‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 Premiere Red Carpet Photos

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” pulled out all the stops Tuesday night in New York City to celebrate the show’s upcoming 18^th season.

Not only were the latest gaggle of contestants there, but a surprise ru-veal featured 16 past winners on stage together for the first time, including Alyssa Edwards, Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Nymph Wind, Willow Pill, Sasha Colby, Jimbo, Ginger Minj, Onya Nurve, Kyle Monique Love, Yvie Oddly, Aquaria, BeBe Zahara Benet, Sasha Velour, Monét X Change, Jaida Essence Hall and Symone.

The evening at Aqua Romas was hosted by judges Ross Mathews and Ts Madison as well as Variety‘s Marc Malkin. Law Roach, another frequent judge on the show, also made an appearance.

“Drag has always been important. It’s always fought the system since the early, early days, and it’s crazy that we’re still fighting,” Mathews told Variety. “We’ve never backed down from a fight. Drag’s always been protest. Ru says, ‘Every time I bat my eyelashes, I’m making a political statement.’ I think being openly queer is always a political statement whether you like it or not. The personal is political. By existing and living in your truth, you are by nature political.”

The new season premieres Jan. 2 on MTV with 14 queens — Athena Dion, Briar Blush, Ciara Myst, Darlene Mitchell, DD Fuego, Discord Addams, Jane Don’t, Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Mandy Mango, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr — competing for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and a cash prize of $200,000.

The season also comes with a new tagline: “In shady times, let there be light.”

The after show “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” will kick off immediately following the Season 18 premiere episode.

Check out some of the best fun and fabulous photos from the Season 18 premiere party below.