I'm That Bitch (RuPaul's Drag Race)

"I'm That Bitch" is the first episode of the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.^[1] It originally aired on February 28, 2020. Nicki Minaj is a guest judge. Widow Von'Du wins the main challenge, and no one is eliminated from the competition.

"I'm That Bitch"
RuPaul's Drag Race episode
Episode no.	Season 12 Episode 1
Episode chronology
List of episodes

Episode

Nicki Minaj is a guest judge.

Widow Von'Du wins the main challenge.

Half of the season's contestants enter the Werk Room in the following order: Brita, Nicky Doll, Widow Von'Du, Jackie Cox, Heidi N Closet, Gigi Goode, and Crystal Methyd. RuPaul greets the contestants and reveals the mini-challenge: to present springs and fall looks in a fashion show. Watching the fashion show are Carson Kressley, Michelle Visage, RuPaul, and Raven, as well as impersonators of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Heidi N Closet's headpiece falls off when she shows her spring look. The contestants re-enter the Werk Room and get out of drag. RuPaul reveals the main challenge, which has contestants write a verse and perform choreography for the song "I'm That Bitch".

The contestants decide to have Heidi N Closet and Widow Von'Du co-lead on choreography and rehearse on the main stage. Back in the Werk Room, the contestants prepare for the runway and Heidi N Closet shares that she had an allergic reaction and had to go to the emergency room. Jackie Cox discusses her Persian heritage, and Nicky Doll talks about her coming out experience. The contestants also talk about how the rehearsal went.

On the main stage, RuPaul welcomes fellow judges Visage and Kressley, as well as guest judge Nicki Minaj. The contestants perform "I'm That Bitch". The runway category is Sparkle. After the show, the judges critique the contestants. The contestants leave the main stage so the judges can deliberate. Brita, Gigi Goode, Jackie Cox, and Widow Von'Du receive positive critiques. Heidi N Closet and Nicky Doll receive negative critiques. Gigi Goode and Widow Von'Du are the top two contestants of the week and lip-sync to "Starships" (2012) by Nicki Minaj for the win. Widow Von'Du wins the challenge, and RuPaul reveals that no one will be eliminated this episode.

Production

The episode originally aired on February 28, 2020.

Fashion

For the fashion show, Crystal Methyd's fall look was inspired by Freddy Krueger. For the final runway, Brita wears a jumpsuit with mirrors. Crystal Methyd's red outfit is devil-inspired. Gigi Goode wears a green glittered suit with a black helmet, and Heidi N Closet has a gown. Nicky Doll's outfit has metallic feathers.

Reception

Kate Kulzick of The A.V. Club gave the episode a rating of 'A-'.^[2]

See also

• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Programming
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured Reality or Competition Program
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program (Single or Multi-Camera)

References

1. McCallion, Paul (2020-02-28). "RuPaul's Drag Race Season Premiere Recap: The Bitch Is Back". Vulture. Archived from the original on 2023-04-30. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
2. "RuPaul's Drag Race is back and ready to slay, serving 2020 political realness". The A.V. Club. 2020-02-29. Archived from the original on 2022-09-29. Retrieved 2024-02-05.