Latest news with #GivingUsLifetimeAchievementAward
NBC News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Liza Minnelli makes rare appearance to receive award on ‘RuPaul's Drag Race'
Liza Minnelli made a rare public appearance during the Season 17 finale of "RuPaul's Drag Race." The legendary actor and singer received the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award on the April 18 episode of " RuPaul's Drag Race" for her "dazzling contributions to entertainment and sharing her irrepressible joy." Minnelli, 79, was met with a roaring applause from the studio audience when she appeared on stage during the episode, donning a sequined monochromatic black ensemble. She was poised on a podium center stage, seated in an opulent throne with one of her legs dangled over the arm of the chair. Dancers performed in front to her song "Ring Them Bells," with Minnelli snapping her fingers along to the music as she took in the celebration. From the crowd, several of the contestants, as well as judges RuPaul, Michelle Visage and Carson Kressley, shook their bells, paying homage to Minnelli. After the dancers' performance, RuPaul joined Minnelli on stage to talk to the singer about her outfit (Halston and Elsa Peretti, "of course," she said). The icon showed off her wit during the interview, revealing that she had once gotten five costumes for Christmas. When asked by RuPaul if she still had them, she quipped, "Somewhere." RuPaul also prompted Minnelli to reflect on her childhood, including her memories of watching dancers rehearse at MGM. "Well, you know, everybody would rush to see whatever my mother was doing, and my father especially, because he was making people do magic," Minnelli explained, referring to her late mother and father, Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli. "Oh, he was the best." Minnelli's half-brother, Joey Luft, was also in the studio audience to support his sister at the show. RuPaul later took a moment to share his love — and the nation's — for Minnelli, earning a sincere response from the singer. "Thank you. I don't what else to say except if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be me," Minnelli said. "You made me." RuPaul shared a clever response, adding, "Well, you made us, actually." Minnelli's appearance on "RuPaul's Drag Race" was rare, with the performer not often seen in public in recent years. She previously presented the award for best picture at the Academy Awards in March 2022 alongside Lady Gaga, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. During an October 2024 conversation with Michael Feinstein for Interview Magazine, she gave fans an inside look at her life today, explaining that she was "writing, creating, and working" with Christopher Young, whom she described as a "pure genius." "I'm also recording again and producing with you, Michael, and Sam Haskell," she said. "Our baby business just keeps growing, and at this age that's a helluva good time." Minnelli also shared some health advice, adding "You didn't ask, but I have one piece of advice: Take care of your body 'cause you might live longer than you expect to."
The Independent
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Liza Minnelli makes rare appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race for her first performance in years
Liza Minnelli took the stage in the latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race to sing the 1972 hit 'Ring Them Bells,' marking her first major performance in three years. 'I love you,' the 79-year-old, award-winning actor screamed at the crowd, to which host RuPaul responded: 'I speak for a grateful nation when I say, 'Liza, we love you.'' Minnelli said: '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!' Continuing to egg on the crowd, RuPaul, 64, yelled: 'Well, you made us, actually! One more time, let's ring them bells!' Earlier in the season 17 finale, Minnelli was recognized as this year's Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award winner, honoring her lasting impact on the drag community. The Cabaret actor has famously been an ally within the LGBTQ+ community for years, spreading awareness and advocating for HIV/AIDS research during the 1990s epidemic. Minelli also penned a heartfelt letter to the community in 2017 as part of Billboard 's Pride Month celebration. 'Where would I be without the LGBTQ community of dazzling souls who have always supported and understood me on a level that is unique and extraordinary?' she started. '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. The veteran star is the daughter of 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.' 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.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Liza Minnelli, 79, Makes Rare Appearance for 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 17 Finale as New Winner Is Crowned
The queen of Broadway was just honored by drag queens! Liza Minnelli made a guest appearance on the season 17 finale of RuPaul's Drag Race that aired Friday, April 18. The EGOT-winner, 79, was honored with another award: The Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award. Minnelli sat in a throne on the main stage clad in classic black Halston and jewels, and took a trip down memory lane with host RuPaul. RuPaul's #DragRace is proud to present the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award to the one and only Liza Minnelli ❤️ 'Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story' is now available to buy or rent on all major digital platforms. — RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) April 19, 2025 "Look at you!" Minnelli complimented the Emmy-winning host, 64. "I know. It only took six hours," RuPaul joked. "Seven for me," Minnelli replied. "I'm older than you." Minnelli recalled how fans would come to MGM studio to see her mom, actress Judy Garland and her dad, director Vincente Minnelli. Minnelli's younger half-brother Joey Luft, was also in the audience. Garland famously covered the song "Happiness is a Thing Called Joe." Fans can learn more about Minnelli via her 2024 documentary Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story. Minnelli's appearance came ahead of the season 17 champion being crowned. Related: RuPaul's Drag Race Contestant Reveals Charles Barkley Is Her Godfather (Exclusive)The four finalists going into the finale were Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles and Sam Star. In the end, Nurve was crowned America's Next Drag Superstar, succeeding season 16 champion Nymphia Wind. Sparkles was runner-up, while Crystal Envy won the title of Miss Congeniality. Suzie Toot won the title of Queen of She Done Already Done Had Herses after winning the lip sync smackdown the week prior. RuPaul's Drag Race airs Fridays on MTV. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to watch the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 17 finale tonight: Start time, channel and more
If you've been following RuPaul's Drag Race all season long, you don't want to miss Season 17's finale tonight. The episode will premier on MTV at 8 p.m. ET on April 18 (again, that's tonight!). Four contestants are still in the running: Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve and Sam Star — each competing to become America's Next Drag Superstar. As a bonus, Liza Minnelli will be making an appearance during the finale. RuPaul will present her with the "Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award." Here's how to watch RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 finale tonight and when. Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race airs tonight, April 18, at 8 p.m. ET. You can watch RuPaul's Drag Race on MTV tonight. You don't have to have a cable subscription to watch shows on MTV. Streaming services like Philo, DirecTV and Fubo have MTV included as a channel in their packages. Four contestants — Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve and Sam Star — have made it to the end, but only one will come out as America's Next Drag Superstar. Who do you think it'll be?
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to watch the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 17 finale tonight: Start time, channel and more
If you've been following RuPaul's Drag Race all season long, you don't want to miss Season 17's finale tonight. The episode will premier on MTV at 8 p.m. ET on April 18 (again, that's tonight!). Four contestants are still in the running: Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve and Sam Star — each competing to become America's Next Drag Superstar. As a bonus, Liza Minnelli will be making an appearance during the finale. RuPaul will present her with the "Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award." Here's how to watch RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 finale tonight and when. Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race airs tonight, April 18, at 8 p.m. ET. You can watch RuPaul's Drag Race on MTV tonight. You don't have to have a cable subscription to watch shows on MTV. Streaming services like Philo, DirecTV and Fubo have MTV included as a channel in their packages. Four contestants — Jewels Sparkles, Lexi Love, Onya Nurve and Sam Star — have made it to the end, but only one will come out as America's Next Drag Superstar. Who do you think it'll be?
