The search for America’s Next Drag Superstar has officially ended. Myki Meeks, an Orlando-based drag performer, won season 18 of RuPaul’s Drag Race during the finale that aired on Friday, April 17, 2026. The victory marks a major milestone for the queen, who turned a rocky start into a dominating run and secured the crown along with a $200,000 cash prize.
The season 18 finale took place at The Marquee in New York City, with the previous season’s winner, Onya Nurve, returning to host the event and crown the new champion. The top three finalists—Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, and Darlene Mitchell—each performed an original song before RuPaul narrowed the competition down to the final two. Meeks and Coco then faced off in a Lip Sync for the Crown to Miley Cyrus’s song “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved” from her album Something Beautiful. Meeks won the lip sync and the title.
Finale Episode Highlights and Special Moments
The finale episode featured several memorable moments beyond the competition itself. Miley Cyrus received the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award during the show. The top three queens also visited the headquarters of Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics, where they spoke with president Norvina about potential makeup collaborations.
The title of Miss Congeniality went to Jane Don’t, as voted on by the cast. The eliminated queens from the season also returned for a final reunion on the main stage, including DD Fuego, Mandy Mango, Briar Blush, Ciara Myst, Vita VonTesse Star, Mia Starr, Athena Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Discord Addams, Jane Don’t, and Juicy Love Dion.
Myki Meeks’ Journey: From Bottom to the Crown
Myki Meeks did not have an easy path to victory. Early in the season, she struggled to find her footing and was placed in the bottom, which served as a wake-up call.
“It took me seeing how the other queens were performing and then being placed in the bottom to snap me back into reality. I’m Mikey MF Meeks. I know what I’m worth and what I can do and I need to bring it full throttle every single time.”
After that moment, she turned her performance around completely. She was in the top nearly every week and went on to win the final three challenges in a row before taking the crown. She won a total of four challenges throughout the season.
Reflecting on her journey, Meeks said she would not change anything about her experience.
“I wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe less character shoes on some runways, but other than that, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
She also described the moment of winning as a huge relief.
“It was a sense of relief, validation. It felt like everything I worked for had led up to a moment like that.”
Prize Package and What Myki Meeks Won
Myki Meeks walked away with more than just the title. Her prize package includes:
- $200,000 cash prize
- A custom crown and scepter from Fierce Drag Jewels
- An exclusive makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics, marking the first time the franchise has offered such a collaboration
- A year’s supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills products
Nini Coco placed as the runner-up and received a $25,000 cash tip, while Darlene Mitchell was awarded $10,000 for her performance throughout the season.
Myki Meeks’ Message to Fans and the Community
In her winner’s interview with Entertainment Weekly, Meeks addressed negative fans and urged them to be kinder to the queens.
“Bitch, lighten up.”
She also encouraged queer youths to embrace drag and self-expression.
“Put a wig on, change your life!”
Meeks has lived in Orlando for 12 years and has been clear that her win belongs to her community.
“Being on the show was a win for my community. Every win I got was for them as well, because they’re the ones who raised me.”
She also spoke out against anti-LGBTQ legislation, proposing what she called the “Leave Queer People Alone Bill.”
“We want to live as authentically as we can. You gotta look inward at why people hate in that way. Just let us be.”
Orlando Celebrates Its Newest Drag Superstar
Myki Meeks follows in the footsteps of other Orlando drag legends, including Ginger Minj, who won RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars season 10, and Roxxxy Andrews, who placed in the top spots during two different seasons.
“This is the city that raised me into the artist that I am. There’s a lot of gay history here, especially with Parliament House and Pulse housing some incredible, legendary showgirls. To be in that ancestral line at this point, it’s a huge honor.”
Orlando’s Renaissance Theatre, where Meeks has frequently performed in recent years, held a viewing party with a packed house. Fans jumped out of their seats as confetti fell around them to celebrate.
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Snatch Game and Drew Barrymore Connection
One of the season’s standout moments was Meeks’ performance as Drew Barrymore on the Snatch Game. The impression captured the public’s heart and even led to a meeting with the actress herself. Judge Ross Mathews called the Meeks-Barrymore crossover his favorite moment of the season.
“It was like my worlds colliding. One of the biggest stars in the world is cheerleading it. Times have changed, and it’s kind of amazing.”
Meeks revealed that she told Barrymore she needed to be a guest judge on the show.
“She was like, ‘I know, I can’t believe I’ve never done it.’ I would love to see her on the show. Maybe season 19, we’ll see.”
What Comes After the Crown
Myki Meeks is already planning her next moves. She will tour the United States, Europe, South America, and Australia in the coming months. She also shared her thoughts on the pressure that comes with the show’s intense fan attention.
“It’s easy to let it get to you, but what you realize is that online discourse is not the real sentiment.”
Looking back, Meeks offered advice to her younger self.
“I had a very lovely childhood. You have a whole world ahead of you, full of beautiful friends, beautiful family. You know what you want out of life, so go for it. You may be teased for certain reasons, but that’s what makes you you, baby.”
She also reflected on her approach to the competition, saying she did not want to rely on gimmicks.
“I didn’t want to rely on reveals.”
After winning, she expressed a sense of completeness.
“Wow, it’s just incredible. Everything feels complete, and I’m ready to take on the reign.”
Also Read: Bones Crowned Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 7
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