In the dazzling extravaganza that is RuPaul's Drag Race, the show burst onto the Season 16 scene with a parade of entrances that left us gagging and thirsting for more glamor.

The first to sashay into the Werk Room was Q, a self-proclaimed grand diva from Kansas City, whose confidence matched the volume of her self-designed fashions. Following her fabulous wake were the likes of Xunami Muse, the graceful daughter of Kandy Muse, hailing from Panama. Next, Amanda Tori Meating, the Los Angeles queen, came in with a "secretary" entrance look that promptly got her roasted. Morphine Love Dion, the absolute perra from Miami, strutted in proud of her mug and voluptuous assets. 

Sapphira Cristál, the more-is-more opera singer from Philadelphia, graced the screen with an opulent entrance look. Mirage, the Las Vegas showgirl, surprised us with a Claire's shopping twist. And lastly, the ethereal elf goddess of Brooklyn, Dawn, a confident seamstress.

See all entrance looks below:

Season 16 Entrance & Confessional looks!✨🏁 Thoughts?✨👀 #rupaulsdragrace #DragRace pic.twitter.com/ah49YsLS18

— I FEEL VERY ATTACKED (@rpdrmoments_) December 6, 2023

The RuMail siren heralded a split premiere as the queens gathered, setting the stage for a season filled with "twists and turns." RuPaul herself joined the fabulous fray, warning of the journey ahead. The first challenge unfolded on Ru's porch, where the queens had a doorbell camera photoshoot directed by the iconic host. Love Connie, the unfriendly neighbor, added an unexpected twist to the proceedings.

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After a mini-challenge and dismantling drag for the first time, the Werk Room buzzed with anticipation. Amanda found herself on the roasting table again, but salvation came in Ru's bell. Sapphira emerged as the winner of the photoshoot, setting the stage for the maxi challenge. In a nod to the past, immunity returned triumphantly, and the queens would rate each other in the new "Rate-A-Queen" peer evaluation system. That's right, squirrel friends, our queens now have the chance to snatch immunity and live to slay another day. It's like a blast from the past, taking us back to the legendary days of season five when Jinkx Monsoon was ruling the Drag Race realm.

Picture this: the last time a queen basked in the glow of immunity was when Alyssa Edwards twirled into safety. It's the stuff of Drag Race history, darling! Alyssa escaped the dreaded bottom two after a not-so-fabulous impersonation of Katy Perry during the Snatch Game. Now, as we dive into season 16, immunity is back in the game, and you better believe our queens are ready to werk it for that coveted safety spot.

Fans are excited, to say the least:

WAITTTT that immunity can be used for ANY elimination?????! GAGGGG #dragrace pic.twitter.com/BJW9LcWJrn

— ray ✨ (@mascarayde) January 6, 2024

Elimination Day, she brought strategizing and speculating on the Werk Room floor. Sapphira championed talent-based voting, while Amanda pondered the role of friendship in strategy. The possibility of an "ass alliance" between Sapphira and Morphine, bonded by their shared appreciation for ample backsides, added an extra layer of intrigue.

Enter Charlize Theron, A-list actress and surprise guest, bringing malva puddings and words of encouragement. The queens opened up about their struggles, from small-town upbringings to hiding their drag personas from their families. Morphine revealed she lived with her parents, unaware of her drag life or participation in the show.

Derrick Barry hosted the "MTV Spring Break Talent Show on the Main Stage." The queens showcased their skills with performances ranging from comedic numbers to operatic vocals.

Following the talent show, the runway featured the "RuVeal Yourself" category, where the queens unveiled their unique styles.

Standout performances from the talent show lineup included:

Q’s Iconic Puppet Show: 

Welcome to Q’s Puppet Playhouse! 🧸🩰 @URliving4q #DragRace Season 16 premieres Saturdays:
🌎 2:30AM UTC @wowpresentsplus ex. USA, Canada, Australia
🇺🇸 Fridays, 8PM ET @mtv

Episode 1 is now streaming FREE on @wowpresentsplus: https://t.co/33SShPhD3W pic.twitter.com/tSjUytPQxi

— WOW Presents Plus (@wowpresentsplus) January 6, 2024

Sapphira’s Comedic Opera Performance:

: 

Drag Race fans have lots of thoughts about Mirage's talent show performance #RuPaulsDragRace #DragRace16 https://t.co/v6bzRDExp3

— PinkNews (@PinkNews) January 9, 2024

Critiques from the panel were mixed, with praise for some and constructive feedback for others. The queens then ranked each other in the Rate-A-Queen system, setting the stage for the top two of the week – Sapphira and Q. A lip-sync battle ensued, with Sapphira emerging victorious, earning $5,000 and immunity.

We kicked off RuPaul's Drag Race Season 16 with a bang, promising a season filled with twists, laughter, and fierce competition. The Rate-A-Queen system added a new layer of strategy, ensuring that the queens would scrutinize every move and decision. As we eagerly anticipate the next episode, one thing's for sure – this season is off to a campy, fantastic start!

Photo Credit: @rupauldragrace on Instagram.