AceShowbiz - The anticipation for "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 17 is sky-high as MTV reveals an impressive lineup of celebrity guest judges and an intriguing new twist. The season kicks off on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 8 P.M. ET on MTV, followed by the aftershow, "RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked", at 9:30 P.M.. ET/PT.

The new trailer highlights an array of guest judges who will join RuPaul and mainstage judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison. Fans of the show can look forward to appearances by Katy Perry, Doechii, Sandra Bernhard, Julia Schlaepfer, Paul W. Downs, Hunter Schafer, Quinta Brunson, Jamal Sims, Law Roach, Adam Lambert, Betsey Johnson, Whitney Cummings, Sam Smith, Jerrod Carmichael, June Diane Raphael and Tracee Ellis Ross.

One of the standout features for this season is The Badonka Dunk Tank twist. Following the traditional lip sync battle, the eliminated queen has a chance to turn her fate. She can choose from ten levers, two of which will dunk Michelle Visage, providing immediate immunity and allowing her to stay in the competition. This twist doubles the drama and suspense, reminiscent of Season 14's "It's Chocolate" twist but with higher stakes.

The contestants of this season bring a diverse and talented set of queens eager to showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. The competitors include Acacia Forgot, Arrietty, Crystal Envy, Hormona Lisa, Jewels Sparkles, Joella, Kori King, Lana Ja'Rae, Lexi Love, Lucky Starzzz, Lydia B Kollins, Onya Nurve, Sam Star, and Suzie Toot. All are vying for the title of America's Next Drag Superstar along with a grand prize of $200,000.

Katy Perry, an ardent fan of the drag culture, is especially excited for her role as a guest judge this season. "I want to, I think it's just been timing," Perry mentioned in a Rolling Stone interview in 2022. "It's been one of those things where we tried to do it a couple of times, but the timing hasn't worked out. I'm definitely going to do it in the future, I hope. Quite honestly, if it weren't for drag queens, I probably wouldn't have a career because I probably learned everything from them."

Don't miss the glitz, glam, and fierce competition as "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 17 premieres on MTV and streams on Paramount+. It's a drag queen's world, and we're lucky to be living in it.