If you noticed a shortage of pantyhose and sequins on the streets of New York last night, it might have been because they collected at the RuPaul's Drag Race finale party. Contestants mingled with a packed house of fans, consuming copious amounts of Absolut Vodka—the show's premier sponsor. The enthusiastic crowd was entertained by host and former contestant Shangela, who even managed to placate an angry mob when the television feed was lost during the last crucial minutes. For Shangela, the only contestant to ever return for a second season, performing comes naturally. "With drag, I put a huge emphasis on entertaining and relating to people and bringing fire to the stage," she said.

Second runner-up Alexis Mateo had her eye on the future—"a dating show where I find the love of my life. I would make them do a lot of crazy shit for me—like Tila Tequila." Mateo was an audience favorite, but winner Raja got everyone to their feet. Receiving her oversize check, Raja said a few words of thanks: "Okay, let's go shopping—can I borrow twenty bucks?"—GILLIAN MOHNEY