At the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards held at the illustrious Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday night, the renowned pop sensation Cher was honored with the prestigious Icon Award, marking yet another milestone in her remarkable career.
As Cher gracefully took to the stage, she addressed her detractors with a touch of humor, remarking on her enduring fashion choice by sporting a pair of Chrome Hearts pants that she proudly revealed to have owned for an astonishing 40 years. With a light-hearted laugh, she quipped about the naysayers who questioned her wardrobe choices, exclaiming, “There are people who say, ‘Doesn’t that b-tch have more than one pair of pants?’” Cher then humorously invited her loyal pants to join her in accepting the award.
Reflecting on her longevity in the music industry, Cher expressed her gratitude towards her devoted fans who have stood by her side throughout the decades, acknowledging that many in the audience were not even born when she first rose to prominence as part of the iconic duo Sonny & Cher in the 1960s. Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges, including being dropped by record labels and enduring periods of hardship, Cher emphasized her unwavering determination to pursue her dreams, inspiring others to do the same.
Offering words of wisdom to the audience both in attendance and watching from home, Cher encouraged everyone to hold onto their dreams steadfastly, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter along the way. She passionately asserted that with persistence and dedication, dreams can indeed manifest into reality, enriching one’s life in unimaginable ways.
Prior to receiving the esteemed Icon Award, Cher graced the stage with a captivating performance of her Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit “Believe.” Joined by the powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Hudson, who also happens to be an Oscar winner like Cher, the duo delivered a mesmerizing rendition of the dance-pop classic, showcasing their formidable vocal prowess. Hudson, known for her awe-inspiring vocal range, earlier took the stage to deliver a breathtaking rendition of Cher’s Adult Contemporary No. 1 smash “If I Could Turn Back Time,” earning thunderous applause and admiration from the audience.
The presentation of Cher’s Icon Award was introduced by none other than another Hollywood legend, Meryl Streep, who shared a heartwarming anecdote about her enduring friendship with Cher dating back to their collaboration on the 1983 drama film “Silkwood.” Streep highlighted Cher’s unparalleled achievement of securing a No. 1 Billboard hit in each of the last seven decades, underscoring her remarkable impact and enduring legacy in the music industry. With a touch of playful humor, Streep reminisced about listening to Cher’s timeless classic “I Got You Babe” during her youth in the 1960s, jokingly noting their shared journey into seniority since then.
