'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 12: 'Black queen' Jaida's crowning moment a relief amid racism in America, say fans
Jaida Essence Hall walked away with the queen status on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 12. She deserved every bit of it. Her growth on the show is not just inspiring but also a representation of her strong will to move ahead in life on her own merit.
The first half of the season didn't look too good for her but with time she polished herself in a way that helped her emerge as one of the more powerful contestants on the VH1-backed series. By the fag end of the season, she was enjoying attention from all quarters — fans, queens and the judges. Everyone seemed to be impressed with not just how creative and elegant she had gotten with her runway looks but also that her makeup application was so on-point. But that wasn't the only highlight of her journey on the show. She shined through in her political debate where she played a character whose political knowledge was questionable.
What really worked for Jaida was her versatility. She can be a comedian, a glamorous diva, a fashion guru and an elegant queen. She is all of that rolled into one and beyond, which explains why she enjoys such a loyal fan base on social media that was sent into a frenzy after host-mentor RuPaul Andre Charles announced her as the winner.
Fans think crowning Jaida as the queen has come to serve as a relief amid ongoing racism. "When Ru said they'll be lip syncing to Destiny's Child I knew Jaida was gonna DELIVER & that she did. Y'all can say whatever y'all want about her winning being bc she's black but she fought for that crown, delivered fabulous drag & showed OUT in this lip sync," a viewer commented, while another shared: "JAIDA ESSENCE HALL!!!!!!! MY F*****G QUEEN!!!! Some of y'all might not understand but a black queen being crowned is very important rn especially with this political climate & all of the recent movements. Congratulations @jaidaehall." Another said, "In the midst of all this crazy racism goin on in this country our beautiful black queen became Ru Paul’s next superstar and I’m so happy @jaidaehall congratulations #RuPaulsDragRace (sic)."
A fan spoke for many when he wrote how Gigi wasn't crowned because she has not really put up an ideal image of herself on social media. "You know what shouldn’t happen with everything going on? Crowning Gigi as the winner of #RupaulsDragRaceSeason12. Her vocal political ignorance during the season and her willingness to break quarantine to work with a racist is #notagoodlook #RuPaulsDragRace."