RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under has made it’s mark on our sunburnt country after the franchise garnered millions of fans worldwide.
The second season of the Stan Original series – featuring queens from Australia and New Zealand – premiered July 30 and will wrap with the Grand Finale Saturday night.
While fans might be familiar with the queens on the catwalk, here is what the epic stars of the 2022 season look like out of drag.
Kween Kong a.k.a. Thomas Fonua
Kween Kong, 29, is originally from New Zealand, and of Tongan and Samoan heritage, currently residing in Adelaide
Kween Kong, 29, is originally from New Zealand, and of Tongan and Samoan heritage, currently residing in Adelaide.
She is the matriarch of Haus of Kong, a drag collective that aims to change the lives of its young recruits both on and off the stage.
Of the three finalists, Kween has had the rockiest stint after landing in the bottom two twice, clawing two wins, and ending her other weeks as safe or on a low.
Spankie Jackzon a.k.a. Blair Macbeth
Spankie Jackzon, 37, is a New Zealand drag performer best known for winning the $10,000 cash prize on the Kiwi series House of Drag
Spankie Jackzon, 37, is a New Zealand drag performer best known for winning the $10,000 cash prize on the Kiwi series House of Drag.
She is the official host and roving reporter of The Wellington International Pride Parade, bringing drag to small towns across Aotearoa.
This drag veteran had a rocky start as she landed in the bottom two during the first week, but has since gotten three wins under her belt with the other weeks ending on a high point for her – she will be one of the three finalists on Saturday night.
Hannah Conda a.k.a. Chris Collins
After conquering the Perth drag scene, Hannah Conda, 30, took a leap of faith and made her way to Sydney in 2015
After conquering the Perth drag scene, Hannah Conda, 30, took a leap of faith and made her way to Sydney in 2015.
She co-founded ‘Drag Storytime’ in 2016 where she reads to children while dressed in drag to teach them about inclusion, acceptance and love.
Hannah has had a decent run this season with three maxi challenge wins under her belt, and despite ending up in the bottom two last week, she will finish the series as a finalist.
Molly Poppinz a.k.a. Ricky Eldridge
Molly Poppinz, 30, originally made a name for herself in Vancouver after struggling to find the confidence to do drag in her hometown of Newcastle, NSW
Molly Poppinz, 30, originally made a name for herself in Vancouver after struggling to find the confidence to do drag in her hometown of Newcastle, NSW.
In 2018, she was crowned Vancouver’s most ‘Fierce Queen’, before returning to Newcastle to build a thriving drag community.
She entered the show with a bang, taking out the maxi challenge in the very first week, but it was her only win as she slowly declined before being sent home last week by Hannah Conda.
Beverly Kills a.k.a. Reece Perry Jackson
Beverly Kills, 21, started doing drag within just a few months of turning 18
Beverly Kills, 21, started doing drag within just a few months of turning 18.
Not just a pretty face, she offers something extra with her burlesque, including a good whipping and some fire breathing.
She cruised along in the safe zone for most of her stay on Down Under, before landing in the bottom two twice and later getting sent home by Kween Kong in episode six.
Yuri Guaii
Starting out at the age of 18, Yuri Guaii, 25, has been doing drag for going on eight years, making her start in the Auckland drag scene
Starting out at the age of 18, Yuri Guaii, 25, has been doing drag for going on eight years, making her start in the Auckland drag scene.
Having studied fashion design, her secret weapon is her sewing skills and she is known for creating all her own show-stopping drag looks.
The polished queen, who has not publicised her real name, won one challenge but was sent home in the fifth episode by Molly Poppinz.
Minnie Cooper a.k.a. Aaron Farley
Minnie Cooper, 49, is considered drag royalty among the Sydney circuit, with a glittering career that spans more than 20 years
Minnie Cooper, 49, is considered drag royalty among the Sydney circuit, with a glittering career that spans more than 20 years.
In 2016, she was a semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent, combining her drag and musical theatre talents.
She placed seventh after being eliminated by Beverly Kills.
Pomara Fifth a.k.a. Brad Kennedy
Growing up in the suburbs of Western Sydney, Pomara Fifth, 28, always stayed true to herself and never let the bullies and naysayers keep her down for long
Growing up in the suburbs of Western Sydney, Pomara Fifth, 28, always stayed true to herself and never let the bullies and naysayers keep her down for long.
She represents both First Nation Australian and Māori queens and has a reputation for being a versatile, multi-talented performer and host.
Pomara was sent home by Beverly Kills in the third episode.
Aubrey Haive a.k.a. Billy Donagh
Aubrey, 25, is no stranger to being in front of the camera, as she is already a budding actor and musical artiste
Aubrey, 25, is no stranger to being in front of the camera, as she is already a budding actor and musical artiste.
This fashion-forward queen originally hails from Timaru, New Zealand, but is now based in Melbourne.
Kween Kong sent this stylish queen home in the second episode.
Faúx Fúr
Faúx Fúr, 27, has been a regular face, and the loudest voice, on the Sydney drag scene for the last seven years
Faúx Fúr, 27, has been a regular face, and the loudest voice, on the Sydney drag scene for the last seven years.
She is proud to represent her Asian heritage, and comes with the biggest of hearts to uplift others through all her performances.
The drag queen, who has kept her real name a secret, was sent home by Spankie Jackzon in the first episode.
The second season of the Stan Original series – featuring queens from Australia and New Zealand – premiered July 30 and will wrap with the Grand Finale Saturday night
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