The much-anticipated premiere of Drag Race Down Under Season 3 has left fans divided and discussing the show’s production woes. While the Australasian spin-off managed to redeem itself in its second season, the third season’s debut proved to be far from flawless. One glaring issue was the lack of investment in the werkroom, where the queens found themselves competing in a cramped and modest space, leaving viewers wondering why the franchise hadn’t allocated a more substantial budget for the show’s third iteration.
Many fans expressed their disappointment with the production quality, pointing out the rough and inconsistent lighting, as well as audio problems that affected the judging panel’s feedback. Michelle Visage’s critiques, in particular, were criticized for sounding like they were recorded in a less than ideal setting, undermining the show’s overall polish.
A Chaotic Performance Challenge
The first maxi-challenge tasked the queens with writing and performing an original verse to a mashup of RuPaul’s iconic songs. However, the stage proved to be too small for the ten contestants, resulting in a chaotic group performance. Viewers witnessed queens struggling to showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent under such constrained conditions. The lack of space and the rushed choreography hindered the queens from delivering their best performances.
Lip-Sync Controversy
The lip-sync showdown is a pivotal moment in any Drag Race episode, but the choice of Men at Work’s ‘Down Under’ proved to be divisive among fans and contestants alike. Many viewers felt that the classic reggae anthem did not lend itself well to the art of lip-syncing, lacking the emotional depth and rhythmic drive needed to make it an engaging performance. The lip-sync between Ivory Glaze and Amyl was considered one of the weakest in the franchise’s history, leading some to question the song selection and its impact on the queens’ ability to shine.
A Heartbreaking Elimination
Following the polarizing lip-sync, Amyl faced elimination, becoming the first queen to leave the competition. Although she found herself in the bottom two due to her performance, Amyl had captured hearts with her endearing personality and undeniable talent. Fans mourned the departure of this standout queen and expressed hope for her return in a rumored first-outs season.
Drag Race Down Under Season 3 has certainly sparked discussions within the LGBTQ community and beyond. As the season progresses, viewers eagerly await if production issues will be addressed and if the queens will have the chance to truly showcase their artistry and talent in the episodes to come.
