the Clash of Titans All Stars brought the grand finale to The Menagerie, the last night of a six-week competition with $1500 on the line. The theme was “Showstopper,” giving each queen complete freedom to design a number that would amaze the crowd. With everything leading up to this night, the stage was set not only for stunning performances but also for the crowning of the newest All-Star Champion.

Sá Hara opened the night and immediately set the tone, starting her performance draped in a cloak. The number began slow, but once she tore it away the energy skyrocketed, delivering a powerful and lively show that kicked off the finale with excitement.

Veronica S. Halston followed with a more theatrical piece. Before she even appeared, a body was carried on stage. She entered holding a frying pan hidden behind her back and delivered a burlesque inspired number filled with suspense and dark humor. Sitting in an ornate chair, she took a shot and pretended to call the police on herself, saying she was in Downtown Riverside. The audience roared with laughter and cheers.

Melody Sings Facade Miller was next, arriving in a bright outfit with rainbow hair. Before starting her number, she handed glowsticks to the crowd. Suddenly the lights cut out, and she revealed a raver inspired look. Two silhouettes joined her on stage, tearing away their black suits to reveal matching outfits. The glow of the audience’s glowsticks turned the room into a full rave, with Melody at the center of it all. The crowd loved it, and the number lived up to the “Showstopper” theme.

Kelly K. Doll then took the stage in a Cruella DeVille inspired look. As she performed, five performers entered dressed as all of her previous outfits from the past five weeks of the competition. They joined together in one big number before transforming again into dalmatian costumes to close out the performance. It was a creative concept that tied her whole journey together while still feeling fresh and grand.

Diva Dean followed with one of the night’s most impactful pieces. Surrounded by performers in black cloaks, audio clips filled with anti-LGBTQ rhetoric played over the speakers as they stood in silence. Diva Dean then revealed a dress under her cloak and began pulling away the others’ coverings, unveiling colorful rainbow looks one by one. The number built into a celebration of pride, with flags waving in the audience and confetti filling the air. Her rainbow dress reveal pushed the message even further, leaving the crowd cheering.

Bubblegum performed to Tomorrow by Grace Jones, bringing a very different mood to the night. Her number was slow, elegant, and deeply emotional, carrying the feeling of a grand farewell. It was a beautiful way to wrap up her run in the competition and gave the crowd a touching and memorable moment before the end.

Amiyah Bratt closed the main lineup with a high energy performance that took over the room. She began in a grape suit, weaving through the audience to their delight, then pulled off a stunning outfit change into an elegant look with tasseled sleeves. She filled the room with energy, even tossing a stack of $100 bills into the air, showering the crowd and ending her run with style.

Before the winner was announced, Nebula, the reigning All Star Champion, made a final walk across the stage, symbolically passing the torch before a new champion would be crowned.

The top three competitors were then revealed. Throughout the past five weeks, each queen had earned points through wins, mini games, and challenges, and the final tally placed Melody Sings Facade Miller, Kelly K. Doll, and Diva Dean on top. The room went quiet as host Philip prepared to announce the new champion. After a long pause, the name was called: Diva Dean. The audience erupted in applause as she was crowned the new All-Star Champion and awarded the $1500 prize.

These six weeks at The Menagerie showcased the creativity, passion, and talent of some of Riverside’s best drag performers. Host Philip kept the energy high every week, and each queen left their mark with unforgettable performances.

For those who missed the Clash of Titans All Stars, The Menagerie has already announced its next big competition. The “Throwdown Dragdown Dragrace” begins on October 1, running for eight weeks every Wednesday. The last queen standing will take home $1000, promising even more nights of incredible drag in Downtown Riverside.