Adam Lambert’s Heartfelt “Believe” Tribute Leaves Cher Visibly Moved

Adam Lambert, a former American Idol participant and the current frontman of Queen, performed Cher’s iconic 1998 song “Believe” at the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, moving the legendary pop icon to tears. The annual awards event, which occurred on December 26, 2018, was broadcast from the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., USA. The ceremony celebrates individuals for their lifetime contributions to the arts. Adam Lambert performed in honor of Cher, who was one of the recipients.

Lambert’s rendition of “Believe” was deeply emotional and ballad-like, a significant departure from the original’s upbeat and energetic style. The camera captured Cher visibly moved, shedding tears as Lambert sang. Three weeks after the performance, Cher remained touched by it, expressing on Twitter that it was “BEYOND COMPREHENSION.”

Cher wasn’t the only performer to be surprised at the Kennedy Center Honors. Rock legend Cyndi Lauper, who had previously informed Cher that she was out of town, surprised 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. Nevertheless, he described it as an honor to perform a song by one of the most iconic singers ever. Lambert has 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 is not the first time he has impressed audiences with tributes to music legends. In 2016, Lambert showcased his incredible vocals in a tribute to George Michael on the TV show “Greatest Hits,” delivering a fantastic rendition of the 1987 hit “Faith.” Both performances have left fans highly impressed, 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, which has been held for 44 years, honors individuals for their lifetime achievements in 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.