The ‘American Idol’ star and current frontman of Queen, Adam Lambert, brought the goddess Cher to tears with his heartfelt performance of her classic 1998 hit song “Believe” at the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors. The annual awards ceremony was held on December 26,2018, at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington DC. This event, shines light on artists that made a lasting impact to the music industry, with Cher as one of the evening’s standout honorees.
In contrast to the upbeat and electric tune that Cher released over two decades ago, Lambert took a more heartfelt and balladeer approach to his version of “Believe.” And then it happened. When Lambert was singing, the camera panned to Cher, who took off her glasses and wiped away tears overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment. The impact of the performance struck with a deep chord that days later Cher took it to twitter and expressed the moment as “BEYOND COMPREHENSION.”
Adam Lambert – Performing “Believe” by Cher – 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors
But wait, the surprises didn’t end there…The rock legend, Cyndi Lauper, who told Cher she couldn’t make it, shocked everyone when she made a surprise appearance to perform the track “If I Could Turn Back Time.” The night reached its peak when Lauper and Lambert sang a duet “I Got You Babe” a song synonymous with Cher’s legacy.
Here’s what you didn’t know…In a recent interview of Lambert with ‘Attitude Magazine’ he recently opened up about his iconic “Believe” Performance. Beaming, Lambert told the show he was “so freaking nervous” before his performance and his heart was in his throat. On a positive note, he did say it was an honour to sing a song by one of the greatest singers of all time. Cher’s music always influenced him, especially the album ‘Believe’ who he fell in love with as high school graduate in 1998.
This isn’t the first time Lambert has paid tribute to a musical legend. Most recently, in 2016, he performed another great rendition of the 1987 classics, “Faith.” by George Michael on a show called “Greatest Hits.” He Fans were blown away by both performances and have labeled Lambert as one of the best vocalists in his generation.
Adam Lambert – “Faith” (George Michael) – Greatest Hits – Live Finale
Being recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor is one of the highest tributes that an artist can receive in America. The awards ceremony — now in its 44th year — recognizes people for their lifetime achievement in art. Other 2018 honourees alongside Cher were country star Reba McEntire, jazz composer Wayne Shorter and Philip Glass, as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda and the team from Hamilton.