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**’RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 17 Power Rankings: Episodes 1 & 2 — Let the Squirrel Games Begin**
With two episodes under our belts, it’s time to assess the season 17 queens and determine who’s currently in the driver’s seat. Our power rankings are designed to provide a snapshot of each contestant’s performance at this early stage in the competition.
**Top 5: The Early Front-Runners**
1. **Daya Betty**: It’s hard not to be impressed with Daya Betty’s impressive performance on both challenges and runway, showcasing an unparalleled level of skill and creativity. Her “squirrel games” joke during the first episode’s lip sync won over the judges, and her overall presence has been incredibly strong.
2. **Orion Story**: This seasoned queen has already demonstrated remarkable growth since their previous appearance on the show, displaying a newfound confidence that allows them to take creative risks without faltering. Their wit in the challenges is undeniable, and they’re off to an excellent start.
3. **Jax**: After making a memorable impact with their initial entrance, Jax has continued to deliver high-quality performances, from their impeccable makeup skills to their ability to bring drama to the runway. If they can maintain this level of focus, they’ll be a serious contender.
**Middle Tier: The Contenders**
4. **Aurora Leigh**: While Aurora Leigh hasn’t quite reached the same heights as our top three contestants, their potential is undeniable. With some fine-tuning and increased confidence, they could easily jump up in these rankings.
5. **Icesis Real**: Icesis has consistently impressed with their energetic stage presence and ability to adapt to diverse challenges. They’re still finding their footing, but it’s clear they have a lot to offer.
**Bottom Tier: The Strugglers**
6. **Lola Licious**: Unfortunately, Lola has failed to create the same buzz as others in her group. Their performances, while not entirely bad, lack the polish and excitement needed to separate themselves from the pack.
7. **Bella D’Amico**: It’s disheartening to see Bella struggle, given their initial promise during the premiere episode. However, they’ve yet to find a consistent footing that showcases their unique strengths.
**The Dark Horses**
These contestants have shown glimmers of potential but need to elevate their game significantly to become serious contenders:
8. **Willow Dale**: Despite some encouraging moments, Willow still lacks clarity on their brand and message.
9. **Kornbread Jones**: Kornbread is a wild card who might surprise us in the long run; however, at this stage, they’re not yet demonstrating consistent strength.
With nine queens vying for the crown, the competition has only just begun to unfold. Stay tuned for our next power rankings episode, where we’ll reassess each contestant’s progress and provide insights into their future prospects!
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Source: www.billboard.com
