‘Robbed’ RuPaul’s Drag Race icon finally returning to compete after 14 years
Michelle Visage is the host of Drag Race Down Under vs the World (Image: WOW Presents)
Raven has been confirmed as a competitor on Drag Race Down Under vs the World, stepping back in front of the camera after years as RuPaul’s Emmy-winning make-up artist.
The cast was revealed on 23 June, with the series set to premiere on WOW Presents Plus on 24 July.
The drag artist, whose real name is David Petruschin, first competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race season two in 2010, finishing as runner-up, before returning for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season one in 2012 and again placing runner-up. Fans have said she was “robbed” given her incredible performances on each season, but now may be her chance at glory.
Raven later joined the show behind-the-scenes during filming for season nine in 2017 and has remained through to season 18, earning one Emmy Award and two additional nods for her work.
Raven will compete alongside 10 other queens: Art Simone, Coco Jumbo, Estrella Xtravaganza, Flor, LaLa Ri, Miss Jade So, Michael Marouli, Nikita Iman, Nicole Paige Brooks and Vybe. Michelle Visage hosts, with Rhys Nicholson and Drag Race Down Under season four winner Lazy Susan on the judging panel.
Raven’s return to competition
Raven’s casting marks a rare switch from behind-the-scenes fixture to contestant again, after becoming a key part of the franchise’s on-screen polish through her long-running role as RuPaul’s make-up artist. As Raven, she also co-hosts the Drag Race companion fashion YouTube series Fashion Photo RuView.
Raven is widely regarded as one of the franchise’s most influential early-era contestants, known for sharp confessionals, a polished mug, and fashion-forward drag. Her partnership with Raja on Fashion Photo RuView helped shape fandom language around runway critique (toots/boots), and her aesthetic and techniques have been heavily emulated across drag and beauty communities.
What we know about Down Under vs the World
Drag Race Down Under vs the World is the third vs the World spin-off, following British and Canadian-set editions. It also builds on the Down Under branch of the franchise, which was renamed Drag Race Down Under in March 2024 when RuPaul stepped down as host and Visage took over for season four.
Visage previously said she had “zero hesitation” about hosting Drag Race Down Under. “Also, what a freaking honour. Me and some of our fabulous queens from Down Under joining me? It’s just wonderful,” she added.
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