Ep 1. Oh. My. Gaga!

In the premiere episode of RuPaul's Drag Race season 9, titled "Oh. My. Gaga!", 13 new drag queens are introduced as they enter the Werk Room for the first time. The queens begin to get to know each other, but moments later, they realize that Lady Gaga has joined them as a surprise guest. The queens are visibly and audibly shocked at her arrival, some even crying tears of joy, as she is a huge fan of the show and a beloved icon in the LGBTQ+ community.

After interacting with the queens and giving them some encouraging words, Lady Gaga leaves and the queens are tasked with their first mini challenge. They must perform in a photoshoot where they are holding onto various items while being lifted and moved around by other queens. The challenge is meant to test the queens' ability to pose and remain composed in an unconventional situation. The challenge produces some great photos, but also highlights some of the queens' weaknesses.

Next, the main challenge is revealed. The queens must create a look inspired by Lady Gaga herself, incorporating their own drag style and aesthetic into the designs. The queens frantically work on their outfits, but not without some drama and shade being thrown between some of the contestants - after all, there can only be one winner.

On the main stage, the queens showcase their Gaga-inspired looks for the judges - RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews, and guest judge Lady Gaga herself. The critiques are mixed, with some queens impressing the judges with their creativity and execution, while other queens fall flat with their uninspired looks. The judges also comment on each queen's backstory and their journey to becoming a drag queen, providing a sense of depth and vulnerability to each contestant.

In the end, one queen is declared the winner of the challenge and receives immunity from elimination in the next episode. The bottom two queens must lip sync for their life, with one queen ultimately being eliminated from the competition.

Overall, the premiere episode of season 9 of RuPaul's Drag Race is an entertaining and emotional rollercoaster, showcasing the talent, drama, and heart that the show is known for. And with Lady Gaga's surprise appearance and involvement in the challenge, it sets the bar high for what's to come in the rest of the season.