Cher Brought to Tears by Adam Lambert’s Unforgettable “Believe” Performance
Adam Lambert, known for his time on American Idol and as the current frontman for Queen, delivered a powerful rendition of Cher’s classic 1998 hit “Believe” during the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, moving the iconic pop star to tears. The awards ceremony, held on December 26, 2018, was broadcast from the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., and celebrates individuals for their lifetime artistic contributions. Lambert’s performance was a tribute to Cher, one of the honorees that year.
Lambert’s interpretation of “Believe” took on a heartfelt, ballad-like quality, providing a striking contrast to the original’s upbeat energy. The camera captured Cher, visibly emotional, as she wiped away tears during Lambert’s performance. Three weeks later, Cher expressed her profound feelings about the performance on Twitter, calling it “BEYOND COMPREHENSION.”
Cher wasn’t the only one taken by surprise at the Kennedy Center Honors. Rock icon Cyndi Lauper, who had previously informed Cher that she was out of town, surprised her by performing “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 shared his thoughts on his memorable performance of “Believe.” He admitted to feeling extremely nervous before taking the stage, with his heart racing. However, he emphasized that it was a privilege to perform a song by one of the most legendary artists of all time. Lambert has been a fan of Cher’s music since graduating high school, and her 1998 album, “Believe,” was one of his favorites.
Lambert’s performance at the Kennedy Center Honors isn’t his first time dazzling audiences with tributes to music legends. In 2016, he showcased his remarkable vocals while honoring George Michael on the TV show “Greatest Hits,” delivering an outstanding rendition of the 1987 hit “Faith.” Fans were thoroughly impressed with both performances, cementing Lambert’s reputation as one of the best vocalists of his generation.
The Kennedy Center Honors is one of the highest accolades an American performer can achieve. This prestigious ceremony, which has been held for 44 years, recognizes individuals for their lifetime artistic accomplishments. 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.
