RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 epsiode 4 recap: Queens recreates iconic franchise moments and one faces elimination

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 episode 4 was released on MTV on January 24, 2025. In the episode, the queens had to record, direct, and produce musical adverts referencing iconic series moments from the franchise.

The challenge was split into two volumes, with some contestants teaming up for duo ads and others performing solo. Crystal, Suzie, and Onya impressed the judges, securing the top spots of the week. Kori and Joella ended up in the bottom two, competing to stay in the competition.

RuPaul Charles, Michelle Visage, and Carson Kressley returned to the panel, with Julia Schlaepfer as the special guest. Titled Bitch, I'm a Drag Queen!, the synopsis for the episode reads;

"The queens receive the task of singing songs based on memorable moments from "Drag Race" history; actress Julia Schlaepfer guest judges."

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What happened on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 epsiode 4?

In RuPaul's Drag Race season 17, episode 4, the contestants were challenged to produce musical adverts referencing iconic moments from Drag Race history through song.

Divided into two groups, the first group reimagined pivotal moments from the early seasons of the franchise, while the second group tackled highlights from the later seasons.

RuPaul’s Drag Race judge RuPaul Charles made it clear to the queens that they had to present the past iconic moment in a new way rather than showcasing it as it is. Moreover, they had to direct and produce the whole advert on their own without the help of the judges.

The assigned acts for Volume 1 were as follows:

• Lydia and Lana: Morgan McMichaels and Mystique Summers Madison's fight from season 2
• Joella: Mariah Paris Balenciaga‘s monologue from season 3
• Jewels and Arrietty: Jade Jolie coming for Alyssa Edwards on season 5
• Hormona: Shannel‘s self-elimination from season 1
• Crystal: Latrice Royale dragging the “Snatch Game” performances from season 4

The assigned acts for Volume 2 were as follows:

• Suzie: Aja and Valentina‘s Linda Evangelista fight from season 9
• Sam and Acacia: Kandy Muse and Tamisha Iman‘s fight from season 13
• Onya: Laganja Estranja‘s stand-up routine from season 6
• Lexi: Jasmine Kennedie clapping back at Maddy Morphosis from season 14
• Kori: Kennedy Davenport talking about herself from season 7

Since the RuPaul’s Drag Race cast members were on their own in producing their advert they had a few hiccups in the filming process.

After the "Quilted for Your Pleasure" runway category, RuPaul judged each contestant's performance. Lydia, Lana, Jewels, Hormona, Sam, Acacia, and Lexi were safe. Crystal, Suzie, and Onya topped the week, while Joella, Kori, and Arrietty were in the bottom three.

Special guest judge Julia Schlaepfer told Joella her scene lacked energy, Michelle Visage noted Arrietty was overshadowed by Jewels in their duet, and Carson Kressley criticized Kori’s singing scene for its unclear storyline.

Kori and Joella landed in the bottom two, facing off in a Lip Sync for Your Life battle to "Buttons" by the Pussycat Dolls. Despite their efforts, Joella was ultimately eliminated.

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Remaining RuPaul’s Drag Race cast and their track record

After four weeks of competition, 12 RuPaul’s Drag Race queens are still on the show. Their records are as follows:

• Kori King (Boston, Massachusetts): Safe, Bottom, Bottom
• Acacia Forgot (Los Angeles, California): Bottom, Safe, Safe
• Hormona Lisa (Chattanooga, Tennessee): Eliminated/Saved, Safe, Safe
• Arrietty (Seattle, Washington): Safe, Top, Bottom
• Lana Ja'Rae (New York, New York): Safe, Safe, Safe
• Lydia B. Kollins (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania): Safe, Safe, Safe
• Jewels Sparkles (Tampa, Florida): Top, Safe, Safe
• Lexi Love (Louisville, Kentucky): Win, Safe, Safe
• Sam Star (Leeds, Alabama): Safe, Win, Safe
• Suzie Toot (Fort Lauderdale, Florida): Win, Safe, Top
• Onya Nurve (Cleveland, Ohio): Safe, Top, Win
• Crystal Envy (Asbury Park, New Jersey): Top, Safe, Top

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RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 episodes premiere every Friday on MTV.