Drag queen reality show RuPaul's Drag Race got its first Emmy nomination

RuPaul is up for best reality host alongside the likes of Ryan Seacrest. Photo / Instagram

A reality TV show in which drag artists compete to see who "the best woman" is, has finally scored its first Emmy nomination.

RuPaul's Drag Race has been running for eight years and garnered a massive fan following, particularly within the LGBT community, but this is its first official nod with host RuPaul being nominated for best reality host.

In a statement, RuPaul said: "I dedicate this nomination to outsiders everywhere.

"Brave souls who, against all odds, stick to their dreams and make the world a more colourful place. On behalf of those people - my tribe - I am so grateful."

Fans have taken to Twitter to celebrate the recognition of the much-loved show.

.@RuPaul congrats on the #Emmys nomination! Long overdue! pic.twitter.com/8U0sAofVRd

— Mark S. Luckie (@marksluckie) July 14, 2016

RuPaul will go head to head with American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, Dancing With the Stars' Tom Bergeron, Hollywood Game Night's Jane Lynch, Little Big Shots' Steve Harvey and Project Runway's Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.

RuPaul's Drag Race's Zaldy Goco was also nominated for best costumes for a variety, non fiction or reality program, alongside Dancing With the Stars, Grease: Live, Saturday Night Live and The Wiz Live!