Unveiling the Truth: Liza Minnelli's Memoir Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Drama at the Oscars
Cabaret legend Liza Minnelli has expressed her disappointment with Lady Gaga and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in her upcoming memoir, "Kids, Wait Til You Hear This!" Minnelli believes she was sabotaged by Gaga during the 2022 Oscars ceremony, where they appeared together to present an award. The incident sparked speculation and differing interpretations online, with some praising Gaga's kindness and others, like Michael Feinstein, suggesting Minnelli was sabotaged due to her back trouble. Minnelli's memoir sheds light on her perspective of the evening, alleging that the Academy mandated her to be in a wheelchair instead of a director's chair for safety reasons, a decision she vehemently opposed.
In her memoir, Minnelli recounts feeling disoriented and jittery on stage, attributing it to being in a wheelchair instead of a director's chair, which affected her ability to read the teleprompter. She describes Gaga's actions as potentially seeking the spotlight for herself and questions whether the incident was a ploy to sideline her during the ceremony. Despite Gaga's supportive gestures on stage, Minnelli believes that she was ultimately at a disadvantage due to the circumstances surrounding her appearance at the Oscars.
Minnelli's memoir, co-written with Heidi Evans and Josh Getlin, delves into various aspects of her life, including her relationships with her famous parents, Vincente Minnelli and Judy Garland, and her struggles with OxyContin. The memoir is set to be released on March 10, 2026, offering Minnelli the opportunity to share her side of the story and set the record straight for herself, unlike her parents who never had the chance to do so.