‘Rupaul’s Drag Race’ back for a fifth season

NEW YORK – RuPaul and Logo have announced the 14 contestants who will vie for a $100,000 cash prize, the crown and the coveted title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”  The hit reality competition show RuPaul’s Drag Race returns to Logo for a fifth season in January 2013.

With more than four outlandish, OMG-filled seasons, RuPaul’s Drag Race has taken the country by storm, evolving from a cult hit to a certified pop culture phenomenon.  With a devoted and diverse following ranging from soccer moms to Hollywood royalty, RuPaul’s Drag Race has become appointment television for viewers who can’t get enough of the fun, drama, “eleganza” and most of all, heart that comes with the show.

“As we start our fifth season, I’m thrilled to announce that Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey, Nikki Minaj and Keith Urban will not be joining us as full time judges,” said executive producer, RuPaul.  “Don’t get me wrong. I love them all.  But we’re gonna keep it all hood up in here.  Because that’s what makes RuPaul’s Drag Race the best damn show on TV.”

This season, a new crop of top-tier drag hopefuls are strapping on their helmets and revving their engines for the most competitive drag race and biggest grand prize yet.

The following are the 14 season five RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants:

Alaska

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Alyssa Edwards

Mesquite, Texas

Coco Montrese

Las Vegas, Nev.

Detox

Los Angeles, Calif.

Honey Mahogany

San Francisco, Calif.

Ivy Winters

New York, N.Y.

Jade Jolie

Gainesville, Fla.

Jinkx Monsoon

Seattle, Wash.

Lineysha Sparx

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Monica Beverly Hillz

Owensboro, Ky.

Penny Tration

Cincinnati, Ohio

Roxxxy Andrews

Orlando, Fla.

Serena ChaCha

Tallahassee, Fla.

Vivienne Pinay

New York, N.Y.

RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen, has pushed the boundaries of popular culture on an international level and continues to make history with RuPaul’s Drag Race, the first reality television show featuring drag queens.  RuPaul is back for a fifth season alongside judges Michelle Visage and Santino Rice, to decide who will “shante! stay!” or “sashay away” with a new batch of the nation’s hottest, most glamorous drag queens.  Wigs will fly and drama will run high as the contestants bring their over-the-top attitudes to a drag battle royale.

In the end, only one contestant will have what it takes to win the coveted title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar,” and a prize package that includes a sickening supply of Colorevolution cosmetics, a one-of-a-kind trip courtesy of AlandChuck.travel, a headlining spot on Logo’s Drag Race Tour and a cash prize of $100,000.