BY Eric Rezsnyak

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is often called “the Olympics of drag,” and this summer, it really IS exactly that, as the brand new spinoff series, “RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars” will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ Friday, August 16.

What makes “Global All Stars” different? Like the Olympics, the cast features queens from across the globe, with one queen representing nearly every single international “Drag Race” franchise. (Sorry to Espana, Holland, and Thailand — but rumor has it those franchises will at least get some level of representation.) These 12 queens are some of the best from their countries, and they’ll be showing the world exactly what they can do on a global stage in hopes of capturing the crown and $200,000.

Below find the Great Pop Culture Debate's ranking of the Top 10 “Global All Stars” promo looks, as well as our initial impressions after the queen reveal. Note that the writer has watched EVERY SINGLE FUCKING SEASON of this franchise, including the international ones. So he knows what he’s talking about. (Sometimes.)

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12. Vanity Vain (Sweden)

If you haven’t watched “Drag Race Sverige,” I highly recommend checking it out. There’s only one season, there’s only 8 episodes, and I found it to be a delight. Host Robert Fux is, in my opinion, one of the best international hosts. I hope the show gets renewed for Season 2. Vanity is our “Sverige” rep, and that’s a great choice — although I wonder why they’re keeping runner-up Fontana in reserve (she’s a star in the making). Vanity was a finalist, and gave us not only in-your-face sexuality, but also some great performances along the way. She’s unapologetic in her drag in a way that I think will speak directly to RuPaul’s old-school sensibilities. Excited to see her here. That said, I don’t know what happened with her promo look. The beading on it is beautiful, and I’m always here for a fringe moment. But almost every single thing she wore on the runway of “Sverige” Season 1 was more interesting than what is, ultimately, a bedazzled bodysuit.

11. Athena Likis (Belgium)

Athena was a finalist on Season 1 of “Drag Race Belgique” (then as Sorgelikis). Another solid all-around performer, Athena’s main issue here is that Athena doesn’t really “pop” as a personality, and “Belgique” is one of the most ignored franchises overall. But I love Belgium! One of my favorite places to visit. And Athena is truly a very cool queen. Her androgynous style resulted in some good looks on “Belgique” S1. I have a feeling that center piece of her promo look is interesting, but it’s difficult to make out what is going on aside from the red and yellow cording.

10. Nehellenia (Italy)

“Sailor Moon” superfan Nehellenia comes to us from “Drag Race Italia” Season 2, where she was a runner-up in a very competitive season. (If you dropped “Italia” after its first, nearly unwatchable season, give it a second chance; Season 2 is stellar and Season 3 has a lot to love.) Nehellenia is a massive threat coming into this. She can do pretty much everything well. She’s gorgeous, she had terrific runways, and she is HILARIOUS. RuPaul is going to gobble her up, I know it. I cannot wait to watch. Her MTQ interview was incredibly charming. I don’t know what happened with this promo. From the chest down it’s solid — I like the quilted pieces. But the arm pieces look VERY Legs Avenue. Nehellenia is so much better than this outfit.

9. Gala Varo (Mexico)

Gala was a runner-up on Season 1 of “Drag Race Mexico,” in what was a VERY strong Final 4 — fellow finalists Matraka and Regina Voce are both incredible queens, and they were all up against the unstoppable Cristian Peralta, who steamrolled that competition in a way very few queens have ever dominated “Drag Race.” The trick with “DRMex1” is that while the finalists were all very strong, the rest of the cast was largely filled with duds. How will Gala fare in a field that is tough from the get go? I’m curious to see it. For her promo look, I love the stoned boxing gloves and the cape — beautiful.

8. Soa de Muse (France)

Soa was part of the star-marking “DRFrance” Season 1, which also gave us “UK vs. the World” 2 standout La Grande Dame, “Drag Race Mexico” host Lolita Banana, and, you know, the winner, Paloma, who went on to appear in a “Walking Dead” spinoff. If you are not watching “Drag Race France,” this is your call to catch up now — it has eclipsed UK and Espana as the best of the international series (even acknowledging the slip in quality for the currently airing Season 3). Soa is stunning, modelesque, and beguiling. I cannot wait to see how gag-inducing she is now that she has more experience and coin. The coat in the promo look is everything. That wig is killing my soul. I could listen to Soa say “RuPaul” all day long. Her Meet the Queen interview is a standout. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that almost every single other queen mentions her as a close colleague in their interviews.

7. Miranda LeBrao (Brazil)

It was refreshing to see Miranda be so positive and excited in her Meet the Queen. “Drag Race Brasil” was one of my least-favorite seasons of 2023 — there was a negativity that permeated much of the competition, and by the end of it, Miranda seemed miserable. That said, I think Miranda is an interesting queen, I think she has a compelling back story, and there is no doubt that she is talented, having performed well pretty much the whole competition. I hope she can keep up these vibes in “Global,” because I was reminded why I initially rooted for her. I think this promo look is one of the most elegant of the bunch, and still playful and creative with the soccer-pattern bodysuit. This Miranda excites me!

6. Alyssa Edwards (United States of America)

Miss Alyssa Edwards is back, back, back again for this “All Stars” gig! The beloved dancing doll from Season 5 (a lovely fourth alternate) and “All Stars” 2 (a lovely fourth alternate) returns for her third shot at the crown. Alyssa has had a tremendous amount of success in the 10+ years since she appeared on “Drag Race,” including her own Netflix series, competing on other reality shows such as Prime Video’s batshit “The GOAT,” and performing with a wide range of bold-faced celebrities. She is quite literally an icon. We all know that Alyssa makes for incredible television. But does she really have what it takes to win the crown? And does an American queen have advantage, given that Ru is the main judge? We’ll have to see! The promo is effective and surprisingly restrained (yes, I see all of the elements festooned to the corset). The theme was integrating national flags with sports themes, and it would have been super easy to go jingoistic red, white, band blue American-flag bullshit here. I adore that she saved that only for the shoes.

5. Kitty Scott-Claus (United Kingdom)

Kitty was a finalist on the cursed third season of “Drag Race UK.” In her defense, she was one of the brightest lights on that otherwise dismal season, giving us a touch of camp, a dash of glamour, and just gobs of personality. Humor was always her strong suit, but there seemed to be confidence issues. We’ll see if she’s more fully comfortable with her own star power. That was honestly the only thing holding her back in “UK3.” Delighted to have her back, and she looks drop-dead gorgeous here. That Union Jack mini didn’t read well in the Meet the Queen, but this whole look is a serve (pun intendended).

4. Kween Kong (Australia)

JUST edging out Kitty in my promo-look rankings, Kween Kong comes to us from “Drag Race Down Under” Season 2, where she was a runner-up in easily the most competitive (and enjoyable) season of that franchise. Kween is a powerhouse performer; her lipsyncs are legendary, as she literally launches herself into the air, doing barrel rolls and shit. It’s wild to watch. Kween’s run on “DU2” was rocky, but there was clear star power there and several stand-out moments. She’s had several years to further come into her own. Super excited to see her back. The promo already shows growth. Those metal accessories are exquisite, and the mug is so soft. That gorgeous blue fabric? I bow to you, my queen.

3. Eva Le Queen (Philippines)

Eva was a finalist on “Drag Race Philippines” Season 1. Inspired by female villains, she’s a lot of fun; while she didn’t win a single challenge in her season, I don’t recall her ever doing terribly. She’s a solid all-around performer, but can she push through a very crowded field here to capture RuPaul’s attention? Especially after her sister Marina Summers dazzled Ru on “UK vs. the World” S2? We’ll find out! As for this promo look, the Pinoy girls bring it to you every fucking ball, and Eva is no exception. Her Meet the Queen interview makes it clear that she is not just representing Philippines, but ALL of Asian drag. (It’s a shame we do not have more Asian franchises.) That headdress is stunning, and the beaded chest piece into that luxurious, sheer orange skirt — it’s luscious.

2. Tessa Testicle (Germany)

Tessa is, frankly, a wild inclusion in this list. While every other member of the “Global All Stars” cast was either a finalist or a fan favorite (Alyssa x2), Tessa was neither. In fact, her track record on her original season was four Bottom 2 placements in her five episodes. That is crazy. The thing is, Tessa has potential. You could see it in her performances; there’s a spark there, a hunger. Her Achilles heel was, without question, her wardrobe, which was VERY limited/crunchy. This is a huge opportunity for Tessa, and I’m fascinated to see how she does, going in as ostensibly the underdog. And based on her promo look, she’s making the most of it. Look at this fucking bitch. Look at her! Tessa Testicle if you are reading this, you should be SO proud. She looks INCREDIBLE. Everything about this is gorgeous, it elongates her already long body, the archery-related corset elements — incredible. I was also lowkey obsessed with her Meet the Queen interview. Talk about a glow-up, my god…

1. Pythia (Canada)

Pythia is our Grecian goddess representing Canada, having been a runner-up on “Canada’s Drag Race” Season 2 (a very good season). Pythia’s strength is easily her runways; she is a wonderfully inventive queen, sending stunning creations (almost all designed and sewn by her) down the runway week after week on “CAN2.” If you enjoyed Crystal Methyd on U.S. Season 12, you’ll LOVE Pythia. She’s also a funny queen who can give it to you in a performance. Curious to see how she has grown in the past several years. I think Pythia is probably going to be our fashion queen of the season, and it’s fitting that she gets the top spot here. While a few of the other promo looks are more conventionally beautiful (Eva’s especially), Pythia’s is the most interesting. It incorporates her national flag colors (red and white) as well as the sport element (fencing) in a way that is quintessentially Pythia. It’s chic, it’s camp, it’s “champ.” The buttons on the coat are completely unnecessary and yet simultaneously everything. The stoning, even up through the wig, is immaculate. I wouldn’t change a thing.

What do you think of the “Global All Stars” promos? Which queens had your favorite looks? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. And make sure you check out our previous “Drag Race” recaps!

And make sure to check out our other Top 10 lists for more great pop-culture rankings!

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