Believe and Jennifer Hudson Ignite the iHeartRadio Stage with Iconic 'Believe' Duet

Do you believe in life after love? The iHeartRadio Music Awards certainly do, and so does the audience that witnessed the legendary Cher and the powerhouse Jennifer Hudson join forces for a performance that will be etched in the annals of music history.

The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles was abuzz with excitement as Hudson took the stage, her voice soaring through the venue with a stunning rendition of If I Could Turn Back Time. The audience couldn’t help but dance along, captivated by Hudson’s soulful delivery of Cher’s 1989 hit. But the best was yet to come.

As Hudson made her exit, she left the audience with a tantalizing hint: “She needs no introduction.” Enter Cher, the icon of pop herself, to a thunderous round of applause. Kicking off with Believe, she reminded everyone why she’s been a chart-topper for seven consecutive decades. And then, in a moment of pure musical magic, Hudson returned to the stage, joining Cher for a duet that sent shivers down the spine. Their voices melded together in perfect harmony, culminating in Hudson belting out a final note that left everyone in awe.

“Found Slide — Cher — Ira Richolson Collection” by Thomas Hawk is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

“We love you Cher,” Hudson exclaimed, a sentiment that was echoed across the internet as fans took to social media to express their admiration. Comments like “Wowwww!! That was AMAZING!!!” and “Oh yeah they did that thing,” flooded the digital space, accompanied by a flurry of flame and heart emojis.

The night was far from over for Cher, as she was honored with the Icon Award, a tribute to her unparalleled contributions to music and pop culture. Meryl Streep, Cher’s friend and co-star from “Silkwood,” delivered a speech that was as heartfelt as it was poignant. She spoke of Cher’s “giant heart,” her resilience, and her trailblazing spirit that has earned her a No. 1 record in every one of the last seven decades – a feat no other woman in U.S. history has achieved.

Cher’s acceptance speech was quintessentially her – candid and laced with humor. “If you knew me, you would know that I just wrote my speech while I was getting my eyelashes on,” she quipped, before sharing her secret to longevity: “Have a dream and then don’t give it up, no matter what happens.”

The evening was a celebration of icons, with Taylor Swift taking home the Artist of the Year award and delivering a heartfelt video message to her fans. But it was Cher’s moment that truly captured the essence of the awards – a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the unyielding spirit of an artist who has touched hearts across generations.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Cher’s influence is as strong as ever. Her words, “I feel blessed and lucky,” resonated with everyone who has been touched by her music. For those who have followed her journey, it was a reminder that dreams do come true, and for those just discovering her, it was an introduction to a legend who continues to inspire.

Cher’s performance and recognition at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards were more than just a spectacle; they were a celebration of an artist who has become synonymous with resilience, talent, and heart. And as the applause faded and the lights dimmed, one thing was certain: Cher’s legacy will continue to Believe for decades to come.