Finally the "Rupaul's Drag Race All Stars 4" cast has been officially announced. Although rumours have been flying for months, I've purposely kept myself out of the loop, so much so that the AS4 'fantasy list' I created just minutes before reading the announcement only had two queens in common with it: Gia Gunn and Valentina. I'm sure there are plenty more spoilers out there, which I vow to stay oblivious to, and so with a fresh unspoiled mind I'm giving my thoughts and predictions for AS4, told queen by queen(listed from left to right based on the image above) .

Trinity Taylor — When S9 began, almost everyone who watched the "Meet the Queens" videos predicted Trinity as the first to go. She came across as totally unlikeable, but then killed the competition, showing she was more than just a pageant queen. She could do comedy, she could act, she could dance, she could lipsync, she could turn looks, she could be stunning, she could even be ugly. By the end of S9 I was #TeamTrinity all the way even though I knew she couldn't win, because the one thing she can't do is be likeable. It's sad to see someone with this much talent not get the recognition of a crown, but without that vulnerability, Trinity won't win. Monique Heart — Unfortunately, even though in many ways she really was 'the heart of season 10', my overarching memory of Monique was that she didn't learn her words and that she complained a lot about not having enough money to compete with the other queens' looks. Both of these things can hardly be excused though, even if we can be empathetic. You should know that you always have to be prepared to lipsync every week, and regarding looks, you have to do what the other queens do, which is to take out crippling loans and hope to recoup the money after Drag Race. It's hard not to forgive her though as she's just so loveable. which should get her far, but the attitude and approach that caused her downfall in S10 will do the same for her in AS4. Monique won't win. Gia Gunn — In a very later-series heavy cast, Gia is one of the oldies, but she's managed to stay memorable all these years. At first she was memorable in more of a 'laughing at her' way, such as for not knowing what a Delorean was or just for the way she said "absolutelyyyyyyy". Even those who loved her did so more in a 'love to hate her way'. But now, particularly after watching her AS4 "Meet the Queens" video, it's clear that she's matured enormously, and it also seems that she's utterly happy now too. I'm very curious to see how the new Gia will fare and I hope that she'll go far. Plus it's important to show the trans community that you can find happiness and success after transition. But ultimately I can't forget her failings in S6, especially her bad acting, so with that in mind, Gia won't win. Jasmine Masters — What an absolute pleasure, and surprise, it was to see Jasmine on the cast list. Like the legendary Tammie Brown, she's a queen who is only ever completely herself, making her so refreshing to watch and easy to root for. Since S7 she's become well-known for her videos, in which she muses over this and that with a hilariously sour and over-it attitude. However, I have to base my idea of Jasmine's ability to do well in this competition on how she did the first time around. Back then she only lasted three episodes, and when she left, she deserved to go. So unless all the challenges this time are about comedy, Jasmine won't win, and she might even be first to go (though I really hope she'll be the one to come back for 'revenge'). By the way, if she makes it to Snatch Game, do you think they'll let Jasmine play Jasmine? That would be so perfect! Naomi Smalls — I hate to be negative about any of the queens, and I'll recognise that Naomi has her talents, but this is a total bore. There's something about her that make you unable to truly root for her. Think back to Courtney Act, a queen who was so incredible in every way yet still had no chance of winning S6 because she was just too pretty, too perfect, too lacking in a sob story to exploit. The C.U.N.T. criteria really should add a 'V' somewhere for vulnerability, because a winner needs it and she doesn't have it. Naomi won't win. Latrice Royale — Everybody loves Latrice Royale. How can you not? The charisma is just off the charts, the uniqueness is there, she's got nerve and talent, and she's got vulnerability too. She's so loved that you even forget her failings (she doesn't tend to bring much innovation to her looks and I don't think she can dance).But people adore her and so does World of Wonder . That's why she shantéd even when Tammie Brown beat her in their lipsync and why she's back on another All Stars despite really not performing that well on it the first time. It seems that she's here because RuPaul wants to give her a crown, and who are we to argue? She's kind, she's funny, she's fabulous, she's level-headed, she's smart, and she's fun to watch. Plus, isn't it time for a big girl to win? And isn't it definitely time for a queen of colour to have their picture on that wall? Latrice will win. Valentina — There's something about Valentina. She performed unbelievably well in every sort of challenge in S9, yet she's remembered mostly for her epic masked lipsync fail and for being the most undeserving Miss Congeniality ever (I mean, Fan Favourite, of course). She also completely lacks vulnerability, being so perpetually in character that she comes across as pathological. But she is undeniably a star. That's why nearly all the other articles about AS4 are using her picture at the top and mentioning her name rather than any others in their headlines. Then when you add the fact that her fans like to send death threats to those who cross her and you know that she will go far here. It's probably in her contract. I'd be astonished if Valentina didn't make it to the finale, both for her notoriety and for her talent. But ultimately good will triumph over evil. I predict another Aretha song for the finale, picked just for Latrice, which Valentina might as well wear another mask for. Valentina won't win. Monet X Change — Monet has what it takes to win even though she always fell a bit short in S10. Her looks weren't all the way there, she seemed nervous in acting challenges, her comedy was a bit too held back, and she simply ran out of steam towards the end. I love Monet, but it's only been a minute since she was on the show and I simply don't believe that enough time has passed for her to refresh, reflect, and perfect. She could win AS5 or AS6 perhaps, but not now. Monet won't win. Manila Luzon — Manila's a bit like Trinity Taylor. Super talented and undeniably deserving of awe and respect, but she's somehow not very likeable. Perhaps it's that vulnerability thing again. I always liked Manila, and I wouldn't say that S3 winner Raja was very likeable either, but a lot of people just don't seem to like Manila. However, I can't imagine any challenge where Manila would land in the bottom, meaning she should be able to coat to the finale. She absolutely deserves to win and I could see her picture on that wall, but I just don't think she's loved enough by the public to get there. She should get close, and she's the only other queen I'd be happy to see win aside from Latrice, but Manila won't win. Farrah Moan — Right up alongside Naomi Smalls, I just don't understand why she's here. Are they expecting her to fight with Valentina? Seriously? Sure, she's pretty and she's quite fun to watch, but she was miserable in S9 at so much (like acting, comedy, and construction). I reckon she'll be the Roxxxy Andrews of S4, kept around just so squeaking and whining will make us giggle until they can no longer justify keeping her there. Farrah won't win.

As I said earlier, I've read no spoilers and don't want to read them either. So I don't know what twists might be in store or even if there might be more queens added to this cast. But based simply on the list of queens, there's three factors driving my thoughts of who will win.

First is of course that the winner must have talent that can be measured in all the different areas tested by this competition. Second is that the winner must be immensely likeable and show vulnerability. And third it's that the winner of this All Stars finally be a queen of colour, and maybe not a skinny queen either. I was completely surprised to see Latrice on this cast, but looking over this list, it has to be her.

The First to Go: Jasmine Masters; The Roxxxy of the Season: Farrah Moan; The 'Brought Back for Her Revenge' Queen: Jasmine Masters; The Final Four: Trinity Taylor, Latrice Royale, Valentina, Manila Luzon; The Winner: Latrice Royale