Being a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race is a groundbreaking moment for most drag queens. The award-winning show re-introduced the art of drag to the world, and the public loved it! However, when RuPaul pitched the idea of a drag race inspired by America's Next Top Model, he was rejected every time.
During an interview with The Guardian, RuPaul said that "drag is a big f-you to male-dominated culture." And he is right. The show gives a chance to artists to promote different types of drag and take their careers to a whole new level. Some of them became movie stars (Bianca del Rio, Shangella, and others), while others appeared in high-profile fashion magazines. The show also helped RuPaul to amass a $60 million fortune.
Although the winner receives a $100 thousand prize, the other contestants don't make much money. Despite the success of RuPaul's Drag Race, they only make a few hundred dollars per episode. However, most of them see the reality as an investment. The show is an opportunity to promote their image all over the globe even if they don't win - something that can be priceless.
6 The Contestants Need To Invest Money
RuPaul's Drag Race is a unique opportunity for many artists. Although the contestants don't pay to be on the show, most of them invest money in outfits to impress the judges and the public. The amount often surpasses what they make on the show, but they see it as an investment.
Aquaria, season 10 winner, believes she spent nearly $5.000. The investment was worth it since she won the competition and cashed $100 thousand. The artist has created her own pieces, and she was involved in every step of the process. She also had the help of talented friends, who helped her make the outfits. Therefore, Aquaria believes it is impossible to put a price on them.
Other contestants can invest even more money. Yvie Oddly spent $14.000 on her wardrobe, which was deeply criticized during the show.
5 The Real Money Comes After The Show
When a contestant signs the contract with Reality Blurred, they know they won't become rich with the show. However, it is a groundbreaking moment in their career, and fame will bring better contracts. The queens must have a good team that will help them close good deals and find the best partners.
"When touring, recording, merchandise and endorsements are factored in, top queens are earning in the low to mid-six figures annually," Jacob Slane, Partner and Associate Manager at Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), told Billboard. "Some even higher. Having an experienced team behind them to cultivate the best deals makes a big difference, obviously."
Some stars in the show charge between $5.000 up to $10.000 per appearance. They also get unique career opportunities, such as being on a Netflix show, become a movie star or a model.
4 Contestants Are Paid Per Episode
Contestants on the Drag Race get paid by episode. According to Cheat Sheet, after they sign a contract with Reality Blurred, the contestants will receive $400 per episode. So, the longer they stay in the competition, the more money they will have. If a queen returns in an additional season, such as Shangela and Cynthia Lee Fontaine, they will earn 5% more.
Although it doesn't sound much, the salary is similar to other reality shows. For example, American Idol contestants receive $450 per week. However, there some reality shows, such as American Ninja Warrior, don't pay their contestants.
Besides their salary, there are other ways the contestants can profit during the show.
3 Maxi Challenge Is Worth $5,000
Contestants also have the chance to earn extra money in every episode. Every week the queens have to compete in a maxi challenge where contestants have to show a range of skills such as sewing, acting, celebrity impersonation and stand-up comedy.
Winning the maxi challenge often guarantees they will remain on the show for another week. However, they have another motivation to win the weekly challenge. According to Vice, Since season 12, the winner gets $5,000.
Before 2020, the maxi challenge winners received gift cards for vacations, wigs, jewelry and clothes.
2 Miss Congeniality Also Receives A Prize
Being chosen as Miss Congeniality also has its perks. In the show's first six seasons, the title would come with prizes such as wigs and travels, which is not bad. However, since Season 7 the Miss Congeniality receives the prize in cash. It started with $5.000, but they now receive $10.000.
Monét X Change reportedly didn't receive the prize, and she was surprised to find it out. The queen said she was the only Miss Congeniality who didn't receive the money. Later, the former contestant gave some interviews dishing on the show, and she was not the first one to do that.
1 There Are No Cash Prizes in RuPaul's Drag Race UK
RuPaul's Drag Race UK became a successful show, but the public can notice some differences. Fans who watched both shows might have seen that cash prizes in the UK are humble compared to the original. There aren't lavish travels, or they don't receive more than $1.500 when they win a challenge.
There is a reason for that. According to Gay Times, the show is produced by BBC, and "no program on a BBC publicly funded service may be sponsored." When they enter the show contests, they know that they won't make much money, but visibility can help their career.