All Stars 10’s Bewitching Start Falters Despite Big Names and Big Looks

Apparently, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars has conjured up a new bracket this week—but the magic may have fizzled before it truly began. I swear I saw Goody Charles dancing with the devil, and then the devil dashed off with all the momentum this season had left. With fresh queens entering the workroom and vibes taking a sharp left turn, it’s clear that this bracket is still struggling to find its footing—or a narrative.

Let’s begin with a glimmer of hope: Denali. Fans have been rallying for her return since her original season, and she doesn’t disappoint. She enters with the cool confidence of a skater queen who’s been sharpening her blades for four years. Calling her All Stars comeback gap “an Olympic cycle” isn’t just funny—it’s excellent branding. I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely captivated by her the first time around, but something about her mainstage presence this time is instantly commanding. Her “crystalline” drag aesthetic is sharp, clear, and unapologetically focused—something sorely missed in the last bracket.

But if we’re talking overdue queens, Acid Betty tops the list. Interestingly, I have no idea what her neon minotaur entrance look was trying to convey—and frankly, I don’t need to. Her return feels exciting, though it does come with a caveat. With her signature avant-garde style, expectations are sky-high. That’s the risk when your whole brand is being “out there”: people expect stratospheric levels of wow every time. Here’s hoping the judges remember that imagination is not always about scale.

Alyssa Hunter steps in next, bringing body and beauty—but also anxiety. Her confessional demeanor screams, “Please remember me,” and while her face paint is flawlessly severe, her confidence feels paper-thin. A confessional look emblazoned with “trade” feels more costume shop than couture. I want to root for her, but she’ll need to trust her instincts more.

As for Cynthia Lee Fontaine, what can I say? Her brand of chaotic optimism is always welcome. Her presence doesn’t necessarily push forward a storyline, but it does offer a palette cleanser from queens who take themselves too seriously—or pretend not to. Her energy is kooky and comforting. Honestly, I’m always ready to see the cucu.

Daya Betty returns as one of two former finalists in this bracket, and her entrance is striking: all punk goth realness with headphones and boots. According to insiders, Daya’s not here to play nice—and frankly, that might be exactly what this bracket needs. With her cutting remarks and sharp aesthetic, she’s shaping up to be the season’s necessary villain (or at least antagonist), and I’m here for it.

Then there’s Ginger Minj—yes, again. In a surprising twist, Ginger is back for a fourth go, making her one of the most tenured queens in Drag Race herstory. She’s competed more times than some queens have done drag. While her return isn’t shocking, it does raise the question: at what point do we make room for fresh faces? Her entrance look didn’t scream reinvention, but her sheer charisma still elevates the bracket.

Now, for the week’s challenge: a team design task inspired by Wicked: For Good. An homage to All Stars 1? Maybe. A bold move? Definitely not. Forced pairings don’t allow for organic storytelling or genuine tension—two things a strong premiere desperately needs. Most queens echoed the same vague intentions: focus, trust, competition. Without stronger stakes, it’s hard to know who to root for—or why.

The “good witch, bad witch” setup should’ve been a dream prompt, but it landed like a spell miscast. It’s uninspired, cliché, and oddly safe. The elemental inspirations all bled together, and the runway turned into a mash-up of predictable tropes. Honestly, the most magical thing was how Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande managed to keep a straight face through judging.

Let’s talk looks. Alyssa and Cynthia, despite being the last pair picked, didn’t fully gel. Cynthia’s gown had charming details but was weighed down by its cardboard bulk. Alyssa aimed high conceptually, but her execution missed the mark. Like a glitter cannon without gunpowder.

Ginger and Daya, on the other hand, made a case for future alliance status. Ginger’s gown was fine—safe even—but Daya’s villain drag was striking and cleverly crafted. Their synergy was undeniable, with Daya grounding Ginger’s playfulness in something more substantial. If they can keep this up, they might just become the bracket’s duo to beat.

Acid and Denali looked fantastic but felt distant. Their ice queen-meets-laboratory fantasy was visually compelling, but the chemistry between them fizzled instead of sparked. They had the best design—but lacked a compelling narrative.

Apparently, even guest judges have noticed the shift in Drag Race dynamics. This week, Cynthia and Ariana subtly rebelled against the main panel’s choices, a trend we’ve seen more frequently. When guest judges start sounding more attuned to drag than Michelle, it’s time to reevaluate the judging rubric.

The lip sync? A Broadway ballad—”Defying Gravity”—and not one that lends itself naturally to a showdown. Ginger played it safe and emotional, which beat Daya’s moodier, crouched delivery. In the end, Ginger won. Yes, a queen known for pre-packaged humor just won a sewing challenge. Color me surprised.

To be fair, this episode wasn’t bad—it was just lukewarm. For a premiere, that’s a missed opportunity. The queens aren’t to blame; they’re playing the hands they’ve been dealt. But so far, this bracket needs a jolt—something wicked, sure, but something engaging too.

And if I’m honest? I’m cautiously optimistic. There’s talent in this bracket—no question. But we’re going to need more than references and recycled formats to make it sparkle. Let’s hope the next episode brings the drama, the heart, and the narrative momentum that this one lacked.

Until then, I’ll be here—ready for more cucu, less cardboard.