The 2025 Emmy Awards brought glitz, glamour, and a few jaw-dropping surprises. Among the usual stars, one appearance immediately had everyone talking—a life-sized figure straight out of a collectible toy line. The mystery figure? The beloved Labubu. But who was hiding beneath the costume? The answer left fans both delighted and astonished.
Joella Turns Heads With Daring Costume Choice
Stepping onto the red carpet with a combination of playful creativity and cultural pride, Joella—the stage persona of Joey—made her mark. The 25-year-old Drag Race alum has a reputation for bold, unforgettable looks, and this year was no exception. Dressed as Labubu, the viral, cartoonish figure with roots in Chinese toy culture, Joella blurred the line between pop culture and high fashion.
The California native’s outfit was an elaborate spectacle. A fluffy, faux fur bodysuit formed the base, complete with the signature monster ears poking out from a straw-woven hat. Over the top, Joella wore a red strapless qipao adorned with delicate floral designs and gilded accents, reflecting her heritage. Her ensemble was accented with traditional Chinese-style shoes in red suede with metallic gold caps, and a playful purse fashioned like a takeout box dangled from a gold chain.
Only Joella’s face was visible, perfectly painted to echo the wide, doll-like eyes and sharp-toothed smile of the Labubu toy. Fans couldn’t help but notice the meticulous detail, from the exaggerated expression to the confident flair with which she carried herself. Her co-star from season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jewels Sparkles, captured the moment on Instagram, while Joella cheerfully introduced herself to cameras, coining the term: “Hi! It’s the slaysian Labubu.” The mix of charm and humor was classic Joella.
From Reality TV Stage to Emmy Spotlight
Joella’s creative stunt isn’t just about the costume—it’s part of a larger moment for RuPaul’s Drag Race. The reality competition series is up for two awards this year, including Outstanding Reality Competition Series. Season 17, which showcased a fresh lineup of fierce drag talent, earned critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Its competition this year is stiff, with nominees including The Traitors, Top Chef, Survivor, and The Amazing Race.
The show’s longtime host, RuPaul Charles, also continues to cement an extraordinary Emmy legacy. With ten nominations for Outstanding Host for a Reality Series or Competition Program, RuPaul already holds eight wins in that category and 14 Primetime Emmy wins overall from 22 nominations. Since launching the show in 2009, Drag Race and its contestants have amassed 79 nominations, 29 of which the series has converted into wins.
Public Reaction: Shock, Delight, and Debate
Social media erupted following Joella’s red carpet reveal. Fans and critics alike debated whether her Labubu transformation was a fashion triumph or a bold misstep. Some applauded her creativity and cultural nod, while others were left baffled by the whimsical yet intricate concept. Memes and GIFs quickly circulated, showing Joella posing dramatically next to other stars in classic Emmy fashion. One fan tweeted, “Joella just turned a collectible toy into a red carpet icon. Slay!” Another countered, jokingly, “Not sure if I love or fear the Labubu… but either way, she owns it.”
The moment highlighted more than just a costume; it showcased the freedom and artistry of drag on one of television’s biggest nights. For many, Joella’s Labubu was a reminder that the Emmys are not just about awards—they are about spectacle, self-expression, and unexpected moments that capture the imagination.
Drag Race’s Growing Influence
With the 17th season under the spotlight and a potential Emmy win on the horizon, RuPaul’s Drag Race continues to redefine reality television. Its influence extends far beyond drag culture, with stars like Joella turning pop culture icons into living art and making bold statements about identity, fashion, and heritage.
For Joella, the Labubu appearance is another chapter in a rapidly rising career. Fans will be watching closely—not just for her Emmy predictions—but for what daring, eye-catching performance she’ll unveil next. Whether she takes home a trophy or not, the buzz she created on the red carpet has already cemented her place in Emmy history.
One thing is clear: in a sea of elegant gowns and classic tuxedos, Joella’s Labubu dared to be different, and the world couldn’t look away.
