The Meeks Shall Inherit the Crown: Fans React as RuPaul Crowns the Season Winner of Drag Race

By James Wilson 04/18/2026

Start your engines, because America has a brand new drag superstar! After a season of high-fashion serves and jaw-dropping lip syncs, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season officially came to a close on Friday night, and the internet is absolutely buzzing over the results.

The finale saw the top three queens—Darlene Mitchell, Myki Meeks, and Nini Coco—fighting for the title, but it was Orlando’s very own Myki Meeks who ultimately snatched the crown and the scepter. Myki’s victory comes after a late-season surge that saw her winning the final three challenges in a row, proving that she was the one to beat when it mattered most.

A Legendary Lip Sync and a Surprise Guest

Before the final coronation, the “Mother of Drag” had a special surprise for the audience. Global pop icon Miley Cyrus was on hand to receive the “Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award,” and she stayed to watch the top two queens battle it out to her hit “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved.”

The final Lip Sync for the Crown between Myki and Nini Coco was a masterclass in charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. While Nini put up a massive fight, Myki’s performance sealed her fate. Season winner Onya Nurve appeared to pass down the crown, marking the official start of the Meeks era.

“This is for my friends, my family, all of Orlando,” Myki told the cheering crowd. “Live fiercely, love boldly, and write it in the books baby, the Meeks shall inherit the crown!”

Fan Reactions and Miss Congeniality

Social media was set ablaze during the broadcast, particularly when second runner-up Darlene Mitchell provided a moment of comedic gold. Upon being told she was leaving the competition, she jokingly turned to RuPaul and asked, “You sure?”

The comment immediately went viral on X, with fans praising Darlene’s humor. “Darlene asking Ru ‘You sure?’ is the energy I’m taking into my performance review on Monday,” one fan tweeted.

The title of Miss Congeniality, voted on by the fellow cast members, went to Jane Don’t. Although Jane’s elimination in episode was considered one of the most shocking of the season, her peers honored her as the heart of the workroom.

A History-Making Prize

This year, the stakes were higher than ever. Not only did Myki Meeks take home the standard $, cash prize, but she also secured a first-of-its-kind deal: an official makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics.

RuPaul himself celebrated the win in a heartfelt statement: “From the beginning, Myki has demonstrated the true essence of a superstar. I’m excited to experience more of her special brand of joy, laughter and love throughout her brilliant career.”

The Final Standings

As the confetti settles, here is how the queens of Season finished the race:

Winner: Myki Meeks

Winner: Myki Meeks

Runner-up: Nini Coco

Runner-up: Nini Coco

Third place: Darlene Mitchell

Third place: Darlene Mitchell

Fourth place: Juicy Love Dion

Fourth place: Juicy Love Dion

Miss Congeniality: Jane Don’t

Miss Congeniality: Jane Don’t

With the crown now resting in Orlando, fans are already looking ahead to see how Myki will use her platform—and what that makeup collab will look like when it hits shelves!

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