Drag Race Italia 3, how the first episode went

The engines are officially warmed up because Drag Race Italy change gear with the third season, airing for the first time on Paramount+. The first episode, available from October 13th, says a lot about everything. First of all More queens compete (there are 13 of them, which means a greater number of episodes): Adriana Picasso, Amy Krania, Aurora Lightning; La Prada, La Sheeva, Leila Yarn, Lina Galore, Melissa Bianchini, Morgana Cosmica, Silvana Della Magliana; Sissy Lea, Sypario and Vezirja.

The first news

(SPOILER ALERT!!!) The theme song with Priscilla (born the performer from Campania Mariano Gallo) at the start of the race indicates that this time she will be host (presenter) in all respects. Anyone who has doubts can take a look in Werk Room, this year dotted with portraits of her (instead of the traditional shots of RuPaul, mother of the franchise). Chiara Francini was confirmed on the judges’ bench, while two much-loved characters arrive in Tommaso Zorzi’s place, Paola Iezzi and Paolo Camilli (called “Camillino” by Priscilla).

For the first time there will be a cash prize for the winner (20 thousand euros), in addition to the traditional scepter with crown and – a new entry – a year’s supply of cosmetics from Anastasia Beverly Hills (which takes over from the now consolidated MAC ). They all hope to be the heirs of the two previous winners, Elecktra Bionic and La Diamond.

The guest judge for the first evening is Myss Ketawhile Annalisa surprises the contestants with a video message.

Spill the tea

Exceptionally, Vanity Fair is ready for the classic «spill the tea» at the beginning, precisely because of all these changes. Do they convince? On paper and according to the first images, the answer is yes.

Confessionals are more incisive, also thanks to the palettes with the like (thumbs up) and dislike (thumbs down) symbol. The entrances (some, at least) into the Werk Room of the Priscelte are more memorable than many of the looks on the catwalk (none achieves the long-awaited “wow effect” but the talent is there and it shows). The technical aspects are improved but improvable, from editing to lighting, and hopefully it’s a good starting point. Now we can no longer ignore the presence of very strong European editions, such as the French one and the newly created German one (hilarious and of the highest level!).

In season three it seems they want to focus more on the reactions and comments of the judges, even if – as in previous years – the final decisions more or less always remain a mystery compared to the criticisms (shame!).

Priscilla shows more ease, as a true hostess, Chiara Francini (at least in this first episode) has avoided very long philosophical monologues and the two newcomers seem to be having a lot of fun. Their energy is contagious: both Paola Iezzi and Paolo Camilli are taking the measures of the new environment but they like drag art and it shows. So, according to first impressions, both promoted: no one is caustic or complacent towards the queens. The comments are advice, a bit like these reviews, and start from a feeling of deep admiration for the performers on stage. But in the end it’s a competition and there will only be one left.

The entrance to the Werk Room

«I’m good and dear but I’m also a hyena»: when La Sheeva enters you immediately understand what kind of drag you’re dealing with and his confessionals already seem to be moving towards the path of “realness” and iconicity.

For the first time, a drag girl from Albania competes, Vezirja (absolutely adorable): «I came here “first class”, I had a dinghy all to myself». This bittersweet self-irony, in addition to the fact of being the only performer in a country where this art is prohibited, immediately triggers a sense of protection towards her.

According to the queens’ own comments, this year at least a couple of “blondes” (code name for siroccos) are competing, one of whom mistakes the Albanian flag for that of Siena (it was Prada but how could you not love it after performing at the talent show?).

For the first time the program opens its doors to a transgender contestant: Melissa Bianchini, of Brazilian origin, while Adriana Picasso comes from Cuba and Sissy Lea currently lives in London with her husband of Maltese origin.

To close this initial moment in style – between Sypario’s 10 meters of red velvet and Amy Krania’s blue bodysuit – Silvana dalla Magliana with a laugh-out-loud poster: «I don’t eat melons, but only bananas, with all my heart “Hasta Magliana”». What else?

The extravaganza talent show

No minichallenge or photo shoot, we start immediately with the title of the episode (Express Yourself) which anticipates a show to better understand the abilities of the contestants. It is introduced – another novelty – by a ballet of four members of the Pit Crew dancing with Priscilla.

Most of them sing, which – for heaven’s sake – is fine but not being at the Eurovision Song Contest or the Sanremo Festival I’m a little tired. Here because the performance of La Prada, who dances to classical notes not on pointe but with wedges is truly a breath of fresh air. On the side the writing “God save the Queen”. With a hint of envy Silvana says that she «looked like the Madonna of Trevigliano» but this time she didn’t see well (even if the judges later incomprehensibly agreed with her). The Roman queen’s monologue, however, despite the general appreciation, arrived too soon: usually the finalists speak to their child version with the host holding a child’s portrait in his hand, so she could have thought of something else.

At least Melissa Bianchini’s acrobratics shake the audience a bit and Leila Yarn, with her daring crochet, adds a small dose of spice which never hurts on the main stage.

The general level is quite goodbut unfortunately no number will remain in the Drag Race Herstory.

Runway: Drag Excellence

Ditto for the catwalk: some competitors are more striking than others, but nothing extraordinary. Sissy Lea’s looks were very well executed, with her bold green and royal blue, Leyla Yarn’s haute couture style and above all the ginger hair under Amy Krania’s giant pea green hair. The rest is ok, but little more. The attitude on the runway proves to be winning once again. Silvana della Magliana comments on her sequined miniskirt saying that «it is a mix between Lady Gaga’s aunt and Tata Francesca’s aunt». In short, she confirms herself as a showgirl. And yes, comedy queens often have an extra edge capable of saving even sensational defeats.

Between top and bottom

You are queen they are called by name because they are among the best and worst of the week.

Melissa Bianchini wins a 1000 euro prize (but where is the RuPeter badge??? Rumors say that he could soon make his triumphant debut in the made in Italy edition) and wins the episode. With her Leyla Yarn and Silvana della Magliana were judged as the top queens. In bottom Sissy Lea (who then saves herself, risking capitulating in heels) and La Prada who challenges Adriana Picasso to the lipsync to the notes of Pazzesca by Myss Keta.

Adriana Picasso is the first eliminated of the season, penalized by a splendid look in the upper part of the velvet dress, but disappointing in the lower part (according to the judges).

La Prada prevailed, which didn’t deserve to be the worst in any case and was about to abandon the show in Werk Room: “I don’t think it’s the right program for me.” The arrival of Paolo Camilli and Paola Iezzi saved the situation and by confusingly quoting George Michael managed to convince her to give up her decision to give up. It would have been a shame, because it is one of the pearls of this edition.

The judges’ comments

Myss Keta said to Melissa Bianchini: «You are the superhero that I would like to be saved from the Apocalypse. A whipping from her might be a very good thing.’ The singer had a great time on the jury and this gave added value to the comments of the programme’s permanent cast. Paola Iezzi told Silvana that she loves “art as therapy very much”. Chiara Francini praised Leyla Yarn’s “wild” qualities. In short, a nice minestrone that doesn’t displease you at all.