Legendary entertainer Liza Minnelli returned to the spotlight in a memorable way during the Season 17 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race, delivering her first performance in years with a spirited lip-sync to her classic song “Ring Them Bells.” The 79-year-old icon appeared on the stage of the MTV reality competition on April 18, 2025, as part of a special moment honoring her long and influential career.
Minnelli was invited as the recipient of the show’s Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by host RuPaul Charles. In her brief but electrifying appearance, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the LGBTQ+ community for their support over the decades — a bond that has been a defining part of her legacy. After accepting the award, the Cabaret star launched into a dynamic lip-sync of “Ring Them Bells” while surrounded by backup dancers and a vibrant crowd of Drag Race queens cheering her on.
Originally released in 1972 and featured in her iconic television special Liza With a Z, the song provided a nostalgic touchpoint for fans both old and new. Minnelli, seated in a chair for much of the performance and holding jingle bells in hand, mouthed key lyrics and struck dramatic poses, a testament to her enduring showmanship even as she continues to pace her public appearances more selectively than in previous decades.
Audience reaction was immediate and emotional, with many of the Drag Race contestants visibly moved by the moment and giving Minnelli a standing ovation as the performance concluded. Her presence on the finale stage served as both a tribute and a reunion, connecting the multigenerational drag and entertainment communities.
Minnelli’s appearance marked her first major stage moment in several years, following notable but less performance-focused appearances such as her 2022 Oscars involvement alongside Lady Gaga. This Drag Race moment not only celebrated her storied career but also reaffirmed her cultural impact — particularly within queer spaces where her influence has been frequently honored and reimagined by performers throughout the global Drag Race franchise.
Her return to performance, though brief, was widely covered and celebrated, reminding audiences of her unmistakable talent and the deep affection fans continue to hold for the EGOT-winning star.
