Securing a coveted spot on RuPaul’s Drag Race is a dream come true for many drag performers. It involves years of applying, preparing, and investing time, money, and energy into their craft. However, there have been moments when contestants, despite their extensive preparations, decided to make the difficult choice to quit competing on the iconic show. Such instances are rare in Drag Race history, spanning over 15 years and multiple international seasons.
Adore Delano made Drag Race history as the first queen to voluntarily leave the competition during All Stars 2. Despite her runner-up status in season six, Delano felt that All Stars 2 wasn’t the situation she had hoped for and chose to quit after the premiere.
BenDeLaCreme, a standout performer on All Stars 3, found the emotional toll of eliminating fellow queens every episode too challenging. In a shocking move during episode six, she eliminated herself by writing her own name on a lipstick using whiteout.
Heidi N Closet, beloved by fans, entered All Stars 8 with high expectations. However, tough competition and underappreciation from the judges led her to make the difficult decision to leave the show.
Icesis Couture, a winner of Canada’s Drag Race season two, returned for Canada vs. the World Season 1. Despite performing exceptionally well, she chose to quit the competition due to mental health reasons.
Ginny Lemon, a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season two, opted to self-sashay away during a lip sync for her life against Sister Sister. She left the mainstage as the song started, refusing to lip sync, thus quitting the show on her own terms.
Baby, a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season four, cited mental health reasons for her decision to leave the competition. Although she fulfilled the entire episode and even lip-synced for her life, she eventually raised her hand and asked RuPaul to go home.
Inti, a contestant on Drag Race España season one, felt overwhelmed by negative critiques from the judges in the first three episodes. Despite efforts by host Supremme de Luxe to convince her to stay, Inti chose to self-eliminate during episode three.
These instances of self-sashaying away from Drag Race serve as a testament to the emotional challenges contestants face on their journey to becoming drag superstars.