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Liza Minnelli’s Surprise ‘Drag Race’ Appearance Celebrates Legacy
Table of Contents
- 1. Liza Minnelli’s Surprise ‘Drag Race’ Appearance Celebrates Legacy
- 2. Lifetime Achievement Honor
- 3. A History of Advocacy and Allyship
- 4. The Enduring Power of “Ring Them Bells”
- 5. Okay.
- 6. Archyde Exclusive: A Conversation with Sasha Belle on Liza Minnelli’s ‘Drag Race’ Appearance
- 7. Introduction: Celebrating an Icon
- 8. Minnelli’s Impact on the Community
- 9. The Song: “Ring Them Bells”
- 10. Lessons Learned
- 11. A Question for Our Readers
The legendary performer returns to the stage, embracing her role as an LGBTQ+ icon.
In a dazzling return to the spotlight, Liza Minnelli graced the stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race for the season 17 finale, marking a rare public appearance and a heartfelt festivity of her enduring connection with the LGBTQ+ community. The 79-year-old icon sang the 1972 hit “Ring Them Bells,” captivating the audience and underscoring her status as a beloved ally.
“I love you,” Minnelli exclaimed to the enthusiastic crowd. Host RuPaul responded in kind: “I speak for a grateful nation when I say, ‘Liza, we love you.’”
Minnelli, visibly moved, replied, “Thank you. I don’t know what else to say, except, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be me. You made me!”
rupaul, 64, amplified the sentiment, yelling: “Well, you made us, actually! One more time, let’s ring them bells!”
Lifetime Achievement Honor
Prior to her performance, Minnelli was honored with the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of her profound and lasting impact on the drag community. This accolade highlights Minnelli’s decades-long support for LGBTQ+ rights and her unwavering advocacy, particularly during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1990s.
Minnelli continued in the letter: “From my earliest memories I understood that some people were different, especially when I met so many of the creative people who were working on films made by my mother and father.” Her parents were Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli.
“In the ‘golden’ age of Hollywood,many could not be themselves in the workplace and live their true nature,yet it was their creativity that fashioned the dreams of Hollywood and the world,” she continued. “And they were my friends. I learned that ‘different’ meant many things: freedom, oppression, celebration, sadness, responsibility, hiding, protesting, sharing, but most of all being true to one’s self no matter the price.”
A History of Advocacy and Allyship
Liza Minnelli’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond celebratory appearances. Throughout her career, she has consistently used her platform to raise awareness and advocate for equality. Her efforts during the HIV/AIDS epidemic were particularly notable, as she actively supported research and worked to combat stigma at a time when many celebrities remained silent.
her consistent visibility and vocal support have resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, solidifying her status as a true ally. This dedication is further exemplified by her numerous appearances at Pride events and her consistent message of acceptance and love.
Minnelli’s performance on RuPaul’s Drag Race comes three years after her last one at the 2022 Oscars to announce the Best Picture winner. Minnelli appeared in a wheelchair alongside Lady gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.
Though she took a break from being on stage for some time after, Minnelli’s love for performing has never wavered.
The Hollywood star opened up about her passion in an October 2024 interview with Interview Magazine for its 55th anniversary edition.
“I love performing. I still take dance lessons, and when I sing to people in the theater, I’m not giving a performance—I’m sharing my love with each individual person. I’m asking, ‘This is how I feel. How ’bout you?’ My work is real,” she told Michael Feinstein.
The Enduring Power of “Ring Them Bells”
The choice of “Ring Them Bells” for Minnelli’s performance holds particular importance. The song, originally performed with her mother, Judy Garland, on The Judy Garland Show in 1963, is a joyous celebration of love and connection. Its upbeat tempo and spirited lyrics perfectly encapsulate Minnelli’s vibrant energy and her message of inclusivity.
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | The judy Garland Show | Original performance of “Ring Them Bells” with judy Garland. |
| 1972 | “Ring Them Bells” becomes a hit. | Minnelli’s solo version gains widespread popularity. |
| 2017 | Billboard Pride Month | Minnelli pens a letter to the LGBTQ+ community. |
| 2022 | Academy Awards | Appears with Lady gaga to announce Best Picture. |
| 2025 | RuPaul’s Drag Race | Performs “Ring Them Bells” and receives Lifetime Achievement
Okay.
Archyde Exclusive: A Conversation with Sasha Belle on Liza Minnelli’s ‘Drag Race’ AppearanceA look into the legacy of liza Minnelli and her recent performance.
Introduction: Celebrating an IconArchyde News Editor: Welcome to Archyde, Sasha. It’s a pleasure to have you. Liza Minnelli’s recent appearance on rupaul’s Drag Race has everyone talking. as a prominent drag historian, your insights are invaluable.Can you start by sharing your initial reaction to her performance? Sasha Belle: thank you for having me! It was absolutely electric. To see Liza Minnelli, the legend, back on stage, embracing her role as an LGBTQ+ icon and sharing her love and her music on the Drag Race stage… it was a moment of unadulterated joy. It felt like a full-circle moment and a powerful validation of her enduring support. Minnelli’s Impact on the CommunityArchyde News Editor: Minnelli received the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award. Could you elaborate on the importance of this recognition and the impact she’s made on the LGBTQ+ community? Sasha Belle: Liza’s impact is immeasurable. For decades,she has been a vocal champion of the community,notably during the HIV/AIDS crisis,when many celebrities were silent. Her advocacy, her visibility at Pride events, and her unwavering message of love and acceptance have resonated deeply.It’s about more than just entertainment; it’s about showing a steadfast commitment to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights during even the darkest times. The Song: “Ring Them Bells”Archyde News Editor: “Ring Them Bells” was the perfect choice in terms of musicality and sentiment. What does the song represent in the context of her performance? Sasha Belle: “Ring Them Bells” is a song about celebration and connection. It’s an anthemic display of joy. For Liza to choose this piece, originally performed with her mother, Judy Garland, sends a clear message: the connection between her past, present, and her relationship with the community. It embodies her vibrant energy and her inclusive spirit perfectly. Also, for those that know the song’s history, it’s truly a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of entertainment. Lessons LearnedArchyde News Editor: Minnelli made a powerful comeback, and in our current social climate, what lessons can we take from it? Sasha Belle: Her return reminds us that visibility matters. It’s a testament to the power of staying true to yourself, in spite of anything. To witness strength through vulnerability, and to observe someone remain so authentic over decades, remains exceptionally influential. It’s a call to action, reminding us that we must show support and solidarity towards one another.Her comeback offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder of the importance of love and acceptance. A Question for Our ReadersArchyde News Editor: What’s your favorite Liza Minnelli performance, and what makes her so special to you? Sasha Belle: That’s a tough one! Between the many movies, musical theater performances, and concert extravaganzas, it’s arduous to choose one. I believe what makes her special is her authenticity and the power of her performances.She never holds back, sharing her love and passion with the audience. This is something that everyone can resonate with. Let us know your thoughts! Leave a Replay       Recent PostsTagsarticles
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