Celebs Who Secretly Sponsor Drag Race Contestants Every Season

Competing on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ is expensive, with contestants often spending thousands of dollars on their outfits and performances. Many rely on help from celebrities who secretly provide money and glamorous clothes. While this support isn’t usually shown on TV, it’s essential for the queens to succeed. These celebrities help the drag community flourish and stay visible to a wider audience, showing the strong connection between drag and the entertainment world.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is known for generously supporting drag performers, particularly those from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. She’s famously given queens significant exposure, like when she brought dozens to perform with her at the Video Music Awards. People in the industry say she often pays for expensive costumes for performers she connects with. Beyond financial help, she frequently promotes their work on social media, which helps them get better jobs and more recognition in the entertainment world.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a longtime supporter of drag culture and has become close friends with many drag performers. She generously shares clothing from her vast personal collection to help them create stunning looks for TV. She also frequently helps cover the expensive costs of wigs and makeup. Performers often say she’s a mentor and inspires their most memorable stage performances. Her unique artistic vision is a noticeable influence on the show’s overall style.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is a dedicated supporter of drag artists. She regularly hires performers from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ for her music videos and tours, and often pays for their costumes and travel expenses. She’s also a frequent attendee at drag shows, where she generously tips and supports the performers. This support has helped many drag queens build successful and lasting careers, and she continues to be a major contributor to their financial stability.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj offered helpful advice and feedback while guest judging, which many of the performers really appreciated. She’s also been supporting several queens from New York who are struggling with the show’s expenses, often helping them cover the costs of custom outfits and performance equipment. This support helps these artists move from local clubs to a much larger audience. Nicki also uses social media to promote her favorite contestants and help them build their careers.

Lizzo

Lizzo is a strong supporter of drag artists, regularly featuring them in her shows and on TV. She also provides financial help to queens getting ready to compete on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ covering costs like lights and props. Many drag queens see her as a mentor who understands the financial challenges of being an independent performer. By offering this support, Lizzo helps ensure future drag stars have what they need to thrive and reach wider audiences.

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs is a highly influential fashion designer with strong ties to the drag community. He frequently provides stunning, high-end outfits to drag queens for appearances and events like red carpets and promotional tours. This access to designer clothing helps them create a polished and memorable image, giving them an edge in the industry. While he often keeps these collaborations quiet, his support clearly impacts the overall fashion seen on the show and within drag culture.

Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano is a leading fashion designer known for his strong support of drag queens, frequently creating custom outfits for them on shows like ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and other events. Performers appreciate that he designs for a wide range of body types, which has influenced how drag is shown on TV. This collaboration gives the queens access to high-quality, expertly-made garments, helping them shine. Siriano also consistently champions the inclusion of drag artists in the broader high fashion industry.

Jeremy Scott

Jeremy Scott is a well-known ally of the LGBTQ+ community and often features drag performers in his fashion shows. There’s talk he also helps contestants by providing clothes from his Moschino line, which lets them create incredibly polished looks that usually require significant funding. His designs consistently capture the show’s unique mix of extravagance and high fashion. He continues to be a strong advocate for the artistry and self-expression that drag enables.

Bob Mackie

Bob Mackie is a legendary costume designer who’s hugely influenced drag performers with his extravagant creations. He’s known for subtly helping contestants on shows by offering design ideas and inspiration drawn from classic Hollywood. His impact is clear every time a performer struts down the runway in a sparkling, beaded gown. A few contestants have even been fortunate enough to wear original pieces made for famous movie stars. His designs continue to define the show’s glamorous style and remain the standard for high fashion.

Todrick Hall

Todrick Hall has a special connection to the show, acting as both a judge and someone who often works with the performers. He regularly helps the queens by providing places to practice and professional dance routines for their own projects. He also frequently funds the creation of polished music videos for up-and-coming drag artists. This support is incredibly important for queens trying to establish themselves beyond the show. Hall consistently connects the worlds of drag and popular music choreography.

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves is known for her strong support of the drag community, weaving it into her country music work by featuring queens from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ in her videos and shows. She also reportedly helps them financially with touring costs, like maintaining their elaborate costumes. This support demonstrates how drag is gaining popularity even in music genres that haven’t always been welcoming, and shows Musgraves’ commitment to using her influence to champion drag artistry.

Cardi B

Cardi B is a big fan of drag culture, appreciating its artistry and fun. She frequently helps New York City drag queens as they gain national attention, often covering the costs of custom accessories and jewelry needed for their performances. Her support also helps these performers connect with a broader audience, and she consistently speaks out about the effort and commitment it takes to be a professional drag queen.

Rihanna

Rihanna champions diversity and talent by regularly featuring drag artists in her fashion shows and beauty ads. She’s also known for quietly helping contestants financially, covering costs for professional makeup and hair. This support lets them use top-quality products and look their best on stage. Rihanna’s brand is now a go-to for drag artists globally, and she continues to shape the look of modern drag performance.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé frequently features drag performers in her music videos and concerts, and she’s known for paying them very well. This support often helps performers fund their appearances on shows like ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ covering the cost of costumes and other expenses. By showcasing their talent, she gives them valuable recognition and credibility in the entertainment world. Many drag queens also cite her dedication and creative visuals as a major source of inspiration.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is like a mother to many of the drag queens on the show, offering guidance and emotional support. She often helps them financially, too. With her years of experience in Hollywood, she has the means to help these performers deal with the challenges of the industry, often covering things like travel and housing costs when they’re first starting out. She’s a consistent source of strength and stability in their lives.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones is a huge fan of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and loves sharing her excitement online. She goes above and beyond by privately supporting the contestants with encouragement and even gifts. By doing so, she helps shine a spotlight on talented queens who might not get enough attention. Leslie also uses her influence to advocate for fair treatment and better wages for drag performers. Her sincere passion for drag makes her an important ally and supporter within the drag community.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg frequently uses her talk show to celebrate drag as an art form with deep cultural roots. She’s also known for privately helping drag queens facing difficulties, often through direct financial gifts to support their education or artistic projects. Goldberg strongly believes drag is a powerful force for challenging expectations and building a more inclusive society, and her dedication to the drag community has earned her widespread respect among performers nationwide.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is a strong supporter of drag artists, often including them in her work. There are reports she also helps fund the creation of their stunning costumes, particularly the impressive outfits used in reveals. By publicly championing drag, she helps make it more accepted by a wider audience and consistently celebrates the talent and bravery of the performers.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a fashion leader known for embracing the creativity of drag and high fashion. She often helps drag queens competing on shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race by connecting them with professional stylists and designers to enhance their looks and overall style. Her love of fashion as performance art makes her a natural supporter of the show, and she continues to inspire queens who prioritize artistic expression in their work.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a fashion icon who often acknowledges the influence of drag culture on his bold red carpet looks. He actively supports up-and-coming performers, offering guidance and financial help. He empowers drag queens to use fashion as a powerful form of storytelling and frequently works with them on collaborative projects to highlight their skills. Porter’s journey demonstrates how drag artistry can pave the way for significant achievements in mainstream entertainment.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monae is known for her creative and ever-evolving image and performances. She regularly works with drag artists, featuring them in her music videos and concerts. This provides these artists with valuable income to further their careers. Monae is a generous supporter of the queer arts scene, and her commitment helps keep drag performance thriving as a key part of today’s pop culture.

Zendaya

Zendaya often takes inspiration from drag culture when creating her memorable red carpet outfits. She actively promotes drag artists, sharing their makeup and hair work with her followers. There’s also talk that she’s helped some drag queens financially, providing resources for costumes and materials. By showcasing drag, she’s inspiring a new wave of fans and proving herself a strong and respectful supporter of the art form.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez is a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community and frequently showcases drag queens in her work. She’s known for generously gifting money to performers she meets, often helping them with expenses like wigs and custom shoes. By using her large platform, she gives these artists much-needed visibility and continues to champion messages of acceptance and creative expression.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has consistently championed drag artists, including featuring them in her music videos. She also reportedly provides financial support to help these performers tour, which is vital since they often depend on live shows to make a living. By publicly supporting drag, she helps break down negative stereotypes and highlights the important role it plays in culture. Lovato is a long-time fan who truly appreciates the talent and genuine artistry within the drag community.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry often includes drag performance in her concerts and videos. She regularly features stars from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ on her world tours, providing them with important income. This money frequently helps cover the expenses of returning to compete on the show in later seasons. Perry is known as a supportive employer who appreciates the talents of drag artists, and her support has boosted the careers of many performers, helping them achieve international recognition.

Taylor Swift

As a huge cinema and music fan, I was so thrilled to see Taylor Swift champion drag artistry in her music video! She didn’t just include amazing queens from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ she really supported them. It was a fantastic opportunity for those performers, giving them a major boost to their careers and, importantly, some financial security. I even heard many used the money to upgrade their incredible costumes for their own shows! More than that, though, she brought drag to a whole new audience, and it’s clear she’s genuinely committed to using her platform to celebrate diversity – which is just amazing to see.

Cher

Cher is a beloved icon who has a long history of supporting the drag community. She’s known to have helped many famous drag queens with both money and career guidance, and her influence is clear in the numerous performances and tributes to her on the show. Though she doesn’t often talk about it, her positive impact on performers’ lives is widely recognized. For drag queens dreaming of a lasting career, Cher remains a true role model.

Madonna

From the start of her career, Madonna has consistently supported and celebrated drag culture, collaborating with many iconic performers. She’s well-known for financially backing the artistic projects of drag queens she admires, often funding things like short films and experimental theater that let them show off their talents. This support is vital for keeping the creative and rebellious energy of drag alive. Madonna continues to challenge expectations and inspire a new wave of performers.

Cyndi Lauper

As a longtime fan, I’ve always admired Cyndi Lauper, but it’s her unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community that truly stands out. She doesn’t just talk the talk – she actively champions drag artists, regularly hiring them for her benefit concerts. And it’s not just performance opportunities; the money she raises often directly helps these incredibly talented performers afford the stunning looks we see on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ It’s clear her connection is genuine, which is why she’s so beloved within the drag community. She’s a true advocate, consistently recognizing and supporting the artistry and important social impact of drag culture.

Debbie Harry

As a longtime film and music lover, I’ve always admired Debbie Harry, and it’s amazing to hear about her support for the drag community. I knew she had a cool, rebellious spirit – that punk icon status really fits with the energy of a lot of drag performances. But I recently learned she’s been quietly helping out New York drag queens for years! She’s not just showing up to events, which is awesome in itself, but she’s actually providing financial support so they can really focus on their art and not worry so much about making ends meet. It’s fantastic to see someone with her platform championing these artists and letting them stay true to their vision.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a huge inspiration, especially for drag queens, thanks to her signature style and uplifting spirit. Though famous for classic country music, she quietly supports the drag community, reportedly sending gifts and encouraging notes to performers who are inspired by her. This support is incredibly meaningful, offering validation to artists who use her image to express femininity and create joy. Dolly Parton continues to be a universally loved figure who connects with people from all walks of life.

Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan deeply admires the artistry and energy of drag performers. She often helps fund the creation of their costumes, especially for performances set to her music. This support allows them to create stunning looks for iconic lip sync competitions. By publicly supporting the drag community, she acknowledges the long-standing connection between drag and soul music and remains a significant influence for many artists.

Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle is a celebrated singer who has long supported drag artists. Throughout her career, she’s helped many queens reach their potential by offering both money and career guidance, often covering expenses like vocal lessons and recording studio time. She truly believes in the talent and hard work of the drag community, and her impact can be seen in the dynamic and impressive performances we see today.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is a strong supporter of drag artists, regularly using her talk show and public appearances to uplift the community. There’s talk she also privately helps fund charities run by queens. This support allows drag artists to give back to their communities and mentor LGBTQ+ youth. She gives them a national platform to share their experiences and talents, and consistently demonstrates her belief in the positive impact of drag as an art form.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson often appears as a judge and is a big supporter of the contestants on the show. She’s known for giving gifts to those whose stories move her, which helps them deal with the financial pressures of being in a highly visible competition. Her sincere love for the show makes her popular with both the performers and the audience, and she continues to positively impact the lives of many drag artists.

Adele

Adele is a well-known supporter of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and often attends live shows. There are reports that she’s also helped some of the contestants financially, particularly with expenses like international travel and visas as they build their careers. She clearly loves and appreciates the creativity and fun of drag, and continues to publicly support the talented performers on the show.

Sia

Sia frequently collaborates with drag performers in her music videos and shows, resulting in visually stunning performances. She’s also known for generously compensating these artists, which often helps them afford the intricate costumes and designs they need for competitions like RuPaul’s Drag Race. This financial support lets performers fully focus on their artistry. Sia remains a strong advocate for and collaborator with the drag community.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera is a strong ally to the drag community, regularly showcasing drag queens in her videos and concerts. There’s talk she also quietly helps contestants by funding their hair and makeup, giving them access to top-quality products and stylists. Her appearance as a guest judge on the show was a huge deal for everyone involved, and she remains a role model for queens who admire powerful vocals and glamorous style.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears has long been a major inspiration for drag performers. She’s famously supported them, even providing financial help to queens who work with her on projects. This support is especially helpful, as drag artistry can be expensive – from costumes to maintaining a public image. Her songs and signature style are frequently featured in drag shows, particularly during lip sync performances and as inspiration for runway looks. She’s a cherished icon, and her impact on drag culture is huge.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is a legendary performer known for her incredible voice and glamorous image, and she’s become a major inspiration to drag queens. There are stories that she secretly helps fund the elaborate, high-fashion costumes of queens on reality shows, letting them create the stunning looks that impress the judges. Her support and acknowledgement of the drag community have given them a significant boost in visibility and respect. She continues to be a role model for queens dreaming of a luxurious and successful career.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is a celebrated fashion icon and a mentor to many thriving drag queens. She helps them break into the high-fashion industry with career guidance, financial assistance, and valuable connections to designers and agencies. Her impact is clear in how drag queens perform on runways and in photoshoots, and she continues to champion the exciting relationship between drag and fashion.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks has consistently championed drag artists, both through her work on TV and by publicly supporting them. There are reports she also quietly helps queens financially, enabling them to create their own shows and become producers and hosts. Her extensive background in fashion and television provides invaluable guidance, and she remains a strong voice for recognizing the skill and dedication of drag performers.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum is a strong supporter of drag performers, regularly showcasing them on her TV shows. She goes beyond just featuring them, often providing financial assistance to help with their elaborate costumes and props. This support is key to helping performers create the stunning looks needed to succeed on television. By publicly championing drag, Klum introduces this art form to a wider, global audience and continues to be a devoted fan of the talent and artistry of drag queens and kings.

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen, a well-known fashion icon, is a supporter of drag performers, appreciating their talent and hard work. There are reports she financially helps fund environmental and charitable causes started by former drag queens, allowing them to raise awareness and make a positive impact. Because of her status in the fashion industry, she gives drag artists more credibility when they try to collaborate with big brands. She continues to be a strong and respectful advocate for the drag community.

Winnie Harlow

Winnie Harlow is good friends with many queens from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and often joins them at events. She’s well-known for helping them financially, especially with the expensive outfits they need as they gain international recognition. This often includes covering the cost of designer clothes for photoshoots and red carpet events. Harlow’s commitment to diversity and acceptance strongly resonates with the drag community, and she consistently uses her platform to celebrate drag artistry.

Ashley Graham

Ashley Graham is a strong supporter of drag artists, even featuring them in her fashion work. There are reports she also helps them financially, providing funds for things like professional photoshoots and branding to help them grow their careers in fashion and media. Because of her position in the modeling world, she’s able to create opportunities for drag performers of all sizes. She continues to be a committed ally, recognizing and celebrating their talent and self-assurance.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a pioneering actress who has consistently supported the drag community. She mentors and financially helps drag queens as they build their careers in entertainment, often focusing on helping them develop their individual style and professional brand. Cox believes drag is a powerful tool for creating social change and increasing visibility for LGBTQ+ people, and her own success demonstrates what’s possible with hard work and talent.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez deeply values drag culture and frequently works with drag performers. She’s known for financially supporting queens whose work she admires, often helping to cover the costs of producing and promoting their independent theater and film projects. Her own success gives many drag artists hope and serves as inspiration. She continues to be a strong supporter, celebrating the community’s diversity and talent.

Share your thoughts on which celebrity sponsorship surprised you the most in the comments.

2026-01-11 17:53