In its 16th season, RuPaul’s Drag Race has produced numerous memorable lip-sync battles, but none involving Muppets—until AI Drag Race came along. During the season finale on Instagram, Miss Piggy, sporting an AI-generated drag ensemble, competed against her former lover turned rival, Kermisha Ihman, who flaunted a thick, 40-inch ponytail on her green felt head.
The showdown unfolded to Lady Gaga’s “Telephone,” with the two performers twirling, jumping, kicking, and bucking before head judge Betty Boop. While Kermisha impressed with her bejeweled purple corset and faux-nailed webbed feet, it was Piggy who stole the show with a well-executed jump split at the song’s peak. Commenters on the video acknowledged Kermisha’s valiant effort, but ultimately crowned Miss Piggy as the victor.
AI Drag Race is just one example of the growing trend of AI-generated accounts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These accounts not only pit beloved fictional characters against each other in simulated seasons reminiscent of the original show but also create their own drag personas.
For instance, AI Horror Drag Race features iconic characters like Pennywise and Billy the Puppet competing against Ghostface from Scream. Similarly, Big Girl’s Drag Race exclusively showcases curvy characters, with past winners including Ursula from The Little Mermaid and Fat Albert. Each account follows a unique theme, from Fantasy Drag Race’s doll-like participants to Slay Drag Race AI, hosted by a strikingly accurate Dora the Explorer who recently eliminated characters like Shaggy and Marceline.
While these accounts push the boundaries of copyright law by featuring established characters like Miss Piggy and Pennywise, creators argue that their work falls under parody or fair use. However, legal uncertainties loom over whether AI should be allowed to generate images of copyrighted characters, raising questions about the future of such creative endeavors.
Despite the legal gray area, creators like Michael from The Official AI Drag Race have found success by blending their passion for drag artistry with AI technology. By crafting detailed descriptions of their queens and using AI tools to generate corresponding images, these creators have amassed a significant following and sparked interest from real-life drag performers who see their AI-generated looks as a source of inspiration.
As AI continues to evolve and push the boundaries of creative expression, the intersection of technology and art in the drag community offers a glimpse into the limitless possibilities of digital innovation.
