RuPaul's Drag Race season 8 finale live online: Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls and Bob fight for top spot

After 10 intense and emotionally charged episodes, RuPaul's Drag Race season 8 will finally come to an end on 16 May. The eighth season of the popular reality TV show by Logo started with 12 talented participants, and now only three remain in the race to be named America's next drag superstar.

The winner will be awarded $100,000 (£ 69765) in prize money. Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls and Bob The Drag Queen are the three finalist, who will face some tough rounds before they know who wins the 2016 crown.

The finale of RuPaul's Drag Race will air at 9pm EST on 16 May on Logo TV. In case you miss the episode, click here to watch it online the next day (only in the US).

The series is one of the most popular shows on Logo Network. RuPaul, the host and creator of the show, has credited the "human spirit" and to those who "think outside the box" for the show's popularity.

"'Drag Race' is popular because at its core it is the story of the tenacity of the human spirit. We get to see these kids who have been pushed aside by society, who've made a way for themselves to be seen and to be great. And watching them thrive throughout these challenges is captivating, especially knowing their stories. And I know their stories because it's my story. It really is the story of really everyone who thinks outside the box," RuPaul told ABC News.

Before the finale, the contestants were given the tough task of designing their own costume and accessories according to the theme before the catwalk round. The contestants with the least points then go to the lip-sync battle where they face elimination. RuPaul thinks this is the best way to groom participants to prepare them for what the future holds for them as a drag queen.

"You know, show business is not for sissies. Drag ain't for sissies. You've got to toughen up," said RuPaul, adding, "I'm not on this show to ... to make it easy, you know? I wanna prepare them."