Liza Minnelli Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award on 'Drag Race' Finale

The Season 17 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race was marked by a rare and celebrated appearance from legendary entertainer Liza Minnelli, who received the show's Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her significant impact on drag, fashion, and the LGBTQ community. Minnelli, seated on a throne and greeted with immense applause, reflected on her show business upbringing and exchanged heartfelt words with RuPaul, expressing mutual gratitude for their contributions to entertainment. She closed her segment with a spirited performance of her classic song 'Ring Them Bells,' delighting contestants and audience members alike. The finale also saw Onya Nurve crowned as the winner of Season 17 after a competitive series of performances, with Jewels Sparkles as runner-up and other finalists receiving cash prizes. Behind the scenes, producers revealed that securing Minnelli's participation was a dream realized, with her management being fans of the show and supportive of its message. Minnelli's appearance was widely seen as a full-circle moment, honoring both her career achievements and her enduring connection to the communities celebrated by Drag Race.