RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17, Episode 11 Recap
The latest installment of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 17, Episode 11 aired on MTV on March 11, 2025. This episode featured a comedic dramatization titled Ross Mathews vs. the Ducks, drawing inspiration from the antics of online personalities.
Highlights of Episode 11
In a fiercely competitive atmosphere, Onya Nurve emerged as a standout performer, winning over the judges and securing her place at the top. Conversely, Lydia B. Kollins and Lana Ja’Rae found themselves in the elimination showdown, battling for their continuance in the competition.
Judging Panel and Guest Appearances
The iconic RuPaul Charles returned alongside Carson Kressley and Michelle Visage, with Cheyenne Jackson and singer Sam Smith making special guest appearances. The episode’s synopsis gives a nod to classic literary influences:
“As a tribute to Truman Capote and his Swans, the queens must act up a storm in a high camp tale of betrayal. Cheyenne Jackson (American Horror Story) directs; singer Sam Smith guest judges.”
Key Moments from the Werk Room
Shock and Drama Post-Elimination
Kicking off the episode, the remaining queens—Jewels Sparkles, Lana Ja’Rae, Lexi Love, Lydia Butthole Kollins, Onya Nurve, Sam Star, and Suzie Toot—returned to their Werk Room following Arrietty’s exit from the competition. Upon their arrival, they discovered a stinging message left behind by Arrietty, written in lipstick on a mirror, which poked fun at Onya’s breath.
“As one smelly bitch to another, Onya, please brush your teeth,”Jewels recounted Arrietty’s biting words.
During her confessional, Jewels revealed that Onya had shared her struggles with bad breath, highlighting the emotional toll it had taken on her. Upset by Arrietty’s cruel parting shot, Onya called her a “hateful as* b*tch,”asserting that such behavior justified her elimination.
The Challenge: Performing in The Ducks
Following this drama, RuPaul entered the Werk Room to announce the week’s main challenge, instructing the queens to flex their acting skills in a scripted spoof entitled The Ducks, modeled after viral socialite stories. With Cheyenne Jackson at the helm as director, the excitement was palpable.
The character assignments for the challenge were distributed as follows:
- Jewels: Chicago
- Suzie: Felicity Slanderpump
- Lexi: Lisa Rimmer
- Onya: Big Fupa
- Lana: Drippy Q
- Lydia: Dr. Scattington
- Sam: Shonda Cox
Following the performances, the judges expressed approval of Sam, Suzie, and Lexi’s acts, granting them safety. However, Lana, Lydia, and Jewels found themselves at the bottom of the rankings. Ultimately, Onya was praised for her exceptional performance, winning the challenge.
Last Chance Lip-Sync Showdown
With Lydia and Lana facing elimination, they prepared for a dramatic lip-sync battle set to Sam Smith’s Unholy. After a fierce competition, it was Lana who impressed the judges more, resulting in Lydia’s departure from the show.
Current Standings of the Queens
As Season 17 progresses, six queens remain in the running. Here’s a breakdown of their competition records:
- Lana Ja’Rae (New York, NY): Safe, Safe, Safe, Safe, Bottom, Bottom, Safe, Safe, Top, Bottom
- Jewels Sparkles (Tampa, FL): Top, Safe, Safe, Safe, Safe, Top, Top, Win, Bottom, Bottom
- Lexi Love (Louisville, KY): Win, Safe, Safe, Safe, Safe, Top, Safe, Top, Bottom, Top
- Sam Star (Leeds, AL): Safe, Win, Safe, Bottom, Top, Top, Win, Safe, Top, Top
- Suzie Toot (Fort Lauderdale, FL): Win, Safe, Top, Win, Safe, Safe, Top, Safe, Safe, Top
- Onya Nurve (Cleveland, OH): Safe, Win, Safe, Bottom, Top, Top, Win, Safe, Top, Top
Episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 premiere every Friday on MTV, ensuring fans have the chance to follow all the sizzling drama and remarkable performances.