Netflix-created sitcom follows RuPaul as he traverses the country with his 10-year old stowaway, Amber "AJ" Jasmine. Together the two spend each episode in a different city, meeting new characters and influencing the lives of everyone they come across.
While RuPaul has been an icon since the 90's, in 2009 he revolutionized his image by creating and hosting the now-hit show, RuPaul's Drag Race. Over one-hundred drag queens have appeared on the program and with AJ and the Queen, RuPaul decided to share the spotlight, bringing twenty-two queens from across the seasons to appear in his new show. As a celebration of their success, here are the top ten appearances from Drag Race alumni on AJ and the Queen.
Jaymes Mansfield
Some queens can say everything they need to with just a look, and in episode three, "Columbus," Jaymes Mansfield demonstrates a master class in silent disapproval. The only Drag Race queen to appear in the episode, Mansfield, dazzling in a hot pink dress, uses every second of screen time to her advantage, cutting eyes at RuPaul and AJ as they cohabit a dressing room.
As the protagonist pair flee the club, Jaymes ultimately delivers her only line of the episode, bringing levity to a rapidly deteriorating situation.
Katya Zamolodchikova
Sharing a screen with RuPaul and Drag Race winner, Jinkx Monsoon, would intimidate even the most experienced thespian, yet in the "Pittsburgh" episode of the show, fan-favorite queen, Katya, shines.
Her exaggerated performance makes the exposition she dishes out captivating, where such an information dump could prove tedious in the hands of a less personable performer. Later in the episode, she is given an opportunity to impress her audience, showcasing dance skills, as well as comedic chops when has to deal with an explosive ending to her number.
Ginger Minj
Ginger Minj is no stranger to Netflix, previously appearing in the 2018 film Jane Krakowski.
A testament to their skills as an actor, Minj out of drag is just as resplendent as they are in it, granting Tommy a number of shining moments throughout the episode. Ultimately, Tommy decides to pursue his own drag career and their new persona, Fanny Pack, is born.
Ongina
Ongina, from the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race, is given the distinction of being the only Drag Race star to not appear in drag in their AJ and the Queen cameo.
In the show, Ongina needs a dress made by Rubys friend Louis; this is a plot point interwoven through the season and in episode four, Ongina finally shows up to demand their gown. The request is denied and the door is slammed in their face, but the dress is completed by the season's end, leaving the door open for Ongina to someday appear in drag if a second season is produced.
Pandora Boxx
The original comedy queen of the Drag Race franchise, Pandora appears in a jaw-dropping flashback, where the viewers are treated to scenes from the early days of Ruby Reds's career.
Ms. Boxx was a contestant on the second season of Drag Race, as well as the first All-Stars season, where her unique brand of humor cemented her as a pillar in the pantheon of RuPaul's Drag Race. Pandora was also prominently featured in the trailer for AJ and the Queen, where she is shown with the ventriloquist doll that acts as her double in her aforementioned scene.
Latrice Royale
Chunky yet funky, large in in charge, Latrice Royale makes her return to television in the "Jackson" episode of AJ and the Queen. Royale plays Fabergé Legs, the proprietor of the club Ruby and AJ stop at in Jackson, Mississippi as they traverse to Texas.
Latrice is given ample time to shine; with a prominent storyline throughout the episode, Royale turns in a performance full of camp, humor and heart, attributes that fans of Drag Race have come to adore about this southern superstar.
Chad Michaels
The first winner of Rupaul's Drag Race All Stars, Chad Michaels is also the first Drag Race alum to have a featured storyline on AJ and the Queen. Michaels serves as a confidant for Ruby, where it is revealed that they were both victims of the same scam artist. Several scenes are shared between the two, and Michaels reveals acting skills far beyond what was featured on either season of Drag Race she appeared on.
As a treat to viewers, RuPaul and Chad also perform a Cher duet, which is the female illusion that Ms. Michaels is recognized for worldwide.
Monique Heart
Monique Heart plays the drag daughter of Latrice Royale in the seventh episode of the season, reuniting the Rupauls Drag Race All Stars contestants. Her character, Miss Terri Tory, provides an opportunity to display the personality and charm that fans have grown to revere since her debut in the Drag Race series.
Monique leaps off the screen and the pairing with Latrice is inspired; the two play off each other with every moment they share. Terri Tory is even given her own performance number, granting Heart the chance to display their skills as a dancer.
Trinity the Tuck
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars winner, Trinity the Tuck, revels in the dark side of the drag world in the final episode of the series. Ruby has made it to the pageant that has been built up since episode one and AJ is finally going to see her grandfather, goals both characters have been working for nine episodes to achieve.
All that stands in their way is Danielle Dupri, played by Ms. Tuck, and Trinity basks in the villainous energy she is inhabiting. As the only queen to prominently antagonize Ruby, if given an opportunity in the second season, Dupri could prove to be a formidable adversary for both Ruby and AJ.
Kennedy Davenport
Kennedy Davenport, the Dancing Diva of Texas, and RuPaul's Drag Race All-Star runner-up plays a local queen at the featured bar in episode four, "Louisville." Davenport is a comedic powerhouse, shooting off one-liners throughout the episode that endure as some of the most memorable moments from the entire show.
With a single sentence, she manages to eclipse both RuPaul and Chad Michaels in a scene, a testament to her tremendous talent that leaves viewers clamoring for more.