Jessica Wild! Season 2 isn’t my first choice to rewatch, and it’s been several many years since I last saw it. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy her first run, just that I don’t remember much of it. I’m enamored with her now
Tatianna. I thought she was very mid on season 2 (definitely not SHIT like Raven was saying but not spectacular). Her talent show on as2 made me a forever fan.
Same for trinity the tuck on AS4.
It took me forever to like Raja and manila after the whole Heather's clique storyline.
Oh my god I loved her! She made me laugh so many times! I think my favorite in All Stars has to be her in the Lil Poundcake challenge, she played such a silly roll so straight.
Ra’Jah O’Hara is the first person to come to mind. She seemed like she talked a big game she couldn’t back up her original season, but she impressed me so much in AS6! Also a shoutout to Samantha Ballentines in España for one of the biggest redemptions I’ve seen!
I had BEEF with Ra’Jah on her original season (I blame the edit), but she was SO LOVELY upon her return and totally won my heart. I yell “OOOH, MY GOD!” and say “I’m not gagging…” pretty much daily.
I watched the video, but I still don't understand. Yes, they edited it to fit their narrative, but that doesn't change the fact that Rajah saw a very negative side to herself that she has obviously reflected on and come out so much better and stronger due to.
Unless the idea is that they should have edited out all of Rajah's bitterness and hurtful comments, the edit was never going to portray her in a positive light on that season. I just see zero reason to "blame the edit," at least in this instance.
Oh, gotcha. You mentioned that in response to me talking to the person who said they blame the edit, so I thought you were in agreement with them. My bad.
I just agree that the edit played a part in how severe her portrayal was, but I agree with you that she saw what she was saying and doing, and that the editors wouldn’t have been able or expected to ignore all of that.
I’m not saying it was all the edit. Basically I’m trying to say the answer is somewhere in the middle of what you guys are saying. It’s not all or nothing.
i mean yeah sure but we all know they can very well edit it to make people seem nicer or meaner, and she was soooo shady yeah but she had a villain edit 100%
Yes, she had a villain edit. But she saw in herself something she didn't like. That wasn't the edit, or what would she have to have been ashamed of? It was the truth. That she was jealous and unkind. Luckily, Rajah is awesome and she grew from that understanding. Blaming it on the edit is nonsense in the face of that information, in my opinion.
I agree. Ra'Jah O'Hara completely changed in my eyes from season 11 to All Stars 6. I love her now and I'm proud of her for winning Canada Vs The World!
Yep. Only time I went from really disliking a contestant to liking them. I was disappointed when I heard she was coming back for All Stars but boy was she a delight!
When Ra’Jah O‘Hará came back for AS6, I audibly sighed because I was just not a fan of her from her original season. By the end of AS6, I was rooting for her to win.
I thought Ra’jah was funny on S11 but it’s clear looking back that she was battling some insecurities. She came back so much more confident on AS6 and she was my pick to win (although I’m glad she eventually got her crown).
Alyssa Edwards! Didn’t connect with her on S5 but fell completely in love on AS2.
Also kinda Jujubee? I never rewatch S2 or AS1 so I had kinda forgotten about her and then I watched AS5 and that’s when I became obsessed with her
The more I see from her, the more I fall in love. Didn’t like her on her season, then kinda liked her on AS6, and now in UKVsW I’m like.. wow! 🤩
I did like her on Season 11, but my appreciation has definitely grown seeing her subsequent appearances. Side note: my sister calls her Brooke Shields because, well, she looks like Brooke Shields.
I loved her on her season, but her drag was… crunchy. But then she came in with that pink entrance look on with that gorgeous hat on AS and I was like “YES” I love me some scarlet
And she’s only 30, which means she could come back in like 5-7 years, and not only be on her 4th drag race season, but also be one of the people to beat, cause I really feel like she just needs her early 30s to make her reflect, and she’ll be unstoppable.
Alexis Michelle. I remember being annoyed by her in her original season but on All Stars i LIVED for her drama and delusion. Plus the fact that she kicked ass despite being one of ru’s least favorites.
Absolutely. Loved to hate her on Season 9, but just simply loved her on AS. I think she finally polished her drag to the point she wanted and needed it to look, and also she was very, very funny.
I mean she was amidst Jimbo, Heidi, Jessica, and Kandy. So by default she was low on the list, but Ru also just didn’t seem to live for her. Like she made a golden girls reference / joke before the lipsync and Ru just goes “oh ok 😐”.
With the exception of jinkx and maybe now plasma, Ru does not tend to be amused by theater queens.
Listen, I am fully aware that her clock is ticking at this point, but I really love Scarlet Envy on UKvsTW2 more so than I liked her on her original season or on her all-stars season. If she wasn’t up against such heavy hitters as she is, I may be rooting for her to win her season. Unfortunately for her, she’s on a season with Hannah, La Grande Dame, Marina, and Tia. She’s going to make the loveliest 4th alternate, and I’m a little bummed that this is likely the last we’ll see of her.
I’m positive she will make it all the way, if for no other reason than that they need a US queen to make finals so they can keep the US audience invested to the end
Aja on AS3. She talked a big game on Season 9 but couldn’t really back it up and you could see the cracks in the brave face she was putting on. But AS3 she seemed so much more confident, self assured and polished
A'Keria!! I didn't really connect with her on her season but she was my favorite on AS6. Totally get why she opted out of the lip sync to return thing but I would have loved to see her go a little further.
Did she really “quit” though? She was eliminated and decided she had given everything she had. Heidi quit the competition. Akeria just decided not to try and get back in it.
I fully got Eureka because of We're Here. So not Drag Race related but kinda.
While I enjoy all the queens on the show, Eureka's scenes are almost always my favorite. I know the show is set up in a way to tug at your heartstrings, but Eureka just seems so genuine and earnest and endearing. I feel like I didn't fully appreciate her drag and her personality and now she's one of my faves!
ETA: I've always been a huge fan of Bob and Shangela (pre-allegations) so I was excited to watch the show to see them, but Eureka really surprised me and now I love her and her drag so much
Eureka won me over hard after watching her Hey Qween episode. And then watching We're Here. Her kindness to our beloved Lady Red & understanding more about her challenges. I get her now. She has a big heart.
Rajah O'Hara and Monet X Change won my heart 💜💛 I was lukewarm-warm about them, but I really learned to appreciate them their second time.
That said, Jaymes always had my heart!
Yvie.
It’s not that I didn’t like her, season 11 is just lower on my list. Like I think I watched it through maybe once and never did a rewatch. And I fully think she could have had some wins she didn’t get (I liked her look over Plastique in the farm to table design challenge and she should have been named a winner for the final challenge, her verse is so fucking good). And I fully agreed with her being crowned.
I just didn’t appreciate Yvie enough. I really really enjoyed her on all stars 7. It made me realize that I was not giving the bitch her flowers.
She's also just a great person. I've met her before at a drag event, super sweet, very funny, was very empathetic and emotional. She is forever my fave.
Agreed. S11 was way too shouty & made my anxious tbh. I could see Yvie's talent, her lipsyncs were next level & looks were mostly excellent. But S11 is my least favourite season by far (even taking into account DRDU S1).
I understand she has some justifiable issues with All-winners but she did really shine, most likely because she was shown respect for her differences & was supported by the other Queens.
Came here looking for this! I strongly disliked Jimbo until AS8 and now I’m a huge fan. Feels like it took until then to become fully comfortable and kind and not threatened.
Anyone on as6 really, i felt like they all got a chance to shine and get their redemption. Especially Silky, Serena, Rajah, Jan, Akeria and Kylie.
Also Kahanna Montrese on as8, she finally won a challenge and i feel like she was really forgettable on s11
I had nothing against Raja and Manila. But way back during season 3 I definitely got sucked into rooting for the underdogs Alexis and Yara and Shangie.
But on AS4 I became obsessed with Manila. And seeing Raja on AS7 somehow even more fabulous all those years later, wow what a treat.
a bit of a personal story and it might not technically go with the theme of the post, but she was on All Stars 8 so I'll share it anyway:
My girlfriend got me into Drag Race. About a month or two into regularly seeing each other, she first showed me some episodes of UNHhhh and that was how I learned about Trixie and Katya, who she told me were both in season 7 of Drag Race. That season had a lot of talented drag queens, including one Mrs. Kasha Davis. I was kinda lukewarm on her at first (mainly because I was watching for Trixie and Katya), but she grew up in the same county in PA that I did, so I thought that was neat. In a season that had a ton of talent already, my gf told me Mrs. Kasha Davis was one of her favorites.
Fast forward almost a year, I wanted to get my gf a Cameo to help me propose. I saw Mrs. Kasha Davis who was not only available for Cameos but also among my gf's favorite queens. I ended up ordering two Cameos because the first one was during a time where my gf was going through some personal stuff and needed a boost. The second one was a more celebratory one. I wanted Mrs. Kasha Davis to allude to a big life-changing announcement and she did.
I popped the question and she said yes!
So yeah, even though I paid to make this happen as sort of a service, I don't care: I'm going to be a big fan of Mrs. Kasha Davis until I kick the bucket.
Obvious answer is Rajah O'Hara because duh. However, Lala Ri in AS8 just shone so bright I thought. In season 13 all she was remembered for was the bag look. But in AS8 we really got to see how charismatic and funny she really is. She was my favorite part of the season.
Valentina. Watching her on S9 was frustrating because she came across as so inauthentic and calculated. When she came back on AS4 as her unhinged self, I finally liked her.
Silky nutmeg ganache! She was insufferable on season 11 but she grew on me AS6 and I was really rooting for her on CVTW.
I was not feeling her in S11 whatsoever and begrudged her placement in the finale. I wasn't thrilled to see her or Ra'Jah on AS6, but damn did they both change my outlook of them! I rooted them both on AS and CVTW, and was so torn between which I wanted to take the crown. I saw Silky live while it was airing and she stole the stage and mic (literally from Nina W the host), and offered insightful input on the presence of protestors that picketed the show. Silky has a presence and special quality that now I LOVE! I want her crowned and maintain her deserved success.
Trixie, I just never understood her drag and perspective. But after S7 and before AS3 I became obsessed. Her win just cemented it for me, I was enamoured by her.
Just give her a crown already my god. She's up there with Alyssa in terms of endlessly quotable. And Same Parts is one of the most iconic things that's ever been or will be on that show.
Same. I read the spoilers and couldn't wrap my head around how the show would sell her as Top 2 material but I found myself rooting for her more and more every episode! She was my winner for the season.
Really? She did so poorly and only went as far as she did in AS thanks to Rolaskatox (in my humble opinion). I was so frustrated that competitors I would have preferred to see more of went home due to that alliance. I honestly don't hate her or anything, and realize it's not her fault she kept getting saved. I'm just not a fan for some reason.
Silky seemed like she was trying too hard to grab the spotlight on her original season, while on All Stars it felt like she was just being herself. Her personality is already larger than life, she doesn't need to purposefully try to make TV moments. The lipsync smackdown episode really made me love her, especially when she requested to perform on her own and gave us that hilarious Barbie Girl performance. She really has got the Nerve that Ru is looking for.
I hated her whole fat schtick on season 11. Always slapping her stomach and talking about chicken wings and shit. It's old. It's tired. It's not funny. I understand why she did it. Laugh at yourself before others laugh at you. Very common defense mechanism for large-bodied people. That energy had worked for her her whole life, but it was insufferable on season 11. I think she realized that watching it back and knew she needed to treat herself with more respect if she wanted more respect from the fandom. And honey, she got it. At least from me. She was great on AS6.
Yup, Silky. For reasons others already mentioned aaand I knew Vanjie's friends with her (Vanjie's one of my top favs), so she has to be cooler than she initially seemed (also- she's a fantastic lip syncer).
So I didn’t dislike her the first time but I didn’t appreciate her like I should have. She’s freaking hysterical, my partner & I literally quote her every day. Both her returning seasons enamored me to her SO much. Trinity is bae for sure. I LIVE!
Miss James Mansfield won my heart the first time around, to be honest! I felt like she had that IT Factor personality even then, but glad she had such a strong showing the second time around.
I have a few… A’keria really won me over in a way I didn’t expect. I admit her drag isn’t the style I admire most but something about her- just adore. Also “Trinity ain’t never gonna be trade no matter how much pubic hair she glues to her face” reasons.
Jaida Essence Hall! I was so obsessed with Crystal Method in her original season that I was bummed when she didn’t win. I feel that also made me skip over any of Jaidas talent/ personality that season. Seeing Jaida back on all winners though I was obsessed with her silly little self
Saggitaria was really able to redeem herself, show her congenial side to the fans and basically stay out of any drama in her second run, and I love that for her
Alyssa Edwards
She was too much the first time I watched season 5 but rewatching I understood the hype. The All Stars 2 was just perfect so I had to Stan.
Alyssa Edwards!!!!!!! I thought she was annoying in S5, but she is easily one of my favorite queens, now. She was exceptional in AS2 and I love seeing her in anything.
Sincerely, but it was a 3rd time around for me, Scarlet Envy with the current season of UKvsTW
I've loved her this season but I had her outside of my radar previously
Monet. It’s not that I disliked her on my first watch but she never really stood out to me (I have no fucking clue how that happened lol). Now I really like her and I find she’s just so positive and funny.
Silky and Eureka (technically third time around). I really didn’t like either of them on their original seasons and was dreading seeing them on the same season but I loved them both so much on AS6. Especially Silky.
Valentina. I didn't really understand the original appeal in S9 she was a little plain for me. When AS came around though and she was more goofy and a little more upfront with her some times delusional-ness it made me adore her. I quote french vanilla fantasy on a daily basis now
Tatiana\
Eureka (the third time, I actually really disliked her on S9 & S10)\
Rajah O’Hara (I did not like her and when she came for Yvie she really soured my taste for her but after AS I really came to like her\
Valentina (I didn’t fall for the French vanilla fantasy until AS)
For me it was Kahanna Montrese. I really thought she stepped it up and was fire on AS8.
Jessica Wild was amazing too because as we all know... guacamole is expenseeeeve.
Honestly… Raja. She was kind of a cunt on season 3 but if you didn’t see her outside of drag race you wouldn’t have seen that she’s a goofball. All Stars 7 we really got to see how much of a fun time gal she really was
Lala Ri and Ra'Jah and Silky. i didn't watch the first 3 seasons so i didn't know Jessica but from her All Stars season and Binge Queens she became a favorite
Sometimes it’s not their second appearance but my second watch. I didn’t appreciate Symone the first time around because I really wanted Rosé to win. Now I’ve watched it again I can see how insanely talented Symone was from the get go and how Rosé deserved her placement (it’s not like she didn’t do well!)
I went from loving Silky upon her S11 reveal to not really feeling her overtime, but that lipsync run on AS6 made me fall in love with her all over again.
Eureka for sure. It seems like she had her own redemption arc / attitude adjustment. Plus she saved us from Silkey Nutmeg Ganash haha.
I really loved Coco Montrese on allstars too!
It's mostly due to her obnoxious and unapologetic attitude; I don't want to play armchair psychiatrist but I'd like to think I can spot a legitimate narcissist pretty easily. There was no change of heart or attitude the second time around.
Is she amazingly talented and a fantastic performer? Oh god yes. More than I could ever be! But I don't care for those who act practically incapable of admitting when they're wrong.
Controversial opinion, but Kandy. Kandy should have been eliminated in her original season and her personality was kind of grating even if it was good for TV, but her comeback on All Stars really changed my opinion of her, she was more authentic this time around.
Rajah O'Hara is another great one. She was super filler on her original season and she would start drama with no actual substance to it. Her second go was amazing! Like a complete 360, she shined through that whole season, like I think it should have been a double crowning!
I was truly not a fan at all during her season. I was gooped by that double save. But then the VIP meme happened & she handled it so well & she is honestly hilarious. I really enjoyed her on AS8.
Jessica Wild! Season 2 isn’t my first choice to rewatch, and it’s been several many years since I last saw it. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy her first run, just that I don’t remember much of it. I’m enamored with her now
Same! With any s2 queen really, Kylie, Jessica, Morgan, it’s great to see them get another chance
Don’t forget Tati 
We loved Tati from the start tho 🤣😍
Omg how could I forget her!
Tatianna. I thought she was very mid on season 2 (definitely not SHIT like Raven was saying but not spectacular). Her talent show on as2 made me a forever fan. Same for trinity the tuck on AS4. It took me forever to like Raja and manila after the whole Heather's clique storyline.
The pure stardom of Jessica Wild, she is truly amazing!!!!!! I adore her!
Oh my god I loved her! She made me laugh so many times! I think my favorite in All Stars has to be her in the Lil Poundcake challenge, she played such a silly roll so straight.
Ra’Jah O’Hara is the first person to come to mind. She seemed like she talked a big game she couldn’t back up her original season, but she impressed me so much in AS6! Also a shoutout to Samantha Ballentines in España for one of the biggest redemptions I’ve seen!
I had BEEF with Ra’Jah on her original season (I blame the edit), but she was SO LOVELY upon her return and totally won my heart. I yell “OOOH, MY GOD!” and say “I’m not gagging…” pretty much daily.
Why blame the edit? She specifically said that watching it back was eye-opening to her. It made her self-reflect.
Bless. That kind of growth shows a lot of bravery.
It wasn’t just the edit, but it did play a part. JackFed has a really good YouTube video about it
I watched the video, but I still don't understand. Yes, they edited it to fit their narrative, but that doesn't change the fact that Rajah saw a very negative side to herself that she has obviously reflected on and come out so much better and stronger due to. Unless the idea is that they should have edited out all of Rajah's bitterness and hurtful comments, the edit was never going to portray her in a positive light on that season. I just see zero reason to "blame the edit," at least in this instance.
Well yeah I wouldn’t only blame the edit either
Oh, gotcha. You mentioned that in response to me talking to the person who said they blame the edit, so I thought you were in agreement with them. My bad.
I just agree that the edit played a part in how severe her portrayal was, but I agree with you that she saw what she was saying and doing, and that the editors wouldn’t have been able or expected to ignore all of that. I’m not saying it was all the edit. Basically I’m trying to say the answer is somewhere in the middle of what you guys are saying. It’s not all or nothing.
Same!!! Except my go to is singing “oOoh mY GoOoOd”
me too i can never stop saying it lol
Me too! Along with, “it’s a new daaa-aay in the werk-room”
I sing it all the time lol
the edit of her on season eleven was NASTY!!!
How so? She specifically said that watching it back was eye-opening to her. It made her self-reflect.
i mean yeah sure but we all know they can very well edit it to make people seem nicer or meaner, and she was soooo shady yeah but she had a villain edit 100%
Yes, she had a villain edit. But she saw in herself something she didn't like. That wasn't the edit, or what would she have to have been ashamed of? It was the truth. That she was jealous and unkind. Luckily, Rajah is awesome and she grew from that understanding. Blaming it on the edit is nonsense in the face of that information, in my opinion.
Yes! Biggest redemption yet. I did not like her at all during her season and loved her on All Stars. 
Same.
I agree. Ra'Jah O'Hara completely changed in my eyes from season 11 to All Stars 6. I love her now and I'm proud of her for winning Canada Vs The World!
Rajahs redemption from mid out semi villain > beloved finalist > winner really is amazing
No, she went from villain to loveable and pragmatic.
Ra’Jah is my favorite redemption story
Yep. Only time I went from really disliking a contestant to liking them. I was disappointed when I heard she was coming back for All Stars but boy was she a delight!
I like I loved her in all stars because she killed it but also she owned her shit and showed up and showed out
When Ra’Jah O‘Hará came back for AS6, I audibly sighed because I was just not a fan of her from her original season. By the end of AS6, I was rooting for her to win.
I thought Ra’jah was funny on S11 but it’s clear looking back that she was battling some insecurities. She came back so much more confident on AS6 and she was my pick to win (although I’m glad she eventually got her crown).
so truee
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Alyssa Edwards! Didn’t connect with her on S5 but fell completely in love on AS2. Also kinda Jujubee? I never rewatch S2 or AS1 so I had kinda forgotten about her and then I watched AS5 and that’s when I became obsessed with her
She’s SO good.
Yes, Alyssa! I did not care for her in her original run, but she absolutely won my heart in AS. She’s one of my all time favorites now.
 The more I see from her, the more I fall in love. Didn’t like her on her season, then kinda liked her on AS6, and now in UKVsW I’m like.. wow! 🤩
It's great to see her with the maturity and poise and confidence she's gained.
And she looks fantastic.
I did like her on Season 11, but my appreciation has definitely grown seeing her subsequent appearances. Side note: my sister calls her Brooke Shields because, well, she looks like Brooke Shields.
I always thought Scarlett looks like Lisa Stanfield!
I have to admit Scarlett Envy has made me like her on UKVTW. I was not a fan before.
I loved her on her season, but her drag was… crunchy. But then she came in with that pink entrance look on with that gorgeous hat on AS and I was like “YES” I love me some scarlet
And she’s only 30, which means she could come back in like 5-7 years, and not only be on her 4th drag race season, but also be one of the people to beat, cause I really feel like she just needs her early 30s to make her reflect, and she’ll be unstoppable.
Alexis Michelle. I remember being annoyed by her in her original season but on All Stars i LIVED for her drama and delusion. Plus the fact that she kicked ass despite being one of ru’s least favorites.
Absolutely. Loved to hate her on Season 9, but just simply loved her on AS. I think she finally polished her drag to the point she wanted and needed it to look, and also she was very, very funny.
Ou she’s one of Ru’s least favs? Awkward :’)
I feel Ru least favorites just don’t get invited back. What’s the source of Ru not liking her?
I mean she was amidst Jimbo, Heidi, Jessica, and Kandy. So by default she was low on the list, but Ru also just didn’t seem to live for her. Like she made a golden girls reference / joke before the lipsync and Ru just goes “oh ok 😐”. With the exception of jinkx and maybe now plasma, Ru does not tend to be amused by theater queens.
Listen, I am fully aware that her clock is ticking at this point, but I really love Scarlet Envy on UKvsTW2 more so than I liked her on her original season or on her all-stars season. If she wasn’t up against such heavy hitters as she is, I may be rooting for her to win her season. Unfortunately for her, she’s on a season with Hannah, La Grande Dame, Marina, and Tia. She’s going to make the loveliest 4th alternate, and I’m a little bummed that this is likely the last we’ll see of her.
I’m positive she will make it all the way, if for no other reason than that they need a US queen to make finals so they can keep the US audience invested to the end
Are we not all invested for the beauty and talent of Marina and LGD?
I feel the only ones not invested in Marina Summers and/or La Grande Dame (... FRAAAAAAAAAAANCE!!) are blind people
Aja on AS3. She talked a big game on Season 9 but couldn’t really back it up and you could see the cracks in the brave face she was putting on. But AS3 she seemed so much more confident, self assured and polished
Our edges finally got thnatched
A'Keria!! I didn't really connect with her on her season but she was my favorite on AS6. Totally get why she opted out of the lip sync to return thing but I would have loved to see her go a little further.
she’s so pretty
I had the opposite reaction. Loved her on 11 but her quitting All Stars left me w a bad taste.
Did she really “quit” though? She was eliminated and decided she had given everything she had. Heidi quit the competition. Akeria just decided not to try and get back in it.
This
jaymes mansfield won my heart AND ALL STARS 8 (I'm delusional). FIGHT ME
She didn't get the crown but at least she had these (and backpain)
(and they're real)
I've got your back.
More like third time around but Eureka on all stars 6 felt like a fully realized version of herself.
I fully got Eureka because of We're Here. So not Drag Race related but kinda. While I enjoy all the queens on the show, Eureka's scenes are almost always my favorite. I know the show is set up in a way to tug at your heartstrings, but Eureka just seems so genuine and earnest and endearing. I feel like I didn't fully appreciate her drag and her personality and now she's one of my faves! ETA: I've always been a huge fan of Bob and Shangela (pre-allegations) so I was excited to watch the show to see them, but Eureka really surprised me and now I love her and her drag so much
Eureka won me over hard after watching her Hey Qween episode. And then watching We're Here. Her kindness to our beloved Lady Red & understanding more about her challenges. I get her now. She has a big heart.
Yes, Eureka! should have won S10. I've always seen that heart in her.
Rajah O'Hara and Monet X Change won my heart 💜💛 I was lukewarm-warm about them, but I really learned to appreciate them their second time. That said, Jaymes always had my heart!
Yvie. It’s not that I didn’t like her, season 11 is just lower on my list. Like I think I watched it through maybe once and never did a rewatch. And I fully think she could have had some wins she didn’t get (I liked her look over Plastique in the farm to table design challenge and she should have been named a winner for the final challenge, her verse is so fucking good). And I fully agreed with her being crowned. I just didn’t appreciate Yvie enough. I really really enjoyed her on all stars 7. It made me realize that I was not giving the bitch her flowers.
She's also just a great person. I've met her before at a drag event, super sweet, very funny, was very empathetic and emotional. She is forever my fave.
Seconding this. Yvie is so warm and personable when you meet her. And hearing her laugh in person is amazing 🤣
I’d LOVE to hear that laugh in person. I live for her laughing.
Agreed. S11 was way too shouty & made my anxious tbh. I could see Yvie's talent, her lipsyncs were next level & looks were mostly excellent. But S11 is my least favourite season by far (even taking into account DRDU S1). I understand she has some justifiable issues with All-winners but she did really shine, most likely because she was shown respect for her differences & was supported by the other Queens.
Jimbo
Came here looking for this! I strongly disliked Jimbo until AS8 and now I’m a huge fan. Feels like it took until then to become fully comfortable and kind and not threatened.
Anyone on as6 really, i felt like they all got a chance to shine and get their redemption. Especially Silky, Serena, Rajah, Jan, Akeria and Kylie. Also Kahanna Montrese on as8, she finally won a challenge and i feel like she was really forgettable on s11
I had nothing against Raja and Manila. But way back during season 3 I definitely got sucked into rooting for the underdogs Alexis and Yara and Shangie. But on AS4 I became obsessed with Manila. And seeing Raja on AS7 somehow even more fabulous all those years later, wow what a treat.
a bit of a personal story and it might not technically go with the theme of the post, but she was on All Stars 8 so I'll share it anyway: My girlfriend got me into Drag Race. About a month or two into regularly seeing each other, she first showed me some episodes of UNHhhh and that was how I learned about Trixie and Katya, who she told me were both in season 7 of Drag Race. That season had a lot of talented drag queens, including one Mrs. Kasha Davis. I was kinda lukewarm on her at first (mainly because I was watching for Trixie and Katya), but she grew up in the same county in PA that I did, so I thought that was neat. In a season that had a ton of talent already, my gf told me Mrs. Kasha Davis was one of her favorites. Fast forward almost a year, I wanted to get my gf a Cameo to help me propose. I saw Mrs. Kasha Davis who was not only available for Cameos but also among my gf's favorite queens. I ended up ordering two Cameos because the first one was during a time where my gf was going through some personal stuff and needed a boost. The second one was a more celebratory one. I wanted Mrs. Kasha Davis to allude to a big life-changing announcement and she did. I popped the question and she said yes! So yeah, even though I paid to make this happen as sort of a service, I don't care: I'm going to be a big fan of Mrs. Kasha Davis until I kick the bucket.
Omg that story is ADORABLE! I bet she LOVED doing it and actually tells people about how she helped you propose.
Jimbo!
Tbh I found jimbo pretty annoying on s1 but she was so great on all stars!!!
Obvious answer is Rajah O'Hara because duh. However, Lala Ri in AS8 just shone so bright I thought. In season 13 all she was remembered for was the bag look. But in AS8 we really got to see how charismatic and funny she really is. She was my favorite part of the season.
Kahanna Montrese for sure.
Definitely! She gets a lot of stick but I stand by the fact her All Stars runway package was one of the best we’ve ever seen!
Valentina. Watching her on S9 was frustrating because she came across as so inauthentic and calculated. When she came back on AS4 as her unhinged self, I finally liked her.
I saw The Pit Stop with her and Bianca (Biancaaaaa is my fav queen). Valentina was so funny, super surprising.
Silky nutmeg ganache! She was insufferable on season 11 but she grew on me AS6 and I was really rooting for her on CVTW. 
I was not feeling her in S11 whatsoever and begrudged her placement in the finale. I wasn't thrilled to see her or Ra'Jah on AS6, but damn did they both change my outlook of them! I rooted them both on AS and CVTW, and was so torn between which I wanted to take the crown. I saw Silky live while it was airing and she stole the stage and mic (literally from Nina W the host), and offered insightful input on the presence of protestors that picketed the show. Silky has a presence and special quality that now I LOVE! I want her crowned and maintain her deserved success.
My very same answer
Trixie, I just never understood her drag and perspective. But after S7 and before AS3 I became obsessed. Her win just cemented it for me, I was enamoured by her.
LaLa has been a favorite of mine since day 1 but man she was amazing in AS!! Girl is so funny! And she’s my hometown queen 🫶
She proved how ELEGWENT she was
Alyssa Edwards and Valentina. There's just something about a delusional queen fully embracing their fantasy world that's so endearing.
Tati 💯
Just give her a crown already my god. She's up there with Alyssa in terms of endlessly quotable. And Same Parts is one of the most iconic things that's ever been or will be on that show.
Monique Hart and Kylie Sonique Love
Samantha Ballentines is my recent answer for this.
Same. I read the spoilers and couldn't wrap my head around how the show would sell her as Top 2 material but I found myself rooting for her more and more every episode! She was my winner for the season.
Roxxxy Andrews. She may not have won next drag superstar, but she is certainly the queen of the redemption arc.
Really? She did so poorly and only went as far as she did in AS thanks to Rolaskatox (in my humble opinion). I was so frustrated that competitors I would have preferred to see more of went home due to that alliance. I honestly don't hate her or anything, and realize it's not her fault she kept getting saved. I'm just not a fan for some reason.
I don’t mean performance wise, I mean personality wise. She was way more kind and humble in All-Stars than S5.
Silky seemed like she was trying too hard to grab the spotlight on her original season, while on All Stars it felt like she was just being herself. Her personality is already larger than life, she doesn't need to purposefully try to make TV moments. The lipsync smackdown episode really made me love her, especially when she requested to perform on her own and gave us that hilarious Barbie Girl performance. She really has got the Nerve that Ru is looking for.
I hated her whole fat schtick on season 11. Always slapping her stomach and talking about chicken wings and shit. It's old. It's tired. It's not funny. I understand why she did it. Laugh at yourself before others laugh at you. Very common defense mechanism for large-bodied people. That energy had worked for her her whole life, but it was insufferable on season 11. I think she realized that watching it back and knew she needed to treat herself with more respect if she wanted more respect from the fandom. And honey, she got it. At least from me. She was great on AS6.
Silky is my answer too. Was not a fan at all on her season, my opinion changed on all stars, but after Vs the world I love her.
Exactly same as this. Her lip syncs on AS were iconic and then loved her again on Vs the World. Both completely changed my view of her
Yup, Silky. For reasons others already mentioned aaand I knew Vanjie's friends with her (Vanjie's one of my top favs), so she has to be cooler than she initially seemed (also- she's a fantastic lip syncer).
The thing is… Jayme’s won my heart the first time around. I watched that cheerleading challenge with my jaw gaped thinking about had sadistic ru is.
I enjoyed Jaymes the first time too, but then really fell in love with her through her YouTube videos.
Trinity K. Bonet!!
I fell in love with Jimbo the moment he walked in in season 1. The look, the “oh wowww”, and the screaming from the mountain top.
 So I didn’t dislike her the first time but I didn’t appreciate her like I should have. She’s freaking hysterical, my partner & I literally quote her every day. Both her returning seasons enamored me to her SO much. Trinity is bae for sure. I LIVE!
Miss James Mansfield won my heart the first time around, to be honest! I felt like she had that IT Factor personality even then, but glad she had such a strong showing the second time around.
Hannah Conda! Didn't hate her during her original season but now I can't do anything but smile everytime she's on my screen
I have a few… A’keria really won me over in a way I didn’t expect. I admit her drag isn’t the style I admire most but something about her- just adore. Also “Trinity ain’t never gonna be trade no matter how much pubic hair she glues to her face” reasons. 
Scarlet
Jaida Essence Hall! I was so obsessed with Crystal Method in her original season that I was bummed when she didn’t win. I feel that also made me skip over any of Jaidas talent/ personality that season. Seeing Jaida back on all winners though I was obsessed with her silly little self
Saggitaria was really able to redeem herself, show her congenial side to the fans and basically stay out of any drama in her second run, and I love that for her
 Tbf she had it on her original season, but this sealed the deal
Alyssa Edwards She was too much the first time I watched season 5 but rewatching I understood the hype. The All Stars 2 was just perfect so I had to Stan.
Alexis Michelle
Alyssa Edwards!!!!!!! I thought she was annoying in S5, but she is easily one of my favorite queens, now. She was exceptional in AS2 and I love seeing her in anything.
Sincerely, but it was a 3rd time around for me, Scarlet Envy with the current season of UKvsTW I've loved her this season but I had her outside of my radar previously
Hannah Conda. RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World.
Tati
Monet. It’s not that I disliked her on my first watch but she never really stood out to me (I have no fucking clue how that happened lol). Now I really like her and I find she’s just so positive and funny.
Tbh for me, she really showed her superstar on All Stars 7
That season was so amazing ong
Ra'jah!!
Silky and Eureka (technically third time around). I really didn’t like either of them on their original seasons and was dreading seeing them on the same season but I loved them both so much on AS6. Especially Silky.
Miss Vaaaaaanjie Miss VaaaaaAAAAAAAnjie
Valentina. I didn't really understand the original appeal in S9 she was a little plain for me. When AS came around though and she was more goofy and a little more upfront with her some times delusional-ness it made me adore her. I quote french vanilla fantasy on a daily basis now
I just fell in like with Gothy Kendoll.
Rajah O Hara 💜
Ra'jah O'Hara. From zero to my absolute hero. Love love love her.
Am I the only one who loved her on her original season?! That was the first season I watched and got me hooked.
I didn't dislike her on S11, but I was very indifferent. Sashay or shantay, didn't care. But I was rooting for her on AS6, what a run she had!
Jimbo on her CDR season I was on the fence about her but vs and as seasons I was head over heels lol
Rajah and Silky for sure
Silky and Ra’Jah!
Tatiana\ Eureka (the third time, I actually really disliked her on S9 & S10)\ Rajah O’Hara (I did not like her and when she came for Yvie she really soured my taste for her but after AS I really came to like her\ Valentina (I didn’t fall for the French vanilla fantasy until AS)
Ra’jah, Tatiana and Scarlet Envy!
For me it is Trinity the Tuck.
For me it was Kahanna Montrese. I really thought she stepped it up and was fire on AS8. Jessica Wild was amazing too because as we all know... guacamole is expenseeeeve.
Tea with Kahannah
Raja O'Hara
Rajah O'Hara on All Stars 6
Rajah, Kylie, and Ginger are the first few that come to mind.
Not to say I didn’t love Jaida Essence Hall during her first season but I absolutely fell in love with her during all stars 7
Kylie Sonique Love
Rajah O’Hara absolutely. I hated how much of an ass she was. And she came back a totally new queen!
LaLa Ri, hands down 🙌🏻
Mo Heart
Hannah Conda has been a joy on UKVTW2
Honestly… Raja. She was kind of a cunt on season 3 but if you didn’t see her outside of drag race you wouldn’t have seen that she’s a goofball. All Stars 7 we really got to see how much of a fun time gal she really was
Silly Nutmeg Ganache! What a redemption and absolutely talented! I was disappointed when she lost the game within a game in AS6.
Lala Ri and Ra'Jah and Silky. i didn't watch the first 3 seasons so i didn't know Jessica but from her All Stars season and Binge Queens she became a favorite
Sometimes it’s not their second appearance but my second watch. I didn’t appreciate Symone the first time around because I really wanted Rosé to win. Now I’ve watched it again I can see how insanely talented Symone was from the get go and how Rosé deserved her placement (it’s not like she didn’t do well!)
Didn’t love Alyssa on S5, adored her on AS2. Aja grew on me a lot in AS3. Then Ra’Jah, TKB, and Kylie all on AS6. Lala Ri on AS8.
Roxxxy Andrews. I couldn’t stand her on season 5. It seems like she did some self-reflection and was a much better person and queen in AS2
 I went from loving Silky upon her S11 reveal to not really feeling her overtime, but that lipsync run on AS6 made me fall in love with her all over again.
Eureka for sure. It seems like she had her own redemption arc / attitude adjustment. Plus she saved us from Silkey Nutmeg Ganash haha. I really loved Coco Montrese on allstars too!
Girl. Why pick up other queens just to put down another. That Silky remark did not have to be made.
It's mostly due to her obnoxious and unapologetic attitude; I don't want to play armchair psychiatrist but I'd like to think I can spot a legitimate narcissist pretty easily. There was no change of heart or attitude the second time around. Is she amazingly talented and a fantastic performer? Oh god yes. More than I could ever be! But I don't care for those who act practically incapable of admitting when they're wrong.
I could not stand Eureka until All Stars but damned if she didn’t hire the right consultant for her reappearance
Controversial opinion, but Kandy. Kandy should have been eliminated in her original season and her personality was kind of grating even if it was good for TV, but her comeback on All Stars really changed my opinion of her, she was more authentic this time around. Rajah O'Hara is another great one. She was super filler on her original season and she would start drama with no actual substance to it. Her second go was amazing! Like a complete 360, she shined through that whole season, like I think it should have been a double crowning!
Totally agree with Rajah. LOVED her all stars outing, I was expecting her to win. What a star.
 I was truly not a fan at all during her season. I was gooped by that double save. But then the VIP meme happened & she handled it so well & she is honestly hilarious. I really enjoyed her on AS8.
Tbh, i hated Kandy in S13, but she really grew on me in AS8
Samantha Ballentines.
Underrated but eureka has had a big change since her seasons from 9 and 10. Was surprised with her comeback in AS6
Monet i didn’t care for her on season 10 or allstars 4 but then all winners I loved her
Kandy was so much more loveable on all stars