Liza Minnelli’s Surprise Performance on RuPaul’s Drag Race
On April 18, 2025, during the finale of season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the legendary Liza Minnelli made an unexpected appearance that captivated audiences. The 79-year-old actress and singer delivered a brief yet memorable lip-sync performance of her iconic song, Ring Them Bells, marking her first public singing engagement in several years, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
This enchanting moment not only celebrated Minnelli’s illustrious career but also underscored her long-standing health challenges, which range from neurological issues to struggles with addiction.
During her performance, Minnelli skillfully wielded jingle bells while flawlessly mouthing the lyrics and executing her trademark poses from a seated position. The segment reached an emotional climax when RuPaul honored her with the “Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award,”eliciting a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience.
A Memorable Exchange
In a touching moment between the two icons, Minnelli expressed her gratitude, stating to RuPaul:
“I don’t know what else to say, except, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be me.”
RuPaul responded with humor, saying:
“Well, you made us, actually!”
It’s clear that Minnelli’s influence on drag culture is profound, with several contestants from Drag Race having paid tribute to her during the show’s infamous Snatch Game challenge.
Health Challenges and Public Perception
Recently, Liza Minnelli has made infrequent public appearances, raising concerns among her fans. Reports from Distractify indicate that she is battling dementia, which has affected her cognitive functions and resulted in tremors. Additionally, she has openly discussed her past struggles with alcohol and Valium, particularly following the death of her mother, Judy Garland.
Her recent appearance at the 2022 Oscars—where she presented the Best Picture award alongside Lady Gaga while in a wheelchair—fueled perceptions of her declining health.
Behind the Scenes: Insights from Friends
Michael Feinstein, a close friend of Minnelli, provided insight during an interview on The Jess Cagle Show in 2022, alleging that her Oscar appearance was compromised:
“Sabotaged. That’s a terrible word to use, but she only agreed to appear on the Oscars if she was in a director’s chair, because she’s been having back trouble.”
He elaborated that a last-minute decision by the stage manager required Minnelli to be in a wheelchair, which contributed to her disorientation during the event.
Words of Wisdom and Humor
In a candid conversation with Interview Magazine in October 2024, Minnelli shared her perspective on health, encouraging her fans to prioritize their well-being:
“I have one piece of advice: Take care of your body ’cause you might live longer than you expect to. I just keep replacing parts and moving forward… as Dick Van Dyke sang and taught to me, ‘Put on a Happy Face.'”
Despite the challenges she has faced, Minnelli maintains a sense of humor and gratitude for her family, often amused by the public’s misconceptions about her life.
For more details about Liza’s recent performances and her health journey, visit this source.