Adam Lambert, an American Idol graduate and current Queen singer, sang Cher’s classic 1998 single “Believe” at the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, moving the renowned pop diva to tears. The Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. televised the annual awards presentation on December 26, 2018. The event recognizes individuals for their lifelong creative achievements. Adam Lambert performed during the event as an homage to Cher, who was one of the honorees.

Lambert’s rendition of “Believe” was sincere and ballad-like, in sharp contrast to the bouncy and electrifying original. As Lambert performed, the camera panned to Cher, who was visibly emotional and wiped away tears. The performance still affected Cher three weeks later, prompting her to comment on Twitter that it was “beyond comprehension.”