When Adam Lambert Sang “Believe,” Even Cher Couldn’t Hold Back Her Tears

The Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., hosted the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors on December 26, 2018, an event celebrating artists whose careers have made a lasting impact. Cher was among those honored, and Adam Lambert, an American Idol alum and current Queen frontman, gave a standout tribute performance.

Known for his powerful voice and rock presence, he reimagined Cher’s 1998 hit “Believe” with a soulful twist, surprising the audience with his moving delivery and adding a unique flair to the iconic song. As a result, it became one of the night’s most unforgettable performances.

Adam’s beautiful rendition has garnered over 40 million on YouTube alone. Check it out below:

Adam Lambert’s rendition of “Believe” transformed Cher’s dance hit into an emotional ballad, a stark contrast to the upbeat and electric original. As he sang, the camera captured Cher’s emotional reaction, wiping away tears. Just weeks later, she expressed how deeply the song had moved her, calling it “BEYOND COMPREHENSION” on Twitter.

Adam Lambert opened up about his memorable performance of “Believe” in an interview with Attitude magazine. He admitted to feeling overwhelming nerves just before stepping on stage, describing the moment as having his heart in his throat.

But despite the pressure, Lambert was deeply honored to sing a track by such a legendary artist as Cher. He’d been a fan of her music since high school, and Believe, released in 1998, held a special place in his collection of favorites.

Not only Cher but plenty of viewers couldn’t hold their tears for this stunning cover. One person commented, “When someone can cover somebody else’s song and move the original artist to tears, that has to be the highest accolade you can possibly get. Well done Adam!” Despite being released years ago, this masterpiece still resonates with many.