She’s a singer, actress, gay icon and cultural touchstone – and she’s coming down under! Liza Minnelli speaks to Peter Hackney for AXN.

Liza Minnelli is true Hollywood and Broadway royalty.

Her list of achievements and awards is huge, including an Oscar, a Grammy, an Emmy, two Golden Globes and three Tonys.

So it’s more than a little surreal to be speaking to the woman herself – as I tell her when she calls AXN from New York.

“But don’t be silly!” she replies. “I’m just a person like everyone else. I’ve had two hip replacements, honey!”

That may be so, but Liza is an icon and a diva in the true sense of the words – and has been for decades. And she’s still got it: her most recent show was lauded by the likes of The New York Times and The New York Post.

The show in question, Liza’s At The Palace, is the basis for the concert Liza’s bringing to Australia, touring our five largest cities in September and October.

“I’ve got the best show I’ve ever done in store for you!” Liza promises. “I’m gonna work my butt off and give you everything I’ve got!”

And I, for one, believe her.

This is a woman who was told she’d never walk again after contracting viral encephalitis in the year 2000. She had to learn to talk again, let alone sing.

At several points, she was reported close to death and media outlets the world over readied obituaries.

And today? Forget walking and talking, she’s singing and dancing like a mad woman, getting some of the best reviews of her career.

The upcoming Liza Minnelli in Concert tour marks her first visit to these shores since 1989, when she toured Australia with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jnr in The Ultimate Event.

“It’s been looong time,” Liza concedes. “And you know what? I don’t know why! I love Australia and Australians!”

Which isn’t surprising, considering she spent seven years married to one of us – the late Peter Allen.

“He was just the best,” Liza recalls. “Absolutely the best. He wrote the best songs, he was so sensational. He was the kindest man you’d ever want to meet. And I was so lucky to get to know him.”

There was just one problem. Peter Allen was gay.

It’s been variously reported over the years that Liza knew this when she married him, but the Cabaret star categorically denies it when asked by AXN.

“Why would you ask that, honey?” she says, just a trifle testily. “I didn’t know. No, of course I didn’t know! And I don’t think he knew either. He hadn’t come to terms with it yet. And when he did, of course he told me and of course I said, ‘I understand’. But it was hard.”

Still, Liza considers her time with Peter an integral part of her history. In fact, we may even be treated to a rendition of one of his most famous songs during her tour.

“You know, ‘Tenterfield Saddler’ is one of my very favourite songs,” she says.

“I dunno, I might even do it for you on tour!”

Here’s hoping. But whether she does or not, one thing’s for sure: Australia is in for one damn good show!

Visit www.lizaminnelli.com.au for full details on dates, ticket outlets and prices.

Liza’s official international website can be found at www.officiallizaminnelli.com .