When it comes to the most deserving winners ofRuPaul’s Drag Race, there may be a debate, as it’s all relative. But sometimes, there is that one queen that has it all, proved it all, and, when the time comes forRuPaulto say their name, it just makes sense. The queen that tops that list of most deserving is the newly crowned champion of Season 17,Onya Nurve.RuPaul’s Drag Raceis all about finding America’s Next Drag Superstar through the criteria of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.One of the criteria is literally in her name. Do we need to say more?
Since the beginning of the season, there was something utterly enigmatic about the well-spoken, charismatic queen from Cleveland, Ohio. She may have been a bit of a slow burn, showing all her attributes slowly, but once she did,Onya Nurve was simply unmatched.Around the mid-point of the competition,I recognized the high potential of an Onya Nurve victory.Well, we did it. And it all makes sense.
Onya Nurve’s Got the Talent
WinningRuPaul’s Drag Raceisn’t necessarily always about having the best track record. There have certainly been exceptionally talented queens who had the top marks at the end of the season, but there was just something about their competitors that fulfilled the brief of what Ru was looking for as the season’s victor and ultimate face of the franchise. Luckily for Onya Nurve, she solidified both. Not only did she have the best track record in the Top 4 with the most wins, buther quality as a reality television character and a genuine person exceeded expectations.
Before we discuss her character, we must acknowledge her victorious moments from the season.She is part of an elite group of four-time challenge winners.Her first win was during theUntuckedmusic parody challenge. By smartly acknowledging how to take advantage of working solo on the performance, she ensured all eyes were on her. As well as those ears. It was our first hint at how strong her vocals were. When she arrived at the Snatch Game, she shocked the room by demonstrating her exceptional ability to master comedianEddie Murphy. As she has discussed on and off the screen, her experience playing Donkey inShrek the Musical,which she has performed multiple times, helped immensely. In the season’s parody acting challenge, she took on a role that no one else in that room could do. Playing a rapper named Big Fupa with outlandish hair, nails, and attitude, she stole the show. She capped off the season with a co-victory withLexi Lovein the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent Monologues thanks to their decision as the only duo to take a campy approach. While she did have a bottom-two placement during the makeover challenge, she ultimately won over the world through her connection with her dad, who was tearful during the finale. Could we love him any more? We knowLaw Roachdoes!
Everything that Onya showcased on the show can be transported straight to mainstream media. Her finale song, “It Do Take Nurve,” easily could be a number one hit on Top 40 radio. Her voice is pop ready. Her acting prowess has proven she can do it all. Whether it’s her impersonation of Eddie Murphy, her brilliantly hilarious Big Fuda during “Ross Matthewsvs the Ducks” challenge, or herSNL-worthy ability to host, Onya Nurve will soon take television and film by storm.Quinta Brunsonhad already taken a liking to her, so don’t be surprised whenAbbott Elementarycomes calling for a guest spot.
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Onya Nurve’s Got the Charisma and the Uniqueness
The reality is that theDrag Raceof yore is gone. We’re far gone from the times when being just an excellent drag artist is enough to win. America’s Next Drag Superstar has to have the ability to go mainstream. Whether it’s through music, acting, modeling, fashion, beauty, or politics, knowing who you are and what you may be is part of the criteria thatRuPaul’s Drag Racetests. You have to not only represent theDrag Racebrand as an entity, but your brand has to be almost fully realized.Onya Nurve’s brand embodies the concept of being a multi-hyphenate.The world is now her oyster. Whatever she wants in this industry, she should get.
Beyond the television persona, it’s essential to have a voice. To represent individuals who need hope. Onya’s perspective and voice as a beacon of the community will reach beyond a television show on MTV. When Onya Nurve speaks, you listen. Brilliant is an understatement. Some queens can perform and dance the house down. Some queens can host and engage an audience. Not every queen can hold a conversation so eloquently that you know they have a perspective. I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend theSeason 17 Finale Viewing Party and Crowning, where I spoke to the Final Four on the red carpet.When I spoke to Onya, I was speaking to someone who means business.When I asked her what advice she has for future RuGirls, she said, “Do your homework. Know the show. Know the history of the show. Know what you can expect before you expect it. And most importantly, have fun!” Whether she went back in time to give herself this advice or not, it all paid off. The right winner is wearing the crown. It do take nerve, and Onya Nurve’s got it.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
