In the dazzling Season 17 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Onya Nurve walked away with the crown—not by playing it safe, but by playing it real. With charisma, style, and unmatched presence, she showed the world you don’t need tricks to make an impact. Onya didn’t just perform—she was the moment.
No Tricks, Just Talent
While other queens relied on dramatic reveals and stunts, Onya kept it simple and powerful. “I don’t need ‘em. I am the gag and the goop!” she said proudly. Her performance was polished, confident, and completely her. It was that unshakable authenticity that won over fans and judges alike.
Winning With Consistency
Though finalist Jewels Sparkles turned up the heat in the finale, Onya’s journey was steady and strong from day one. With four challenge wins under her belt, she built her case week after week. As Vulture summed it up: “She lost the battle, but won the war.”
A Statement That Hit Home
During her crowning moment, Onya delivered a heartfelt message to her younger self: “You are Black enough.” It resonated deeply with viewers, especially those who’ve ever felt like outsiders in their own communities. “I used to doubt it,” she later shared. “But now, I know—just looking in the mirror is proof enough.”
From Struggle to Stardom
Life before drag wasn’t easy for Onya. After college, she felt stuck, juggling jobs and battling depression. Then drag came into her life and changed everything. “It gave me something to f—ing do,” she said. And from that spark, a star was born.
More Than a Crown—A Purpose
For Onya, winning is about more than fame. She wants young Black queer people to know: success isn’t measured in dollars—it’s about joy. “Find what lights you up,” she said. “The rest will come.”
Even Ariana Grande reached out to congratulate her. If that’s not iconic, what is?
The Future Is Onya
As All Stars 10 approaches, Onya Nurve stands not just as a winner, but as a beacon of self-love and strength. She proved that staying true to who you are is the most powerful move of all.
And Onya? She’s not just part of the moment—she is the m
oment. The gag. And the goop.