Kori King, dressed as Michael Jackson, continued her tradition of viral and themed looks, having previously performed as Jackson and earned over $50,000 from Cameo in related roles.

This tradition of humorous, character-driven costumes at the Emmys echoes past years, with contestants like Princess Poppy and Plane Jane also opting for unconventional, pop culture-inspired looks, which fans appreciate for breaking the monotony of traditional fashion.

Joella's appearance continues the playful trend, with her costume standing out as one of the most humorous and eye-catching of the night.

Kori King is also known for her playful rivalry with Nikki Blonsky over Cameo popularity and openly shares her experiences and relationships on social media.

The event highlighted the diversity and progress within the industry, reflecting the evolving landscape of television and entertainment.

She was accompanied by fellow Drag Race contestants Joella, dressed as the Labubu character from 'Dragon Ball,' and Hormona Lisa as Miss Piggy, showcasing the show's latest season, which received eight Emmy nominations.

Joella previously gained attention for a giant mattress outfit on Drag Race and appeared at the Emmys as a giant Labubu, adding to the playful and unconventional fashion trend among drag performers at major award shows.

The 2025 Emmys celebrated notable achievements, including Bella Ramsey becoming the first publicly non-binary actor with multiple nominations, Bowen Yang making Emmy history as a gay SNL star, and 'Doctor Who' receiving its first Emmy nod after 62 years.

Overall, the bold and theatrical looks by drag performers added entertainment value and showcased the creative spirit of the Drag Race community, resonating with fans tired of conventional fashion.

At the 77th Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ Premium, drag stars from RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 made a bold fashion statement with playful, character-based costumes.

Kori's Michael Jackson costume, a casual early '90s look with a bright red shirt and black hat, was chosen for comfort and style, despite some calling her 'crazy' for the choice.

The tradition of bringing playful, character-based costumes to award shows continues to be a highlight, with drag performers making a memorable impression through humor and creativity.