Being The Fan-Favorite Of Drag Race Season 9 Could Hurt Valentina
Every season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race‘ has a favorite that fans get behind. Sometimes becoming that beloved queen also sets you up for failure. Other than Season 5 winner Jinx Monsoon, the fan’s choice and RuPaul’s choice never match up. Usually the fan-favorite wins Miss Congeniality. While it’s a great title to hold with previous icons like Nina Flowers and Katya winning but it’s not the title of “American’s Next Drag Superstar”.
In comes the crown jewel of Season 9, Valentina! With her edit on the show and the fan support, is the Latina love doomed for runner-up?
Going by the numbers, Valentina is in a good spot for a win. At the time of writing, she has a better win/loss record than previous winners Violet Chachki and Raja. So far, Valentina has won one challenge and placed highly in another challenge. While she’s not snatching early wins like Bianca Del Rio, Valentina has started off very strong. The only competitor ahead of her, stats-wise, is Shea Couleé. Where Valentina surpasses Shea Couleé is her looks on the runway. It’s almost like Valentina could wear a diaper at this point and the judges would say they love her smile.
You can also find Valentina in plenty of the marketing for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race‘, including television appearances. That’s a lot to put on a queen who is less than 2 years into the business. The faith production must have in her speaks volumes for her place on the show. Valentina is even part of The White Party at Parliament House in Orlando, Florida. Being in that show has given a sign at the Top 3 since about season 6.
“I was literally shaking, but I said to myself: Valentina, when in doubt, smile!”
–Valentina
With all that on her side, why is Valentina’s win in question?
Because of all that she has working for her. ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race‘ tends to give you what you need, not what you want. The fan favorites like Katya, Latrice Royale, Nina Flowers, and Adore Delano have all won the hearts of America but not the crown. The first three mentioned did take walk away as Miss Congeniality though. It even took till All Stars 2 for Alaska Thunderfuck to finally snatch the win that fans clamored for.
There’s also the debate if the persona Valentina presents is “too much”. The overt cheeriness is off-putting to some but I find the positivity a welcomed change. Some online have called her fake or too gimmicky, the latter being a complaint I find hilarious. Even when confronted by Aja in episode 3 of ‘Untucked‘, Valentina didn’t break character. She combated with Aja by killing her with kindness…the ultimate shade. Still, there has to be a moment when we see a different side of Valentina or else that annoyance will only grow.
Final Thoughts:
I originally predicted Valentina to win the entire show after episode 3. But now the dust is starting to settle, that win isn’t so clear. The love she is being shown could be setting her up for Miss Congeniality. In the end, that title is not bad but it’s not the crown.
The whole “only been doing drag for 10 months” gimmick is something unique for a winner of the show. Even a young queen like Violet Chachki had more experience under her belt when she picked up the win in Season 7. On the opposite side of that coin, RuPaul could want Valentina to continue growing and make an appearance on All Stars 3.
How do you feel? Do you see Valentina as a future winner or future Miss Congeniality?
Let me know in the comments below!
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race‘ airs Friday at 8pm on VH1.
