Cardi B’s Drag Race guest judge appearance draws fan response amid MAGA Minaj controversy

Cardi B’s Drag Race season 18 appearance sparked fan discussion, contrasting her support with Nicki Minaj controversy

Cardi B appeared as a guest judge on the premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18, which aired on MTV on January 2, an appearance that prompted significant discussion among viewers and fans of the long-running series.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper joined RuPaul and Michelle Visage on the judging panel and was featured prominently throughout the episode.

During the premiere, Cardi B offered critiques to contestants while also expressing admiration for drag performers and trans artists.

In an Untucked segment shown within the main episode, she was joined by Tokyo Stylez and Erika La’ Pearl, two trans women who have worked with her for years as part of her glam team. “These are the dolls!” Cardi B said during the segment. “I can't live without them. Literally.”

Contestant Myki Meeks told Cardi B that seeing an artist of her stature work closely with the community was meaningful, calling the work “queer art at its finest.” Cardi B responded, “And I learned a lot from your community.”

The episode aired at a time when some fans were still reacting to recent public statements and appearances by Nicki Minaj, including remarks that were widely criticised online as transphobic.

Minaj previously appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12, where her critique of contestant Heidi N Closet resurfaced in online discussions following her more recent comments.

Fans on social media contrasted Cardi B’s Drag Race appearance with Minaj’s past involvement with the show, leading to debate among viewers, including supporters of both artists.

Some fans cited Cardi B’s history of crediting drag culture, including acknowledging drag performers connected to phrases and imagery later used in her work.

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18 marks Cardi B’s first appearance as a guest judge on the series. The episode also featured appearances by the competing queens and reinforced the show’s continued focus on LGBTQ+ performers and creators as it enters its eighteenth season.