On March 28, 2025, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 graced viewers with episode 13, advancing its ongoing quest on MTV to find America’s Next Drag Superstar. As the competition narrows, only five queens remain in the running for the crown.
Following the latest episode, Parade magazine conducted an analysis on March 29, providing a power ranking of the remaining contestants. This ranking evaluates the queens based on their performances in challenges and patterns from the season, rather than relying on leaks or spoilers.
In the most recent power rankings: Jewels Sparkles finds herself in fifth place, with Lexi Love following closely in fourth position. Suzie Toot holds steady in third, while Onya Nurve, previously at the top, drops to second after her placement in the bottom two this week. Notably, Sam Star ascends to the frontrunner position following a standout makeover challenge that marked her third victory of the season.
Sam Star’s Transformational Triumph and Consistency in RuPaul’s Drag Race
With her recent win in episode 13, Sam Star has officially secured three challenge victories throughout the season. Her impressive makeover challenge performance has propelled her forward, especially following a string of top showings. Remarkably, she has only faced elimination once, maintaining a record of safety or stellar performance in most challenges.
Sam’s success story includes wins in episodes 2, 7, and 13 alongside multiple top placements, as she has valiantly escaped the consequences of lip sync battles. If she sustains this trajectory, her chances of reaching the finale and competing for the title look promising.
In contrast to her competitors, Sam Star showcases remarkable consistency without any recent declines in her placement. Her ability to perform strongly in both early and late-season challenges reflects her adaptability across various performance styles. At present, she matches Onya’s overall performance while leading in momentum, securing her position as a top contender this week.
Analysis of Other Contestants’ Rankings Based on Season Performance
Onya Nurve began this season powerfully, achieving four challenge wins—more than any other queen in the competition. However, her downward shift in episode 13, where she landed in the bottom two, has challenged her standing. Though her elimination was averted due to RuPaul’s “Double Shantay,”her recent performance raises questions about her stability as a frontrunner.
Onya’s victories include episodes 3, 6, 10, and 11; yet, two placements in the bottom two during the last four episodes hint at a weakening position. Meanwhile, Suzie Toot has maintained a consistent presence in the top, with wins in episodes 1 and 4, although she has yet to capture victories in the most recent episodes—an element that could affect her chances as the competition grows fiercer.
Lexi Love, having earned two wins—one individually and another shared with Onya—has faced fluctuating results. Notably, she experienced a bottom placement in episode 9 but bounced back with a win in episode 12, making her current ranking less stable than other competitors.
Lastly, Jewels Sparkles, with a solitary challenge victory, has faced significant challenges, including three bottom placements in her last four appearances on the show. Although saved from elimination, her recent track record positions her at the bottom of the current rankings.
Fans can catch new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race airing every Friday on MTV.