Liza Minnelli’s Quest for EGOT Glory: ‘DRAG: The Musical’ Cast Album May Seal the Deal
Liza Minnelli stands on the brink of a historic achievement: the final piece of her long-sought EGOT crown. Having earned an Emmy, an Oscar, and three competitive Tony Awards, the legendary entertainer has yet to secure a Grammy win in open competition. That could change when the 68th Annual Grammy Awards roll around next year, thanks to her role as producer on the upcoming cast album for DRAG: The Musical.
A Storied Career with One Missing Piece
Minnelli’s trophy shelf already includes numerous accolades—from her Academy Award for Cabaret to multiple Tony Awards and an Emmy for Liza with a ‘Z’. She also received a special Grammy Legend Award in 1990 and earned a Grammy Hall of Fame induction for the Cabaret film soundtrack. However, awards historians generally do not count honorary Grammys toward the highly exclusive EGOT club. If DRAG: The Musical—released April 25 via PEG Records/Warner—wins Best Musical Theater Album, Minnelli would become the 22nd individual in history to reach official EGOT status (unless another artist sneaks in first).
Setting a New Longevity Record
At 79, Minnelli would join the ranks of fellow EGOT winners who were in their later years when they finally claimed the title. Only John Gielgud was older at the time of his EGOT triumph (87). Moreover, Minnelli would set a new record for the longest span between a performer’s first and final EGOT-qualifying wins—61 years. Her initial qualifying award was a Tony in 1965 for Flora the Red Menace.
The Show Behind the Album
DRAG: The Musical originated with co-creator Alaska Thunderfuck alongside Tomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon. The off-Broadway production, which opened last October after popular runs at The Bourbon Room in Los Angeles, will play at New World Stages in New York City until April 27. It follows two competing drag bars struggling to stay afloat amid financial troubles. Beneath the wigs, glitter, and dazzling costumes, the story focuses on themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the power of community.
The show has garnered critical praise, including a special recognition award from the GLAAD Media Awards and six Lucille Lortel Award nominations. Celebrity attendees such as Chappell Roan, Adam Lambert, Alex Newell, Bob the Drag Queen, and Orville Peck have also boosted its high-profile appeal.
Minnelli’s Role as Producer
The cast album for DRAG: The Musical features an array of theatrical and drag luminaries, including Adam Pascal, Nick Adams, Tamika Lawrence, Jan Sport, Jujubee, Luxx Noir London, and, of course, Alaska Thunderfuck. Minnelli appears vocally on two of the 18 tracks—“Prologue / Welcome to the Fish Tank” and “Two Bitches Are Better Than One / Epilogue”—but she is not credited as a featured performer for Grammy purposes. Instead, her potential nomination hinges on her production work. According to Recording Academy guidelines, producers of more than half of a Best Musical Theater Album’s playing time receive Grammy recognition if the album itself is nominated.
Minnelli co-produced alongside Tomas Costanza, with Nicholas Kaiser serving as executive producer. The creative team behind the recording also includes Drew Levy, a two-time Tony Award nominee for Best Sound Design of a Musical, and Davey Badiuk, who handled the album’s final mix.
A Shot at History
If the Recording Academy recognizes DRAG: The Musical for Best Musical Theater Album, Minnelli’s Grammy hopes could finally materialize. That outcome would elevate her from EGOT hopeful to official EGOT royalty, placing her in an elite group of 21 performers and creators who have completed this rare achievement. Should she clinch the Grammy, it would also highlight how timeless and adaptable her talent remains—a testament to her enduring influence on stage and screen.
Whether or not DRAG: The Musical takes home the Grammy gold, Minnelli’s remarkable career continues to inspire. Fans, theater enthusiasts, and music lovers alike can enjoy the production’s message of acceptance—and look forward to seeing if Liza Minnelli’s legendary name is finally etched into the EGOT record books.
DRAG: The Musical LIVE (The Cast Recording)
-
Release Date: April 25 (PEG Records/Warner)
-
Venue: Currently running at New World Stages, New York City (until April 27)
-
Key Cast/Contributors: Liza Minnelli (producer, cameo performer), Alaska Thunderfuck (co-creator, performer), Nick Adams, Adam Pascal, Tamika Lawrence, and more
All eyes now turn to the Grammy Awards next year, where fans will discover if Minnelli’s iconic career reaches yet another milestone—one that has eluded her for decades.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
