The drag world is buzzing with excitement as Onya Nurve claimed the crown as the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 in a dazzling finale that aired on April 18, 2025. The Cleveland-born queen outshone finalists Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, and Sam Star, securing a $200,000 prize and the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. Adding to the night’s glamour, Liza Minnelli made a rare appearance, receiving the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award. Onya’s victory, marked by her unmatched charisma and four challenge wins, has fans raving online, with posts on X calling her performance “pure talent.” This moment cements her as a drag legend, but her journey is far from over. Let’s dive into what makes Onya Nurve a force to be reckoned with.
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The Rise of Onya Nurve: A Star is Born
Before the glitter and gowns, Onya Nurve was flipping burgers at Cleveland’s Doinks Burger Joint. Her leap from the kitchen to the Drag Race stage is nothing short of inspiring. Last December, when she was announced as part of Season 17’s cast, fans sensed a frontrunner. Onya dominated with her sharp wit, bold fashion, and emotional depth, especially during the makeover challenge where she transformed her father into a drag queen—a historic moment for Black representation on the show. “I feel like my dad is probably the first Black man on RuPaul’s Drag Race representing their daughter,” she shared, earning cheers from viewers. Her ability to blend heart and hustle set her apart, making her finale win feel like destiny.
Onya’s track record speaks volumes. She clinched four maxi challenges, showcasing versatility in comedy, design, and performance. Her original song in the finale was a fan favorite, with X users praising its infectious energy. RuPaul himself noted, “Onya Nurve delivered that ‘something extra’ that made her our undisputed champion.” Her win wasn’t without debate, though—some fans argued Jewels Sparkles deserved the crown after a fierce lip-sync to Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra. Yet, Onya’s consistency and stage presence sealed the deal.
Onya Nurve’s Cultural Impact
Onya’s victory transcends the runway. As a Black queer artist, she’s become a beacon for representation. Her journey on Drag Race highlighted Northeast Ohio’s vibrant drag scene, putting Cleveland on the map. In a pre-finale interview with WKYC, Onya shared her dream of winning a Tony Award, saying, “I’ve got to dream big.” Her ambition resonates with fans who see her as a trailblazer breaking barriers in a competitive industry.
Her influence extends to social media, where fans on X celebrated her win as “healing” for Black queens like Shea Couleé and Sapphira Cristál, who faced tough losses in past seasons. Onya’s authenticity—rooted in her unapologetic Blackness and bold drag aesthetic—has sparked conversations about diversity in drag. She’s not just a winner; she’s a movement, inspiring young performers to embrace their roots and aim high.
Key Moments from Onya’s Drag Race Journey
Here’s a quick look at what made Onya Nurve unforgettable:
- Makeover Challenge: Transformed her father, creating a heartfelt father-daughter moment.
- Four Maxi Wins: Dominated in comedy, design, acting, and performance challenges.
- Finale Performance: Her original song and Abracadabra lip-sync were electric.
- Fan Love: X posts exploded with support, calling her a “deserving queen.”
What’s Next for Onya Nurve?
With the crown on her head, Onya’s future is dazzling. She’s already a staple in Cleveland’s drag scene, but her Drag Race win opens doors to global stages. Fans speculate she’ll join the Drag Race Live! show in Las Vegas or launch a music career, given her finale song’s success. Her red carpet look at the finale—described by The Pink News as “foot on necks”—hints at a budding fashion icon. Could a collaboration with a major designer be next?
Onya’s also vocal about her goals. Her Tony Award dream isn’t just talk; she’s eyeing Broadway, where her charisma could light up the stage. Meanwhile, she’s touring with Drag Race queens, bringing her signature nerve to fans nationwide. Her win comes with a year’s supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills makeup, ensuring her looks stay flawless. Whatever she does, Onya’s authenticity will keep her grounded, even as her star soars.
Why Onya Nurve Matters Now
In a world craving realness, Onya Nurve delivers. Her Drag Race journey wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing up as her full self. From her emotional moments to her high-energy performances, she connected with fans on a human level. Liza Minnelli’s presence at the finale, performing a lip-sync to Ring Them Bells, was a nod to drag’s cultural roots, and Onya’s win felt like a bridge between drag’s past and future. As Minnelli said, “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be me,” a sentiment Onya echoed by thanking her fans.
Her story resonates because it’s relatable. She’s the underdog who worked hard, stayed true, and triumphed. Fans on X called her win a “full-circle moment,” reflecting on her growth from a local queen to a global icon. Onya’s nerve—her boldness, heart, and grit—makes her a role model for anyone chasing a dream. Whether you’re a Drag Race stan or new to drag, her journey pulls you in and keeps you rooting.
As Onya Nurve steps into her reign, the drag world watches eagerly. She’s not just a queen; she’s a legacy in the making. From Cleveland to the Drag Race stage, her story proves that with nerve, anything is possible. So, keep your eyes on Onya—she’s only getting started, and the best is yet to come.