This year’s NVU-Johnson Drag Show and Competition was just as wild and crowded as the last two. The Pride Week finale took place in the Stearns Performance Space at 8:00 p.m. and was hosted by Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne.

The Burlington-based Queens led the night through a series of performances, as well as performed themselves. The competition was judged by SGA President Jess Malskis, Dean of Students Jonathan Davis, and NVUnity member K.C. Czermerys.

After their activism panel the night before, dozens of students crowded the performance space. Earlier in the day Nightmare and Champagne ran a Drag 101 crash course for students who’ve never done drag before. During the course, Nightmare and Champagne provided instruction on how to apply contour makeup, treat wigs and drag fashion.

Kings and Queens alike performed hilarious sets, including songs by Ariana Grande, Lil Nas, Rita Ora, Cardi B, Queen and more. One of the Drag Kings (Bridgit Regels) dressed up as Jesus of Nazareth and sang the famous Broadway hit, “Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)” from Jesus Christ Superstar. Another stellar performance was done by Emoji Nightmare, who dressed in an astronaut costume and sang Ariana Grande’s “NASA” whilst moving through the audience.

At the end of the night, it was Robert Ferullo who took first place in the Drag Competition. The NVU-Johnson Math major commented on the night’s success on his Facebook page. “A very special thank you to Justin Marsh [Emoji Nightmare] and Nikki Champagne for giving me a night I’ll never forget. You are such inspirations.” said Ferullo.

Both Nightmare and Champagne have said that they fully intend on returning to NVU every year they’re invited. When asked what the most fun part about the night was, Nightmare said, “It’s always fun to see the performers have their first time on stage in drag and just giving it their all.”

Champagne agreed that just the mere opportunity of having the students be involved in the show makes it the fun experience it is.