RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Episode 7: A Night of Laughter and Lip Syncs
On February 14, 2025, the iconic reality competition series RuPaul’s Drag Race aired its seventh episode of Season 17 on MTV, captivating audiences with its signature blend of humor, glamour, and fierce competition. This episode was particularly special as it featured the much-anticipated return of the "Snatch Game," a challenge that tests the queens’ pop culture knowledge and improvisational skills through celebrity impersonations. With Emmy Award winner Quinta Brunson as the guest judge, the stakes were high, and the queens were ready to deliver their best performances.
The Contestants and Their Preparations
The episode kicked off with a vibrant introduction of the remaining contestants: Acacia Forgot, Arrietty, Crystal Envy, Kori King, Lana Ja’Rae, Lexi Love, Jewels Sparkles, Lydia B Kollins, Onya Nurve, Sam Star, and Suzie Toot. As the queens geared up for the Snatch Game, excitement and nerves filled the air. Each contestant carefully selected their impersonation choices, aiming to strike a balance between humor and authenticity.
Onya Nurve opted to channel the legendary Eddie Murphy, while Suzie Toot chose to portray Ellen Greene in her iconic role as Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors. Suzie expressed confidence in her choice, stating, “I’ve performed as Ellen in the past to rave reviews and have even won competitions with the impression.” Meanwhile, Lydia B Kollins found herself torn between David Lynch and Catherine O’Hara, ultimately receiving guidance from RuPaul on the potential challenges of her selection.
Arrietty decided to embody Baby Cupid, emphasizing her desire to play to her strengths, while Crystal Envy, who chose Nicole Richie, acknowledged the need to “loosen up.” The queens engaged in lively discussions about their choices, with Kori King and Lana Ja’Rae speculating on Suzie Toot’s chances of winning yet another challenge.
The Snatch Game Performances
As the Snatch Game commenced, the queens took to the stage, each delivering their unique interpretations of their chosen celebrities. The challenge proved to be a mixed bag, with some contestants thriving while others struggled to find their comedic footing. Lexi Love, portraying Gilbert Gottfried, frequently stepped out of character, while Lana Ja’Rae, as Rosa Parks, lost momentum after RuPaul used one of her planned jokes.
Several queens, including Arrietty as Baby Cupid and Lydia as David Lynch, found it difficult to stand out in the competitive environment. However, a few contestants shone brightly during the challenge. Jewels Sparkles, as Miss Big Feet, and Sam Star, embodying pageant coach Kim Gravel, delivered standout performances. Kori King’s portrayal of Big Ang also garnered attention, while Onya Nurve’s Eddie Murphy left a lasting impression.
Despite her confidence, Suzie Toot faced mixed reviews for her Ellen Greene portrayal, with Sam Star candidly remarking, “I thought you’d make me laugh more than you did.” The feedback highlighted the subjective nature of humor, a recurring theme in the Snatch Game.
Runway, Lip Sync, and Elimination
Following the Snatch Game, the queens showcased their creativity on the runway with a “Nailed It!” theme. RuPaul then revealed the results, declaring Acacia Forgot, Suzie Toot, Kori King, and Lydia B Kollins safe. The top performers of the challenge included Sam Star, Jewels Sparkles, and Onya Nurve, while Lana Ja’Rae, Crystal Envy, and Arrietty found themselves in the bottom three.
The judges had a mixed bag of critiques, with Lexi Love’s performance described as “flopped funny,” a testament to the unpredictable nature of comedy. Ultimately, RuPaul crowned Onya Nurve as the challenge winner, marking her second win of the season.
The tension escalated as Lana Ja’Rae and Crystal Envy prepared for the Lip Sync for Your Life, performing to Selena Gomez’s “Hands to Myself.” The performance was a fierce battle for stage presence, with Lana executing a dramatic split that resulted in her wig coming off—a moment that added to the drama of the evening.
In a surprising twist, RuPaul ultimately asked Crystal Envy to “sashay away,” eliminating her from the competition. This decision shocked the remaining queens, especially considering Crystal’s previous success in the season. Lana Ja’Rae secured her place in the competition, earning her second consecutive Lip Sync for Your Life victory.
As the episode concluded, viewers were left eagerly anticipating the next installment of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17, with new challenges and surprises awaiting the remaining queens. Tune in every Friday at 8 PM ET on MTV to catch all the drama, laughter, and fierce competition that the show has to offer.
