The Rose Petal Revolution: Where Are The Iconic Queens Of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9 Now (2025 Update)?
Eight years after its revolutionary debut on VH1, RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9 remains one of the most pivotal and discussed seasons in the franchise’s history. The 2017 season introduced the game-changing "Lip-Sync for the Crown" finale format and featured a cast of queens who have since become global superstars, dominating music, television, and Broadway. As of late 2025, the legacy of this iconic season continues to grow, marked by groundbreaking post-show careers and the queens embracing new identities.
This retrospective dives into the current projects, achievements, and latest news from the fourteen queens who defined a new era of drag, from the intellectual artistry of the winner to the undeniable charisma of Miss Congeniality, providing the freshest update on where they are now.
The Full Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9: Biography and Final Placement
Season 9, which premiered on March 24, 2017, was a significant milestone, being the first season to air on VH1 after the show’s move from LogoTV. It featured 14 queens competing for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar."
- Sasha Velour (Winner): The intellectual, Brooklyn-based queen known for her high-concept looks and the legendary "Rose Petal Reveal."
- Peppermint (Runner-up): A New York City legend and the first openly trans woman to make it to the finale.
- Shea Couleé (3rd/4th Place): A Chicago queen and a fierce competitor who tied the record for most main challenge wins (four) in a regular season.
- Trinity The Tuck (4th Place - then Trinity Taylor): The Atlanta pageant queen known for her polished aesthetic and hilarious Snatch Game performance.
- Alexis Michelle (5th Place): A New York theater queen celebrated for her performance skills and dramatic flair.
- Farrah Moan (6th Place): The Las Vegas showgirl known for her soft-glam makeup and emotional sensitivity.
- Valentina (7th Place & Miss Congeniality): The stunning, high-fashion queen whose dramatic mid-season elimination became instantly infamous.
- Nina Bo'nina Brown (8th Place): The Atlanta-based queen known for her elaborate, conceptual looks and struggle with self-doubt.
- Eureka O'Hara (9th Place - Injured): The large-and-in-charge queen who was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury but returned for Season 10.
- Cynthia Lee Fontaine (10th Place): A returning queen from Season 8, known for her "Cucu" and infectious energy.
- Aja (11th Place): The Brooklyn banjee queen known for her energetic lip-syncs and memorable runway moments.
- Kimora Blac (12th Place): The Las Vegas beauty queen known for her plastic surgery jokes and stunning body.
- Charlie Hides (13th Place): The veteran London-based queen known for her viral YouTube videos.
- Jaymes Mansfield (14th Place): The quirky, puppet-loving queen from Wisconsin and the first eliminated.
The Legacy of Season 9's Game-Changing Finale and Iconic Moments
Season 9 is historically significant not just for its talent, but for fundamentally altering the structure of the show. The traditional final runway and reunion format was replaced by the high-stakes "Lip-Sync for the Crown" tournament.
The finale pitted the Top Four—Sasha Velour, Shea Couleé, Peppermint, and Trinity The Tuck—against each other in a series of sudden-death lip-sync battles. This format change, driven by the need to create a more TV-friendly climax, has been used in almost every subsequent season.
The defining moment of the entire season, and perhaps the franchise, was Sasha Velour's performance of Whitney Houston’s "So Emotional." Her reveal of a torrent of red rose petals hidden beneath her wig and gloves became an instant viral sensation, cementing her win over Shea Couleé and showcasing a new, intellectual approach to the art of lip-syncing.
Beyond the finale, the season delivered numerous memorable moments and entities:
- "Oh. My. Gaga!": The premiere episode, featuring guest judge Lady Gaga, is considered one of the strongest in the show's history.
- The Valentina Mask-Gate: Valentina’s infamous elimination after refusing to remove her mask during a lip-sync to Ariana Grande’s "Greedy," leading to the iconic "You need to say something!" line.
- Trinity The Tuck's Snatch Game: Her hilarious, spot-on impersonation of Amanda Lepore remains a benchmark for the challenge.
- Shea Couleé's Dominance: Shea's impressive four main challenge wins established her as a powerhouse competitor, even without the crown.
Where Are The Season 9 Queens Now: Major Post-Show Successes (2025 Updates)
The Season 9 cast has collectively achieved massive success, with multiple queens returning for *All Stars* and others becoming major figures in mainstream entertainment. Here are the latest updates on the most successful alumni.
The Top Four: Winners, All Stars, and Broadway
Sasha Velour (The Winner)
Sasha Velour has focused on high-concept, theatrical drag, avoiding the *All Stars* circuit to champion her unique brand. Her one-queen show, *Smoke & Mirrors*, has toured globally, blending stunning visual art with personal storytelling. In 2025, she continues to produce her celebrated drag magazine, *Velour: The Drag Magazine*, and is a prominent figure in the international art and fashion scenes.
Shea Couleé (The All Stars Champion)
After her controversial Top Four exit, Shea Couleé returned and won *RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 5*, solidifying her status as a "Lip-Sync Assassin." She has since launched a successful music career, with new projects and tours scheduled for 2025. Shea is also a major fashion icon, having walked runways for major designers and collaborated with luxury brands.
Trinity The Tuck (The Co-Winner)
Trinity The Tuck (formerly Trinity Taylor) returned for *All Stars 4* and famously became a co-winner alongside Monét X Change. She has since competed on other reality shows, further establishing herself as a reality TV personality and recording artist. In 2025, Trinity remains one of the most booked and busy queens, known for her polished look and sharp wit.
Peppermint (The Broadway Star)
Peppermint’s appearance as the first openly trans woman to reach the finale was a historic moment. Post-show, she made history again by becoming the first trans woman to create a principal role on Broadway in the musical *Head Over Heels*. In 2025, she continues her work as an activist, actress, and musician, using her platform to advocate for trans rights and visibility.
The Breakthrough Stars: Valentina and Eureka O'Hara
Valentina (Miss Congeniality)
Valentina, who also competed on *All Stars 4*, has made a significant mark in acting and fashion. In a major 2025 update, Valentina came out as a trans woman, a journey she has shared with fans. She has appeared in the live television musical *Rent: Live* and continues to pursue her singing and acting career, becoming a fashion darling in the process.
Eureka O'Hara (The Comeback Queen)
After her injury, Eureka returned for Season 10 and finished as a runner-up, then competed on *All Stars 6*. In 2025, Eureka has also embraced her identity as a trans woman and released a new children's book, *Jackson Bright in the Spotlight*, aimed at promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance. She also co-hosted the HBO reality series *We're Here* for multiple seasons, bringing drag to small-town America.
Other Notable Queens and Their 2025 Projects
Aja: Returned for *All Stars 3* and later transitioned to a career as a non-binary rapper and musical artist, focusing on their unique "banjee" style and music production.
Alexis Michelle: Continues to be a prominent figure in the New York City cabaret and theater scene, known for her live performances and hosting various events.
Farrah Moan: Known for her classic Hollywood look, she continues to tour extensively, often appearing on the *Werq the World* tour and maintaining a massive social media following for her stunning beauty looks.
Kimora Blac: Has appeared on other reality TV shows and is a popular influencer, focusing heavily on beauty, fashion, and her signature "plastic" aesthetic.
Jaymes Mansfield: The first queen eliminated, Jaymes has found great success on YouTube, specializing in wig styling tutorials and comedy, becoming a highly respected wig expert in the drag community.
Nina Bo'nina Brown: Continues to create unique, conceptual drag, often focusing on her distinctive makeup and costumes, and remains a fan-favorite for her honesty and artistry.
Charlie Hides: The British veteran continues to perform in London and internationally, leveraging her long career and viral video fame.
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