In an unexpected twist during season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, contestant Kori King has shared her willingness to eliminate herself from the competition in order to save her partner, Lydia B Kollins. In a heartfelt revelation, Kori admitted that if she had been spared during the recent bottom two lip-sync, she would have chosen to leave on her own accord to give Lydia a chance to continue in the competition.
The drama unfolded in episode nine, titled "Heavens to Betsey!", where the nine remaining queens were challenged to craft looks inspired by the whimsical fashion designer, Betsey Johnson. Despite their best efforts, Kori and Lydia found themselves in the bottom two, facing off in a lip-sync battle to Lita Ford’s 1988 hit "Kiss Me Deadly".
The performance concluded with an unplanned, passionate kiss between Kori and Lydia, a move that delighted the judges, including RuPaul herself. However, in the end, Kori was asked to sashay away. Reflecting on the moment with a media outlet, Kori explained that the kiss was an instinctual decision, fueled by the burgeoning romance between her and Lydia.
"We locked eyes and saw the vibe. It’s the last verse! You just feel it," Kori shared. Despite the audience's and judges' enthusiastic response to the kiss, Kori was adamant that she did not wish to remain in the competition at the expense of Lydia’s dreams. "Once it was me and Lydia, I did not want to stay at all. I knew how bad Lydia wanted it, and I’d rather have her stay than me," she confessed. Kori added humorously, "If it was me and [fellow competitor] Onya [Nerve] in the bottom? Baby, I’m bucking! Even if I did win, I would have to find a way to save Lydia."
A Selfless Gesture
Kori’s willingness to sacrifice her place in the competition is reminiscent of a past iconic moment in Drag Race history. The term "pulling a BenDeLaCreme" has become famous among fans, referring to All Stars 3 contestant BenDeLaCreme's decision to eliminate herself, despite being a frontrunner, by revealing her own name on the lipstick she was meant to use to send another queen home.
When asked whether she would earnestly have followed through with self-elimination, Kori affirmed, "Yes, absolutely. I wouldn’t be able to send Lydia home. I’d find a way to swap." Such dedication to a fellow contestant speaks volumes about the bond and camaraderie formed between competitors on the show.
More Than Just On-Screen Chemistry
Off-screen, the connection between Kori King and Lydia B Kollins has blossomed into a genuine romance. Last week, Kori confirmed that their on-screen chemistry was more than just for show, as the two are officially dating. This revelation has been met with excitement from fans who have watched their relationship develop throughout the season.
In another interview, the Boston-born queen expressed her surprise at finding love on the Drag Race set, even though she had whimsically hoped for it during her audition tape. She spoke affectionately about Lydia, highlighting the qualities that drew her to her partner. "I love the back end of drag. The business aspect is my favorite part. I love the numbers; I love seeing what posts can get this many likes," Kori explained.
She continued, "For her, she loves the art of drag. And I love just seeing her thought process. Like, her eyes sparkle as she’s trying to make an outfit, you know? I like the way that she sees drag." This mutual admiration and differing perspectives on their shared art form seem to have strengthened their bond.
For those following RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17, new episodes continue to air on Fridays on MTV in the US, with international streaming available on WOWPresents Plus. As the competition heats up, viewers are eager to see how the remaining queens will fare and what further surprises the season holds.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this developing story. Remember to keep your comments respectful and supportive.
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