Liza Minnelli Honored at RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 Finale
The queen of Broadway was just honored by drag queens! Liza Minnelli made a guest appearance on the season 17 finale of RuPaul's Drag Race that aired Friday, April 18, 2025. The EGOT-winner, 79, was honored with another award: The Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award. Minnelli sat in a throne on the main stage clad in classic black Halston and jewels, and took a trip down memory lane with host RuPaul.
RuPaul’s #DragRace is proud to present the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award to the one and only Liza Minnelli ❤️ “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story” is now available to buy or rent on all major digital platforms.
"Look at you!" Minnelli complimented the Emmy-winning host, 64. "I know. It only took six hours," RuPaul joked. "Seven for me," Minnelli replied. "I'm older than you." Minnelli recalled how fans would come to MGM studio to see her mom, actress Judy Garland and her dad, director Vincente Minnelli. Minnelli's younger half-brother Joey Luft was also in the audience. Garland famously covered the song "Happiness is a Thing Called Joe." Fans can learn more about Minnelli via her 2024 documentary Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.
Before the season 17 champion was crowned, the four finalists were Lexi Love, Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles and Sam Star. During the finale, each finalist performed an original song, showcasing their unique talents and creativity. In the end, Onya Nurve was crowned America's Next Drag Superstar, succeeding season 16 champion Nymphia Wind.
Onya Nurve took home the coveted title, along with a grand prize of $200,000 from TodayTix. RuPaul praised her, stating, "Time and time again, Onya Nurve delivered that ‘something extra’ that made her our undisputed champion." Meanwhile, Jewels Sparkles was the runner-up, receiving a $25,000 prize sponsored by Anastasia Beverly Hills. Lexi Love and Sam Star each received $10,000 as well.
Crystal Envy won the title of Miss Congeniality, awarded $10,000 courtesy of Olay Body, which also tipped the remaining Season 17 queens $2,000 each for their contributions throughout the competition.
RuPaul, who performed a number titled "Good Luck and Don’t F%k It Up," presented Minnelli with the ‘Giving Us Lifetime Achievement’ award in recognition of her dazzling contributions to entertainment. Previous recipients of this esteemed award include Bob Mackie and Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira).
The finale of RuPaul's Drag Race not only celebrated the talent of its contestants but also honored the legacy of Minnelli, whose influence on the entertainment industry has been profound. As the show continues to push boundaries and celebrate diversity, Minnelli's appearance served as a reminder of the rich history that the drag community draws from.
Fans eagerly await the next installment of the franchise, as RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 10 is set to premiere on May 9, 2025, on Paramount+. This season promises to bring back some of the most beloved contestants from previous seasons, adding even more excitement to the Drag Race universe.
As the curtain falls on another season, the spirit of competition, creativity, and camaraderie continues to thrive in the world of drag, with each queen leaving their mark and paving the way for future generations.
