Cardi B & Teyana Taylor Join RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18
Star-Studded Guest Judge Lineup Announced
The wait is over, and the girls are about to GAG! MTV has officially unveiled the complete celebrity guest judge lineup for RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18, and it's serving MAJOR star power with Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B and Golden Globe nominee Teyana Taylor leading the charge.
Cardi B
Season Premiere Guest Judge
The "WAP" rapper and Grammy Award winner makes her highly anticipated Drag Race debut as the premiere episode guest judge. Known for her bold personality and fierce fashion, Cardi B will bring her signature sass and star power to the judges' table on January 2, 2026.
Teyana Taylor
Special Guest Judge
Fresh off her Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations for "One Battle After Another," the multi-talented singer, actress, and dancer joins RuPaul's panel. A former Masked Singer champion, Taylor is no stranger to reality TV—but this marks her first time judging talent on the iconic competition.
"In shady times, let there be drag." — RuPaul Charles
Cardi B's Long-Awaited Werk Room Debut
Fans have been clamoring for Cardi B to grace the Drag Race judges' panel for years, and the moment has finally arrived. The "Up" and "Bodak Yellow" hitmaker will kick off Season 18 alongside mainstay judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and Ts Madison.
Following in the footsteps of legendary premiere guest judges like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and Ariana Grande, Cardi B is expected to bring her unfiltered personality and fashion expertise to the competition. Her appearance marks a major moment for the franchise, as she joins an elite roster of music icons who have helped launch new seasons.
Why Cardi B is Perfect for Drag Race
From her show-stopping red carpet moments to her unapologetic authenticity, Cardi B embodies the spirit of drag: bold, fearless, and always serving looks. Her connection to LGBTQ+ culture, fashion-forward style, and larger-than-life persona make her an ideal fit for the judges' panel.
Teyana Taylor: From Masked Singer Champion to Drag Race Judge
Teyana Taylor is riding a career-high wave, having earned critical acclaim for her role as Perfidia Beverly Hills in Paul Thomas Anderson's Oscar frontrunner "One Battle After Another." The performance has garnered her Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations, cementing her status as a serious dramatic actress.
But Taylor is no stranger to competition shows. In 2022, she won Season 7 of "The Masked Singer" while performing as the Firefly. Now, she's switching from competitor to judge, bringing her expertise in performance, choreography, and star presence to RuPaul's iconic competition.
In the Season 18 trailer, Taylor is seen telling a contestant, "I'm going wherever you want me to go," showcasing the supportive and engaged energy she'll bring to the panel.