Briar Blush sashayed away from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 on January 23, 2026, after landing in the bottom two for the second week in a row during Episode 4 (“Red Carpet Mash-Ups”). The elimination came after a tense Werk Room drama-filled episode and a high-energy lip sync showdown.

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Briar, who had already survived a close call in Episode 3’s “RDR Live!” challenge (where she lost the lip sync to Mandy Mango but stayed due to no elimination), found herself back on the chopping block. This time, she faced off against Kenya Pleaser in the Lip Sync for Your Life to Kylie Minogue’s upbeat “Lights Camera Action.”

During the performance, Briar brought fierce confidence and strong movements, hitting the beats with sharp precision and attitude. Kenya, however, mixed athletic flips, splits, and comedic flair that played well to the song’s fun energy.

Judges RuPaul Charles, Michelle Visage, Law Roach, and guest Annaleigh Ashford praised both queens for their commitment, but ultimately decided Briar’s repeated weak performances in challenges outweighed her lip sync strength.

RuPaul delivered the verdict: “Briar Blush, shantay you stay? No. Kenya Pleaser, you’re a winner, baby!” Briar exited with grace, blowing kisses and thanking the cast in her final message.

In post-elimination buzz, she reflected on the emotional rollercoaster—Werk Room confrontations with Mia Starr and Athena Dion over boundaries, the pressure of bestie pairings, and the challenge to stay true to her drag style amid critiques.

The maxi challenge saw queens mash up iconic red carpet looks with their “besties.” Briar and Juicy Love Dion tackled Lil Nas X’s 2020 Grammys and Rihanna’s 2015 Met Gala, but Briar struggled to fully commit to the brief.

While top performers like Vita VonTesse Starr (winner for her Katy Perry/Lil’ Kim high-drag look), Juicy, Jane Don’t, Nini Coco, Ciara Myst, and Athena Dion shone, Briar and Kenya ended up in the bottom.

Fans are divided online: some felt Briar deserved more time after her conceptual style and Werk Room passion, while others agreed the judges were consistent with her run of inconsistent performances.

The episode also featured a dramatic moment when Briar fainted briefly after initial runway critiques, raising concern before she returned to finish the show.

Briar’s elimination leaves 11 queens in the competition: Athena Dion, Ciara Myst, Darlene Mitchell, Discord Addams, Jane Don’t, Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, and Vita VonTesse Starr. With tensions still simmering from the Werk Room beef, Season 18 is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic yet.

What did you think of the lip sync and Briar’s exit? Sound off in the comments!