‘Drag Race’ Producer Explains How They Got Liza Minnelli to Join the Season 17 Finale: ‘I Bow to the Drag Gods’

Summary

Alexis Michelle won a challenge to impersonate Liza Minnelli on "RuPaul's Drag Race," securing her a Lifetime Achievement Award from RuPaul Charles and Tom Campbell acknowledged the production team's decision to bring Minnelli back after initially hesitating due to her prominent LGBTQ advocacy. Though Minnelli seemed unreachable at first, she ultimately agreed with support from her brother Joey Luft, who also appeared on stage. Minnelli's presence highlighted her impact as an icon and advocate in the LGBTQ community.

Additional Summaries

Liza Minnelli made history on RuPaul’s Drag Race as a surprise guest, winning the Lifetime Achievement Award. Host RuPaul Charles and producer Tom Campbell praised the 'drag gods' for their role in making her appearance possible. The episode featured high-profile guests including Kamala Harris, while Liza, a LGBTQ+ advocate and documentarian, brought her unshakable spirit to the stage, surrounded by fans and even her brother Joey Luft, creating an impactful and heartfelt moment.

Alexis Michelle’s Snatch Game challenge of Liza Minnelli on Season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” might rank as one of the best impersonations on the franchises history, but the Season 17 finale of the series pulled one for the ages and had the real Minnelli appear. Yes, Liza with a Z showed up on the show’s main stage. “Drag Race” producer Tom Campbell told Variety, “I always say the drag gods have been very good to ‘Drag Race’ over the years, the celebrities, supporters and the politicians who have joined us. “Again, I bow to the drag gods,” says Campbell. I thought, ‘Liza is surrounded by love.’ Michael Feinstein came with her, and her entourage are these amazing people who love her.