‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’ Queens Reveal Why They Returned to the Competition

 

Welcome to the dazzling world of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10! The highly anticipated tenth season premieres on Paramount+ on May 9, 2025, and it’s already creating a storm of excitement. Six fierce queens—Aja, Bosco, Irene the Alien, Olivia Lux, Phoenix, and Deja Skye—are stepping back into the werkroom as part of the Orange Bracket. In exclusive interviews with TheWrap, these queens spilled the tea on why they returned to the competition. Spoiler alert: the new bracket-style format and personal redemption arcs played a huge role! Let’s dive into the glittery details of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 and uncover what makes this season a must-watch.

Exciting Reveal: A Game-Changing Bracket Format Shakes Up ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’

The buzz around RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 is electric, thanks to its innovative bracket-style format. Unlike previous seasons, the 18 queens are divided into three brackets of six, with only the top three from each advancing to the semifinals. The finale? A jaw-dropping Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown! This fresh twist promises unpredictable challenges and fierce competition, making every episode a rollercoaster for fans and queens alike.

Surprising Fact: A Historic Milestone for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’

Did you know RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 marks the franchise’s 20th season overall, including main series and spin-offs? Since its debut in 2009, the show has crowned 24 winners across its various formats, with All Stars 10 set to add another icon to the hall of fame in 2025. This milestone highlights the show’s enduring impact on pop culture and drag artistry.

Why the Queens of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’ Said Yes to the Werkroom

Bosco and Deja Skye: Thriving in the Bracket Spotlight

Bosco, the “Demon Queen of Seattle” from Season 14, is no stranger to Drag Race gimmicks. After surviving elimination thanks to a golden chocolate bar, she’s thrilled about the bracket format. “It’s a total game-changer,” Bosco shared with TheWrap. “It keeps you on your toes, and fans won’t know what’s coming next.” Her Season 14 sister, Deja Skye, agreed, noting the format’s intensity. “With only six queens per bracket, there’s nowhere to hide. Every moment counts,” Deja said. Their excitement reflects the high stakes of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10.

Irene the Alien and Phoenix: Rewriting Their ‘Drag Race’ Legacy

For some queens, All Stars 10 is a chance to rewrite their story. Irene the Alien, the first to sashay away on Season 15, sees this as her true debut. “I barely got to show who I am last time,” Irene told TheWrap. “This season, I’m living every challenge like it’s my first.” Similarly, Phoenix, an early exit from Season 3 in 2011, feels the weight of her return. “Being from an older season, you can feel overlooked,” Phoenix said. “This is my shot to shine.” Their determination makes RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 a redemption runway.

Olivia Lux and Aja: Finding Confidence and Identity

Olivia Lux, from Season 13, jumped at the chance to return. After joining the House of Miyake-Mugler in 2021, she found new fire in her drag. “Ballroom gave me confidence I didn’t have before,” Olivia shared. “I’m here to show my full self.” Meanwhile, Aja, a veteran of Season 9 and All Stars 3, hesitated at first. “As a trans woman, I worried drag might conflict with my identity,” Aja admitted. “But I realized trans women are drag’s heart and soul. I’m back to show a side of me the world hasn’t seen.” Their journeys add depth to RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10.

Past Event: How Season 14’s Twists Shaped Bosco and Deja’s Return

Back in 2022, Season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race introduced the golden chocolate bar, a twist that saved Bosco from elimination. “That moment taught me to expect the unexpected,” Bosco said. Deja Skye, who reached the finale, learned to stand out in a crowded cast. These experiences prepared them for the bracket format of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10, where adaptability is key. Their Season 14 sisterhood adds a layer of camaraderie to the competition.

Relevant History: Early Exits and Long-Awaited Comebacks

The Drag Race franchise has a history of giving early-out queens a second chance. Season 3’s Phoenix and Season 15’s Irene the Alien join the ranks of legends like Trixie Mattel, who turned an early exit into All Stars glory. Meanwhile, Aja’s return marks her third Drag Race appearance, a rare feat. These comebacks remind fans that RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 is about resilience and reinvention.

Social Media Buzz: Fans Can’t Get Enough of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’

Fans are lighting up X with reactions to the All Stars 10 cast. One user posted, “Aja’s back and I’m LIVING! She’s gonna slay this bracket!” Another fan tweeted, “Irene the Alien deserves this glow-up. Rooting for her!” The excitement is palpable, with hashtags like #AllStars10 and #DragRace trending ahead of the May 9 premiere. This buzz underscores the cultural phenomenon of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10.

Expert Opinions: What ‘All Stars 10’ Means for Drag Culture

Entertainment commentator Jarett Wieselman told TheWrap, “The bracket format is a bold move for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10. It mirrors sports tournaments, making drag more accessible to mainstream audiences.” Drag historian Tom Fitzgerald added, “Queens like Aja and Phoenix returning show how Drag Race evolves with its stars, reflecting broader conversations about identity and artistry.” These insights highlight the season’s impact beyond the runway.

Conclusion

RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 is shaping up to be a landmark season, blending fierce competition with heartfelt stories of growth. From Bosco and Deja Skye embracing the bracket format to Irene the Alien and Phoenix seeking redemption, each queen brings a unique spark to the werkroom. Olivia Lux and Aja’s journeys of confidence and identity add emotional depth, making this season a celebration of drag’s diversity. Premiering May 9, 2025, on Paramount+, All Stars 10 promises unforgettable moments. Who’s your favorite queen? Share your thoughts in the comments!

FAQ

Q: When does ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’ premiere?
A: The season premieres on May 9, 2025, on Paramount+.

Q: Who are the queens in the Orange Bracket?
A: Aja, Bosco, Irene the Alien, Olivia Lux, Phoenix, and Deja Skye.

Q: What’s new about ‘All Stars 10’?
A: The bracket-style format divides 18 queens into three groups, with only the top three from each advancing.

Q: Why did Aja hesitate to return?
A: Aja, a trans woman, initially worried drag might conflict with her identity but returned to showcase her evolved artistry.