Question: How many participants were there in the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race?

RuPaul's Drag Race (season 1)

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The first season of RuPaul's Drag Race, later referred to as RuPaul's Drag Race: The Lost Season Ru-Vealed, premiered in the United States on February 2, 2009, on Logo. Nine contestants were selected to compete in the running of becoming "America's Next Drag Superstar." The first season was filmed during the summer of 2008. The winner of the first season won $5,000 worth of MAC Cosmetics, was featured in an LA Eyeworks campaign, joined the Logo Drag Race tour, and won a cash prize of $20,000. One of the nine contestants to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race, Nina Flowers was determined by an audience vote via the show's official website. The results were announced in early September 2008. The theme song playing during the runway every episode was "Cover Girl" from RuPaul's album Champion. This season and season one of All-Stars are the only seasons to not feature the "Snatch Game."
The winner of the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race was BeBe Zahara Benet, with Nina Flowers being the runner-up. 
In late 2013, Logo re-aired the first season, which was titled RuPaul's Drag Race: The Lost Season Ru-Vealed, and featured commentary from RuPaul.[1][2]
Nina Flowers, Shannel, and Tammie Brown competed on the first season of All Stars. Nina and Tammie placed 9/10th overall together, while Shannel placed 3rd/4th with season 2 contestant Jujubee.
In the premiere episode of the third season of All Stars, BeBe Zahara Benet was announced as the surprise tenth contestant. This made Benet the first winner of a regular Drag Race season to compete again. BeBe placed 3rd/4th overall along with season 2 and season 3 contestant Shangela.
Contestants

(Ages and names stated are at time of contest)


Contestant progress

 The contestant won RuPaul's Drag Race.
 The contestant was the runner-up of RuPaul's Drag Race.
 The contestant was eliminated without qualifying to lip-sync in the finale.
 The contestant was voted Miss Congeniality by viewers.
 The contestant won a challenge.
 The contestant received positive judges' critiques but was ultimately declared safe.
 The contestant received judges' critiques but was ultimately declared safe.
 The contestant received negative judges' critiques but was ultimately declared safe.
 The contestant was in the bottom two.
 The contestant was eliminated.
 The contestant returned as a guest for the finale episode.
Lip-syncs

 The contestant was eliminated after their first time in the bottom two.
  The contestant was eliminated after their second time in the bottom two.
 The contestant was eliminated after their third time in the bottom two.
 The contestant was eliminated after the final lip-sync.
Guest judges
Listed in chronological order:
Bob Mackie, fashion designer
Mike Ruiz, photographer
Frank Gatson, director and choreographer
Michelle Williams, singer and actress
Howard Bragman, writer and lecturer
Debra Wilson, actress and comedian
Gordon Espinet, make-up artist
Jenny Shimizu, model and actress
Lucy Lawless, actress and singer
Robin Antin, dancer, choreographer, and actress
Jeffrey Moran, Absolut Vodka marketing/branding executive
María Conchita Alonso, singer-songwriter and actress
Episodes







 (U.S.)
 on IMDb