As a powerhouse performer skilled in acting, singing and dancing, Liza Minnelli embodies versatility at its finest. Throughout her legendary career, she has captivated audiences and influenced generations of performers from Hollywood to Broadway. Let’s take a look at some of the famous names who have been inspired by the EGOT winner.

1. Freddie Mercury

Queen’s legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury, was a devoted fan of Minnelli’s. A brilliant songwriter and musician, Mercury also loved movies and “Cabaret” (1972) was one of his favorites. He was mesmerized by Minnelli’s singing, dancing and stage presence, even crediting her as an influence on Queen. “The way she delivers her songs—the sheer energy. The way the lights enhance every movement of the show. I think you can see similarities in the excitement and energy of a Queen show,” he once said.

Mercury perfectly captured Minnelli’s genius, declaring, “On stage, you either have the magic or you don’t, and there’s no way you can work up to it. Liza Minnelli just oozes sheer talent.” The admiration was mutual, and Minnelli respected Mercury. In 1992, she honored him with a performance of “We Are the Champions” at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness in Wembley Stadium, joining an all-star lineup before a crowd of 70,000. One of her biggest fans became a dear friend, proving that for Minnelli, talent and loyalty go hand in hand.

2. Michael Feinstein

More than just one of Minnelli’s closest friends, Michael Feinstein has been profoundly inspired by her personally and professionally. Dedicated to preserving the Great American Songbook, Feinstein was introduced to Minnelli by legendary lyricist Ira Gershwin, and the two instantly became kindred spirits. He describes her as the ultimate friend, one who is deeply devoted and rare in her devotion.

As a performer, Minnelli has equally captivated Feinstein, influencing him as both a singer and pianist. He admires not only her deep emotional connection to music, but also her impeccable phrasing and electrifying showmanship. Watching her endure relentless media scrutiny yet command the stage with steadfast confidence, he states emphatically, “The stage is her safety zone. She is most comfortable there.” For Feinstein, Minnelli’s impact has been transformative, leaving an indelible mark on his life and career.

3. Madonna

The Queen of Pop took a page from Minnelli’s playbook, most notably in her 1986 “Open Your Heart” music video, directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. Channeling Minnelli’s “Cabaret” character Sally Bowles, Madonna portrays a cabaret dancer in a setting reminiscent of the movie. The video’s aesthetics and her performance pay a vivid homage to Minnelli’s iconic “Mein Herr” routine.

Madonna’s admiration didn’t stop there. During her Blonde Ambition World Tour, she performed “Keep It Together” with choreography and set design inspired by “Cabaret,” emulating the signature style Minnelli and Bob Fosse crafted in the film.

4. Billy Stritch

Acclaimed composer, arranger, vocalist and pianist Billy Stritch has shared a long and deeply influential partnership with Minnelli. Introduced to each other in New York in 1991, he soon became her music director and pianist. His first major collaboration with her was crafting vocal arrangements for “Liza Stepping Out at Radio City Music Hall.”

In 1999, Stritch arranged the music for her one-woman show, “Minnelli on Minnelli: Live at the Palace,” marking another milestone in a partnership spanning over two decades. While both have inspired each other artistically, Stritch has never hidden his admiration for Minnelli, once saying, “She is just so captivating. Liza at 50% is 150% of most performers.”

5. Lady Gaga

Like Minnelli, Lady Gaga commands the stage with an electrifying presence, seamlessly blending music, dance and theatricality into her performances. Over the years, she has cemented her status as one of the most dynamic entertainers of her generation, earning multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe. Her ability to push artistic boundaries while staying true to her craft has often drawn comparisons to Minnelli.

Lady Gaga has openly expressed her deep admiration for Minnelli’s fearless reinvention. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she shared, “I’m fascinated by lizards. They can shed their skin and keep going, just like artists have to do. Maybe that’s why I love Liza so much—she’s fearless in reinvention, and that’s the key to longevity.”

Their mutual respect was on full display at the 2022 Academy Awards when the two legends took the stage to present the Best Picture award. As Minnelli, in a moment of vulnerability, hesitated, Lady Gaga leaned in and gently reassured her, saying, “I’ve got you.” It was a poignant moment between two trailblazing artists, underscoring their bond and the enduring legacy of true showmanship.

6. Darren Criss

Actor, singer and songwriter Darren Criss considers himself lucky to call Minnelli a close friend. His admiration for her began during his childhood, when he first watched “Cabaret.” “I remember going to rent the movie [‘Cabaret’],” Criss recalls, “and being so in love with this chick that was playing Sally Bowles. I was just like, she’s hot, she’s sexy, she’s weird.”

Rising to fame on Glee, Criss was nervous when he finally had a chance to meet the legendary performer. Their first night out with mutual friends ended in a group singalong, and when it was Minnelli’s turn, Criss was in awe of watching her still perform with that signature bravado. But what struck him most was her warmth. “She’s grabbing everybody and going, ‘This was great, this is great. This is the gang now; this is the gang.’ And when she left, I was like, I’m in the gang now. It was amazing.” Their connection is a testament to Minnelli’s enduring influence, spanning generations of performers.

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Liza Minnelli’s impact on the entertainment world is immeasurable. Whether belting out a song with intense emotion, performing a flawless Bob Fosse routine or delivering a deeply moving performance, she has set the standard for excellence. Her artistry continues to inspire countless performers who seek to follow in the footsteps of a legend.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer.

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