Cher Touched by Adam Lambert’s Legendary Performance of “Believe”
Adam Lambert, known for his stint on American Idol and his role as the current frontman of Queen, delivered a heartfelt 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 event, held on December 26, 2018, at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., recognizes individuals for their lifetime contributions to the arts. Lambert’s tribute to Cher, one of the evening’s honorees, was a standout moment of the ceremony.
Lambert’s rendition of “Believe” was deeply emotional and more ballad-like, offering a stark contrast to the original’s energetic vibe. As Lambert sang, the camera captured Cher visibly moved, with tears streaming down her face. Three weeks following the performance, Cher expressed her continued emotional response on Twitter, describing it as “BEYOND COMPREHENSION.”
Cher wasn’t the only performer caught off guard at the Kennedy Center Honors. Rock icon Cyndi Lauper, who had previously informed Cher that she was unavailable, surprised her with a performance of “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Lauper and Lambert concluded the evening with a duet of “I Got You Babe,” adding to the night’s memorable moments.
In a recent interview with Attitude magazine, Lambert shared his thoughts on his memorable performance of “Believe.” He admitted to feeling extremely nervous beforehand, with his heart racing. Despite the nerves, he felt honored to perform a song by one of the greatest singers of all time. Lambert has been a fan of Cher’s music since his high school days, and her 1998 album, “Believe,” has remained one of his favorites.
Lambert’s tribute at the Kennedy Center Honors was not his first homage to a music legend. In 2016, he showcased his exceptional vocal abilities by honoring George Michael on the TV show “Greatest Hits,” delivering a stunning performance of the 1987 classic “Faith.” Both of these performances have impressed fans, earning Lambert a reputation as one of the finest vocalists of his generation.
The Kennedy Center Honors represent one of the highest accolades an American performer can receive. Celebrating 44 years, the awards ceremony honors individuals for their lifetime contributions to the arts. The 2018 event also recognized other distinguished artists, including country music star Reba McEntire, jazz composer Wayne Shorter, contemporary composer Philip Glass, and Lin-Manuel Miranda along with the team from Hamilton.
