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

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In a remarkable turn of events, Alexis Michelle’s portrayal of Liza Minnelli during the Snatch Game challenge on Season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is often considered one of the finest impersonations in the franchise’s history. However, the Season 17 finale truly outdid itself by inviting the real Liza Minnelli onto the show’s main stage. Indeed, the legendary Liza with a Z graced our screens on this popular series.

She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from host RuPaul Charles. In an interview with EbMaster, ‘Drag Race’ producer Tom Campbell stated, “I often credit the drag deities for being incredibly generous to ‘Drag Race’ throughout the years, from celebrities, supporters, and even politicians who have joined us. It has always turned out well, and this instance? I humbly pay my respects to the drag deities.”

She got the Lifetime Achievement Award from RuPaul Charles as host. Tom Campbell from ‘Drag Race’, speaking with EbMaster, mentioned that he often thanks the drag gods for their kindness towards ‘Drag Race’ over the years, including famous people, supporters, and politicians who have been involved. He believes everything has worked out well, and this time in particular, he acknowledges the power of the drag gods.)

Previous honorees of the Lifetime Achievement Award are Bob Mackie and Elvira, while special guests at the finale have included former Vice President Kamala Harris. “Once more, I pay my respects to the drag deities,” remarks Campbell.

At the point of choosing potential guests, as Campbell described, the production team, along with those responsible for securing talent, consistently aim for big names. Several options were considered, but it was RuPaul who suggested boldly, “Let’s invite Liza.” The team then contacted Minnelli’s representatives. Campbell acknowledged, “She seemed almost impossible to obtain, like asking for too much.

remarkable events do take place sometimes, but in this case, fortune seemed to favor them. Minnelli, who’s currently enjoying her PBS documentary “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story” and gracing the cover of New York Magazine, agreed. “Her management were also enthusiasts of ‘Drag Race,’ and they understood our show’s essence, having watched it themselves.” After several discussions, Campbell says everything fell into place effortlessly.

Regarding Minnelli’s stage presence, Campbell admits he wasn’t quite sure what to anticipate, but one aspect that stood out was the exceptional team supporting her. He expressed, “Liza exudes an overwhelming amount of love, kindness, and consideration for others. I thought, ‘Liza is enveloped in love.’ Michael Feinstein accompanied her, and her group are simply remarkable individuals who adore her. They are part of the illustrious American songbook and our musical legacy.

An unexpected visitor at the event was Minnelli’s younger brother, Joey Luft. It had been a while since I’d seen him in public, but there he was. Liza seemed really concerned about his whereabouts, frequently asking, “Where’s Joe?” or inviting him, “Come on up, Joe!” She was very protective of him.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t express enough the profound impact having Minnelli on the show had on me. She wasn’t merely bestowing her approval; she’s been an icon for the LGBTQ community for decades. In my eyes, she’s more than just a celebrity – she’s family. She’s bared her soul, sharing her struggles and triumphs with us. During a time when AIDS research was a terrifying unknown, she raised millions of dollars. Her courage is unshakeable.

Campbell has long admired Minnelli for her resilience, accomplishments, and support – qualities that resonate strongly within the LGBTQ community. As Campbell puts it, “Minnelli’s presence in the show was an enormously generous gift to us all.

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2025-04-19 05:16