NEW YORK, NY — RuPaul's now-iconic declaration, "You better work!," has never rung more true than with the third season premiere of Logo's hit show "RuPaul's Drag Race." From numerous celebrities naming the series one of their most beloved reality competition shows to former contestants appearing on the runway at New York Fashion Week, "RuPaul's Drag Race" has grown from a cult favorite into a mainstream phenomenon. Clearly, this season's queens have some big (high-heeled) shoes to fill if they want to make it to the finish line. Bigger name guest judges, "OMFG" challenges and higher stakes will make this the most sensational season as the queens fight tooth-and-press-on-nail for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar." "RuPaul's Drag Race" returns January 2011 on Logo.

RuPaul, the world's most famous drag queen, has pushed the boundaries of popular culture on an international level and continues to make history this season with "RuPaul's Drag Race," the first reality television show featuring drag queens. RuPaul is back for a third season to decide who will "shante! stay!" or "sashay away" with a new batch of the nation's hottest, most glamorous drag queens. Wigs will fly and drama will run high as the contestants bring their over-the-top attitudes to the drag battle royale that is "RuPaul's Drag Race."



The following are the 12, season three "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestants:

• Alexis Mateo (St Petersburg, Fla.)
• Carmen Carrera (Elmwood, N.J.)
• Delta Work (Norwalk, Calif.)
• India Ferrah (Springfield, Ohio)
• Manila Luzon (New York City, N.Y.)
• Mariah (Atlanta, Ga.)
• Mimi Imfurst (Astoria, N.Y.)
• Phoenix (Atlanta, Ga.)
• Raja (West Hollywood, Calif.)
• Stacy Layne Matthews (Backswamp, N.C.)
• Venus D-Lite (Los Angeles, Calif.)
• Yara Sofia (Bayamon, Puerto Rico)

In addition, this season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" welcomes Michelle Visage as a new permanent judge alongside RuPaul and Santino Rice. Visage was RuPaul's outspoken sidekick for over 100 episodes of the original "RuPaul Show" on VH1. Many also know Visage as a member of the 1990s platinum-selling group "Seduction" with the iconic hit "Two to Make It Right." This pop diva continued in the music business with a successful career as a radio morning host for the past 15 years including: WKTU 103.5 with co-host RuPaul (New York), KHHT HOT 92.3 (Los Angeles) and MIX 102.7 (New York). The combo of her music and pop culture savvy, comedic timing and sass make her a natural choice as the new permanent judge.

In the end, only one contestant will have what it takes to win the coveted title of "America's Next Drag Superstar," and a prize package that includes a headlining spot on Logo's Drag Race Tour, featuring cocktails perfected by ABSOLUT, a lifetime supply of Kryolan Professional Make-up and a cash prize of $75,000.

"RuPaul's Drag Race" is produced by World of Wonder Productions with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell and RuPaul Charles serving as Executive Producers and Chris McKim as Co-Executive Producer. Dave Mace and Pamela Post serve as Executive Producers for Logo.