Welcome Back, Girl Groups: A Dive into the Latest Episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race

The excitement surrounding girl groups has returned, and with it, a mix of nostalgia and modernity that both captivates and confounds. This season of RuPaul’s Drag Race has reignited the conversation about the significance of girl groups in drag culture, but not without its share of dated references that leave some queens and fans scratching their heads.

The Absence of Girl Groups

Last season, the absence of girl group challenges was felt keenly by fans and contestants alike. The consensus was clear: girl groups are integral to the drag experience. They reflect the hard work and creativity that queens put into their performances, both on stage and online. In the U.K., girl group challenges have become a staple, drawing inspiration from iconic bands like the Spice Girls and Little Mix. However, American Drag Race has struggled to embrace this trend fully, often opting for outdated themes that don’t resonate with the current generation of queens.

A Missed Opportunity

In previous seasons, American Drag Race has leaned heavily on nostalgic references, often forcing contestants into challenges that don’t align with their experiences or knowledge. For instance, in Season 14, queens were tasked with doo-wop songs that many didn’t fully grasp. Season 15 took a bizarre turn, requiring contestants to embody “old ladies,” which felt more like a gimmick than a genuine challenge. The high point for girl group challenges came in Season 16, where queens were allowed to showcase their talents without the constraints of outdated themes.

The Rise of Modern Girl Groups

Fast forward to 2026, and girl groups are experiencing a renaissance, particularly with the global rise of K-pop. Groups like Le Sserafim and Blackpink have taken the world by storm, and even American members are joining the fray. This resurgence has fans eager for a fresh take on girl groups in drag, but the show’s insistence on retro themes has left many disappointed. The challenge to create “Q-pop” groups, while intriguing, fell flat when the chosen genres were limited to ’60s–’80s pastiche.

The Challenge Breakdown

The latest episode kicked off with RuPaul announcing the challenge: form a “Q-pop” group and perform in one of three genres—doo-wop, disco, or punk. The team selection process added an element of drama, with Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr picking their teams, leaving four queens to form the “leftovers.” This setup immediately set the stage for tension, particularly for Athena Dion, who felt slighted by not being chosen.

As the teams began to pick their songs, a clear preference for disco emerged, despite punk being a more advantageous choice for those less skilled in dance. The punk genre allows for more creativity and less reliance on choreography, making it a safer bet for queens who may struggle with movement.

Performance Highlights

When it came time for the performances, the disco team faltered. Athena’s leadership did not translate into a strong performance, and the choreography felt basic and uninspired. In contrast, the doo-wop team delivered a more cohesive performance, with Mia Starr standing out due to her musicality and stage presence. However, the punk group truly shone, benefiting from a catchy chorus that allowed them to embrace their inner “badass.”

Discord, while not the strongest performer, managed to hold her own in the punk group, while Jane Don’t emerged as a standout with a clever and comedic performance that showcased her creativity. The judges recognized the strengths of the punk group, leading to a competitive atmosphere that highlighted the varying levels of talent among the queens.

The Runway Showdown

The runway theme of “favorite body part” provided a platform for queens to showcase their creativity. Athena’s backless dress was classic but lacked innovation, while Darlene’s trashy sunburnt look was both humorous and memorable. The runway segment allowed for a variety of interpretations, from Mandy’s quirky homage to her grandmother to Nini’s stunning 3-D-printed brain hat.

The Bottom Two

Ultimately, the disco team found themselves in the bottom, with RuPaul recognizing the lackluster performances. Jane and Mia were declared the tops, with Jane winning the challenge. The lip-sync battle between Mandy and DD Fuego was a nail-biter, with both queens bringing their own flair to the performance. However, DD’s lack of energy ultimately led to her elimination, marking a disappointing but fair outcome.

Moments of Humor and Heart

This episode was not without its lighter moments. The camaraderie among the queens shone through, with humorous exchanges and witty banter that kept the mood lively. The trauma makeup corner provided a glimpse into the personal stories of the queens, adding depth to their characters while reminding viewers of the emotional stakes involved in the competition.

As the season progresses, the anticipation for future challenges and performances continues to build. The queens are navigating a complex landscape of expectations, creativity, and personal expression, making for a compelling viewing experience that keeps fans coming back for more.