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Second shift, step up. The middle bracket entered the tournament and once again, we have to point out that the format does not help these girls very well. But first, let’s check their entrance appearance.
Crystal METHYD
Amazingly loud, unlike anything else you might see on a big stage. It’s always good to have at least one unusual girl in the mix.
SALINA ESTITTIES
And it makes a nice change of pace to have one really loud girl in the mix. I’m kidding. At least three in this bracket alone. Still, Salina looks great.
VIVACIOUS
Vivacious looks amazing and is right to point out that Ornacia has become one of the most iconic characters in Drag Race history. It’s nice to have a seasoned girl in the mix, especially if she doesn’t know the tournament well.
APRIL CARRIÓN
It’s a good thing they did those villains to reintroduce each queen because some of these gals don’t stand out in our memories. Sorry, April. You look amazing, though. You seem like a pain in the ass.
AURA MAYARI
I’m sorry, Aura. We also needed a montage to remind us who he is. It’s an amazing entry look, though.
SILKY NUTMEG GANACHE
Of course we didn’t want a montage to remind us of Silky, who always makes a lasting impression. She is very clear that she will win it and will not be pressured to make herself more attractive. It should be interesting! His entrance appearance was always. This has to be the best costume she has worn in the competition.
One of the many problems with the bracket format is that we are forced to watch the same situations play out that we watched with the previous group of queens. We have absolutely no problem staying in the same place “Sister!” hugging and wrestling, but the discussion about alliances and scores was as boring as three seconds. It’s not their fault. Just that all the brackets will respond to the format in exactly the same way as the production is well explored at this point.
Likewise, we were treated to an extended debate over who should sing, something unprecedented in Drag Race history. Yes, we sound bitter. These girls deserve better recognition for their efforts. This format is creative as hell.
We got to see a little of their work preparing their numbers, but for the most part, the show is content to follow them in the Work Room for the majority of the episode. We’re not overstating this, because it’s always fun to watch the queens do their own thing, but it’s hard to escape the feeling that the producers aren’t putting a lot of effort into this season.
Each duo does a great job with the worst numbers. Vivacious was a little stiff, but Silky’s energy kept them straight and the number was legitimately fun.
April couldn’t sing, which made the addition of a number that called for singing skills upsetting her. It’s a shame, because Salina can actually sing and it might be fun to see her paired with Aura, another singing queen in the group. Again, the format often leads to many queens just trying to get through the challenge instead of trying to deliver something amazing to the judges.
Like April, Crystal couldn’t really sing but she was paired with someone who could. Unlike April, Crystal met Aura’s power and even lifted it. It helped that they had the best number and choreo.
The category is: You Butter Ask Someone! 🧈 Which runway look was your favorite?#AllStars11pic.twitter.com/D9OmFe5mt4
– RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace)May 22, 2026
The episode was “Butter” and we don’t think we could give a better illustration of how little work and thought went into the production of this season. Some of the queens actually wore this category, but most of them just wore their favorite yellow outfits.
Vivacious’ look was beautiful, but Michelle was right when she pointed out that her makeup was a bit of a joke. We loved that Silky nailed the theme and that her outfit was polished and stylish, but that stick of butter on her head needed some support.
April looked beautiful but she was wearing only because most of them are yellow. Salina and Aura were both wearing the most beautiful yellow dresses.
Crystal’s look was flawless: both high camp and high fashion with a bit of weirdness to it. His body is raised high.
Aura and Crystal tackled the lip sync, and we have no issues with that choice. They were a very dynamic duo and benefited from both Crystal’s eccentricity and Aura’s vocal talent. Personally, we would have given her the win on Aura, but we can tell that Ru responds very well to Crystal’s traps.
So condragulations to him. Silky will fit in that Workroom.
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