"Oh. My. Gaga!" is the first episode of the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.^[1][2][3] Lady Gaga is a guest judge. The episode was recognized by the Primetime Emmy Awards.^[4]

Episode

The premiere introduces thirteen contestants: Alexis Michelle, Aja, Charlie Hides, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Eureka, Farrah Moan, Jaymes Mansfield, Kimora Black, Nina Bo'nina Brown, Peppermint, Sasha Velour, Shea Couleé, and Trinity Taylor.

Lady Gaga was a special guest for her first time, though her songs had been performed on the show previously.^[5][6] Her participation included a recorded segment as her alter ego Ronnie.^[7] Lady Gaga also appeared in the corresponding episode of Untucked, setting a new precedent for making a backstage appearance with the contestants.^[8][9]

For the runway, contestants are tasked with presenting a look representing their hometown.^[10] In addition to RuPaul and guest judge Lady Gaga, the panel includes Michelle Visage, Carson Kresley, and Ross Mathews.^[11] Nina Bo'nina Brown is declared the winner. The episode does not include a lip-sync, and no contestant is eliminated.

Reception

Oliver Sava of The A.V. Club gave the episode a rating of 'B+'.^[12] Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine wrote, "Even lesser episodes of Drag Race go down like cotton candy, but this premiere lip-synced not for its life, nor the show's legacy."^[5]

See also

• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Programming
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured Reality or Competition Program

References