Ranking the Drag Race Season 16 Guest Judges

January 3, 2024
JOSHUA ANDREW

RuPaul's Drag Race, the Emmy-winning competition that IS gay culture, returns Friday, January 5 for a whole new season on MTV. It's season 16 if you can believe it! Wow. We're getting up there now, like the iconic series Drag Race drew its inspiration from America's Next Top Model. Season 16 sees 14 queens competing for a grand prize of $200,000 and the title of America's Next Drag Superstar. This year, immunity is back but there's also a twist where the girls are voting for each other? Sounds messy AF, but as Mari Kondo once said, "I love mess."

Stepping into the judges chair for Drag Race Season 16 alongside Mama Ru, Michelle Visage, TS Madison, Carson Kressley, & Ross Mathews are some true legends from the entertainment community. Though TBQH, I wish they would have some iconic queens guest judge like Lady Bunny, Coco Peru, Varla Jean Merman, Jackie Beat, etc etc. Or even former winners and contestants. Like you have girls voting each off now, the shark has been jumped, put some legit queens on to judge these queens. Scroll on as we look at the guest judges we are most excited to see this season.

14. Becky G

This singer and actress who I never heard of (maybe I'm too old?) is one of the special guests for the premiere. Imagine me having to pretend to know her and get excited when she walked in the room? Talk about an acting challenge

13. Kaia Gerber

Supermodel and nepo baby Kaia Gerber is a guest judge on this season. Her mom is Cindy Crawford so she grew up with fashion in her genes.

12. Mayan Lopez

The comedian who stars on the sitcom Lopez Vs. Lopez is going to make her panel debut. Sure!

11. Icona Pop (Caroline Hjelt + Aino Jawo)

Can't wait to watch the queens lip sync to their hit "(I Don't Care) I Love It". I imagine they are judging the girl group challenge or something, in which case more power to them.

10. Jamal Sims

Charming Emmy-nominated choreographer Jama Sims is back, which means there's a Rusical or dance-heavy music video episode. Either way, I'm seated.

9. Kyra Sedgwick

The Closer is coming to the Race. The Emmy-winning actress (and Mrs. Kevin Bacon) will appear on the panel to judge the girls.

8. Kelsea Ballerini

Country music star and Queer advocate Kelsea Ballerini is on the guest panel. This is a great way to honor someone who honored the show. In 2023, Kelsea performed at the CMT Music Awards with Drag Race alumni Manila Luzon, Kennedy Davenport, Jan Sport, and Olivia Lux joining her onstage.

7. Ronan Farrow

The New York Times best-selling author and investigative journalist (and once, twice, three times a nepo baby) is back on the panel. He judged on All Winners All Stars and was pretty fun.

6. Charlize Theron

The two-part premiere kicks off with this Oscar-winning beauty as the special guest judge. Charlize knows how to transform herself (ever see Monster or Mad Max?) so I do feel she could offer some interesting insight.

5. Isaac Mizrahi

Who better to judge a fashion challenge than Project Runway's own Isaac Mizrahi? This internationally known fashion designer has the street credit to read queens to filth.

4. Adam Shankman

The famed Hollywood director and choreographer is behind such hits as The Wedding Planner, Hairspray, Hocus Pocus 2, Rock of Ages, and Bringing Down the House. If there's anyone you want on a panel, it's him because if he likes what he sees, he can cast a queen and change her life.

3. Joel Kim Booster

Comedian, filmmaker, producer, and Emmy nominee Joel Kim Booster is FINALLY on the show. He's so snappy and funny, and has good really good pop culture insights. He also could cast a queen in his next Fire Island. Could be a game-changer. I hope Joel is the guest judge for the roast.

2. Law Roach

The legendary Hollywood stylist who was incredible as a main judge on HBO's Queer competition Legendary (RIP) will join the Drag Race ranks for Season 16, and we can't wait to see what he says to the divas. Law Roach REEEEAAADDDS.

1. Sarah Michelle Gellar

The Slayer is in the house to slay and we can't wait! Yes, the star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Cruel Intentions, and so much more is a marquee headliner for Season 16. The gays are going to meme and gif her to death from this.

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