⁠"It's me tearing up" RuPaul’s Drag Race fans react to Liza Minnelli tribute during the finale

The RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 finale pulled off the ultimate gag—surprising both queens and fans with a jaw-dropping appearance by none other than Liza Minnelli. The Broadway legend and longtime LGBTQ+ icon popped onto the main stage to accept RuPaul’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and let’s just say: not a dry lash in the house.

RuPaul’s Drag Race viewers immediately took to social media, losing their collective minds over what many are calling one of the most unforgettable moments in the show's history. It was heartfelt, it was fabulous, and it reminded everyone why Drag Race since sashaying onto screens in 2009 remains a fierce celebration of drag artistry and queer excellence.

The competition series has previously welcomed high-profile guests, but Minnelli's appearance resonated deeply with the show's audience, particularly longtime fans familiar with her status as a gay icon. The surprise visit coincided with renewed public interest in Minnelli following her recent PBS documentary and magazine coverage, creating what executive producer Tom Campbell described as perfect timing orchestrated by "the drag gods."

Fans react to Liza Minnelli’s appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race finale

The RuPaul’s Drag Race audience response to Minnelli's appearance revealed two primary sentiments across social media platforms. One group expressed profound emotional connections, with numerous viewers admitting to tears and describing feelings of personal significance in witnessing the moment. These fans often referenced Minnelli's historical importance to queer culture and her decades of activism, particularly during the AIDS crisis.

“it’s me tearing up seeing Liza Minnelli at her age on that stage still shining!” one fan commented on X.com

“Liza Minnelli is my good luck charm, whenever I see her good things happen to me” another fan said.

“No but everyone ringing the bells for Liza” a fan commented.

“suzie crying over liza minnelli is so real” a fan said.

“Miss @suzietoot´s reaction to Liza Minnelli made me so happy!” another fan wrote.

“I loved seeing Liza Minnelli get that recognition. Not that she needs it, but all the love and admiration we can show her is well-earned. The words 'icon' and 'legend' are used casually a lot these days, but Liza truly embodies them” a fan commented.

The second group focused on celebrating how her appearance elevated the finale's production value and added legitimacy to the show's cultural significance.

These RuPaul’s Drag Race viewers praised the production team for securing such an iconic guest, with many noting it compensated for what some considered shortcomings in other aspects of the season.

“This season struggle in some aspects, but this has to be one of the better finales in the recent years. The final 4 performances, THE LIZA MINNELLI, the pacing, the final lipsync song, and crowning the correct winner.” a fan wrote.

“One of the better finales! The top 4 were giving!!! LIZA MINNELLI!!!! Abracadabra! Nymphia Wind!!! Correct winner!!!!” another fan wrote.

“The real winner of this season’s #DragRace finale was me because we got a mention of Liza Minnelli’s RESULTS on TV in 2025.” a fan said.

“No wonder they couldn't afford the big stage, they got liza minelli on the f--king building holy sh-t.” another fan commented.

Both perspectives converged around appreciation for seeing a legendary performer honored within a space that celebrates the art form she helped inspire. The reactions highlighted the cross-generational appeal of Minnelli, connecting younger viewers with queer history while giving older fans a moment of recognition for an enduring icon.

RuPaul orchestrates the best surprise for fans

The path to Minnelli's guest appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race began with a simple directive from RuPaul during finale planning:

"Let's get Liza."

Initially considered an impossible task by the production team, the opportunity materialized when they discovered Minnelli's management were fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

"It always feels like the drag gods are looking out for us," Campbell told Variety.

Declaring:

"Getting Liza? I bow to the drag gods."

What made the moment particularly special was the authenticity behind it. Campbell described how Minnelli "radiates kindness and love" and noted she arrived with supporters including singer Michael Feinstein and her brother Joey Luft, who rarely makes public appearances.

"She kept asking for him: 'Where's Joe? Come up here, Joe.' She was so caring and protective," Campbell shared, offering a glimpse into the warmth behind the scenes.

Minnelli's appearance represented more than celebrity glamour – it acknowledged the deep relationship between the performer and the LGBTQ+ community. As a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, she joins a select group that includes designer Bob Mackie and horror icon Elvira.

"She's always been there for us," Campbell explained. "She's family."

For many RuPaul’s Drag Race viewers, seeing Minnelli honored reconnected them with her contributions to entertainment and activism. Her presence bridged different eras of queer history, linking the contemporary drag competition to its cultural predecessors.

The RuPaul’s Drag Race finale, which ultimately crowned Nymphia Wind as the season winner, benefited from what one fan called "one of the better finales in recent years," partly attributed to the emotional weight Minnelli's appearance added to the proceedings.

As this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race concluded, this unexpected moment became its defining memory – a celebration of artistry, resilience, and community connection that transcended the competition itself. In Campbell's words:

"It's not just about fame — it's about love, connection, and being part of something bigger."

The response proves that even in 2025, Liza Minnelli continues to captivate audiences across generations.

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The Season 17 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race aired on April 18, 2025, on MTV.