The spotlight shifts. After five episodes of playing it safe, Zahirah Zapanta’s journey on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World season three has come to an end. She’s the fifth queen to sashay away, but her departure isn’t marked by disappointment – it’s a release.
Landing in sixth place feels surprisingly triumphant, especially considering the whirlwind circumstances of her return. Zahirah received the call to compete while her original season, Drag Race UK season six, was *still* airing. “I was shook!” she recalls, remembering the disbelief that washed over her when opportunity knocked so soon after her first experience.
This second chance proved transformative. While her initial run on season six felt incomplete, UK vs the World allowed Zahirah to truly shine. She navigated a tense confrontation with Kate Butch, delivered a memorably chaotic lip-sync to Boney M.’s “Rasputin,” and forged a deeply cherished friendship with Mariah Paris Balenciaga – moments that defined her experience.
The weight of expectation had become heavy. Knowing she was consistently deemed “safe” by the judges, Zahirah felt the pressure to deliver for her fans. “I knew that I couldn’t give the fans what they wanted,” she admits, a sense of relief now coloring her voice. “It’s actually a massive relief to just let the competition go.”
Being invited back so quickly was a dream realized. Eliminated in episode four of season six, she received the call for All Stars during episode seven of the same season. Those eight weeks were a furious scramble – a chance to rebuild her brand, refine her look, and embody the “All Stars glow up” she craved. And she believes she succeeded.
Zahirah entered UK vs the World with a renewed confidence, fueled by the support of her “Manchester sister,” Sminty Drop. She’d taken the critiques from her first season to heart, determined to prove her growth. All Stars had always been a goal, but she never imagined it would arrive so swiftly.
The label “chronically safe” followed her throughout the competition, initially frustrating her. But Zahirah cleverly embraced the humor of it, transforming a perceived weakness into a memorable persona – Safehirah was born. She yearned for a top placement in challenges like Girl Groups and the Ball, and felt particularly stung by the judges’ reaction to her RuRuvision performance.
“RuPaul just kept tapping on the judges’ table, cackling,” she remembers, wanting to share the spotlight with Naomy. Backstage, queens playfully predicted her wins, only for her name to be called first for safety. She began to suspect it was simply “the storyline.”
But the most beautiful outcome of her time on UK vs the World was her connection with Mariah Paris Balenciaga. What began as ardent fandom blossomed into a genuine friendship. They talk and FaceTime regularly, already planning future collaborations. “It’s so beautiful,” Zahirah says, “and I’m glad that was really showcased.”
Zahirah doesn’t hesitate to declare herself a Mariah encyclopedia, admiring her since her iconic season three entrance. She’s a devoted Drag Race fan through and through, captivated by Mariah’s presence and unwavering confidence.
Her relationship with Kate Butch experienced its own evolution. Initially strained after Zahirah publicly questioned Kate’s decision regarding Sminty’s elimination, the two queens ultimately found common ground. Kate’s uniquely British humor resonated with Zahirah, creating a surprising and delightful bond.
Backstage, surrounded by the vibrant personalities of the cast – Serena’s flirtations, Gawdland’s exuberance, Fontana’s iconic catchphrases – Zahirah found herself laughing alongside Mariah and Kate, appreciating the chaotic energy of the season. It all felt like a surreal, unforgettable dream.
That dream included a particularly memorable lip-sync to “Rasputin,” complete with a questionable mullet and a near-wig disaster. “I don’t know what’s going through my mind,” she laughs, acknowledging it was peak “dog drag” in her career. “I cringed, but I low-key love it!”
The near-wig malfunction was a moment of panic. A missing bobby pin nearly resulted in a bald-headed performance, but Zahirah swiftly secured her look, refusing to let anything derail her. It was a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to the performance.
Zahirah’s journey on UK vs the World was a whirlwind of growth, friendship, and unforgettable moments. It was a chance to redefine herself, embrace her quirks, and ultimately, find relief in letting go.
