Adam Lambert’s Emotional Take on “Believe” Brings Cher to Tears
Adam Lambert, a former American Idol contestant and current frontman for Queen, delivered a moving rendition of Cher’s legendary 1998 hit “Believe” during the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, bringing the iconic pop star to tears. This prestigious awards ceremony took place on December 26, 2018, and was broadcast live from the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. The event honors individuals for their lifetime contributions to the arts. Lambert performed as a tribute to Cher, who was among the honorees that year.
His rendition of “Believe” was deeply emotional and ballad-like, offering a stark contrast to the lively and energetic original. The camera captured Cher, visibly touched, as she wiped away tears during Lambert’s performance. Even three weeks later, Cher expressed her feelings on Twitter, calling the performance “BEYOND COMPREHENSION.”
Lambert’s performance was not the only surprise at the Kennedy Center Honors. Rock icon Cyndi Lauper, who had previously informed Cher that she would be unavailable, surprised her with a rendition of “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Lauper and Lambert then teamed up to close the show with a duet of “I Got You Babe.”
In a recent interview with Attitude magazine, Lambert reflected on his unforgettable performance of “Believe.” He admitted to feeling extremely nervous beforehand, with his heart racing. Nevertheless, he felt honored to sing a song by one of the most legendary artists of all time. Lambert, a longtime fan of Cher’s music, revealed that her 1998 album, “Believe,” was one of his favorites during his high school years.
Lambert’s memorable performance at the Kennedy Center Honors isn’t the first time he has captivated audiences with a tribute to a music legend. In 2016, he showcased his extraordinary vocal talents by honoring George Michael on the TV show “Greatest Hits,” performing the 1987 classic “Faith.” Fans were highly impressed with both performances, solidifying 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 receive. This awards ceremony, established 44 years ago, recognizes individuals for their lifetime achievements in the arts. Other honorees at the 2018 ceremony included country music star Reba McEntire, jazz composer Wayne Shorter, Philip Glass, and Lin-Manuel Miranda along with the creative team behind Hamilton.
