Queen Of The Universe Season 2 Release Date, Cast, And More Information
There are few things better than seeing fabulous drag queens strut the stage while lip syncing your favorite songs. RuPaul knows this better than anyone, which is why he created "Queen of the Universe" to satisfy all our drag obsessions. As Deadline reported, ahead of the show's inaugural season in November 2021, RuPaul executively produced the show, which features competitors from across the world as they show off their vocal pipes on the stage and perform in front of a live audience.
Unlike "RuPaul's Drag Race," queens, this time around, have to actually know how to sing because the show is actually a singing competition. British television host Graham Norton hosted the first season of the series with judges Leona Lewis, Trixie Mattel, Michelle Visage, and Vanessa Williams all serving as judges, per Viacom CBS. Grag Queen, representing Brazil, won the first season and took home $250,000 in prize money, according to Variety.
With the first season having recently concluded on Paramount+ on December 30, 2021, fans are already wondering about when they can expect a Season 2. Here's everything we know about the upcoming season so far.
When will Queen of the Universe Season 2 be released?
Fans of "Queen of the Universe" will have to wait a little while before they can see their favorite queens sing their hearts out on-stage. As Premiere Date News notes, the show has not yet been renewed for Season 2. However, there's no reason to panic, considering how positively the show was received. Decider, for example, praised the show for the "talent on display" and "the lively judging panel." Fans also made their opinions known in a poll conducted by the outlet on Twitter, with almost 50% saying they'd stream the show on Paramount+.
Meanwhile, Xtra Magazine likened the show as "American Idol" for drag queens and praised the cast for its talent. Former drag queen alumni also gave rave reviews after watching the show. On Twitter, Eureka O'Hara confessed to being "obsessed" with the singing competition, while another fan raved, "The queens can saaang!" With these positive reviews, a renewal seems likely.
Season 2 could follow a similar schedule to the first season and premiere in late 2022 (via IMDb).
Who will be starring in Queen of the Universe Season 2?
What makes Paramount+'s "Queen of the Universe" different from other reality singing competition shows is its diversity. As Viacom CBS notes in its press release, contestants on "Queen of the Universe" come from all corners of the globe, including the United States, Brazil, France, China, and India. It is expected that the show will continue to recruit competitors from various countries next season.
Of course, having judges is also important. Michelle Visage, Trixie Mattel, Vanessa Williams, and Leona Lewis are all expected back on the judging panel, barring any judge shakeups. Visage told Attitude that she was really excited to work with her friend Williams. "We have known each other for quite a few years now," she explained. "We are personal friends ... I love that diva!"
As for why she decided to try her hand at judging, Visage told TV Fanatic, "That should be obvious. You know, we're talking about singing drag queens. Absolutely. 100% count me in!" She also helped Mattel with her nerves on-set, saying, "I sat her down on FaceTime, and I said, 'Listen to me. These kids want to hear what you were told.'" She added that she and Mattel have a "fun dynamic." Meanwhile, Lewis revealed to Gay Times that "Queen of the Universe" was the "perfect" fit for her because of her past experience competing on "The X-Factor UK."
Considering how well the judges get along, it'd be a crime not to have them back for Season 2.
What else can we expect from Queen of the Universe Season 2?
While "Queen of the Universe" shares many similarities to "RuPaul's Drag Race," Michelle Visage wants viewers to know that it's remarkably different. "It's a singing competition first, it's a drag competition second. What you think you know is going to be out the door because, yes, it's singing, but it's definitely different," she told Entertainment Weekly.
Meanwhile, Vanessa Williams touted the show's diversity, saying, "It's a global aspect that we've never seen before, and it's a singing competition; no one is lip-syncing, they're all singing their own tunes." She added, "We'll be judging them not only on the quality of their talent and musicianship, but also their star quality." Clearly, the judges believe in the show and have no time for comparisons.
Given the judges' high standards, it's reasonable to expect that Season 2 will be just as cut throat and entertaining. Here's hoping the executives at Viacom CBS won't disappoint us and can green light a second season very soon.