many reasons. She is undoubtedly British and has no shame in hiding it. With her quirky style and hilarious attitude, she makes for a fierce and funny queen. Definitely one to beat!”
—Rianna de Bono-Smith
“Baga Chipz is a little crass but incredibly hilarious. She doesn’t have the same polish as the Vivienne, for example, but her humour is what will get her to the finals.”
—Daisy Franklin
Divinia de Campo (West Yorkshire)
How she does drag
Divinia describes her style as “old school glamour”. The first time she went out in drag was as “Christina Aguilera from the Moulin Rouge video”.
What the judges say
Divinia has consistently scored high marks with judges, winning three maxi challenges. Outside of the three finalists, she is the only queen who has never ended up in the bottom two. Michelle has some critiques about Divinia being “too grey” for her face, but no one else seems to have a problem with it.
Also the fact that Divinia could so utterly transform her sister in the family challenge definitely lends her a major wow factor going forward into the finale.
What the public says
DeCampo has a devoted fanbase, praising her singularly unique range and work ethic. She has conducted herself flawlessly throughout the competition as well. Sure, there is some ribbing over Divinia’s unique laugh and consistent use of her signature red wig/silver dress combo.
What Film Daily says
“Divinia is a red-headed superstar who just happens to also be a drag queen. She is also incredibly funny and witty! Is there anything she can’t do? A strong contender and fierce competition for the others.”
—Rianna de Bono-Smith
“Divinia is a total all-rounder. She’s a theatre geek with an incredible voice; she can sew; she can model; she can paint. If Drag Race awards the crown based on skill and talent, Divinia will win. Divinia doesn’t have the down-to-earth appeal of Baga and The Vivienne, but saying that, she’s still pretty funny.”
—Daisy Franklin
The Vivienne (Liverpool)
How she does drag
The Vivienne describes herself as a “comedy queen”. Her specialty, as fans know, is impressions. Before Drag Race UK aired, she described her talent. “Comedy is definitely my trump card. My favourite trick in drag is my vocal impersonations, so I do everyone from Kim Woodburn and Cilla Black to Donald Trump.”
What the judges say
While The Vivienne has been in the Bottom Two once, every other week she has either made high marks or won the challenge. This queen has never been safe. Like her fellow finalists, The Vivienne has also won three challenges.
Given how The Vivienne (outside of that one time) is always in the top for the week, it’s unsurprising that judges love her. Plus, Michelle hasn’t complained about her makeup. That in and of itself is a minor miracle. Michelle has complained about Vivienne’s footwear, however. She wore flats on the runway. Twice!
What the public says
Many fans think Vivienne is the only logical winner of this first season of Drag Race UK, given her stellar track record throughout. After all, the best performing queen usually ends up being the winner on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
While it was clear that there was a villain narrative going on with The Vivienne earlier in the season, editing has been kinder to her in the latter half. Many fans are preparing for it to be a showdown between The Vivienne and Divinia de Campo.
What Film Daily says
“The Vivienne needs no introduction. With her Scouse-accent Kim Woodburn impression, it looked as though she may have had this season in the bag. She can sing, make people laugh, and has an attitude to boot. Excited to see what she brings to the finale.”
—Rianna de Bono-Smith
“The Vivienne is polished and funny, but doesn’t meet the talent level of U.S. drag. She went on the runway wearing flats twice! For me, she doesn’t have it all, like Divinia, which is why I think she’ll end up as first runnerup.”
—Daisy Franklin
