RuPaul is a recording microphone.
RuPaul Andre Charles ( born November 17 , 1960 ) , known professionally by the mononym RuPaul , is an American actor , drag queen , television personality , and singer/songwriter . Since 2009 , he has produced and hosted the reality competition series RuPaul 's Drag Race , for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award in 2016 . RuPaul achieved international fame as a drag queen with the release of his debut single , `` Supermodel ( You Better Work ) '' , which was included on his debut studio album Supermodel of the World ( 1993 ) . He is also featured as a host on series such as Skin Wars , Good Work and Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul .