Liza Minnelli, Billy Stritch & Lady Gaga Photo

From: Photo Flash: Liza Minnelli Meets Lady Gaga at Madison Square Garden!

In the audience at last night's concert were special guests, including Marisa Tomei, Liza Minnelli and Billy Stritch. Lady Gaga recognized both from the stage, and told a story to the audience about how Minnelli was an inspiration to her. She talked about her origins at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, mentioning how her acting and performance teachers told her she didn't have what it took, essentially, to 'be a superstar.' 'You'll never be the main character... the blonde... your hair's too dark... you look too ethnic' To retort in the face of such opposition, Gaga would reply, 'What about Liza?' She then asked the audience to give Liza a standing ovation, which they did to an obviously thrilled Minnelli. The moment was filmed, though there's no word if it'll make the cut for her May 7th TV special. Here's hoping! Afterwards, Liza and her longtime brilliant musical collaborator and friend Billy Stritch made their way backstage and Stritch was kind enough to share his personal photos with BroadwayWorld.com.