On April 9, 2026, the 22nd Annual Dragalicious Drag Ball debuted at University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) HUB 302, being presented by the KUCR, UCR Drag Club, Queer Alliance UCR and the UCR LGBT Resource Center. The short summary for the event? Looks were served. However, this description won’t do any justice to the dazzling spectacle that the performers had put on. Going for a circus theme this year, the Dragalicious Drag Ball certainly evoked a sense of magnificence and thrill one could get from going to the big top.
Entering the arena at 7:30 p.m., the audience was greeted by tables giving out pins, glowsticks, fans, animal crackers and even balloon swords. Organizations such as the Inland Empire LGBTQ+ Center were also present, inviting and encouraging others to support the community. Guests additionally had the opportunity to take pictures at circus-themed photo ops. Songs like “Bark Like You Want It” by Sir-Mix-A-Lot played prior to the start of the ball, setting the mood for what’s to come.
At 8 p.m., the show started to pomp splendor as event emcee and previous Rupaul’s Drag Race contestant Mayhem Miller appeared on stage donning a lavish black and white dress. Miller, who hosted the ball multiple times in the past, dazzled once again as she lip-synched to DJ Boris Dlugosch’s remix of Moloko’s “Sing It Back.” Before going on with the show, Miller engaged in charismatic crowdwork while educating newcomers of the two fundamental rules that come with drag shows: tip the performers whenever possible and always keep the energy going. Additionally, Miller gave hilarious asides to the crowds in between sets while performers were setting up.
Bear Bèringer went up afterwards, leaning into the circus theme with a red and black outfit akin to a ringmaster. She additionally did a duet performance of “Die With a Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga with Reina Rey.
Reina Rey, most notably wearing checkered pants, stunned the crowd with a diabolo act during her performance before continuing with a lip-synch and dance act. Her dance was nothing short of stunning.
Xerenthemum was quick to impress and entertain the crowd as she lip-synched and performed a dance routine to “Join Us For a Bite” by JT Music and Andrea Storm Kaden, a familiar song for die-hard fans of “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Sporting a white corset and clown makeup, Xerentheum leaned into the spirit of theater and entertainment when lip-synching “Money” from the hit musical “Cabaret” in another performance.
Soulaana dazzled the crowd through her lip-synching of “Oh No!” by Marina. Albeit wearing a purple flashy garment and sporting clown makeup for her performance, Soulanna’s lip-synching and dance skills were no joke. Devereaux mesmerized the crowd with rigid, contortion-esque dance moves.
Minnie Slayy took things in a different direction as she performed a traditional mime act. However, it didn’t take very long until the performance shifted into an electrifying lip-synch rendition of “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. Things only got better from there as Minnie switched songs once again, this time playing “Sea Lion” by Yuno Miles. The song was accompanied by Minnie playing around with beach balls akin to a sea lion.
Taffy H. Cashed, in a debut performance, had audiences mystified as predictions were made. Taffy most notably and accurately forecasted, “you’re going to give me a lot of money.” A lip-synch routine immediately followed to the tune of “Hex Girl,” a song performed by the fictional band Hex Girls from “Scooby Doo! And the Witch’s Ghost.”
Jennifer Body encapsulated old fashioned cabaret, especially when it came to outfit choices. From a black corset and fishnets to a red dress evocative of Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Jennifer entertained the masses by lip-synching songs like “Show Me How You Burlesque” by Christina Aguilera. Jennifer’s stunning kicks were also met to great applause by the audience.
Mayhem Miller ended the night lip-synching to a house music version of “All Night Long” by Mary Jane Girls. Before taking leave, Miller gave the crowd some words of encouragement. She most notably decreed, “You are all beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.” It’s safe to say that the 22nd Annual Dragalicious Drag Ball slayed, just like it does practically every year.
