Liza Minnelli Shocks with Surprise Appearance at the 2026 GLAAD Awards

**Liza Minnelli to Release Memoir Amid Heartfelt GLAAD Awards Appearance**

Liza Minnelli, the iconic actress and singer, is set to unveil her highly anticipated memoir, *Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!*, on March 10, 2026. This revelation coincides with her surprise appearance at the 2026 GLAAD Awards, held on March 5 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, underscoring her unwavering commitment to advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community.

During the awards ceremony, hosted by actor Jonathan Bennett, Minnelli was honoured with GLAAD’s inaugural storyteller award, recognising her decades of support and allyship. In a touching moment, Minnelli expressed her pride in the community, stating, “You make me so proud because you’re strong and you stand up for what you believe in. You really do. It’s so nice to be here with you.” Her words were met with a resounding standing ovation from the audience, highlighting the deep respect and admiration she commands.

Michael Feinstein, a close friend and pianist, paid tribute to Minnelli during the event, declaring her as “the greatest storyteller of all time” and recognising the strength found in the stories shared by the queer community. His heartfelt acknowledgements added a personal touch to the ceremony, reminding attendees of the importance of advocacy and support within their spheres.

The GLAAD Awards also featured a lively performance by Demi Lovato, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the evening. Bennett, who energised the night with his enthusiasm, had hinted at a surprise appearance, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating Minnelli’s entrance, which was underscored by a synchronised group of dancers.

Besides Minnelli, other notable attendees included Noah Schnapp, Rob McElhenney, Quinta Brunson, and Frankie Grande, showcasing a diverse range of talent and support for LGBTQ+ causes. The presence of such a powerful lineup reinforced the significance of the event in promoting inclusivity and representation.

Days before the memoir’s release, an exclusive excerpt was provided to PEOPLE, shedding light on Minnelli’s personal struggles with substance abuse, a topic she bravely addresses in her book. She reflects on her public persona, stating, “The world knew me as LIZA! For the first time in my life, I wondered what that really meant, especially through the haze of substances.”

In the memoir’s prologue, Minnelli reveals her ongoing battle with substance use disorder, which she attributes in part to familial influences. “I finally understand. I’ve been waging a war my whole adult life with what we now call SUD,” she explains. Her candidness about her challenges serves not only as a testament to her resilience but also offers hope to others facing similar struggles.

Through her narrative, Minnelli urges vigilance against setbacks. “And if I fall down … in other words, if I fell off the programme … I’d go right back in and fight again. Don’t give up. There’s fun. There’s good out there,” she advises, reinforcing the message of perseverance and recovery.

The upcoming memoir promises to provide an intimate look at the rollercoaster of her life in the spotlight, blending her triumphs with her tribulations. As Minnelli prepares for the release of *Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!*, her appearance at the GLAAD Awards serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy as a champion for equality and as a formidable storyteller.