‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16 winner Nymphia Wind hailed as she is crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Season 16 finale of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' aired on Friday, April 19, 2024. The MTV show's stage hosted a finale performance by the top three drag queens before one of them was named the next drag superstar.

Nymphia Wind stole the title from two other finalists—Plane Jane and Sapphira Cristal—and was crowned winner of Season 16.

With her victory, Nymphia created 'Drag Race' history by being the first-ever Taiwanese queen and the third API winner to win the title, joining Season 15 queen Sasha Colby and Season 3 winner Raja, per Variety.

Nymphia Wind becomes first-ever Taiwanese queen to win 'RuPaul's Drag Race'

In the Season 16 finale on Friday night, Nymphia Wind won the title of America's Next Drag Superstar, making history as the first Taiwanese American drag queen to win the competition.

In the ultimate lip-sync competition, the 28-year-old outperformed Sapphira with her dance moves and lipsynching to Kylie Minogue's 'Padam Padam'.

Nymphia, who was crowned the next big thing in drag, addressed the crowd: "To those who don’t feel like they don’t belong, just remember to live fearlessly and have courage to live your truth. Taiwan, this is for you."

Nymphia, who has become famous this season for her love of yellow, bananas, and powerful designs, said, "Oh my God, I just won the crown," in an Instagram video.

"This crown is not just for me, but it’s for the whole of Asia. Let’s go! Asians aren’t in, and we’re gonna have a very beautiful reign with me as a queen."

Nymphia overcame runners-up Sapphira and Plane to reach the summit. With three wins from Nymphia and four from Sapphira and Plane, respectively, all three had an outstanding record heading into the final round.

Fans of 'Drag Race' grew to admire Nymphia throughout the season owing to her outrageous love of everything yellow and bananas, her charming attitude, and her sharp Asian design sense.

However, it was her charm, individuality, bravery, and talent—as well as the backing of her fans, the 'Banana Believers'—that earned her the title.

"My drag is very conceptual, cultural and very yellow, obviously," Nymphia expressed in the premiere, per PEOPLE.

Nymphia won the $200,000 "gag-worthy prize" (provided by CashApp) and the scepter and crown along with a year's worth of Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics.

In addition, she received a monetary bonus of $15,000 for participating in the tournament (as well as a portion of the $5,000 she shared with her three teammates in the girl group challenge).

Internet celebrates Nymphia Wind's Season 16 win

Social media users rejoiced with Nymphia being the first-ever Taiwanese queen to win the prestigious title, with one exclaiming on X (formerly Twitter), "Nymphia Wind, the legend that you are."

A second user said, "THE FIRST EAST ASIAN (TAIWANESE) WINNER EVER, CONGRATULATIONS TO NYMPHIA WIND."

"I NEVER DOUBTED HER I’VE BEEN VOTING YELLOW SINCE DAY ONE! NYMPHIA WIND SEASON 16 WINNER," exclaimed the third user.

A fourth ecstatic fan added, "It took 13 years but we finally have another asian queen in the drag race us winners hall of fame. condragulations nymphia wind. i am filled with joy and pride. you’re incredible and seeing you showcase your culture and talent has been an incredible experience for me."

The heart-warming congratulatory posts kept pouring in, with another X account stating, "Nymphia Wind makes history as the second RuPaul’s Drag Race winner of Asian descent, following in the footsteps of Raja Gemini."

"So proud of Nymphia Wind for being the first Taiwanese & first Asian winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race! So happy she made history by winning the crown!" exclaimed one.

One more noted, "As an Asian person, Nymphia Wind's win is nothing short of monumental to watch. Since Raja, we had some talented Asian representatives who were just too close of getting the crown but ultimately lost. I'm so proud of her."

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