MANILA — Filipina drag artist M1ss Jade So has closed another chapter in the Drag Race universe, finishing as a Top 4 finalist in the inaugural Drag Race Down Under vs the World.
Jade reached the finale alongside British queen Michael Marouli and Australian queens Art Simone and Vybe, after surviving eight weeks of challenges and establishing herself as one of the season’s standout competitors.
In the finale, the four finalists were challenged to write, record and choreograph a performance for the song “Get Down.” After the challenge, Jade and Vybe were eliminated from the final race for the crown, leaving Michael Marouli and Art Simone to battle for the title.
Marouli ultimately won the inaugural season.
Jade leaves with three badges
Although she did not take home the crown, Jade’s international run was far from forgettable.
The Filipina queen collected three RuBadges during the competition and received strong praise for her creative concepts, runway presentations and performances. She particularly impressed the judges during the Design and Acting challenges.
Her distinctive “Goddessafication” concept became one of the defining elements of her run.
During the finale, Jade explained how the concept developed from her earlier “Dollification” era, reflecting her personal evolution and journey toward embracing a stronger sense of identity and femininity.
Her final runway look also drew significant attention, incorporating Baybayin characters representing “charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent,” alongside elements celebrating her identity as a drag superstar.
From Drag Race Philippines to the global stage
Jade previously competed on Season 2 of Drag Race Philippines, where she reached the finale and finished among the season’s finalists. Captivating Katkat ultimately won the Philippine crown.
Her appearance on Down Under vs the World gave her another opportunity to represent the Philippines in an international Drag Race competition.
The inaugural season brought together queens from several franchises, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain and the Philippines.
Jade entered the finale with three badges, behind Art Simone and Michael Marouli, who each had four, while Vybe had one.
More than just a competition
Jade’s run also gave her a platform to discuss issues affecting LGBTQ+ people in the Philippines.
During the season’s makeover episode, she spoke about marriage equality and the lack of comprehensive protections for queer Filipinos, while expressing support for the proposed SOGIE Equality Bill.
She also emphasized her desire to use her platform to stand with trans women and advocate against discrimination, violence and harassment.
That message became an important part of her international representation — placing Filipino drag artistry alongside a broader conversation about identity, visibility and acceptance.
Judges praise Jade’s artistry
Jade’s unconventional approach earned recognition from the judging panel and fellow competitors.
GMA reported that Drag Race Down Under Season 4 winner Lazy Susan praised Jade’s finale runway as one of the strongest runway packages seen on the show. Host Michelle Visage also highlighted the growth and confidence reflected in Jade’s performance.
Rather than simply recreating her previous Drag Race Philippines persona, Jade used the international competition to present a more developed version of her artistic identity.
Her “Goddessafication” concept became a visual thread throughout the season — connecting her fashion, performance and personal story.
Jade says this is only the beginning
Following the finale, Jade thanked her supporters, family, creative collaborators, fellow queens and the wider Filipino community for helping shape her international journey.
Her message after the competition was equally forward-looking.
Rather than treating the Top 4 finish as an ending, Jade described the experience as the beginning of another chapter and teased what she called her “Act III.”
For Filipino fans, her finish represents another milestone in the growing international presence of Drag Race Philippines queens.
And while the crown ultimately went to Michael Marouli, M1ss Jade So leaves the competition with three badges, a Top 4 finish and an even bigger international platform — proving that her drag journey is far from over.
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