Cher in Tears After Witnessing Adam Lambert’s Iconic “Believe” Performance
Adam Lambert, a former American Idol contestant and the current frontman for Queen, delivered a performance of Cher’s legendary 1998 song “Believe” at the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, bringing the iconic pop star to tears. The annual 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 in tribute to Cher, one of the honored recipients.
Lambert’s rendition of “Believe” was heartfelt and ballad-like, offering a sharp contrast to the original’s upbeat and electrifying style. The camera captured Cher visibly moved, as she wiped away tears while Lambert sang. Three weeks later, Cher remained touched by the performance, sharing on Twitter that it was “BEYOND COMPREHENSION.”
Cher wasn’t the only performer surprised at the Kennedy Center Honors. Rock legend Cyndi Lauper, who had previously informed Cher she was out of town, astonished her with a performance of “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Lauper and Lambert concluded the show with a duet of “I Got You Babe.”
In a recent interview with Attitude magazine, Lambert reflected on his memorable performance of “Believe.” He mentioned feeling extremely nervous before taking the stage, with his heart racing. Despite the nerves, he expressed it was an honor to perform a song by one of the most iconic singers of all time. Lambert has been a fan of Cher’s music since graduating high school, and her 1998 album, “Believe,” has been one of his favorites.
Lambert’s performance at the Kennedy Center Honors wasn’t his first tribute to a music legend. In 2016, he showcased his incredible vocals in a tribute to George Michael on the TV show “Greatest Hits,” delivering a wonderful rendition of the 1987 hit “Faith.” Both performances impressed fans greatly, earning Lambert recognition as one of the best vocalists of his generation.
The Kennedy Center Honors is one of the highest accolades an American performer can receive. The awards ceremony, now in its 44th year, honors individuals for their lifetime artistic achievements. Other honorees at the 2018 ceremony included country star Reba McEntire, jazz composer Wayne Shorter, Philip Glass, and Lin-Manuel Miranda along with the team from Hamilton.
