Originally in 2017, Endemol Shine Brasil partnered with Passion Distribution, and acquired the production rights to create a Brazilian adaptation of RuPaul's Drag Race.[1]RuPaul was unaware about the upcoming adaptation.[2] Later in 2020, the production company "gave up the rights" for the Brazilian adaptation due to its conservatism in Brazil.[3][4]
World of Wonder, the production company behind RuPaul's Drag Race, posted three casting calls on social media on 8 August 2022.[5] The casting calls were for new potential Drag Race adaptations in Brazil, Germany, and Mexico.[6][7] The deadline for the potential competitors was set for 26 August, with the deadline for audition video submission set for 9 September 2022.[8] In December, it was confirmed that the new editions of the Drag Race franchise will premiere "on MTV/Paramount+ in their respective territories."[9]
Grag Queen was confirmed as a host and head judge in July 2023.[10] The other two judges, Bruna Braga and Dudu Bertholini, were confirmed on July 19, as well as the premiere date, which was set for August 30.[11] The cast was revealed on August 2.[12]
The first season of Drag Race Brasil premiered on 30 August 2023. The season aired on MTV and Paramount+ in Brazil and Latin America and WOW Presents Plus internationally.
The winner of the first season of Drag Race Brasil was Organzza, with Betina Polaroid, Hellena Malditta and Miranda Lebrão as the runners-up. Aquarela was named Miss Congeniality.
^Criscuolo, Isaque (16 August 2017). "RuPaul's Drag Race chega ao Brasil" [RuPaul's Drag Race arrives in Brazil]. Meio e Mensagem (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
^Adelino, Saul (18 September 2017). "Endemol Garante RuPaul's Drag Race Brasileiro" [Endemol Guarantees RuPaul's Brazilian Drag Race]. Draglicious (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
^Adelino, Saul (6 November 2020). "RuPaul's Drag Race Brasil É Cancelado" [RuPaul's Drag Race Brazil Is Canceled]. Draglicious (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2023.