⁠RuPaul's Drag Race: Who was crowned Miss Congeniality in the finale

The Season 17 finale of RuPaul's Drag Race delivered glamour, emotion, and recognition beyond just crowning a winner. Among the highlights was the passing of the Miss Congeniality title, a cherished tradition that honors the queen who showed exceptional kindness and sisterhood throughout the competition.

Former Season 16 co-winners Sapphira Cristál and Xunami Muse returned to present the honor, bringing their signature flair as they announced which contestant would receive the $10,000 prize.

After votes from her fellow cast members were tallied, Crystal Envy from Asbury Park, New Jersey, emerged as this season's kindest queen. Despite her early departure during the Snatch Game episode, Crystal made a lasting impression with her supportive attitude both on-screen and off.

The moment came during an already star-studded finale that featured Hollywood legend Liza Minnelli receiving the show's Lifetime Achievement Award and the final contestants battling for the crown. Since its inception, RuPaul's Drag Race has elevated this "fan favorite" honor from a simple title to a meaningful recognition of the heart behind the art of drag.

Crystal Envy and the evolution of RuPaul's Drag Race’ Miss Congeniality

Crystal Envy's journey on Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race might have been cut short when she landed in the bottom two during the notoriously challenging Snatch Game episode, but her impact extended far beyond her 11th-place finish. According to her MTV bio, this relatively new performer had only been doing drag for three years before joining the cast.

"With looks so polished, it's hard to believe this makeup artist and drag queen has only been performing for 3 years. In New Jersey, Crystal swiftly dominated the club scene," the bio notes.

Her name cleverly combines her birth name, Chris, with her signature aesthetic—every outfit "bedazzled and sparkly." This pageant-style performer brought polish to the runway and warmth to the Werk Room, creating meaningful connections that ultimately earned her the cast's votes.

Upon accepting the honor, Crystal offered words that perfectly captured her essence:

"Remember to always sparkle like a crystal and be kind!"

What began as a fan-voted award has transformed into something more meaningful in recent seasons. Until Season 10 of RuPaul's Drag Race, viewers determined who would receive the title, often resulting in the honor going to a popular contestant rather than necessarily the kindest.

The show pivoted in Season 10, placing the voting power in the hands of those who knew the queens best—their fellow contestants. This change deepened the significance of the award, emphasizing genuine sisterhood over public popularity.

The prize money has also evolved substantially, growing from an initial $1,500 to the current $10,000 reward. Last season of RuPaul's Drag Race made history when, for the first time, two queens, Sapphira Cristál and Xunami Muse, who are tied for the title, brought the total number of Miss Congeniality winners to 18 across the franchise.

Highlights of the finale

The Miss Congeniality announcement came during an eventful finale that balanced competition with celebration. Earlier in the evening, RuPaul presented Hollywood icon Liza Minnelli with the show's third annual Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her decades of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Minnelli's acceptance speech touched many hearts when she said:

"I don't know what else to say except for, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be me. You made me."

The moment was significant for the franchise, as Minnelli has been impersonated by four queens on Snatch Game across global editions of the show, including Season 9's Alexis Michelle. RuPaul also acknowledged Minnelli's brother Joe in the audience, turning his attention his way for applause.

On the competitive front, RuPaul narrowed the field by eliminating Lexi and Sam before the final lip-sync round, though she cushioned the blow by awarding each $10,000 for their season-long efforts.

In a similar spirit of generosity, Xunami Muse announced that all the other queens would receive $2,000 for "slaying all season" long, ensuring everyone left with both recognition and rewards.

Crystal Envy's crowning as Miss Congeniality represents the dual nature of RuPaul's Drag Race—a fierce competition that simultaneously celebrates community support. While her journey toward the crown ended early, her impact on her sisters proved more lasting than any challenge she won.

The tradition of Miss Congeniality serves as a reminder that behind the dramatic moments, cutting confessionals, and runway critiques lies a community of artists supporting each other through an intense experience.

For Crystal, this recognition caps a season that showcased her talents even briefly. From dominating the New Jersey club scene to winning hearts on international television, her journey exemplifies how drag excellence comes in many forms—sometimes bedazzled in kindness rather than crowned in victory.

As RuPaul's Drag Race continues evolving and expanding globally, the Miss Congeniality title remains a touchstone that honors the heart of drag culture: community, support, and raising each other while looking fabulous doing it.

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The Season 17 finale of RuPaul's Drag Race aired on April 18, 2025, on MTV.