Melissa McCarthy Surprises “RuPaul's Drag Race” Queens, Says 'Drag Is a Big Part of Why I Have a Career' (Exclusive)

Lawrence Yee

17 February 2024 at 11:00 am·3-min read

The two-time Oscar nominee recalled how the art of drag inspired her to get on stage

Melissa McCarthy is bringing inspiration — and iced beverages — to RuPaul's Drag Race!

In PEOPLE's exclusive look at the next episode of season 16, the two-time Oscar nominee makes a surprise appearance while the contestants are learning choreography for their musical number from guest Adam Shankman.

"Oh, my assistant is here," Shankman says dryly as McCarthy, 53, walks in, carrying cupholders full of iced beverages and dry cleaning.

"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I'm late," the comedian replies apologetically as she enters. "We all know we all need a side hustle, ladies!"

<p>MTV</p> Melissa McCarthy surprises the queens on RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 — MTV
Melissa McCarthy surprises the queens on RuPaul's Drag Race season 16

"Bitch, that's Ursula!" contestant Morphine Love Dion declares, referencing McCarthy's villainous turn in the live adaptation of The Little Mermaid. "Molly, of Mike and Molly!"

Fellow queen Sapphira Cristál is completely starstruck. "You expect me to now be learning choreography and Melissa McCarthy is sitting 10 feet away from me?" she asks. "Baby, you got to be out of your mind."

Before leaving, the Bridesmaids star praises the drag queens and shares the impact the art of drag has had on her career.

<p>MTV</p> Adam Shankman directs the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 for their "rusical" number — MTV
Adam Shankman directs the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 for their "rusical" number

"I just adore you all. I adore what you do. Drag is a big part of why I have a career. I was going to drag shows when I shouldn't have been and it literally gave me the courage to get on the stage," McCarthy explains.

"I started in drag. I starred in a big old red wig called Miss Y," she continued. "So when I look at you carving out your space, it makes me so proud. And I just want to thank you for it and root for you. You're all gorgeous and I just love you."

"Just keep doing what you're doing. It's not only wildly entertaining and it brings joy. It's important and fight for it because it's worth it," McCarthy concluded, seemingly referencing the slew of anti-drag legislation that takes direct aim at drag performers and places restrictions on LGBTQ+ expression.

<p>MTV</p> Melissa McCarthy on 'Rupaul's Drag Race' — MTV
Melissa McCarthy on 'Rupaul's Drag Race'

McCarthy confirmed that drag was a huge inspiration for her Ursula performance, previously telling Entertainment Weekly, "There's a drag queen that lives in me. I'm always right on the verge of going full-time with her."

RuPaul's Drag Race was named the winner of outstanding competition program at last month's Emmy Awards, with RuPaul winning outstanding host for a reality or competition program for a record eighth consecutive time.

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RuPaul's Drag Race airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

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Read the original article on People.

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