"I'm OBSESSED"- RuPaul's Drag Race fans go gaga over Sam Star's "Rusical" win

The latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 crowned its winner, Sam Star, after the queens performed Rusicals in this week's challenge. The episode featured Adam Lambert as the guest judge and Jama Sims as the choreographer. With the judges' expertise and guidance, all 10 queens prepared their versions of characters from the famous fantasy worlds of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked.

The top four performances that won over the judges' hearts were those of Suzie, Onya, Sam, and Jewel. However, for her Cher impression and for stepping out of her comfort zone, the winner's title was awarded to Sam Star in Episode 8. Sam Star was lauded by the judges for finally opening up in her performance as "The Wicked Witch" and utilizing her potential to the fullest.

Fans of RuPaul's Drag Race were equally enchanted by her performance, attire, and runway act. They gathered on X (formerly known as Twitter) to praise Sam for her much-deserved win.

A fan wrote

"When i say that Sam Star absolutely ATE this rusical UP like— the last name doesn't lie, she's a f**king STAR. i'm OBSESSED.#DragRace"

"Sam star deserved this and I’m not letting y’all take this away from her, she had the most difficult part, performing with an accent, extremely difficult choreo, and she took Michelle’s note #DragRace," wrote another fan defending Sam aginst critics.

"Sam had on the most beautiful gown I have ever seen on all 17 seasons of this show. That win was very much deserved," commented another fan.

"I’m so glad Sam Star is finally letting loose because the way she’s so quick witted & funny. Also yeah it’s obv Ru loves Cher, which is why it’s surprising that nobody else fought to get that role too. Glad she won after watching Untucked lol #DragRace," wrote another person.

"I am SO happy sam star won. like yes was it just a cher impersonation?…yes, but she took the judge’s advice to just let loose (hey loosey laduca) and have fun!! and OH MY GOSH her runway was my favorite of the night, it was beautiful! i literally gasped when she walked out!", commented another fan.

"This garment walked the runway at RuPaul’s Drag Race when it could have been in the Garden of Time last Met Gala. Work Sam Star. #DragRace," wrote another person.

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When RuPaul's Drag Race fame Sam Star opened up about her connection with NBA player Charles Barkley

The American drag performer, Sam Star aka Sam Purkey, is solidifying her place among the top contenders of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17, especially after her latest "Rusical" win.

Sam Star is originally from Alabama and was a gymnast and cheerleader before stepping into the world of drag. Well-known to many, Trinity the Tuck, the famous RuPaul's Drag Race alum, is the "drag mother" of Sam Star. However, during a recent interview with Parade Magazine, the drag performer revealed her "Godfather"—and he is none other than NBA star Charles Barkley.

On February 6, 2025, Sam joined Parade Magazine for an exclusive interview and was asked about her connection with Charles Barkley. Here’s what the RuPaul's Drag Race star had to say:

"My mom's name is Leslie Blair, and she met Charles in high school. They were actually really close. He was always really supportive of us," the performer continued. "Obviously, he's a big celebrity always busy doing things. But whenever he was back in town, he always stopped by and was always very supportive."

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RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 airs on MTV on Fridays at 8 pm ET/PT.