Drag

Drag Race France season 2 winner makes herstory: “Undeniable perfection”

By Jordan Robledo

27th August 2023

Instagram: @dragrace_france

The winner of the second season of Drag Race France has made franchise herstory.

Brace yourself for spoilers.

Over the last eight weeks, viewers have followed the 11 talented queens of season two as they battled in lip-sync smackdowns, delivered fierce runway ensembles, and competed in various maxi-challenges, such as the iconic Snatch Game. 

On this week’s grand finale, the top four contestants – Keiona, Mami Watta, Punani and Sara Forever – flocked to Grand Rex in Paris to participate in one final smackdown for the crown and title of France’s Next Drag Superstar.

Like its US predecessor, the grand finale featured the queens performing original numbers that showcased their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.

Legendary star Keoina kicked off the festivities with her stunning and dance-heavy performance of ‘Déjà une star.’

The second queen to take the stage was Arles-based talent Punani, who delivered a sultry lip-sync to her track ‘La Punamité.

Before the third lip-sync, host Nicky Doll brought back the eliminated queens to discuss some of their most notable moments throughout the competition.

After the brief break, Mami Watta strutted across the stage and delivered a glamorous performance of her original song ‘Moi, moi, moi.’

For the last performance of the evening, Sara channelled her inners 80s pop queen during her lip-sync of ‘Madame Forever.’

Instagram: @dragrace_france

Instagram: @dragrace_france

Before the final two contestants were announced, the whole cast performed a song from the iconic Rusical Le Bossu de Notre Drag (The Hunchback of Notre Drag: The Rusical).

Following the fantastic number, Drag Race France season one queen Elips passed her Miss Congeniality crown to Moon, who became the first self-eliminated queen to secure the title. 

“I can’t believe it. Thank you!” she exclaimed while wearing her sash. 

After revealing the Miss Congeniality winner, Nicky announced Keiona and Sara as the top two queens – with Mami and Punani landing in third place.

After a brief intermission, the final two competitors returned to the main stage to deliver an electric performance to David Guetta’s hit single ‘Titanium’ featuring Sia. 

Unsurprisingly, the two showstopping talents delivered a variety of fierce tricks, splits, and ruveals, which were well received by the enthusiastic audience. Ultimately, Nicky crowned Keiona as France’s Next Drag Superstar.

Throughout the season, Keiona captivated fans with her breathtaking looks, incredible humor and inspiring journey within the drag and Ballroom scene. 

Instagram: @dragrace_france

Instagram: @dragrace_france

She also made herstory as the only queen in the entire Drag Race universe to consistently place in the top spot of every maxi-challenge.

With her win, Kieona has added another herstoric feat to her legacy by becoming the first Black international winner within the Drag Race franchise. 

Lastly, the Paris-based queen takes home a crystal crown and a sceptre from Y Paris (worth 40,000 euros), an all-expenses paid trip to New York City courtesy of Mr BnB, a year’s supply of MAC cosmetics and a spot on the cover of Elle France. 

“I’m shivering. I don’t really know what to say. I’m feeling a lot of different emotions, it’s been quite a long road,” Keiona said during her acceptance speech. 

“I can say thank you to all the people who are here, who’ve been with me along this road, who’ve been with me since forever, so I want to thank you all, but I’m also very proud of myself. When I got into this competition, [this is] what I wanted, I’ve never hid that from the beginning. Thank you! I’m so moved.” 

 

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Check out fan reactions to Keiona’s incredible and herstoric Drag Race France win below.