<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> <Ul> <Li> ◀ </Li> <Li> Season 3 </Li> <Li> ▶ </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> ◀ </Li> <Li> Season 3 </Li> <Li> ▶ </Li> </Ul> <P> The third season of RuPaul's Drag Race began airing on January 24, 2011 . Thirteen drag queens competed for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar", a headlining spot on the Absolut Tour, a lifetime supply of Kryolan makeup, and a cash prize of $75,000 . </P> <P> This season had Michelle Visage replacing Merle Ginsberg at the judge's table and Billy Brasfield (better known as Billy B), Mike Ruiz, and Jeffrey Moran filling in for Santino Rice's absence during several episodes . Billy B, celebrity makeup artist and star of the HGTV mini-series Hometown Renovation, appeared as a judge in five episodes . Whereas Mike Ruiz only judged for two episodes, and Jeffrey Moran for one, Moran only appearing for promotional reasons . Due to Billy B's continued appearances, he and Rice are now considered to have been alternate judges for the same seat at the judges table, both appearing side - by - side in the reunion special to announce Yara Sofia as the season's Miss Congeniality . </P>

When did season 3 of rupauls drag race come out