Myki Meeks Wins RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18

Myki Meeks emerged as the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 on Friday, claiming the title of America's Next Drag Superstar along with a $200,000 cash prize and a collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics. The finale, which aired on MTV, featured intense performances from the top three contestants: Meeks, Nini Coco, and Darlene Mitchell.

The episode began with a showcase of the eliminated queens strutting the runway, followed by a performance from host RuPaul Charles of her song "Mother of the House." The finalists then competed in the season's final challenge, writing and performing original personal anthems with composer Leland. Mitchell opened with "Cookin With Gas," a country-inspired track that highlighted her evolution from a reserved "bedroom queen" to a confident performer. Judges, including RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, and Jamal Sims, praised her growth, with RuPaul calling the song "so dumb" in an affectionate nod to its playful style. Visage noted Mitchell's journey of embracing her identity, which had built steadily throughout the competition.

Meeks followed with "Versatile," a musical theater piece laced with innuendo that underscored her...