"Kahanna DESTROYED that runway": Fans react as the drag queen bags the first win in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars returned to screens on May 12, 2023, and brought back former contestants and winners of the franchise to give them another shot at victory. One of the contestants in season 8 is Kahanna Montrese, who previously appeared in RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11. The Las Vegas “hip-hop showgirl” and daughter of Coco Montrese was eliminated in episode 2 of season 11.

She returned to the All-Stars franchise to win it and served amazing looks on the runway. During her introduction, she was seen wearing a red feathery showgirl outfit and said, “Your ring leader has arrived.”

Fans took to Twitter after the first two episodes aired on Paramount+ and commented on the drag queen’s win during the first episode, saying that she destroyed the runway. They further chimed in about her performance throughout the episode and said that she was “quite funny in the sketch.”

Fans react to Kahanna being on top in the season premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars returned to screen with season 8 on May 12, 2023, and featured former cast members who returned to claim the prize and become an all-star winner. One of the contestants who is back in the race is Kahanna Montrese, who previously appeared in RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11 and was the second queen to be eliminated.

However, the drag queen has returned, and this time around, she’s slaying from the get-go. In the season premiere, she continuously won hearts with her performances and became the first winner of the maxi challenge.

Fans took to Twitter to comment on her appearance in the first episode and said that she looked incredible. They noted her performance in the previous season and added that she went from being “the second queen out on season 11 to on top of the world.”

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars fans further added that she “really came to slay.” They said that her looks, confidence, and performance were part of her “Rudemption.” Several fans also stated that they’re rooting for the season 8 cast member because she looks “ova” and “ate the whole episode up.” They added that she simply looked spectacular and delivered in the season premiere.

Fans further took to Twitter to chime in about RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8’s first lip sync and were excited to see Aja return to the show. They were, however, overjoyed by both Aja’s and Kahanna’s lip sync performances and added that “this is how you lipsync to a Beyonce song.” They added that the drag queens gave them one of the best battles in the All-Stars franchise and that the two destroyed or “ate” the battle.

Who was eliminated in the season premiere?

In the season premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8, the contestants were divided into teams for group challenges. They had to take on the Glam Rock and Disco versions of the Pop-Tarts Money, Success, Fame, and Glamour.

In the end, the bottom queens were Monica Beverly Hillz and Darienne Lake. Aja Labeija returns as the lip-sync assassin of the night and goes up against Kahanna Montrese. Aja wins the battle and sends Monica packing.

The first two episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 8 are available to stream on Paramount+.

About the author

Sukriti is a Reality TV writer for the pop culture division of Sportskeeda. A graduation in Political Science initially sparked her interest in journalism; however, over time, she found herself drawn to combining her passion for writing with her fascination for pop culture. With a diverse background spanning 4 years, she likes to maintain dignity and accuracy in her work, ensuring that sensitive matters are reported with integrity and using credible sources.

Sukriti appreciates how reality television offers unique insights into the lives of celebrities and influential personalities, showcasing both their triumphs and vulnerabilities. She is a big fan of Ariana Madix from Vanderpump Rules, for her ability to navigate challenging situations gracefully.

She has had the privilege of interviewing prominent cast members from popular shows like Squid Game: The Challenge such as Charles ‘Chaz’ Roquemore, Jinwoo Oak, Radhika, Mutty B. Mark Gilloffo, along with the cast members from Love at First Lie - Monica Bulnes and Josh Riquelme.

Outside of work, Sukriti finds joy in traveling to offbeat destinations, particularly in the hills, and spending quality time with her cats. She also remains engaged with current affairs, seeking to educate herself on social and political developments worldwide.

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