Category Is

"Category Is" is the eleventh episode of the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.^[1][2][3] It originally aired on June 9, 2017.

The episode's main challenge required the remaining four contestants—Peppermint, Sasha Velour, Shea Couleé, and Trinity Taylor—to write, record, and perform original verses for a new version of RuPaul's song "Category Is". The contestants record with Todrick Hall, who also offers choreography coaching, and have individual interviews with RuPaul and Michelle Visage for the podcast RuPaul: What's the Tee? Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews join RuPaul and Visage on the judging panel. No contestants are eliminated from the competition on the episode.

Peppermint

Sasha Velour

Shea Couleé

Trinity Taylor

The four finalists competing in the last challenge of the ninth season.

The episode begins with the final four contestants re-entering the Werk Room following the elimination of Alexis Michelle. On a new day, Michelle Visage greets the contestants and reveals the final challenge of the season: to write, record, and perform their own verses to RuPaul's song "Category Is". She reveals Todrick Hall will record the tracks, and invites the contestants to join her and RuPaul to record for the podcast RuPaul: What's the Tee? During her interview, Peppermint discusses her experience being both a drag performer and a trans woman. Sasha Velour talks about her relationship with her late mother. Shea Couleé and Trinity Taylor discuss their upbringings. The latter describes having a falling out with her late mother, despite also being her caregiver. The contestants rehearse choreography with Hall on the main stage, then return to the Werk Room to prepare for the runway.

On the main stage, RuPaul welcomes fellow judges Visage, Carson Kressley, and Ross Mathews. The contestants perform "Category Is". The runway category is "Final Four Eleganza Extravaganza". Peppermint wears a red dress. Sasha Velour's pink outfit has a matching crown and leather gloves. Shea Couleé says her look is inspired by Balmain, Beyoncé, and Bob Mackie. Trinity Taylor wears a pageant gown. RuPaul shares childhood photographs of each contestant, and asks them to share words of wisdom with their younger selves. The judges share their final critiques for each contestant. RuPaul also asks the contestants to say why they should win the competition and not their competitors. She excuses the contestants from the main stage so the judges can deliberate.

The four contestants return to the main stage, then face off in a lip-sync to RuPaul's song "U Wear It Well". RuPaul decides not to eliminate anyone from the competition, allowing all four to compete in the finale. She asks viewers to vote on social media for who they think should win.

Oliver Sava of The A.V. Club gave the episode a rating of 'B-'.^[4]