Oh. My. Gaga!

[4] The premiere introduces thirteen contestants: Alexis Michelle, Aja, Charlie Hides, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Eureka, Farrah Moan, Jaymes Mansfield, Kimora Black, Nina Bo'nina Brown, Peppermint, Sasha Velour, Shea Couleé, and Trinity Taylor.

Lady Gaga was a special guest for her first time, though her songs had been performed on the show previously.

[5][6] Her participation included a recorded segment as her alter ego Ronnie.

[10] In addition to RuPaul and guest judge Lady Gaga, the panel includes Michelle Visage, Carson Kresley, and Ross Mathews.

[12] Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine wrote, "Even lesser episodes of Drag Race go down like cotton candy, but this premiere lip-synced not for its life, nor the show's legacy.