Queen Of The Universe Season 2 - Details We Know So Far
Drag continues its path towards world domination with "Queen of the Universe," a brand-new reality TV talent competition from World of Wonder, famously known as the producers behind "RuPaul's Drag Race." As Deadline reported, ahead of the show's premiere in November 2021, RuPaul Charles himself is an executive-producer on "Queen of the Universe," but has handed judging duties over to BFF Michelle Visage, "All Stars" winner Trixie Mattel, living legend Vanessa Williams, and "X Factor" victor Leona Lewis.
Graham Norton, who judges over on "Drag Race UK," hosts the show, which features competitors from all corners of the globe, from the U.S. to Brazil, India, China, and lots more. Widening the scope from just purely doing drag, "Queen of the Universe" is first and foremost a singing competition, with each episode debuting a new musical performance from the queens in front of a live studio audience. The winner, and titular "Queen of the Universe," receives a whopping $250,000 prize at the end of the competition.
The show debuted on Paramount+ on December 2, 2021, but has already proven so popular with fans that they're clamoring for more episodes. Here's everything we know about the sophomore season of "Queen of the Universe" thus far.
When is Season 2 expected to debut?
As Premiere Date notes, "Queen of the Universe" hasn't yet been renewed for Season 2. However, there's no reason to panic since, as aside from the fact the "Drag Race" universe continues to expand at an unstoppable rate, the reaction to the show has been positive overall. Decider enthused that, although it's "a surprisingly straightforward singing competition," the "talent on display, along with the lively judging panel, should make the contest entertaining." The response to a Twitter poll was good too, suggesting viewers would indeed be tuning in.
In fact, Decider described it as a cross between "American Idol" and "Drag Race," noting that although there's really nothing to distinguish "Queen of the Universe" from similar shows, it "definitely comes down to the quality of the contestants and the judges," which are both evidently strong. Social media was enthusiastic about the show too. "Drag Race" alum Eureka O'Hara confessed to being "obsessed" with the singing competition, while another fan enthused, "queen of the universe is so good omg!!!" Suffice to say, a renewal seems likely.
As for when we can expect new episodes, it could be sometime in 2022. Deadline confirmed key details just a few weeks before the first season debuted, so Season 2 could drop at any moment.
Who will be starring on Season 2?
The lineup of contestants for the first season of "Queen of the Universe" was impressively multicultural with Denmark's Betty Bitschlap, Australia's Gingzilla, Brazil's Grag Queen, and France's Leona Winter among the first seven queens to compete, per Decider. Another big selling point for the show were the eclectic judges. Michelle Visage told Attitude she was particularly excited to be working with Vanessa Williams, noting, "We have known each other for quite a few years now and we are personal friends so we are so excited to be working together! I love that diva!"
As for what drew the "Drag Race" veteran to take part in the show, Visage enthused in an interview with TV Fanatic, "That should be obvious. You know, we're talking about singing drag queens. Absolutely. 100% count me in!" She coached Trixie Mattel through her pre-show jitters too, confirming the two have "a fun dynamic." Leona Lewis, meanwhile, revealed to Gay Times that she loved transitioning from being a reality TV contestant to serving on a judging panel, and Vanessa Williams was similarly enthusiastic with Entertainment Weekly.
So, we'll just have to wait and see who the next batch of participants are, but it's safe to assume that the all-star panel will remain intact for Season 2.
What else do we know about Season 2?
The debut season of "Queen of the Universe" was filled with some jaw-dropping moments, with Entertainment Weekly noting Trixie Mattel was particularly gagged by one performer's rendition of Amy Winehouse classic "Rehab." Although the show is produced by WOW and features drag queens both onstage and on the judging panel, Michelle Visage made it clear to EW in a previous interview, "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."
Likewise, Vanessa Williams clarified, "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." Clearly, "Queen of the Universe" is a different beast, despite its connection to the greater "Drag Race" franchise. Considering Season 1 was fit to bursting with gag-worthy moments and shocking eliminations (per Distractify) we can reasonably expect Season 2 to up the ante considerably.
To paraphrase RuPaul Charles, we can't wait to see how this turns out.