Cher Overcome with Emotion by Adam Lambert’s Powerful “Believe” Performance
Adam Lambert, a former American Idol contestant and the current frontman for Queen, delivered Cher’s classic 1998 song “Believe” at the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, moving the iconic pop star to tears. The yearly awards event, held on December 26, 2018, was broadcast from the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., USA. The ceremony recognizes individuals for their lifetime contributions to the arts. Adam Lambert performed as a tribute to Cher, one of the honorees.
Lambert’s rendition of “Believe” was sincere and ballad-style, significantly differing from the original’s lively and energetic feel. The camera captured Cher visibly moved, shedding tears as Lambert performed. Three weeks afterward, Cher remained touched by the performance, tweeting that it was “BEYOND COMPREHENSION.”
Cher was not the only artist to receive a surprise at the Kennedy Center Honors. Rock icon Cyndi Lauper, who had earlier informed Cher that she was away, surprised her with a performance of “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Lauper and Lambert concluded the event with a duet of “I Got You Babe.”
In a recent conversation with Attitude magazine, Lambert shared his thoughts on his memorable performance of “Believe.” He mentioned feeling extremely nervous beforehand, with his heart racing. Nonetheless, he expressed that it was an honor to perform a song by one of the greatest singers ever. Lambert has been a fan of Cher’s music since graduating high school, and her 1998 album, “Believe,” was among his favorites.
Lambert’s appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors is not the first occasion he has impressed audiences with a tribute to a music legend. In 2016, Lambert showcased his remarkable vocals in homage to George Michael on a TV show called “Greatest Hits,” delivering another outstanding performance of the 1987 song “Faith.” Fans were highly impressed by both performances, earning Lambert recognition as one of the top vocalists of his generation.
The Kennedy Center Honors is one of the highest accolades an American performer can attain. The awards ceremony, celebrating its 44th year, recognizes individuals for their lifetime contributions to the arts. Other recipients at the 2018 event included country music star Reba McEntire, jazz composer Wayne Shorter, Philip Glass, and Lin-Manuel Miranda along with the team from Hamilton.
