BY: Jasmine Franklin
Published 1 month ago
Ariana Grande just gave the queer internet something to talk about. During her appearance on Evan Ross Katz’s podcast “Shut Up Evan,” the pop star shared her personal “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Mount Rushmore. Grande has always worn her love for drag on her sleeve, but this list confirmed what everyone already knew: she’s a true student of the art form.
Ariana’s ‘Drag Race’ Royalty
During a candid conversation with Katz, Grande was asked to reveal her four-person “Drag Race” Mount Rushmore.
“Yvie Oddly is the first that comes to mind,” the “Wicked: For Good” actress replied. “This is so hard… They’re royalty.”
She then added “Drag Race” winner Jinkx Monsoon.
“This is the hardest question I’ve ever been asked ever… Because Gottmik has to be there, but also, so does Symone, and so does Violet [Chachki], and so does Willow [Pill], and so does… I can’t do this,” she stressed.
However, Katz assisted the singer by jokingly explaining that they could expand the list.
“So we’ll expand,” Katz suggested. “And it’s a mountain, so I feel like… We can chip away at more of the mountain.”
Choosing only four felt impossible for the starlet. She said she loved every queen mentioned. The moment perfectly captured her genuine love for the entire “Drag Race” community.
Years of Showing Up for the Queer Community
Ariana Grande’s support for the queer community runs deep. Grande has long used her platform to speak against discrimination and support equality. She has appeared on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” twice, both as a guest and a judge. She brought her signature humor and warmth to the workroom. Her music also reflects her openness. In her single “Monopoly,” she sang about being attracted to both men and women, a line that resonated with many queer fans.
According to NBC News, in 2022, she pledged to match up to $1.5 million in donations for organizations supporting trans youth. She made the commitment after anti-trans laws were passed in states like Arkansas, Florida, and Texas. She has also used her social media to share posts condemning those policies and showing solidarity with trans people.
Now, she’s stepping into one of the biggest roles in gay pop culture as Glinda in the upcoming film “Wicked.” For many fans, it feels like a full-circle moment — another chapter in a career that continues to honor, uplift, and celebrate the queer community that has supported her from the start.
The Culture’s Favorite Ally
Ariana Grande’s “Drag Race” Mount Rushmore began as a lighthearted chat but carried real weight. It highlighted how deeply drag shapes mainstream culture. Also, how much authentic support from major artists matters.
While fans wait for the next installment of “Wicked,” Ariana’s list keeps the community buzzing. If there were ever a pop queen who knows how to honor the queens before her, it’s Ariana Grande.
Which queens would make it onto your own “Drag Race” Mount Rushmore? Share your lineup in the comments.
