Production and broadcast
The episode was filmed at the Alex Theater in Glendale, California, [5] and originally aired on June 23, 2017. It included the show's first "smackdown for the crown" with four finalists. [6] [7] Peppermint has said she and Trinity Taylor had a plan to select each other as a competitor in the lip-sync tournament. [8]
During "So Emotional", Sasha Velour wore a red outfit and a red wig, which was uncharacteristic for the often bald drag performer. [9] She included a series of "rose petal reveals", according to Junkee . [10] According to Nylon , "in a moment that has rightfully earned its spot in the Drag Race herstory books, the performance concluded with Sasha Velour lifting up her wavy red wig to reveal a sea of rose petals that cascaded to the ground right at the song’s climax." [11] Teen Vogue said she "strategically poured out rose petals to add to the visuals of her performance". [12] Sasha Velour has said the performance paid tribute to her late mother. [9] She has also said of the performance:
I wanted an element to the performance with a ‘Wow’ factor. That was the challenge we had to rise to with almost no time to prepare. I ended up coming up with the idea the day before and bought tons and tons of flowers—fake rose petals from Michaels, actually. And the song is all about love in excess and I thought the explosion of rose petals really captured that. I practiced it once and made it work and was just glad it worked out. [13]
Fashion
Sasha Velour wore a "cobalt gown with a corresponding Queen Elizabeth-esque ruff", as well as a "tearaway lace and pearl mask", according to Out magazine. [14]
