Liza Minnelli, the legendary performer and beloved LGBTQ+ icon, made a dazzling return to the stage on the Season 17 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The 79-year-old EGOT winner was honored with the show’s “Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award,” and stunned fans by mouthing along to her iconic 1972 song “Ring Them Bells.”
The crowd erupted into cheers as Minnelli struck signature poses from her red throne, her charisma shining as bright as ever. RuPaul himself paid tribute to Minnelli, telling her she made them, to which she warmly replied that she loved them all! It was a heartfelt moment that proved her connection with drag culture and the queer community.
Liza Minnelli’s ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ moment brings fans to tears
View this post on Instagram
This surprise appearance marked a major milestone, the first time in years that fans had seen the icon in a performance setting. In spite of health and aging concerns, Liza’s showbiz glamour is still going strong, cementing her status as one of entertainment’s royalty.
Minnelli’s return was a full-circle moment from her deep roots in Hollywood to her decades-long support of LGBTQ+ rights. Appearing on Drag Race celebrated not only her artistry but also her status as a cultural touchstone. For long-time admirers and younger fans alike, it was a history lesson and a celebration rolled into one.
A lifetime of glamor and resilience
Minnelli was never one to keep out of the spotlight, and even in semi-retirement, her voice remains audible. Being the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, she grew up in Hollywood’s golden age, going on to carve out her own niche as a bold performer and fashion icon.
Her recent sighting was a reminder to her public that glamour and grime are crime partners. With a smile, a wink, and a perfectly timed pose, Minnelli reminded one and all that legends never fade away; they merely transform, shine, and return when the moment arrives.