Key West has found its next Queen of New Year's Eve!
Dallas drag performer Jada Pinkett Fox won the second annual If the Shoe Fits national finals on October 10, earning the honor of starring in Key West's famous High Heel Shoe Drop to ring in 2027.
The competition brought six finalists from across the country to Duval Street, where hundreds of spectators watched the performers compete in three categories: introductions and first impressions, talent, and an evening gown and interview round.
Fox's victory followed a competition featuring dancing, special effects, original songwriting, and live vocals, including her own showstopping vocal performance.
Her prize package includes a six-day stay at New Orleans House, a $2,000 appearance fee, round-trip airfare, and a custom couture costume designed by drag legend Sushi, who starred in the High Heel Shoe Drop for 25 years.
On December 31, Fox will descend inside the giant red heel during the countdown to 2027, with CNN correspondent Randi Kaye covering the festivities live from Key West as Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen host the network's New Year's Eve broadcast from Times Square.
Take a look at the dazzling costumes, performances, and celebrations from this year's national finals.
Six queens, one crown
Contestants and event participants gather around Key West's signature giant red high heel at the 2026 If the Shoe Fitsnational finals.
Larry Blackburn Photography
Six finalists from across the country competed for the title of Queen of New Year's Eve: Jada Pinkett Fox of Dallas, TP Lords of South Florida, Fifi Dubois of New York City, Calypso Jete of Los Angeles/West Hollywood, Brandii Benet of Minneapolis, and Arsyn Ick of North Florida.
Lady Liberty makes an entrance
Fifi Dubois channels the Statue of Liberty during the competition.
Larry Blackburn Photography
New York City's Fifi Dubois brought a little Big Apple flair to Key West with a glittering Statue of Liberty-inspired look, complete with an emerald gown and spiked crown. Dubois ultimately finished as second runner-up.
Red-hot glamour takes center stage
A performer in a dazzling red ensemble takes the stage during Key West's If the Shoe Fits competition.
Larry Blackburn Photography
The competition featured three rounds, giving contestants opportunities to showcase their personalities, talents, and glamorous looks. Performances throughout the evening included dancing, special effects, original songwriting, and live vocals.
Serving splits on Duval Street
A performer shows off a full split during the competition.
Larry Blackburn Photography
The evening's entertainment included plenty of impressive moves, including a full split onstage. The national finals took place on a traffic-free section of Duval Street, using the same stage as Key West's annual New Year's Eve extravaganza.
Fashion takes center stage
A performer showcases an elaborate white ensemble during the If the Shoe Fits competition.
Larry Blackburn Photography
Along with their talent performances, contestants participated in an evening gown and interview round. Each finalist was introduced as though already crowned the new Queen of New Year's Eve, complete with noisemakers, confetti, and a mock CNN interview while seated in the event's signature giant red shoe.
The iconic high heel takes center stage
Event attendees pose around Key West's signature giant red high heel during the 2026 If the Shoe Fits national finals.
Larry Blackburn Photography
The competition's signature red heel is more than a fabulous stage prop — it's also a popular photo opportunity. On New Year's Eve, the winning queen will descend inside the giant shoe as crowds count down to midnight.
Meet the new Queen of New Year's Eve!
Jada Pinkett Fox of Dallas emerged victorious following a competition that included her showstopping live vocal performance.
Larry Blackburn Photography
Jada Pinkett Fox of Dallas emerged victorious following a competition that included her showstopping live vocal performance. TP Lords of South Florida was named first runner-up, while Fifi Dubois of New York City finished as second runner-up. Fox succeeds Mulan Alexander, another Dallas performer who won the inaugural If the Shoe Fits competition in 2025.
Next stop: New Year's Eve!
A performer and the event's host pose onstage during the 2026 If the Shoe Fits national finals in Key West.
Larry Blackburn Photography
Fox will return to Key West on December 31 for the 29th annual High Heel Shoe Drop, wearing a custom couture creation designed by Sushi. CNN is expected to broadcast live from the celebration, with correspondent Randi Kaye covering the festivities ahead of the countdown to 2027.
For event updates visit bourbonstpub.com.
