You may not know much about drag queens, but you’ve no doubt heard of RuPaul Charles, self proclaimed queen of the world. You may have seen him as the host of eleven year running hit show RuPaul’s Drag Race, but RuPaul has been up to something new - a scripted comedy-drama series.
AJ and the Queen premiered on Netflix this past January, and it stars RuPaul along with newcomer Izzy G, who plays ten-year-old AJ. RuPaul plays a man named Robert who doubles as a drag queen called Ruby Red and is on an adventure to Texas, stopping along the way to perform in various drag shows. We got to see Ruby in many captivating looks, and these ten caught our eye the most:
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
In episode 8, “Baton Rouge,” Robert and AJ are at the hospital after an accident on the swing set. This causes Robert to reminisce of a time when a drag show ended with his friend Louis in the hospital. In the scene, Robert was playing Judy Garland when she sang, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” to her little sister in 1944’s Meet me in St. Louis. The audience loved the performance and the look, with the giant bow front and center, and the larger than life ball gown skirt putting a comical spin on Judy’s original attire.
Unspeakable Joy
Everybody loves a good costume change, and Ruby’s final number of season one featured a quick reveal in episode 10, “Dallas,” where she performed to “Unspeakable Joy” by Kim English in the Texas city’s drag competition. Ruby starts off looking quite modest and holy in what appears to resemble a minister’s robe.
Then, with a dip back from her backup dancers, her gown is ripped off to reveal a sexier but still pure white outfit. Only an angel could pull off a look so divine, and we think Ruby’s got it down!
Girl, You’re a Woman
In episode 2, “Pittsburgh,” Robert and AJ have made their first stop, and Ruby is ready to give a performance like no other. Donning a shimmery pink-fringed outfit that feels like a cross between a superhero and a beauty queen, Ruby gives an inspiring performance of, “Girl, You’re a Woman,” from the Broadway musical (later turned film) The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. On stage with her was a stand where Ruby flipped pages one by one to reveal strong and empowering women such as Eleanor Roosevelt mixed in with images of Ruby herself. She clearly is quite the woman!
Catch Me, I’m Falling
The next stop is Columbus in episode 3, and AJ and Robert are broke as a joke. They need money fast, so when they hear that there’s a wet t-shirt contest down the road, Ruby and her fake rack are in. In typical Ruby fashion, she takes her entry to the next level and gives a full out lip syncing performance of “Catch Me, I’m Falling,” by Pretty Poison. The contest attendees loved her revealing outfit, and we like it because it just goes to show that Ruby doesn’t have to be decked out in glitter to still look fabulous.
You’re the One that I Want
Robert and AJ are in a trailer park in episode 6, “Little Rock,” and when Robert learns that a couple of girls plan to do a rendition of a song from Grease, he offers his help as director and stylist to turn their single number into a big production.
After a young boy wants to wear a frilly dress, and his father disapproves, Ruby gets out her heals and wig to prove a point. Who doesn’t love a classic bad girl Sandy look? We especially love the pop of ruby red on her feet and lips, with her candy sucker completing the costume.
Got to be Real
Ruby’s gig is canceled in episode 9, “Fort Worth,” so Robert and AJ pay a visit to his childhood friend Beth. When Ruby gets hired to be the entertainment at Beth’s party, Ruby makes a splash by performing a hit that Robert and Beth used to dance to as kids, “Got to be Real,” by Cheryl Lynn. While Ruby is used to working a big stage, she still rocked the living room in her disco inspired attire. We love the bold pink stripe and Ruby’s groovy moves. We’re not sure which is bigger, her hair or her earrings!
Endless Love
There’s a museum in Tennessee dedicated to fashion designer Bob Mackie, and Robert can hardly believe it! Of course, he and AJ have to stop there in episode 5, “Mt. Juliet.” Turns out the museum is a house with a dozen of Mackie’s original dresses, and the museum owner Lloyd even lets Robert try one on! Complete with one of Ruby’s many wigs, she and Lloyd sing to, “Endless Love,” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, whose gown Ruby wears. Their song gets cut short when Lloyd gets inappropriate, but Ruby didn’t let that bring her down!
Chandelier
Never have sparkling crystals looked so good as on Ruby’s outfit in episode 4, “Louisville.” There, she did a quite literal interpretation of “Chandelier,” by Sia, in which she was decked out in clear gems that were practically dripping from her fingertips.
Ruby even gets hoisted into the air like a real chandelier, but as things so often go wrong on stage, there is a mishap due to some catty queens trying to sabotage Ruby’s song. Maybe she should have stayed on the ground and sang, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” instead!
It’s a Wonderful Life
The pageant Robert has been longing for is finally here in episode 10, “Dallas,” but after Ruby’s wigs are destroyed, things aren’t looking good for her chance to win. The other drag queens get together to donate some of their wigs, causing Ruby to feel like George Bailey on Christmas Eve in, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” While getting ready for the show, an unexpected guest appears in Ruby’s dressing room, and soon she and AJ are on the run again. We never got to see Ruby perform in this stunning bright red gown, but it still comes in second place on our list!
Ruby is Red Hot
The best outfit worn by Ruby this season was the doubly spectacular number she worn at the very opening of the series. She started out in a long gown made of glittery roses until the robe was torn off to reveal her flaming red leotard. Ruby sang her proclamation of self love in, “Ruby is Red Hot,” recorded for the series by AJ and the Queen’s very own Rupaul Charles. This number set the stage for the rest of the series, and we loved every minute of it. Right away, we knew we would be in for a great show!
