Queen Of The Universe should delight fans of Eurovision, as the latest international singing contest is guaranteed to blow you away! Graham Norton is the King of Eurovision commentary but now he’ll be introducing the queens of the world, as he hosts this singing competition for the very best drag queens from around the globe.
Produced by World of Wonder, the creators of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and executive produced by RuPaul herself, this talent series will see countries going head-to-head with their top drag queens. But there will be no lip-synching to be seen because it’s all about the best voices.
Promotional material for the show teases: “high heels, high octaves and high competition – this drag queen singing competition will blow your wig off.” We can’t wait!
So here's our complete guide to Queen of The Universe, including the competing drag queens and the judges who'll be assessing them...
Queen Of The Universe — UK release date
Viewers in the UK can now watch Queen Of The Universe on new streaming service Paramount Plus. The show aired on Paramount Plus in the US from Thursday, December 2 2021.
Is there a Queen Of The Universe trailer?
Yes there is! Paramount Plus have released this amazing official trailer for Queen Of The Universe and we just love it! This is going to be one hell of a show full of joy and talent. Take a look below...
Queen Of The Universe host Graham Norton
Graham Norton is no stranger to drag queen performances as he’s been a regular judge on the hugely successful RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for three seasons, alongside RuPaul himself, Michelle Visage and Alan Carr. He’s also the host of the UK’s Eurovision Song Contest coverage, which he took over from Terry Wogan, so this show sounds like the perfect mix for him. In fact Eurovision is so entrenched in him that Graham even appeared in the 2020 movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
Graham also hosts his own chat show The Graham Norton Show (2007-present) which sees him having a laugh with some pretty major stars. Previous to that presented the shows So Graham Norton (1998-2002) and V Graham Norton (2002-2003). He also voiced the character of Moonwind in the animation movie Soul, starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, and has written the bestselling novel Holding, a thriller set in Ireland. You can watch the ITV adaptation of Holding, which stars Conleth Hill as Sergeant PJ Collins, on ITV Hub.
Queen Of The Universe judges — Leona Lewis, Michelle Visage, Trixie Mattel and Vanessa Williams
Joining the Queen of The Universe judging panel are British singer and Grammy-nominee Leona Lewis, RuPau's Drag Race stalwart Michelle Visage, drag superstar Trixie Mattel and Desperate Housewives actress Vanessa Williams.
Michelle Visage says: "It's a singing competition first, it's a drag competition second. What you think you know is going to be out the door because, yes, it's singing, but it's definitely different."
Vanessa Williams adds: "It's a global aspect that we've never seen before, and it's a singing competition; no one is lip-syncing, they're all singing their own tunes. We'll be judging them not only on the quality of their talent and musicianship, but also their star quality."
Queen Of The Universe — the competing drag artists from around the world...
Fans of RuPaul's Drag Race can hope to see some familiar faces in Queen Of The Universe as well as new acts to admire. The performing drag queens come from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, France, China, and India. Here's a complete rundown of all 14 competing drag queens...
Matante Alex from Montreal, Canada
Matante started singing at 13 years old in her parents' basement and soon thereafter discovered her true passion – yodeling! Matante's name translates to 'my aunt' in French.
Novaczar from New York
Novaczar is the youngest queen in the competition with a sci-fi twist . She's trained in opera, rock, and musical theater and is ready to rule the furthest reaches of the galaxy.
Rani Ko-He-Nur from Mumbai, India
After becoming 2014's Mr Gay India, Rani Ko-he-nur has over a million Instagram followers and has appeared in Vogue India, Cosmopolitan, and Elle. Having also appeared in the Forbes 30 under 30 list, can the trans/gender fluid performer win the world over with song?
Ada Vox from San Antonio, USA
Texan drag star Ada Vox is a former American Idol contestant with a huge voice. She's been performing for near-on seven years.
Aria B Cassadine from Atlanta, USA
The 2018 winner of Miss Gay Black America, Aria B Cassadine already has a big drag crown to her name. She'd started her drag journey after a dare from a friend, but is now hitting the world stage.
Grag Queen from Canela, Brazil
Growing up singing in church from childhood. Grag Queen now performs to the masses on social media as she has 2 million TikTok fans, lapping up her outrageous performances and over the top personality.
Jujubee from Boston, USA
A double RuPaul's Drag Race All-Star, Jujubee is a lip-sync specialist, comedian, recording artist and makeup artist. Best known for her glamorous and stylish drag, she also has amazing vocals!
La Voix from London, UK
Queen La Voix has was a former contestant on Britain's Got Talent. Her name is French and means simply "The Voice!" and she'll be performing in fornt of a home crowd, as Queen of The Universe is filmed in London.
Leona Winter from Paris, France
This countertenor baritone has a three-octave voice that's often called 'tres jolie' by her worldwide fans. She appeared on The Voice in France, where she got to the semi-final. She later won The Switch, which is Chile's version of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Betty Bitchslap from Copenhagen, Denmark
Danish superstar Betty Bitschlap definitely has has range, often transforming from a punk rock star to a glam sequined vixen.
Chy'enne Valentino from Chicago, USA
Singing since she was five, Chy'enne Valentino was competing to win Miss Continental Plus at 18 in 2018. This former American Idol contestant also runs a bakery called Pound Your Cakes.
Gingzilla from Sydney, Australia
This 7ft-tall Aussie-native is massive, so of course always stands out in a crowd. Gingzilla attended a performing arts school in Australia then 'clown school' in Paris, before performing on America's Got Talent and The X Factor in the UK.
Regina Voce from Mexico City
With over 30 years of stage experience, this former performer in Cirque Du Soleil now works as a vocal coach. The word Regina in Spanish means 'queen' and Voce in Italian means 'voice'.
WooWu from Guangzhou, China
Having left her traditional Cantonese household in Guangzhou for the bright lights of Shanghai, WooWu is a big fan of Christina Aguilera, Cher, and Patti LaBelle who describes her drag persona as "pink, feminine and perfect," Can she break barriers with her Queen Of The Universe performance?
Where is Queen Of The Universe filmed?
Queen Of The Universe was filmed at London’s Excel Centre in East London between the end of September and October 8 in 2021. It was shot in front of a live audience so promises to be very lively and lots of fun!
Will there be a Queen of the Universe season two?
Yes! It has been confirmed by Paramount Plus that a second season of the hit show is heading our way, and this time global singer and superstar Mel B is set to join the star-studded panel of judges.
Mel will be joining an esteemed lineup of returning judges including platinum-selling recording artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage, Multi-Emmy nominee Vanessa Williams and American drag superstar Trixie Mattel, while Graham Norton will also be returning as the show's host.
