EGOT winner Liza Minnelli charms RuPaul’s Drag Race, shares laughs, and celebrates legacy amid a thrilling season 17 crown.
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What made Liza Minnelli’s cameo so unforgettable?
At 79, the EGOT-winning icon graced the season 17 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race, airing on Friday, April 18, and claimed the Lifetime Achievement Award in a moment of pure Hollywood magic.
Dressed in timeless black Halston and sparkling jewels, she perched on a throne, exuding elegance that stopped the show cold.
This surprise appearance wasn’t just a nod to her storied past; it wove a thread of nostalgia into the high-energy drag spectacle, leaving fans buzzing.
How did Liza connect with RuPaul on stage?
Look at you!” Minnelli quipped to the Emmy-winning host, RuPaul, 64, in a flash of witty banter that lit up the room.
RuPaul shot back with a joke about his six-hour glam session, only for Minnelli to retort, “Seven for me—I’m older than you,” blending humor with effortless charm.
Their exchange flowed like an impromptu duet, highlighting the mutual respect between legends and adding layers of warmth to the episode.
It wasn’t merely chit-chat; it revealed the human side of fame, where age and experience spark genuine laughter.
Why revisit Liza’s family roots during the show?
Indeed, as Minnelli reminisced about the fans who flocked to MGM studios to see her mother, Judy Garland, and her father, Vincente Minnelli, they evoked a bygone era of Tinseltown glamour.
Her younger half-brother, Joey Luft, sat in the audience, tying back to Garland’s iconic cover of “Happiness is a Thing Called Joe,” which echoed through the night.
This personal touch injected emotional depth, turning a simple guest spot into a rich tapestry of history that surprised and delighted viewers in equal measure.
What’s next for fans eager to know more?
How can you dive deeper into her world? Check out Minnelli’s 2024 documentary, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, for an intimate look at her life and career.
All this unfolded just before the finale’s big reveal, where the four finalists—Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles, and Sam Star—vied for the crown.
Overall, it was Onya Nurve who emerged as America’s Next Drag Superstar, succeeding season 16’s Nymphia Wind, with Jewels Sparkles as runner-up and Crystal Envy taking Miss Congeniality.
What does this mean for RuPaul’s Drag Race moving forward?
Indeed, episodes such as this one, which feature Suzie Toot’s victory in the lip sync smackdown for Queen of She Already Done Had Herses, combine celebrity allure with fierce competition.
RuPaul’s Drag Race continues to air Fridays on MTV, drawing in diverse audiences with its mix of drama, talent, and inspiration.
This finale didn’t just crown a winner; it celebrated resilience, creativity, and the enduring spark of icons like Minnelli, proving that entertainment evolves yet stays timeless.