The First Elimination! Who Went Home on 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' Tonight?
- - The First Elimination! Who Went Home on 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' Tonight?
Erica Gerald MasonJanuary 10, 2026 at 3:30 AM
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Photo by Randy Holmes on Getty Images
The library is officially open, and the competition is heating up faster than a lace-front under a spotlight. In the second episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18, the queens faced the ultimate test of sisterhood—and survival—with the "Q-Pop Girl Group" challenge. From disco-infused bops to punk-rock anthems, the episode was a high-octane mix of choreography, custom lyrics, and enough safety pins to keep the tension high.
Here's our spoiler-filled recap of who went home on RuPaul's Drag Race tonight.
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Who went home on RuPaul's Drag Race tonight?DD Fuego
In a tension-filled elimination, RuPaul made her final decision. While Mandy Mango’s performance saved her for another week, DD Fuego was asked to sashay away. Her exit marks the first permanent departure of the season, leaving 13 queens to vie for the record-breaking $200,000 cash prize and the coveted makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills.
What was the challenge this week on RuPaul's Drag Race?
This week, Mama Ru threw a curveball by dividing the workroom into three rival "Q-Pop" groups—the "Q" standing for quintessentially queer and queeny. The challenge required the queens to write their own verses, record vocals, and coordinate choreography. Last week’s top-tier queens held the power to choose their teams, leaving the remaining contestants to find their own rhythm.
The three musical tracks were inspired by legendary icons:
Funky Almighty: A disco tribute inspired by Sylvester.
Go Go Go: A high-energy pop number channeling the spirit of Wham!
Cherries: A gritty, rebellious track inspired by The Runaways.
The teams were also entirely responsible for their own looks and stage presence. The groups were split as follows:
Wham-Inspired: NiNi Coco, Mia Starr, Ciara Myst, Myki Meeks, and Kenya Pleaser.
Punk-Inspired: Vita VonTesse Starr, Briar Blush, Juicy Love Dion, Jane Don’t, and Discord Addams.
Disco-Inspired: DD Fuego, Darlene Mitchell, Mandy Mango, and Athena Dion.
What was the runway this week on RuPaul's Drag Race?
After the pop performances, the queens returned to the main stage for a runway category that left little to the imagination: "Favorite Body Part." The category gave the contestants a chance to showcase their physical assets through creative construction and high-fashion glamour. Joining RuPaul on the panel were mainstay judges Michelle Visage and Ts Madison, along with this week’s celebrity guest judge, singer and actress Dove Cameron.
While the punk group wowed with their "Studio 50 Whores" energy, one queen stood head and shoulders above the rest. Jane Don’t secured the win, impressing the judges not only with her standout punk performance but also with a runway look that was hailed as one of the evening's major highlights.
Related: ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18: Meet the 14 Stunning New Queens Entering the Werk Room
Who were the guest judges on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race' Season 18 tonight?
Dove Cameron and Ts Madison joined Ru and Michelle Visage.
Who won the lip sync on RuPaul's Drag Race tonight?Mandy Mango
Despite the sparkle, the disco group, known as "Studio 50 Whores," found themselves in the danger zone. Ultimately, the judges placed DD Fuego and Mandy Mango in the bottom two.
The critiques were sharp: the judges felt DD Fuego failed to bring the "fire" her name promised, while Mandy Mango’s energy felt disconnected from her teammates. Her runway look also left the panel befuddled, lacking the polish seen on her competitors.
Facing off to guest judge Dove Cameron’s hit "Too Much," both queens fought for their lives. Mandy Mango delivered a jaw-dropping performance, removing her intricate costume to reveal her agility through a series of death drops and high-energy moves that left the judges stunned.
Who is left on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18?
With one queen gone, the remaining cast includes:
Athena DionBriar BlushCiara MystDarlene MitchellDiscord AddamsJane Don'tJuicy Love DionKenya PleaserMandy MangoMia StarrMyki MeeksNini CocoVita VonTesse Starr
Related: "Shantay, You Stay!" All About RuPaul's Decades-Spanning Romance With Husband Georges LeBar
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
