Turning 80 is probably not something Cher gives much importance to – after all, traditions and expectations have never meant much to her. His fearlessness has made him one of the greatest icons in pop music history. As well as her unique contrasting voice, which is instantly recognizable by generations of listeners, it is above all her versatility and willingness to try new things that has led artists such as Lady Gaga and Beyoncé to cite her as an inspiration.
comeback queen
Over the past six decades, Cher has had numerous number-one hits on various US Billboard charts. Only the Rolling Stones have managed to accomplish the same feat over such a long period of time.
It all started with the classic “I Got You Babe”, recorded as a duet with her then-husband Sonny Bono in 1965. Most recently, “DJ Play a Christmas Song” peaked at number one on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart in late 2023.
new York Times Cher was once described as the “comeback queen”. In his memoirs, he wrote: “It is a thousand times harder to come back than to become famous. It is hard to become famous, but almost impossible to make a comeback.” Nevertheless, the singer managed to do so.
An eternal trendsetter
Cher also repeatedly set new trends in fashion. In the 1960s, she and her husband Sonny helped make bell-bottom pants, until then worn primarily by sailors, perhaps the most famous fashion item of hippie culture. She paired them with a crop top, which was equally unconventional at the time, causing outrage among many conservatives. The couple were also refused accommodation at London’s historic Hilton Hotel because their attire was deemed too unconventional.
But that was only the beginning. In the 1970s, Cher wore several outfits designed by costume designer Bob Mackie during her television shows, changing outfits up to 30 times per show. The looks were often daring: cut-outs, transparent dresses and rhinestones pushed the boundaries of what television considered acceptable at the time.
At the 1974 Met Gala, she wore Mackie’s famous “Naked Dress”—a skin-tight gown made entirely of transparent, neutral-tone Lycra, decorated with rhinestones, sequins, and white feathers at the sleeves and hem. The dress created the illusion that the singer was completely naked except for the glittering crystals. It became an iconic fashion moment. Even today, this dress continues to inspire celebrity fashion.
not afraid of slander
Also appeared on the cover of Cher Time Magazine wore the infamous outfit in 1975. At the time, the cover was considered so scandalous and revealing that several American cities banned the sale of the issue or sold it only under the counter. Not surprisingly, the magazine quickly sold out.
Anyone who thought Cher would tone things down in the years to come was proven wrong in 1989. She returned to global music with a song she initially hated: “If I Could Turn Back Time.” The success of the hit largely depended on its accompanying video. In it, Cher performs on a battleship, being cheered on by sailors, wearing a see-through mesh bodysuit with only two black V-shaped straps covering her private parts, paired with a leather jacket.
It became a major scandal – the video was deemed inappropriate for young audiences, and MTV moved it to late-night broadcasts, boosting the network’s ratings. Designer Bob Mackie later described being “embarrassed” by the look, but Cher persisted with it.
He continued to wear the so-called “seatbelt outfit” or its variations during concerts. In 2010, Cher wore this dress when presenting an award to Lady Gaga at the MTV Video Music Awards.
‘Cher Effect’
Cher made another spectacular comeback in 1998. The dance track “Believe” became the biggest hit of their career, thanks to a bold and unprecedented choice: using autotune as an obvious, audible effect rather than a hidden one.
Before then, software was used carefully in recording studios to correct dissonant notes. However, Cher’s team used Autotune as a stylistic device, allowing the robotic sound to sound proudly. Record label executives were skeptical, but Cher reportedly shut down any objections with the words: “You can change it over my dead body.”
“Believe” reached number one in 23 countries, becoming an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and establishing Cher as a true pioneer.
Pushing pitch-correction software on vocals is now known as the “Cher Effect” and has since become extremely popular on hip-hop, rap, and R&B tracks.
cher today
In 2024, after publicly complaining several times about being overlooked, Cher was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That same year, she released the first volume of her two-part autobiography, “Cher: The Memoir”, which peaked at number one. new York Times Bestseller list.
She has been romantically involved with music executive Alexander “AE” Edwards since 2022. Cher dismissed criticism over her 40-year age difference with her younger boyfriend during an appearance on CBS Mornings last November with a simple comment: “Other people don’t live my life.”
This article was originally written in German.