TL;DR
- Raven returns to compete after 14 years.
- She was a runner-up on seasons 2 and All Stars 1.
- The new series premieres on July 24.
- Michelle Visage hosts the competition.
- Raven is known for her influential drag style.
Hold onto your wigs, darling, because the iconic Raven is making her grand return to the Drag Race stage! After a whopping 14 years since she last sashayed away as a contestant, the Emmy-winning makeup artist is stepping back into the spotlight for the highly anticipated Drag Race Down Under vs the World. The series is set to premiere on WOW Presents Plus on July 24, and you won’t want to miss a second of the drama!
Raven, whose real name is David Petruschin, first graced our screens on season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race back in 2010, where she finished as a fierce runner-up. She later returned for All Stars season one in 2012, once again strutting her stuff and leaving fans screaming that she was “robbed” of the crown. But now, after years of perfecting her craft behind the scenes as RuPaul’s go-to glam guru, Raven is ready to reclaim her throne.
The cast reveal came hot off the press on June 23, and it’s a lineup that promises to deliver the fierce competition we crave. Raven will be joined by ten other fabulous queens: Art Simone, Coco Jumbo, Estrella Xtravaganza, Flor, LaLa Ri, Miss Jade So, Michael Marouli, Nikita Iman, Nicole Paige Brooks, and Vybe. And let’s not forget the fabulous Michelle Visage, who will be hosting this extravaganza, alongside judges Rhys Nicholson and Lazy Susan, the winner of Drag Race Down Under season four.
Raven’s return to the competition scene marks a significant moment for fans who have followed her journey since the early days of the franchise. Known for her sharp wit, polished looks, and fashion-forward drag, Raven has influenced countless queens and beauty enthusiasts alike. Her partnership with Raja on the YouTube series Fashion Photo RuView has shaped the very language of drag fandom, with terms like “toots” and “boots” becoming staples in the community.
As the Drag Race franchise continues to expand with spin-offs across the globe, Down Under vs the World promises to bring a unique flair to the competition. This is the third installment in the “vs the World” series, following the successful British and Canadian editions, and it builds on the vibrant world of Drag Race Down Under, which has seen a resurgence since RuPaul stepped down as host in March 2024.
Michelle Visage expressed her excitement about hosting, stating, “I had zero hesitation. What a freaking honor!” With a lineup of fabulous queens and a beloved returning competitor like Raven, this season is shaping up to be one for the books. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a season filled with fierce looks, emotional moments, and, of course, the iconic shade we all live for!
Are you ready for Raven’s comeback? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and get ready to tune in on July 24 for what promises to be an unforgettable season of Drag Race Down Under vs the World!