The acclaimed icon was met with roaring applause and a standing ovation during her latest public appearance. Still, a few online users voiced unease afterward.
Liza Minnelli made a rare appearance on the April 19, 2025, finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” During the event, she was honored with the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award. Her memorable appearance became even more special with a heartfelt show of family support. Her half-brother, Joey Luft, sat in the studio audience to cheer her on.
That touching moment of family presence was soon followed by a wave of online chatter about Liza’s appearance on stage. Seated in an oversized red chair, dressed entirely in black, she rested one leg on the armrest — a pose that drew mixed reactions from viewers.
“Shocked to see her!” exclaimed one fan. Another asked, “What’s wrong with Liza?” “Love Liza.. but I found it very odd the way they propped her leg up as she was sinking into the chair to make her look relaxed I guess,” one comment read. Another added, “I was wondering when she was going to put her leg down.” Meanwhile, another viewer seemed surprised by the star’s age, writing, “I can’t believe she’s only 79.”
Alongside the surprise, many admirers shared kind words and admiration for her appearance. One fan wrote, “She looks beautiful,” while another echoed, “Beautiful Liza!” Others chimed in with, “Awww she looks good!” and “Love the throne.”
In addition to the wave of admiration from viewers, those behind the show offered insight into how Minnelli’s appearance came to be. Producer Tom Campbell shared in an interview:
“I always say the drag gods have been very good to ‘Drag Race’ over the years… and this? I bow to the drag gods.”
Though many celebrity names were considered, it was RuPaul who firmly said, “Let’s get Liza.” To Campbell, the idea seemed nearly impossible — “She seemed un-gettable, like that’s too much to ask for [sic].”
Still, the stars aligned. Minnelli agreed, helped by the fact that her team were fans of the show. Conversations flowed naturally, and her involvement came together smoothly. For Campbell, it was more than just a high-profile guest — Minnelli’s decades-long connection to the LGBTQ community gave the moment real weight.
“She has made her fans, her chosen family,” Campbell stated. He highlighted her legacy, including her fearless advocacy and fundraising for AIDS research, calling her “unflappable.” To him, her presence was nothing short of a gift, “She gave us such a huge gift by being part of the show.”
Minnelli’s impact on the drag world didn’t stop at her surprise appearance on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” A few months earlier, she stepped into a new role that brought her back to her theatrical beginnings. In October 2024, reports revealed that the Broadway icon officially joined the production team of “DRAG: The Musical.” Minnelli announced in a statement:
“Kids! DRAG: The Musical is a work of art. It’s so brilliant that I had to join as a producer! Join me at every performance. Yes, EVERY PERFORMANCE!”
The move held special meaning for the veteran star. With four Tony Awards to her name — including two for best leading actress in a musical — Minnelli’s return to the theater was a nod to her storied past.
At the same time, taking on the role of producer for a full-length musical marked a fresh chapter in her career. She joined forces with industry veterans Tomas Costanza, Scott Prisand, Matt Weaver, and Tristan Schukraft, bringing together a team known for bold and vibrant stage work.
Her enthusiasm for “DRAG: The Musical” didn’t stop at the press release. That same day, Minnelli shared her excitement on Instagram, “We’re breaking box office records and were sold out last night. Run to New World Stages and get your tickets now, honey! Special thanks to @people. Love, Liza.”
Her energy didn’t wane as the production continued to shine. As “DRAG: The Musical” enjoyed a successful Off-Broadway run, the team announced the upcoming release of “Drag: The Musical LIVE (The Cast Recording)” — set to drop on April 25, 2025.
“From the moment I got involved with Drag: The Musical, I knew it was something special — bold … brave … bursting with heart and music that is all about love. The songs here will make you laugh and cry,” Minnelli shared. The Academy Award-winning 79-year-old also praised the process of creating the live album alongside Tomas, calling it a joyful experience:
“It captures that electric energy you only get in a theater full of love, laughter, and lashes.”
Minnelli further described the project as a “fabulous family show” filled with glitter and emotion, adding, “Darling, this cast sings their faces off — and I couldn’t be prouder to help bring this art into the world.”
Her passion for the musical carries through every stage of its success. Just days before the album’s announcement, she took to Instagram to express how overwhelmed she was by the show’s growing recognition.
The “Cabaret” star wrote that she had never imagined they would receive so many honors, listing the GLAAD Media Award, the Queerty Award, and six Lortel Award nominations from the Off-Broadway League. She added that their good news was “longer than my eyelashes” and thanked every single person involved.
Two days later, Minnelli shared a throwback photo and admitted she looked puzzled in it — and for good reason. She mentioned being told by Billboard that she, Barbra Streisand, and the late James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte, and Quincy Jones were part of a new “Honorary Class” for the Grammy Legend Award.
The EGOT winner said having the award made her happy and joked that it looked “damn shiny on the shelf.” Minnelli recalled being told it recognized her lifetime of recorded music and concluded, “Well, I’ll take it! Great company!”
From theater to drag, Liza Minnelli remains a powerful force in entertainment. Her work on “DRAG: The Musical” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” showcases her lasting influence. Whether onstage or online, she connects with fans through charm and wit. Her legacy continues to sparkle with each new moment.
