MTV said Tuesday that the prize money in its first season airing “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will rise to $200,000, the highest amount since the show first appeared on ITV in 2009.
The purse for the 15th season of the pop-culture phenomenon is $50,000 higher than last season, which featured a host of surprises, including the show’s first straight male drag queen.
The new season of the show, winner of 26 Emmys, will begin Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. with a two-part premiere. It will feature 16 new queens competing for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” The season will also include the 200th episode of the series.
Aftershow “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked,” will premiere immediately following the program, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the backstage drama on the set.
The show’s YouTube channel is offering a “Meet the Queens” program Tuesday hosted by Season 14 winner Willow Pill, including interviews with each contestant.
The new season’s 16 queens are:
