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Adam Lambert relives viral ‘Believe’ performance that brought Cher to tears

Exclusive: "It was an honour," says Starstruck judge.

By Jamie Tabberer

Words: Brian Leonard; pictures: Attitude/CBS

Adam Lambert has reflected on his iconic performance of ‘Believe’ that made Cher cry.

American Idol alum Adam – who is the coverboy for Attitude’s current February issue, out now to download and to order globally – performed the classic song at the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2019.

Cher released ‘Believe’ as the lead single from the album of the same name in 1998: it was the biggest commercial success of her career.

“It was an honour.”

Speaking to Attitude in December, Adam said: “It was wild. I was so f***ing nervous when I walked out on stage. And I’ll be honest, I don’t get nervous these days, because I’ve been doing it for a while.

“But my heart was in my throat.”

The star – who will soon appear as judge on ITV singing show Starstruck – continued: “It was an honour. The weird part for me is it was full circle. Around the time I graduated high school, she put out the Believe album. I loved it. It was so yummy and pop.”

Elsewhere in the interview – conducted by Culture Club icon Boy George – Adam reflected on the ageing process. 

“I don’t have anything planned for my 40th yet,” said Adam (he turned 40 on 29 January 2022.) “I’ll do something with friends. I do have Peter Pan complex, for sure, so 40 is slightly terrifying. That being said, I’m on a personal transition right now into the next chapter. It’s exciting.”

Starstruck airs on Saturday 12 February at 8.30pm on ITV.

Check out the Attitude February issue, out now.

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