RuPaul's Drag Race (season 9)

The ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race began airing on March 24, 2017, on VH1. The returning judges included RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews and Carson Kressley. Fourteen drag queens (including one returnee) competed for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar". The prizes for the winner are a one-year supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics, a cash prize of $100,000, and a crown and scepter provided by Shandar. The full list of contestants was revealed on February 2, 2017.^[1] This season saw the return of season eight contestant Cynthia Lee Fontaine, who finished the competition in 10th place.

RuPaul's Drag Race
Season 9
Promotional poster for season nine
Hosted by	RuPaul
Judges	RuPaul Michelle Visage Carson Kressley Ross Mathews
No. of contestants	14
Winner	Sasha Velour
Runner-up	Peppermint
Miss Congeniality	Valentina
Companion show	RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	14
Release
Original network	VH1
Original release	March 24 (2017-03-24) – June 23, 2017 (2017-06-23)
Season chronology
← Previous Season 8 Next → Season 10
List of episodes

The winner of the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race was Sasha Velour, with Peppermint being the runner-up and Valentina winning Miss Congeniality.

Production

Bob the Drag Queen revealed on her Sibling Watchery podcast that season 9 started filming one week after the season 8 finale.^[2]

Contestants

 

The winner of RuPaul's Drag Race season 9, Sasha Velour.

See also: List of Drag Race contestants

Ages, names, and cities stated are at time of filming.

Contestants of RuPaul's Drag Race season 9 and their backgrounds

Contestant	Age	Hometown	Current City	Outcome
Sasha Velour	29	Urbana, Illinois	Brooklyn, New York	Winner
Peppermint^[a]	37	Wilmington, Delaware	New York City, New York	Runner-up
Shea Couleé	27	Plainfield, Illinois	Chicago, Illinois	3rd place
Trinity Taylor	31	Springville, Alabama	Orlando, Florida
Alexis Michelle	32	Manhattan, New York	Manhattan, New York	5th place
Nina Bo'nina Brown	34	Columbia, South Carolina	Riverdale, Georgia	6th place
Valentina	25	Bell, California	Echo Park, California	7th place^[b]
Farrah Moan	23	Klein, Texas	Las Vegas, Nevada	8th place
Aja	22	Bedford–Stuyvesant, New York	Brooklyn, New York	9th place
Cynthia Lee Fontaine^[c]	35	San Juan, Puerto Rico	Austin, Texas	10th place
Eureka^[d]	25	Bristol, Tennessee	Johnson City, Tennessee	11th place^[e]
Charlie Hides	52	Boston, Massachusetts	Boston, Massachusetts London, England^[f]	12th place
Kimora Blac	27	Elk Grove, California	Las Vegas, Nevada	13th place
Jaymes Mansfield	26	Madison, Wisconsin	Milwaukee, Wisconsin	14th place

Notes:

1. Miss Peppermint is referred to as Peppermint on the show.
2. Valentina was voted Miss Congeniality by the viewers.
3. Cynthia competed on season 8 before being asked back to compete this season.
4. Eureka O'Hara is referred to as Eureka on the show.
5. Eureka was removed from the competition due to a knee injury she sustained in the second episode.
6. Charlie Hides is listed as being from both Boston, Massachusetts and London, United Kingdom on the show.

Contestant progress

Legend:

  Sasha Velour won RuPaul's Drag Race season 9.

  Peppermint was the runner-up.

  Valentina was voted Miss Congeniality (Miss C) by viewers.

  WIN indicates that the contestant won the challenge.

  SAFE indicates that the contestant was declared safe by the judges.

  BTM (Bottom) indicates that the contestant was up for elimination.

  ELIM (Eliminated) indicates that the contestant was eliminated.

  WDR (Withdraw) indicates that Eureka was removed from the competition due to an injury.

  Guest indicates that the contestant returned as a guest.

Progress of contestants including rank/position in each episode

Contestant	Episode
	1^[3]	2^[4]^[a]	3^[5]	4^[6]	5^[7]	6^[8]	7^[9]	8^[10]	9^[11]	10^[12]	11^[13]	12^[14]	13^[15]	14^[16]
Sasha Velour	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	Guest	Winner
Peppermint	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	Guest	Runner-up
Shea Couleé	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	BTM	WIN	SAFE	Guest	Eliminated
Trinity Taylor	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	Guest	Eliminated
Alexis Michelle	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM		Guest	Guest
Nina Bo'nina Brown	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	BTM	ELIM			Guest	Guest
Valentina	SAFE	WIN	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM				Miss C	Guest
Farrah Moan	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM					Guest	Guest
Aja	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM						Guest	Guest
Cynthia Lee Fontaine		SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	BTM	ELIM							Guest	Guest
Eureka	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WDR								Guest	Guest
Charlie Hides	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	ELIM									Guest	Guest
Kimora Blac	SAFE	BTM	ELIM										Guest	Guest
Jaymes Mansfield	SAFE	ELIM											Guest	Guest

Notes:

1. Cynthia Lee Fontaine entered the competition at the beginning of the second episode.

Lip syncs

Legend:

  The contestant won the second round of the Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown and was declared the winner of the season.

  The contestant was eliminated after their first time in the bottom.

  The contestant was eliminated after their second time in the bottom.

  The contestant was eliminated after their third time in the bottom.

  The contestant was eliminated after the first round of the Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown.

Episode	Contestants			Song	Eliminated
2^[4]	Jaymes Mansfield	vs.	Kimora Blac	"Love Shack" (The B-52's)	Jaymes Mansfield
3^[5]	Aja	vs.	Kimora Blac	"Holding Out for a Hero" (Bonnie Tyler)	Kimora Blac
4^[6]	Charlie Hides	vs.	Trinity Taylor	"I Wanna Go" (Britney Spears)	Charlie Hides
5^[7]	Cynthia Lee Fontaine	vs.	Farrah Moan	"Woman Up" (Meghan Trainor)	None
6^[8]	Cynthia Lee Fontaine	vs.	Peppermint	"Music" (Madonna)	Cynthia Lee Fontaine
7^[9]	Aja	vs.	Nina Bo'Nina Brown	"Finally" (CeCe Peniston)	Aja
8^[10]	Alexis Michelle	vs.	Farrah Moan	"Baby I'm Burnin'" (Dolly Parton)	Farrah Moan
9^[11]	Nina Bo'Nina Brown	vs.	Valentina	"Greedy" (Ariana Grande)	Valentina
10^[12]	Nina Bo'Nina Brown	vs.	Shea Couleé	"Cool for the Summer" (Demi Lovato)	Nina Bo'Nina Brown
11^[13]	Alexis Michelle	vs.	Peppermint	"Macho Man" (Village People)	Alexis Michelle
12^[14]	Peppermint vs. Sasha Velour vs. Shea Couleé vs. Trinity Taylor			"U Wear It Well" (RuPaul)	None
14^[16]	Peppermint	vs.	Trinity Taylor	"Stronger" (Britney Spears)	Trinity Taylor
	Sasha Velour	vs.	Shea Couleé	"So Emotional" (Whitney Houston)	Shea Couleé
	Contestants			Song	Winner
	Peppermint	vs.	Sasha Velour	"It's Not Right But It's Okay (Thunderpuss Remix)" (Whitney Houston)	Sasha Velour

Guest judges

Listed in chronological order:^[17][18]

• Lady Gaga, singer, songwriter, and actress
• The B-52's, new wave band
• Todrick Hall, actor and singer
• Cheyenne Jackson, actor and singer
• Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, actor and model
• Naya Rivera, actress and singer
• Meghan Trainor, singer and songwriter
• Candis Cayne, actress
• Denis O'Hare, actor
• Jennie Garth, actress
• Tori Spelling, actress and television personality
• Fortune Feimster, writer, comedian, and actress
• Tamar Braxton, singer and television personality
• Lisa Robertson, television personality and former QVC host
• Noah Galvin, actor
• Kesha, singer and songwriter
• Zaldy, Emmy-winning fashion designer
• Andie MacDowell, actress
• Joan Smalls, fashion model

Special guests

Guests who appeared in episodes, but did not judge on the main stage.

Episode 2:

• Lisa Kudrow, actress and comedian

Episode 12:

• Todrick Hall, actor and singer

Episodes

See also: List of RuPaul's Drag Race episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original air date
104	1	"Oh. My. Gaga!"	March 24, 2017 (2017-03-24)
13 new queens enter the workroom. A 14th queen enters the workroom, but is revealed to be Lady Gaga. RuPaul comes in and tells the queens that they will be competing in the Miss Charisma Uniqueness Nerve and Talent pageant. They must showcase a hometown look and a Lady Gaga inspired look.^[19] After the queens walk the runway, Eureka, Nina Bo'nina Brown and Sasha Velour are told they are the top 3 queens, with Nina Bo'nina Brown winning the challenge. Ru then stops the pageant to tell the other queens that a 14th queen will be entering the competition. Guest Judge: Lady Gaga Alternating Judges: Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews Maxi Challenge: Showcase a hometown styled outfit and a Lady Gaga-inspired outfit in the Miss Charisma Uniqueness Nerve and Talent pageant. Challenge Winner: Nina Bo'nina Brown Maxi Challenge Prize: A weeklong getaway to The Grand Resort and Spa at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Eliminated: None
105	2	"She Done Already Done Brought It On"	March 31, 2017 (2017-03-31)
The episode picks up, and the 14th queen is revealed to be Cynthia Lee Fontaine, a queen on Season 8. For the main challenge, the queens will compete in teams in a cheerleading battle. Team 1 consisted of Aja, Alexis Michelle, Charlie Hides, Jaymes Mansfield, Nina Bo'nina Brown, Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé. Team 2 consisted of Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Eureka, Farrah Moan, Kimora Blac, Peppermint, Trinity Taylor and Valentina. During the performance, Eureka popped her knee.^[20] On the runway, category is White Party Realness. Shea Couleé, Trinity Taylor and Valentina receive positive critiques, with Valentina winning the challenge. Charlie Hides, Jaymes Mansfield and Kimora Blac receive negative critiques, with Charlie Hides being safe. Jaymes Mansfield and Kimora Blac lip-sync to "Love Shack" by The B-52's. Kimora Blac wins the lip-sync and Jaymes Mansfield sashays away. Returned: Cynthia Lee Fontaine Guest Judges: The B-52's Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Maxi Challenge: Compete in a cheerleading battle Runway Theme: White Party Realness Challenge Winner: Valentina Maxi Challenge Prize: A wig wardrobe by RockStar Wigs. Bottom Two: Jaymes Mansfield and Kimora Blac Lip Sync Song: "Love Shack" by The B-52's Eliminated: Jaymes Mansfield Farewell message: "You live to love me more each day. P.S. JK I love you all. J.M"
106	3	"Draggily Ever After"	April 7, 2017 (2017-04-07)
For this week's main challenge, the queens must create an original fairytale princess with a sassy sidekick.^[21] On the runway, Peppermint, Trinity Taylor and Valentina receive positive critiques, with Trinity Taylor winning the challenge. Aja, Farrah Moan and Kimora Blac receive negative critiques, with Farrah Moan being safe. Aja and Kimora Blac lip-sync to "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler. Aja wins the lip-sync after an amazing performance and Kimora Blac sashays away. Guest Judges: Todrick Hall and Cheyenne Jackson Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Maxi Challenge: Create an original fairytale princess with a sidekick Runway Theme: Fairytale Princess Eleganza Challenge Winner: Trinity Taylor Maxi Challenge Prize: $5000 gift card for Casper Sleep. Bottom Two: Aja and Kimora Blac Lip Sync Song: "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler Eliminated: Kimora Blac Farewell message: "Hey ladies, I ♡ you all! Sisters 4 ever ♡ Kimmy"
107	4	"Good Morning Bitches"	April 14, 2017 (2017-04-14)
For this week's main challenge, the queens will produce a live morning talk show in teams. Team Not on Today consisted of Charlie Hides, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Eureka, Nina Bo'nina Brown, Peppermint and Trinity Taylor. Team Good Morning Bitches consisted of Aja, Alexis Michelle, Farrah Moan, Sasha Velour, Shea Couleé and Valentina.^[22] On the runway, category is Naughty Nighties. Team Good Morning Bitches is announced as the winning team, with Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé both winning the challenge. Team Not on Today is the losing team. Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Eureka and Nina Bo'nina Brown receive positive critiques for the challenge. Charlie Hides, Peppermint and Trinity Taylor receive negative critiques, with Peppermint being safe. Charlie Hides and Trinity Taylor lip-sync to "I Wanna Go" by Britney Spears. Trinity Taylor wins the lip-sync and Charlie Hides sashays away, after seemingly giving up during the lip-sync. Guest Judges: Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman and Naya Rivera Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Maxi Challenge: Produce a live morning talk show Runway Theme: Naughty Nighties Challenge Winners: Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé Maxi Challenge Prize: $1000 and a year-supply of hamburgers courtesy of Hamburger Mary's Bottom Two: Charlie Hides and Trinity Taylor Lip Sync Song: "I Wanna Go" by Britney Spears Eliminated: Charlie Hides Farewell message: "Ladies, I've enjoyed getting to know each + every one of you! Slay it. xo Charlie"
108	5	"Reality Stars: The Musical"	April 21, 2017 (2017-04-21)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will shoot a sexy selfie with the pit crew. Alexis Michelle wins the mini-challenge and gets to assign the roles for the main challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will star in Kardashian: The Musical.^[23] Aja plays Kourtney Kardashian Alexis Michelle plays Kris Jenner Cynthia Lee Fontaine plays Kim Kardashian Eureka plays North West Farrah Moan plays Kylie Jenner Nina Bo'nina Brown plays Khloé Kardashian Peppermint plays Britney Spears Sasha Velour plays Lindsay Lohan Shea Couleé plays Blac Chyna Trinity Taylor plays Paris Hilton Valentina plays Kendall Jenner On the runway, category is Faux Fur Fabulous. Alexis Michelle, Peppermint and Shea Couleé receive positive critiques, with Shea Couleé winning the challenge. Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Farrah Moan and Nina Bo'nina Brown receive negative critiques, with Nina Bo'nina Brown being safe. Cynthia Lee Fontaine and Farrah Moan lip-sync to "Woman Up" by Meghan Trainor. After the lip-sync, a member of the crew comes up to RuPaul and tells him something. Ru then walks off stage. When she comes back, she calls Eureka to the front of the stage and tells her that she can no longer compete in the competition this season due to her knee injury she sustained in Episode 2. She was given a free invitation to return next season. Ru then declares both Cynthia Lee Fontaine and Farrah Moan safe, due to Eureka's departure. Guest Judges: Meghan Trainor and Todrick Hall Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Shoot a sexy selfie with the pit crew Mini-Challenge Winner: Alexis Michelle Mini-Challenge Prize: $1000 gift card from fiercequeen.com Maxi Challenge: Star in Kardashian: The Musical Runway Theme: Faux Fur Fabulous Challenge Winner: Shea Couleé Maxi Challenge Prize: A Caribbean Cruise by AllOutVacations Bottom Two: Cynthia Lee Fontaine and Farrah Moan Lip Sync Song: "Woman Up" by Meghan Trainor Removed: Eureka Farewell message: "Well... Biggie is out but this is NOT the last of Me!! I need all of you to ALWAYS (lol) #beyourselftofreeyourself ♡ Eureka H!! :p"
109	6	"Snatch Game"	April 28, 2017 (2017-04-28)
The 10 remaining queens were asked by RuPaul to impersonate any character or celebrity for the series' on-going challenge, the Snatch Game. Candice Cayne and Denis O'Hare star as the celebrity contestants.^[24] The cast consisted of: Aja as Alyssa Edwards Alexis Michelle as Liza Minnelli Cynthia Lee Fontaine as Sofia Vergara Farrah Moan as Gigi Gorgeous Nina Bo'nina Brown as Jasmine Masters Peppermint as NeNe Leakes Sasha Velour as Marlene Dietrich Shea Couleé as Naomi Campbell Trinity Taylor as Amanda Lepore Valentina as Ariadna Gutiérrez On the runway, category is Night of a Thousand Madonna's. Alexis Michelle, Nina Bo'nina Brown and Sasha Velour receive positive critiques, with Alexis Michelle winning the challenge. Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Farrah Moan and Peppermint receive negative critiques, with Farrah Moan being safe. Cynthia Lee Fontaine and Peppermint lip-sync to "Music" by Madonna. Peppermint wins the lip-sync and Cynthia Lee Fontaine sashays away. Guest Judges: Candis Cayne and Denis O'Hare Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Maxi Challenge: Impersonate celebrities in the Snatch Game Runway Theme: A Night of a Thousand Madonnas Challenge Winner: Alexis Michelle Maxi Challenge Prize: $2000 package from Sparkles Rhinestones Bottom Two: Cynthia Lee Fontaine and Peppermint Lip Sync Song: "Music" by Madonna Eliminated: Cynthia Lee Fontaine Farewell message: "Don't stop believe in you!!! Love you, Cucu x xo xo"
110	7	"9021-HO"	May 5, 2017 (2017-05-05)
The 9 remaining queens were asked by RuPaul to act in a 90210 parody spin-off, titled 9021-Ho.^[25] Aja plays Bethani Glamber Gleissen Alexis Michelle plays Mirror Monna Dartin Farrah Moan plays Nelly Nina Bo'nina Brown plays Blenda Shmaltz Peppermint plays Brandi Shmaltz Sasha Velour plays Lunch Lady Kat Shea Couleé plays Grandrea Zuckerwoman Trinity Taylor plays Nelly's Mom Valentina plays Monna Dartin On the runway, category is Big Hair Everywhere. Shea Couleé, Trinity Taylor and Valentina receive positive critiques, with Trinity Taylor winning the challenge. Aja, Nina Bo'nina Brown and Sasha Velour receive negative critiques, with Sasha Velour being safe. Aja and Nina Bo'nina Brown lip-sync to "Finally" by Cece Peniston. Nina Bo'nina Brown wins the lip-sync and Aja sashays away. Guest Judges: Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Maxi Challenge: Act in a 90210 parody spin-off, titled 9021-Ho Runway Theme: Big Hair Everywhere Challenge Winner: Trinity Taylor Maxi Challenge Prize: $2000 gift card from Fabric Planet Bottom Two: Aja and Nina Bo'nina Brown Lip Sync Song: "Finally" by Cece Peniston Eliminated: Aja Farewell message: "Love u guys, please dont be too messy without me! XOXO AJA <3 P.S. Ur all gay!"
111	8	"The Michelle Visage Roast"	May 12, 2017 (2017-05-12)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens read each other. Valentina wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will perform a comedy roast of Michelle Visage in front of a live audience.^[26] On the runway, Peppermint, Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé receive positive critiques, with Peppermint winning the challenge. Alexis Michelle, Farrah Moan and Trinity Taylor receive negative critiques, with Trinity Taylor being safe. Alexis Michelle and Farrah Moan lip-sync to "Baby I'm Burning" by Dolly Parton. Alexis Michelle wins the lip-sync and Farrah Moan sashays away. Guest Judges: Fortune Feimster and Tamar Braxton Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Mini-Challenge: Reading Is Fundamental Mini-Challenge Winner: Valentina Mini-Challenge Prize: 4-night stay at Saguaro in Palm Springs Maxi Challenge: Perform a comedy roast of Michelle Visage in front of a live audience Challenge Winner: Peppermint Maxi Challenge Prize: 5-year membership with SquareSpace Bottom Two: Alexis Michelle and Farrah Moan Lip Sync Song: "Baby I'm Burning" by Dolly Parton Eliminated: Farrah Moan Farewell message: "Hey ladies! I love you all sooo much. You are all superstars and it's so special to finally have a real family. Good luck & DON'T F**K IT UP! <3 Farrah Moan"
112	9	"Your Pilot's on Fire"	May 19, 2017 (2017-05-19)
For this week's main challenge, the queens will create, write and stair in their own TV pilots in teams. Team 1 consisted of Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé. Team 2 consisted of Alexis Michelle, Peppermint and Trinity Taylor. Team 3 consisted of Nina Bo'nina Brown and Valentina.^[27] On the runway, category is Club Kid Couture. Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé both win the challenge. Peppermint and Trinity Taylor receive positive critiques. Alexis Michelle, Nina Bo'nina Brown and Valentina receive negative critiques, with Alexis Michelle being safe. Nina Bo'nina Brown and Valentina lip-sync to "Greedy" by Ariana Grande. During the lip-sync, Valentina keeps her mask on (which was part of her look). Ru then stops the lip-sync, and tells Valentina to take her mask off. Reluctantly, Valentina takes her mask off. Ru then tells the queens to proceed with the lip-sync. It is clear that Valentina does not know the words. Nina Bo'nina Brown wins the lip-sync and Valentina sashays away. Guest Judges: Lisa Robertson and Noah Galvin Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Maxi Challenge: Create, write, and star in their own TV pilots Runway Theme: Club Kid Couture Challenge Winners: Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé Maxi Challenge Prize: $1000 gift certificate from The Spa On Rodeo and a supply of Aquage Professional Haircare products Bottom Two: Nina Bo'nina Brown and Valentina Lip Sync Song: "Greedy" by Ariana Grande Eliminated: Valentina Farewell message: "Ladies, I love you with all my heart. If ever you need me, I'm yours. Con Amor. Valentina"
113	10	"Crew Better Work"	May 26, 2017 (2017-05-26)
For this week's main challenge, the queens must makeover members of the "Drag Race" crew. ^[28] On the runway, Sasha Velour and Trinity Taylor receive positive critiques, with Trinity Taylor winning the challenge. Alexis Michelle, Nina Bo'nina Brown and Shea Couleé receive negative critiques, with Alexis Michelle being safe. Nina Bo'nina Brown and Shea Couleé lip-sync to "Cool for the Summer" by Demi Lovato. Shea Couleé wins the lip-sync and Nina Bo'nina Brown sashays away. Guest Judges: Kesha and Zaldy Alternating Judge: Ross Mathews Maxi Challenge: Makeover members of the "Drag Race" crew Challenge Winner: Trinity Taylor Maxi Challenge Prize: Two custom gowns made by David Meister, and a $2,000 gift certificate to Klein Epstein Parker for her drag sister Bottom Two: Nina Bo'nina Brown and Shea Couleé Lip Sync Song: "Cool for the Summer" by Demi Lovato Eliminated: Nina Bo'nina Brown Farewell message: "Debbie Downer is gone. SUE ME! Shae Coulee hope you struggle cleaning this LOL. Love you all ♡"
114	11	"The Gayest Ball Ever"	June 2, 2017 (2017-06-02)
For this week's mini-challenge, the queens will have a bitchfest with puppets. Sasha Velour wins the mini-challenge. For the main challenge, the queens will have to design three looks for the Gayest Ball Ever, with categories being: Rainbow-She-Better-Do, Sexy Unicorn and Village People Eleganza Extravaganza.^[29] On the runway, Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé receive positive critiques, with Shea Couleé winning the challenge. Alexis Michelle, Peppermint and Trinity Taylor receive negative critiques, with Trinity Taylor being safe. Alexis Michelle and Peppermint lip-sync to "Macho Man" by Village People. Peppermint wins the lip-sync and Alexis Michelle sashays away. Guest Judges: Andie MacDowell and Joan Smalls Alternating Judge: Carson Kressley Mini-Challenge: Everybody Loves Puppets Mini-Challenge Winner: Sasha Velour Mini-Challenge Prize: A $500 gift card for Today Tix Maxi Challenge: The Gayest Ball Ever Runway Themes: Rainbow-She-Better-Do, Sexy Unicorn, and Village People Eleganza Extravaganza Challenge Winner: Shea Couleé Maxi Challenge Prize: 2 VIP tickets to Cirque du Soleil Zumanity in Las Vegas, including flights and accommodation Bottom Two: Alexis Michelle and Peppermint Lip Sync Song: "Macho Man" by Village People Eliminated: Alexis Michelle Farewell message: "Wishes come true, not free. you're my sisters... always."
115	12	"Category Is…"	June 9, 2017 (2017-06-09)
For the final challenge of the season, the queens must write, record and perform their own verses to RuPaul's song "Category Is". The queens walk the runway one last time. For the final time, the queens all lip-sync to "U Wear It Well" by RuPaul. RuPaul then shockingly announces that no one is going home, and there will be a major twist happening at the finale.^[30] Alternating Judge(s): Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews Main Challenge: Write, record and perform their own verses to RuPaul's song "Category Is" Runway Theme: Best Drag Lip Sync Song: "U Wear It Well" by RuPaul Eliminated: None
116	13	"Reunited"	June 16, 2017 (2017-06-16)
The contestants reminisce over the season. Miss Congeniality was announced; previous Miss Congeniality and season 8 and 9 drag queen Cynthia Lee Fontaine announced that fellow contestant Valentina won the title, which sparked criticism amongst all other queens. During the end of the episode, RuPaul announced that the final four contestants would have to lip-sync in groups of two to see who advances to winning America's Next Drag Superstar.^[31] Miss Congeniality: Valentina
117	14	"Grand Finale"	June 23, 2017 (2017-06-23)
All the queens return for the finale. Ru then tells the final four queens that they will be performing in a lip-sync smackdown for the crown.^[32] The first lip-sync is between Peppermint and Trinity Taylor. They lip-sync to "Stronger" by Britney Spears. Peppermint wins the lip-sync and Trinity Taylor is eliminated. The second lip-sync is between Sasha Velour and Shea Couleé. They lip-sync to "So Emotional" by Whitney Houston. Sasha Velour wins the lip-sync and Shea Couleé is eliminated. The final lip-sync is between Peppermint and Sasha Velour. They lip-sync to "It's Not Right But It's Okay" (Thunderpuss Remix) by Whitney Houston. It is announced that Sasha Velour is the winner, leaving Peppermint as the runner-up. Finals venue: Alex Theatre, Glendale, California Final Four: Peppermint, Sasha Velour, Shea Couleé and Trinity Taylor Lip Sync Smackdown #1: Peppermint vs. Trinity Taylor Lip Sync Song: "Stronger" by Britney Spears Eliminated: Trinity Taylor Lip Sync Smackdown #2: Sasha Velour vs. Shea Couleé Lip Sync Song: "So Emotional" by Whitney Houston Eliminated: Shea Couleé Lip Sync Smackdown #3: Peppermint vs. Sasha Velour Lip Sync Song: "It's Not Right But It's Okay" (Thunderpuss Remix) by Whitney Houston Runner-up: Peppermint Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season Nine: Sasha Velour

Ratings

Viewership and ratings per episode of RuPaul's Drag Race

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)
1	"Oh. My. Gaga!"	March 24, 2017	0.5^[33]	0.987^[33]
2	"She Done Already Done Brought It On"	March 31, 2017	0.4^[34]	0.754^[34]
3	"Draggily Ever After"	April 7, 2017	0.3^[35]	0.673^[35]
4	"Good Morning Bitches"	April 14, 2017	0.3^[36]	0.588^[36]
5	"Reality Stars: The Musical"	April 21, 2017	0.3^[37]	0.693^[37]
6	"Snatch Game"	April 28, 2017	0.4^[38]	0.702^[38]
7	"9021-HO"	May 5, 2017	0.3^[39]	0.694^[39]
8	"The Michelle Visage Roast"	May 12, 2017	0.4^[40]	0.738^[40]
9	"Your Pilot's On Fire"	May 19, 2017	0.3^[41]	0.636^[41]
10	"Makeovers: Crew Better Work"	May 26, 2017	0.4^[42]	0.720^[42]
11	"Gayest Ball Ever"	June 2, 2017	0.3^[43]	0.619^[43]
12	"Category Is"	June 9, 2017	0.3^[44]	0.637^[44]
13	"Reunited"	June 16, 2017	0.3^[45]	0.685^[45]
14	"Grand Finale"	June 23, 2017	0.4^[46]	0.859^[46]

Notes

References

1. "RuPaul's Drag Race Cast Members". Logo TV. February 2, 2017.
2. Sibling Watchery - Drag Race Season 14 - Episode 1
3. "Oh. My. Gaga!". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 1. March 24, 2017. VH1.
4. "She Done Already Done Brought It On". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 2. March 31, 2017. VH1.
5. "Draggily Ever After". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 3. April 7, 2017. VH1.
6. "Good Morning Bitches". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 4. April 14, 2017. VH1.
7. "Reality Stars: The Musical". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 5. April 21, 2017. VH1.
8. "Snatch Game". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 6. April 28, 2017. VH1.
9. "9021-HO". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 7. May 5, 2017. VH1.
10. "The Michelle Visage Roast". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 8. May 12, 2017. VH1.
11. "Your Pilot's on Fire". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 9. May 19, 2017. VH1.
12. "Crew Better Work". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 10. May 26, 2017. VH1.
13. "The Gayest Ball Ever". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 11. June 2, 2017. VH1.
14. "Category Is…". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 12. June 9, 2017. VH1.
15. "Reunited". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 13. June 16, 2017. VH1.
16. "Grand Finale". RuPaul's Drag Race. Season 9. Episode 14. June 23, 2017. VH1.
17. Nolfi, Joey (March 10, 2017). "Lady Gaga hits RuPaul's Drag Race runway — see the photos". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
18. Nolfi, Joey (March 10, 2017). "Kesha, Lisa Kudrow, Tamar Braxton join RuPaul's Drag Race in season 9 trailer". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
19. Henderson, Eric (March 24, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap Season 9, episode 1, "Oh. My Gaga!"". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
20. Reliable sources citing this episode:
    • Kressley, Carson (March 31, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race recap: 'She Done Already Done Brought It On'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
    • Sava, Oliver (March 31, 2017). "Disappointing editing keeps RuPaul's Drag Race from returning to form". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
21. Reliable sources citing this episode:
    • Kressley, Carson (April 7, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race recap: Draggily Ever After". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
    • Henderson, Eric (April 7, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap Season 9, Episode 3, "Draggily Ever After"". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
22. Reliable sources citing this episode:
    • Henderson, Eric (April 14, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap Season 9, Episode 4, "Good Morning Bitches"". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
    • Sava, Oliver (April 14, 2017). "An abysmal lip sync diminishes an already lackluster RuPaul's Drag Race". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
23. Reliable sources citing this episode:
    • Kressley, Carson (April 21, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap Season 9, Episode 5, "Kardashians: The Musical"". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
    • Henderson, Eric (April 21, 2017). "Recap: Kardashian: The Musical". Slant Magazine. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
    • Booster, Joel Kim (April 21, 2017). . Vulture. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
24. Reliable sources citing this episode:
    • Kressley, Carson (April 28, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race: Snatch Game". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
    • Booster, Joel Kim (April 28, 2017). . Archived from the original on May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
25. Reliable sources citing this episode:
    • Kressley, Carson (May 5, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race: 9021-Ho". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
    • Sava, Oliver (May 5, 2017). "Drag Race gets bit by the '90s nostalgia bug with a "9021-HO" acting challenge". The A.V. Club. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
26. Reliable sources citing this episode:
    • Kressley, Carson (May 12, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race: RuPaul". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
    • Henderson, Eric (May 12, 2017). "Season 9, Episode 8, "RuPaul Roast"". Slant Magazine. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
27. *Sava, Oliver (May 19, 2017). "Drag Race season 9 finally reaches excellence when the queens make TV pilots". The A.V. Club. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
28. *Sava, Oliver (May 26, 2017). "The Drag Race crew jumps in front of the camera for the makeover challenge". The A.V. Club. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
29. Sava, Oliver (June 2, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race throws the "Gayest Ball Ever" with mixed results". The A.V. Club. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
30. Sava, Oliver (June 9, 2017). "Drag Race ends the competition with strong performances and a weak runway". The A.V. Club. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
31. Sava, Oliver (June 16, 2017). "Drag Race's reunion delivers the exciting drama that season 9 lacked". The A.V. Club. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
32. Henderson, Eric (June 24, 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Season 9, Episode 14, "Grand Finale"". Slant Magazine. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
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External links

• Official website