During the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, which took place on March 27, 2025, in Beverly Hills, queen Plasma from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 had a memorable encounter with Broadway legend Patti LuPone. Notably, Plasma had portrayed LuPone during the season’s Snatch Game challenge, making this meeting particularly special.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, published on March 28, 2025, Plasma recounted her excitement about meeting the iconic star. The two met near the Drag Race cast’s table, where LuPone immediately recognized Plasma and acknowledged her memorable portrayal.
“Meet your heroes, kids. Mine knew who I was,”she enthusiastically shared.
Plasma’s depiction of LuPone during Snatch Game was a tribute to the star’s prestigious background in musical theater. At the awards show, LuPone approached Plasma excitedly and even quoted a line from “Ladies Who Lunch,”a moment that resonated deeply with the queen.
Patti LuPone Acknowledges Plasma’s Talents
Reflecting on their introduction, Plasma shared how their conversation unfolded.
“So I did an impression of you on RuPaul’s Drag Race,” she explained.
To her surprise, LuPone exclaimed,
“Oh my God! It’s you! It’s you!”
Plasma noted that LuPone praised her makeup and echoed her Snatch Game moment by quoting “Ladies Who Lunch.”Their discussion also spanned topics like Times Square and tech rehearsals, demonstrating a genuine connection between the two. Before they parted ways, Plasma humorously remarked, “Please tell Bernadette I’m sorry for stealing her wig,” which elicited laughter from LuPone.
Plasma later shared photographs from this unforgettable meeting, including an embrace and another captured near the RuPaul’s Drag Race cast’s table. LuPone also captivated the audience during the event with her performance, delivering memorable lines from past contestants such as Aja and Bianca Del Rio.
Furthermore, at the GLAAD Media Awards, RuPaul’s Drag Race received recognition as the Outstanding Reality Competition Program. Notable Season 16 queens, including Sapphira Cristál, Plane Jane, Mirage, Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige, Morphine Love Dion, and Xunami Muse, were all present to celebrate this achievement.
Plasma: A Mentor and Icon in Drag
Apart from her dazzling performance, Plasma has also made significant contributions to the drag community as a mentor. In a recent interaction, Lana Ja’Rae, a competitor from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17, credited Plasma as her first drag mother.
“She was my mentor through the pageant and became my drag mother,” Lana reflected.
Starting her drag journey in Oklahoma, Lana met Plasma at a university pageant where she received valuable guidance and even a gown from her mentor. Despite Plasma’s move to New York City, their friendship has endured.
“We didn’t have time for each other that much anymore, but I love her. I carry some of the qualities that she gave me,” Lana expressed.
In addition to her memorable portrayal of Patti LuPone, Plasma garnered attention in Season 16 for also embodying Barbra Streisand in another challenge, showcasing her versatility and talent in the competition.
As for future interactions, Plasma humorously extended an invitation to LuPone, saying:
“Let’s get a bagel when we’re both back in NYC!”
Fans of the show can catch new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17, which air every Friday on MTV.