RuPaul's Drag Race season 3
The third season of RuPaul's Drag Race began airing on January 24, 2011, and ended its run on May 2 of the same year. Thirteen drag queens competed for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar", a headlining spot on the Absolut Tour, a lifetime supply of Kryolan makeup, and a cash prize of $75,000.
This season had Michelle Visage replacing Merle Ginsberg at the judge's table and Billy Brasfield, Mike Ruiz, and Jeffrey Moran filling in for Santino Rice's absence during several episodes. Billy B, celebrity makeup artist and star of the HGTV mini-series Hometown Renovation, appeared as a judge in five episodes. Whereas Mike Ruiz only judged for two episodes, and Jeffrey Moran for one, Moran only appeared for promotional reasons. Due to Billy B's continued appearances, he and Rice are now considered to have been alternate judges for the same seat at the judges table, both appearing side-by-side in the reunion special to announce Yara Sofia as the season's Miss Congeniality.
Other changes made included the introduction of a wildcard contestant from the past season, Shangela; an episode with no elimination; and a contestant, Carmen Carrera, being brought back into the competition after having been eliminated a few episodes prior. A new pit crew was also introduced consisting of Jason Carter and Shawn Morales.
The theme song playing during the runway every episode was changed to "Champion" while the song playing during the credits is "Main Event", both from RuPaul's album Champion. As with the previous season, each week's episode was followed by a behind-the-scenes show, RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked. On December 6, 2011, Amazon.com released this season on DVD via their CreateSpace program.
The winner of the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race was Raja, with Manila Luzon being the runner-up.
Contestants
Ages, names, and cities stated are at time of filming.| Contestant | Age | Hometown | Outcome |
| Raja | 36 | Los Angeles, California | |
| Manila Luzon | 28 | New York City, New York | |
| Alexis Mateo | 30 | St. Petersburg, Florida | 3rd place |
| Yara Sofia | 26 | Manatí, Puerto Rico | 4th place |
| Carmen Carrera | 25 | Elmwood Park, New Jersey | 5th place |
| Shangela | 28 | Los Angeles, California | 6th place |
| Delta Work | 34 | Norwalk, California | 7th place |
| Stacy Layne Matthews | 25 | Raynham, North Carolina | 8th place |
| Mariah | 29 | Atlanta, Georgia | 9th place |
| India Ferrah | 23 | Dayton, Ohio | 10th place |
| Mimi Imfurst | 26 | New York City, New York | 11th place |
| Phoenix | 29 | Atlanta, Georgia | 12th place |
| Venus D-Lite | 26 | Los Angeles, California | 13th place |
Notes:
Contestant progress
Lip syncs
Legend:Guest judges
Listed in chronological order:- Bruce Vilanch, comedy writer, songwriter, and actor
- Mike Ruiz, photographer, director, and reality television personality
- Vanessa Williams, actress, singer, and former Miss America
- Lily Tomlin, actress and comedian
- Alessandra Torresani, actress
- La Toya Jackson, singer
- Susan Powter, motivational speaker and fitness guru
- Chloë Sevigny, actress and model
- Debbie Matenopoulos, television host
- Aisha Tyler, comedian and actress
- Amber Rose, model
- Eliza Dushku, actress
- Sara Rue, actress
- Rita Rudner, comedian
- Arden Myrin, comedian
- Cheryl Tiegs, model
- Johnny Weir, professional figure skater
- Jeffrey Moran, Absolut Vodka marketing/branding executive
- Jody Watley, R&B/pop singer
- Carmen Electra, actress
- Wayne Brady, actor, comedian, and singer
- Fantasia Barrino, singer, actress, and author
- Margaret Cho, actress and comedian
- Sharon Osbourne, television host and reality television personality
- Gigi Levangie, novelist and host of Logo's ''The Arrangement''
Episodes