Liza Minnelli, the iconic singer, actor, and performer, will receive the prestigious Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award during the RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 finale. The announcement celebrates Minnelli’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment, and follows the recognition of previous honorees such as fashion legend Bob Mackie and horror icon Cassandra Peterson, also known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
Liza Minnelli: A Legendary Career
Minnelli, the daughter of Hollywood star Judy Garland, is one of the most celebrated performers of all time. Her career spans decades of unforgettable performances in both film and music. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Cabaret (1972), cementing her status as a cinematic legend. Minnelli also earned an Oscar nomination for her role in The Sterile Cuckoo (1969).
Liza Minnelli in Cabaret. Photo: YouTube
Beyond film, Minnelli has achieved incredible success in television and live performances. She won an Emmy Award for her concert special Liza with a Z, which featured unforgettable musical numbers like “Say Liza (Liza with a ‘Z’)” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” The performance not only showcased her immense vocal talent but also her ability to captivate audiences with her dynamic presence.
A Life of Iconic Honors
Minnelli’s accolades extend far beyond the screen. She has two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical, earned for her performances in Flora the Red Menace (1965) and The Act (1977). In 1990, Minnelli was honored with the Grammy Living Legend Award, further solidifying her as one of the most significant figures in entertainment history.
Her career continues to inspire, and her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, in particular, have made her a beloved figure within drag culture. Her performances, especially in Cabaret, have influenced countless drag queens who often cite Minnelli as a major inspiration for their own work.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Finale
The RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 finale, set to air on Friday, April 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, will not only celebrate Minnelli’s achievements but also crown this season’s winner. The final five queens—Sam Star, Suzie Toot, Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles, and Lexi Love—are competing for the crown in a thrilling season finale.
This season of Drag Race has captivated fans with fierce competition, and Minnelli’s award ceremony promises to add even more excitement to the finale. The Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award, a notable honor, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and LGBTQ+ culture.
Liza Minnelli will appear in the ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 17 finale.
She is set to be honored with the ‘Giving Us Lifetime’ Achievement Award by RuPaul. pic.twitter.com/fWOXWnhgP5
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 1, 2025
With the finale just around the corner, fans can look forward to watching a dazzling tribute to a true legend as RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 crowns its champion and honors Liza Minnelli’s lasting legacy in the arts.
RuPaul’s Drag Race was recently awarded Outstanding Reality Program – Competition at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards, further solidifying its influence and impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
