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Drag Race star LaLa Ri reveals why she's returning to drag (exclusive)
LaLa Ri on 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 8.'
The All Stars 8 superstar tells Out what has motivated her to bring back The Lala Ri Experience in full force.
LaLa Ri, crowned Miss Congeniality on RuPaul's Drag Race season 13 and Queen of the Fame Games on All Stars 8, is officially returning to drag and opened up about the reasons behind her decision to un-retire from the art form.
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After sharing a few cryptic posts on social media suggesting that a drag comeback was potentially in the works, the iconic Drag Race fan-favorite has now confirmed that she is, indeed, bringing back The LaLa Ri Experience in full force.
"I'm dusting the heels off and returning back to the stage," LaLa Ri tells Out. "After a period of rest and reflection, I realized my heart is the most full when I'm performing in drag surrounded by the love and energy of the community that has always lifted me up. I see it as sense of revival, restoring life back into my drag and awakening it with new energy."
She adds, "Also, due to the current political climate, we need joy now more than ever — one thing that my drag has always brought."
LaLa has been called the ultimate "homegirl" of the Drag Race franchise for years now. In season 13 and All Stars 8, she was a fan-favorite queen in the lip syncs, challenges, confessionals, runways, performances, and beyond — with even her lowest points on the show (like a fashion fumble in "The Bag Ball") spawning thousands of viral memes across the Drag Race queendom.
In November 2024, LaLa shocked fans with the announcement that she was "leaving the drag behind" and stepping away from the art form to pursue other creative endeavors. However, it seems like taking that break was all LaLa needed to feel energized, excited, and ready for a dazzling comeback.
This summer, LaLa is hosting a new series of events that she created, Rivival, which aims to combine "the energy of underground raves, the pulse of queer nightlife, and the spectacle of live music performances into an electrifying experience."
The rumors are true: LaLa Ri is back to bring us joy, fun, and an experience we've never had before.
Fans can keep up with LaLa Ri's comeback by following her on Instagram and X/Twitter. To learn more about the Rivival series of shows, visit TheRivival.com.
Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out. He's also a staff contributor to The Advocate, PRIDE, and other equalpride publications. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida.
You can follow Bernardo Sim on Instagram. Otherwise, you can find him on Bluesky, Threads, X/Twitter, and TikTok.
Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out. He's also a staff contributor to The Advocate, PRIDE, and other equalpride publications. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida.
You can follow Bernardo Sim on Instagram. Otherwise, you can find him on Bluesky, Threads, X/Twitter, and TikTok.
