| RuPaul's Drag Race | |
|---|---|
| Season 3 | |
 Promotional poster for season three | |
| Hosted by | RuPaul |
| Judges |
|
| No. of contestants | 13 |
| Winner | Raja |
| Runner-up | Manila Luzon |
| Miss Congeniality | Yara Sofia |
| Companion show | RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked! |
| No. of episodes | 16 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Logo TV |
| Original release | January 24 – May 2, 2011 |
| Season chronology | |
The third season of RuPaul's Drag Race began airing on January 24, 2011, and ended its run on May 2 of the same year.[2] Thirteen drag queens competed for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar", a headlining spot on the Absolut Tour, a lifetime supply of Kryolan makeup, and a cash prize of $75,000.
This season had Michelle Visage replacing Merle Ginsberg at the judge's table and Billy Brasfield[3] (better known as Billy B), Mike Ruiz, and Jeffrey Moran filling in for Santino Rice's absence during several episodes. Billy B, celebrity makeup artist and star of the HGTV mini-series Hometown Renovation, appeared as a judge in five episodes. Whereas Mike Ruiz only judged for two episodes, and Jeffrey Moran for one, Moran only appeared for promotional reasons. Due to Billy B's continued appearances, he and Rice are now considered to have been alternate judges for the same seat at the judges table, both appearing side-by-side in the reunion special to announce Yara Sofia as the season's Miss Congeniality.[1]
Other changes made included the introduction of a wildcard contestant from the past season, Shangela; an episode with no elimination; and a contestant, Carmen Carrera, being brought back into the competition after having been eliminated a few episodes prior. A new pit crew was also introduced consisting of Jason Carter and Shawn Morales.
The theme song playing during the runway every episode was changed to "Champion" while the song playing during the credits is "Main Event", both from RuPaul's album Champion. As with the previous season, each week's episode was followed by a behind-the-scenes show, RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked. On December 6, 2011, Amazon.com released this season on DVD via their CreateSpace program.[4]
The winner of the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race was Raja, with Manila Luzon being the runner-up.
- ^ a b "Ep. 16, Episode 16, Season 3: Reunited!". Logo TV. Archived from the original on November 7, 2014.
- ^ LOGO On-line. "RuPaul's Drag Race 3: Cast Bios". LOGO On-line. Retrieved December 6, 2009.
- ^ Brasfield, Billy. "Billy Brasfield Official Biography". Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
- ^ Kline, Dill (December 6, 2011). "RuPauls Drag Race Season 3". Amazon.