Cher Can’t Hold Back Tears as Adam Lambert Performs “Believe”

Adam Lambert, a former American Idol contestant and the current lead vocalist of Queen, performed 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 achievements in the arts. Adam Lambert’s performance was a tribute to Cher, who was one of the honorees.

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 a visibly moved Cher as she wiped away tears while Lambert sang. Three weeks later, Cher remained touched by the performance, tweeting that it was “BEYOND COMPREHENSION.”

Cher wasn’t the only performer surprised at the Kennedy Center Honors. Rock icon 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 the act, with his heart racing. Nevertheless, he expressed it was an honor to perform a song by one of the most legendary singers of all time. Lambert had been a fan of Cher’s music since high school, and her 1998 album, “Believe,” was among his favorites.

Lambert’s performance at the Kennedy Center Honors isn’t his first impressive tribute to a music legend. In 2016, Lambert showcased his incredible vocals in a tribute to George Michael on a TV show called “Greatest Hits,” delivering another outstanding performance of the 1987 hit, “Faith.” Fans were highly impressed with both performances, earning Lambert the reputation of being 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, which has been held for 44 years, celebrates individuals for their lifetime contributions to the arts. 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.