Liza's Big Gay Year

Writers often misuse the word "comeback" to describe a year of higher visibility for living legends. For someone like Liza Minnelli, there's no such thing as a comeback. Because she's never gone away. Though her spotlight may shine long and bright one year, and only flicker during another, the glow of our collective fascination with her never shuts off completely. And what most of us don't realize is that it's the stars controlling the attention, not us.

In 2010, Liza decided to bathe herself under a lavender filter, and had perhaps her gayest year ever.

Things kicked off in May with her appearance in Sex and the City 2—officiating a gay wedding and performing Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" the way only Liza with a "Z" can.

September saw the release Confessions, Liza's first studio album in eight years. The collection of standards featured "I Got Lost in his Arms," "He's a Tramp," and "I Must Have That Man," songs that tap directly into the vein of gay sensibility.

Finally, Liza spoke with author Michael Joseph Gross for an engaging cover story in the Advocate's November issue. Touching upon everything from mother Judy Garland's connection to the Stonewall riots to Liza's romanctic relationships with gay men, Gross succeeded in succinctly summing up her gay appeal.

Is the Advocate interview Liza's final moment in the lavender spotlight for 2010? Don't be so sure. It's only October, and she is, after all, Liza.