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RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17: A Snatch Game for the Ages
Feb
One of the most highly anticipated challenges on RuPaul’s Drag Race is the Snatch Game, a test of comedic timing, celebrity impersonation, and quick wit. Season 17 of the show raised the stakes with an incredibly diverse and unique lineup of characters, proving once again why this challenge remains a staple of the series. With queens taking on personalities ranging from reality TV stars to mythical creatures, this year’s Snatch Game was a rollercoaster of laughter, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
In this article, we break down the most iconic performances, unexpected twists, and the overall impact of this year’s Snatch Game on the competition.
A Star-Studded and Unconventional Snatch Game Lineup
Every season, the Snatch Game serves as a platform for queens to showcase their comedic genius by impersonating celebrities and public figures. Some choose classic Hollywood icons, others lean into internet culture, while a few dare to be completely out-of-the-box. Season 17 delivered a mix of all three.
The most notable impersonations included:
- Acacia Forgot as Trisha Paytas – Known for her country aesthetic, Acacia made a bold shift by embodying YouTuber Trisha Paytas, capturing her chaotic personality and infamous internet antics.
- Arrietty as Baby Cupid – One of the most unique choices, Arrietty portrayed Cupid as a delirious, lovestruck child, adding a mythical twist to the lineup.
- Crystal Envy as Nicole Richie – Channeling the humor and attitude of The Simple Life star, Crystal took a shot at reality TV royalty.
- Jewels Sparkles as Miss Big Feet – Perhaps the most unexpected choice, Jewels transformed into a glamorous, feminine version of Bigfoot, bringing comedy through physicality and absurdity.
- Kori King as Big Ang – Honoring Mob Wives legend Big Ang, Kori delivered a loud, deep-voiced portrayal that had the judges cackling.
- Lana Ja’Rae as Rosa Parks – A controversial and bold decision, Lana attempted to mix historical significance with lighthearted humor.
- Lexi Love as Gilbert Gottfried – Taking on the challenge of portraying the late comedian, Lexi nailed Gottfried’s signature voice and eccentric energy.
- Lydia Butthole Kollins as David Lynch – A surreal choice, Lydia fully committed to embodying the famed director’s mysterious persona.
- Onya Nurve as Eddie Murphy – With Murphy’s diverse comedic range, Onya had plenty to work with, making for a standout performance.
- Sam Star as Kim Gravel – Bringing Southern pageant charm, Sam Star channeled the TV personality with wit and flair.
- Suzie Toot as Ellen Greene – Paying homage to Little Shop of Horrors, Suzie brought drama and theatrics to the Snatch Game panel.
This season’s lineup was one of the most eclectic and risk-taking we’ve seen in years. But as always, risks in Snatch Game can either lead to triumphant success or complete disaster.
Standout Performances: Who Slayed and Who Struggled?
With such a varied group of impersonations, there were clear winners and losers in this season’s Snatch Game.
The Highs:
- Onya Nurve as Eddie Murphy – With spot-on impressions of Murphy’s most famous characters, Onya’s Snatch Game was full of energy, quick wit, and impeccable comedic timing.
- Lexi Love as Gilbert Gottfried – From the raspy voice to the wild, exaggerated facial expressions, Lexi’s portrayal of Gottfried was eerily accurate and kept the audience laughing.
- Jewels Sparkles as Miss Big Feet – A completely original concept, Jewels embraced physical humor, absurdity, and improv, making the judges howl with laughter.
- Kori King as Big Ang – Kori’s deep voice, exaggerated mannerisms, and commitment to the role made her one of the funniest queens of the night.
The Lows:
- Lana Ja’Rae as Rosa Parks – While attempting to mix humor with historical reference, Lana’s performance fell flat, failing to land jokes while treading dangerously close to uncomfortable territory.
- Arrietty as Baby Cupid – Though an imaginative choice, Arrietty struggled to keep up with the fast-paced humor of the challenge.
- Sam Star as Kim Gravel – While a good impression, Sam failed to push the character beyond surface-level jokes, making it one of the less memorable performances.
Onya Nurve was declared the winner, with RuPaul commending her ability to embody Murphy’s many personas while keeping the humor sharp. On the other end of the spectrum, Lana Ja’Rae landed in the bottom for failing to bring a comedic spark to her portrayal.
The Importance of Snatch Game in RuPaul’s Drag Race History
Snatch Game has long been a make-or-break moment for contestants. Throughout RuPaul’s Drag Race history, queens who dominate Snatch Game often secure their place as frontrunners in the competition.
Past queens who used Snatch Game to propel themselves forward include:
- Bianca Del Rio (Judge Judy, Season 6) – Her quick-witted performance solidified her as the season’s frontrunner.
- Jinkx Monsoon (Edith Bouvier Beale, Season 5) – Considered one of the best Snatch Games in history, Jinkx’s impression changed the game for future queens.
- Gottmik (Paris Hilton, Season 13) – Showcasing intelligence and comedy, Gottmik’s Snatch Game helped her reach the finale.
- Bob the Drag Queen (Carol Channing & Uzo Aduba, Season 8) – The first queen to do two characters in one Snatch Game, Bob proved how versatility wins the challenge.
On the flip side, failing in Snatch Game has led to early eliminations for many queens, making it one of the most nerve-wracking challenges of the season.
For Season 17, Onya Nurve’s Eddie Murphy impersonation set her up as a top contender, while Lana Ja’Rae’s Rosa Parks attempt may have jeopardized her standing in the competition.
How Snatch Game Shapes the Rest of the Season
With Snatch Game being such a pivotal moment, it often reshapes the trajectory of the competition.
- Momentum Boost: Queens who perform well in Snatch Game usually ride the wave of success in later challenges. Onya Nurve’s win could set her up for a strong finale run.
- Redemption Arcs: A poor Snatch Game doesn’t always mean elimination. Queens like Arrietty and Sam Star may now have the motivation to step up in future episodes.
- Fan Favorites: Snatch Game often decides which queens gain the most love from audiences. Jewels Sparkles’ Miss Big Feet was an unexpected hit, and she might become a fan favorite as a result.
- Possible Eliminations: Historically, queens who fail Snatch Game don’t last much longer. Lana Ja’Rae’s future on the show now looks uncertain after her underwhelming performance.
This season’s Snatch Game proved that success in the challenge isn’t just about who you impersonate, but how well you command the room and deliver sharp, unexpected humor.
Conclusion: One for the History Books
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17’s Snatch Game was one of the most unpredictable yet, filled with creative risks, standout performances, and a few unfortunate flops. Onya Nurve’s Eddie Murphy impersonation cemented her as a frontrunner, while Jewels Sparkles’ Miss Big Feet proved that bold choices can pay off.
With the competition heating up, it will be interesting to see how Snatch Game’s results affect the season’s overall trajectory. Will Onya maintain her momentum? Can queens like Lana Ja’Rae recover from this setback? One thing’s for sure—this season’s Snatch Game will be remembered as one of the most unique in Drag Race history.
From thedragonfashion