'RuPaul's Drag Race': The Most Popular Winners

Nea Marshal Kudi Ngwa a.k.a. BeBe Zahara Benet was the very first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race. BeBe's booming personality helped launch the show into fame and was an ideal candidate to be the first.

James William Ross IV a.k.a. Tyra Sanchez was the season 2 winner. Tyra was the Queen of Beyoncé impersonation and nailed the competitions to earn the crown and $25,000 prize money. Unfortunately, Tyra frequently got into trouble for her online behavior and has since been banned from the 2018 DragCon for the terroristic threats. A few months afterward James announced that he was retiring from Drag while apologizing saying "I humbly apologize for the online behavior I have displayed in recent years. Though it represents emotions I may have felt, it does not represent my true character. I have failed you and I know that I am much better than that…. it’s not who I am and it is not who I choose to be."James ended the statement saying "For those asking, Tyra Sanchez has fulfilled her purpose in my life. I, James Ross, no longer want to be referred to as Tyra, Tyra Sanchez, her, she, girl, or queen."

Sutan Ibrahim Karim Amrullaj a.k.a. Raja Gemini won the season 3 title! Raja was a breath of fresh air with her new and independent style and uber-creative ideas. Raja had been a makeup artist for nine seasons of America's Next Top Model and continues to work with the World of Wonder Network on podcasts and appearances representing the franchise. RELATED CONTENT: The Most Memorable America's Next Top Model Contestants - Where Are They Now?

Aaron Coady a.k.a. Sharon Needles was almost immediately a fan favorite of season 4, rightly won the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar." Her "ghoulish" style and dark sense of humor really helped her stand out from the competition. Sharon actually dated another RuPaul's Drag Race contestant, Alaska Thunderfuck, for 4 years before the two ended their relationship amicably.

Jerick Hoffer a.k.a. Jinkx Monsoon was a hilarious addition to the crown-owners of RuPaul's Drag Race. Jinkx admitted that Sharon Needles inspired him to audition as his Drag Persona was also high concept and character-driven. Jinkx has also released a few incredible albums!

Roy Haylock a.k.a. Bianca Del Rio was DESTINED to be a RuPaul's Drag Race winner. Roy had tons of experience in costume design and performance before starring in the sixth season. Bianca's incredibly quick wit, perfect timing, and absurdly specific make-up made her the first contestant to make it to the finale without having to "lip sync for her life" or being placed low in the bottom of any challenge and was the first Hispanic winner! Bianca's loud, intense, and slightly intimidating character makes her one of the most recognizable and most successful drag race winners working today, even becoming the first drag queen to headline Wembley Arena!

Paul Jason Dardo a.k.a. Violet Chachki struggled at the beginning of season 7 after frequently clashing with the other contestants because of Violet's rude and condescending comments. Violet easily stood out though with her incredible fashion sense and wild figure. She eventually altered her treatment of the others and earned the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar." Violet has become incredibly popular in the drag scene for her genius burlesque shows and aerial work, often flying above audiences in silk or a hoop.

Caldwell Tidicue a.k.a. Bob the Drag Queen burst into season 8 with creativity. Already having a hilarious drag name, Bob did little to alter his deep voice and always had the judges in hysterics. Bob continues to work frequently and proudly represents the drag queens of color. Bob even took over Katya's spot temporarily on The Trixie & Katya Show. RELATED CONTENT: RuPaul's Drag Race: What Happened to Trixie Mattel?

Alexander Hedges Steinberg a.k.a. Sasha Velour had originally auditioned for season 8 but was not accepted and really worked hard to earn the winning title in season 9. Her style was incredibly inspiring and unique and shot her into success. Sasha often performs with a shaved head as a tribute to his mother who passed away from cancer in 2015. Now Sasha produces an incredibly popular monthly Brooklyn drag show, Nightgowns!

Giovanni Palandrani a.k.a. Aquaria is one of the youngest winners of RuPaul's Drag Race! She is now a frequent performer of RuPaul's Drag Race Live! and has even released her own make-up collection with NYX cosmetics!